The northern lights or Aurora Borealis, are one of nature’s most breathtaking spectacles, with many people travelling to far away destinations such as Iceland to capture a glance, however, there’s no need to leave the UK for an unforgettable view. With the right conditions, the northern lights can be visible from the UK, offering a magical experience right on our doorstep. Whether you’re in the far North of Scotland or lucky enough to spot them from other parts of the country, staying local to witness this phenomenon not only saves time and money but also provides a magical experience to view one of the world’s most captivating natural displays. Therefore, for the best chance of catching a glimpse, here are our best UK spots to see the northern lights.
In Northern England, Northumberland’s dark skies make it a great spot for aurora spotting. The area is home to the Northumberland Dark Sky Park, one of the best places in the UK for stargazing.
Staying at The Duck Pond Cabin in Northumberland offers the perfect retreat for anyone looking to experience the region’s renowned dark skies. Located within the Northumberland International Dark Sky Park, the cabin provides a secluded, peaceful escape with minimal light pollution, making it an ideal spot for stargazing and potentially witnessing the northern lights.
Sleeps 2 | Romantic Break | Tranquil Location | Hot Tub | From £150 Per Night
Take me to The Duck Pond Cabin
While farther South, the Yorkshire Dales still offer opportunities to see the Aurora during particularly active periods. The remote countryside offers dark skies ideal for stargazing and aurora spotting.
If you’re seeking a unique escape with spectacular stargazing opportunities, look no further than Rufus’s Roost Treehouse at Baxby Manor. Nestled in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales, this charming treehouse offers a secluded, serene retreat with an ideal location for experiencing the region’s renowned dark skies. The Yorkshire Dales National Park is an official Dark Sky Reserve, providing minimal light pollution and wide, open skies perfect for stargazing.
Sleeps 6 | Hot Tub | Far Reaching Views | From £295 Per Night
Take me to Rufus’s Roost at Baxby Manor
Places like Caithness, Sutherland, and the Isle of Skye are perfect for aurora viewing. With little light pollution and vast, remote landscapes, the northern Scottish Highlands offer some of the clearest views of the northern lights.
Nestled in the heart of Inverness-shire, Cairn Lodges offers a tranquil retreat with some of the best conditions for stargazing and viewing the northern lights. Located far from city lights, this secluded haven in the Scottish Highlands is ideally situated within one of the UK’s most stunning dark sky areas. With its clear, dark skies, Cairn Lodges offers unobstructed views of the night sky, making it an ideal base to witness some glorious star gazing and if you are lucky, the magic of the Aurora Borealis.
Sleeps 6 | Coastal | Hot Tub | Superb Views | From £210 Per Night
Located off the North West coast of Wales, Anglesey offers some of the darkest skies in the country, especially in areas like the southern coast. The island is often a good spot for stargazing and occasionally sees the northern lights, particularly during solar storms. Eryri / Snowdonia is also an excellent area to view the northern lights, with its rugged peaks and remote locations. The park’s dark skies and minimal light pollution make it a prime destination for stargazing and aurora hunting.
Located in the heart of Gwynedd, Gwyliau Pennant Holidays offers the perfect setting for stargazing and potentially witnessing the northern lights. Gwynedd, known for its stunning natural beauty, is also home to some of the darkest skies in Wales, making it an excellent destination for those looking to escape light pollution and enjoy a clear, unobstructed view of the night sky.
Sleeps 2 | Far Reaching Views | Hot Tub | From £125 Per Night
Take me to Gwyliau Pennant Holidays
The Brecon Beacons National Park, known for its stunning landscapes and dark skies, is a fantastic location for viewing the northern lights. Situated in the heart of Wales, this area offers a unique blend of high peaks, remote valleys, and minimal light pollution, making it one of the best spots in southern Britain to catch a glimpse of the Aurora Borealis.
If you’re looking to experience the beauty of the night sky, Ffynnonau Woodland Cabins and Annex in Brecon offers the perfect setting. Situated within the Brecon Beacons National Park, a designated International Dark Sky Reserve. With minimal light pollution, the area is ideal for stargazing and offers the potential for spotting the northern lights, especially during solar peaks.
Sleeps 4 | Perfect for Small Groups | Outdoor Bath | From £150 Per Night
Take me to Ffynnonau Woodland Cabins and Annex
Exmoor is home to some of the darkest skies in Southern England, and while northern lights sightings are rare, the area offers a great chance to catch them during periods of strong solar activity. In 2011 Exmoor was designated as an International Dark Sky Reserve by the International Dark Sky Association. So, if the stars aren’t aligning for northern lights, at least you can enjoy searching thousands of stars and perhaps the Milky Way.
Exe Valley Glamping offers a peaceful, rural setting in the heart of nature, making it an ideal spot for stargazing and viewing the northern lights. With minimal light pollution and a tranquil atmosphere, it’s a great location for experiencing dark skies. The secluded area provides a perfect opportunity to unwind under the stars, enhancing your chances of witnessing this magical natural phenomenon. You can enjoy an intimate connection with nature while surrounded by the beauty of the night sky.
Sleeps 6 | Off Grid | Dog Friendly | Rural Setting | From £112 Per Night
These dark sky areas provide not only fantastic stargazing opportunities but also the potential to witness one of nature’s most breathtaking displays—the northern lights. While sightings are not guaranteed, these are our best UK spots to see the northern lights, offering the best chance of experiencing this magical phenomenon right here in the UK.
Disclaimer – Please note that the northern lights are a natural phenomenon and their appearance is subject to solar activity and weather conditions. The properties listed are within dark sky areas therefore the likelihood of witnessing the northern lights would be greater should solar activity be high.
Featured Photo Credit: Cairn Lodges
Travel Guides
Whether you’re a well-seasoned astrologer or night sky newcomer, star gazing is one of the most relaxing and romantic pastimes and is an endless source of inspiration for many. Here in the UK, we are blessed with some picturesque, rolling rurality that promises a spectacular show by both day and night thanks to the stunning scenery and lack of light pollution.
