Catching a glimpse of the Aurora Borealis is something which is on most people’s bucket lists, but don’t think that automatically means a trip to Iceland or long journeys up to remote Scandinavia – as you’ve got a great chance of seeing the Northern Lights in the UK!
Your chances this winter are improved too; NASA have confirmed the sun is starting a new cycle this winter season and so the solar activity which causes auroras should increase with it. But we’ll leave the science to NASA – and instead tell you the five best spots to the see the Northern Lights in the UK.
By day, there may not appear to be much here bar the fishing port this quiet, small village, but time it right and by night the skies come alive and the views across the water are spectacular.
Of course, your chances of seeing the aurora borealis are greatly increased with darker skies and less pollution but if the geometric storm is strong enough, then you city dwellers are in for a treat. You still have to work for it a little though, as we recommend hiking up to Arthurs Seat to get the best seat in the city.
Northumberland National Park was awarded gold tier status by the International Dark Sky Association, making it a great place to see those famous green lights. If you’re not lucky enough to see the Northern Lights this time around, you’ll at least be more likely to spot and relax under the Milky Way instead.
We know Scotland features heavily in this list, but with the North of Scotland being at the same latitude as parts of Alaska and Norway, it’s easy to see why your best bet might to just head North! The Isle of Skye is one of the most beautiful parts of the country by day and features some of the darkest skies in it by night; making in the perfect place to set up camp and wait for the magic to happen.
If you’re in Ireland and on the hunt for auroras, then it’s County Donegal you want to be heading to. Better still, when you get there, keep on going until you reach Malin Head, the northernmost part of the Irish isles, which will undoubtedly give you the best chance to catch those bright, dancing lights.
