How to see the solar eclipse in the West Midlands

31 minutes ago

Clare LissamanWest Midlands

News image — Keele University, which was among places where people watched a partial solar eclipse last year, is again hosting an event

Getty A man and a child watching a partial solar eclipse at Keele university on 29 March, 2025. They are wearing special glasses and are sat on a bench and there is part of what looks like an empty bench next to them. There is grass in the background. — Keele University, which was among places where people watched a partial solar eclipse last year, is again hosting an event

The most dramatic partial solar eclipse in nearly three decades will be visible across the UK this week.

Astronomers say between 90% and 96% of the sun will slowly disappear behind the moon on Wednesday evening.

While people in Greenland, Iceland and parts of northern Spain will be able to view a total eclipse, it will still represent the highest level of coverage seen from the UK since 11 August 1999.

But people have also been warned to protect their eyesight. "Remember – never observe the sun directly with the naked eye or any optical device that doesn't have a special solar filter," warned astronomers at Jodrell Bank.

With Wednesday's event also calculated to be the most extensive solar eclipse for the next 54 years, there will be dozens of events to share the occasion with others.

Eclipse chasers scramble for glasses as stocks run low

What time can I see the partial eclipse in the West Midlands?

The event will last about one hour and 50 minutes, starting at about 18:20 BST and finishing by 20:10, but exact times will vary depending on where you are in England.

According to Skyscanner, in Birmingham it will start at 18:15, be at maximum coverage at 19:11 and end about 20:04, and there is expected to be about 91-92% coverage.

How can I stay safe?

A vital warning from experts is to avoid looking at the sun even when it appears to have dimmed during the eclipse. Looking with the naked eye could cause severe, permanent eye damage.

Mohamed Elalfy, a consultant ophthalmologist and president of the Royal College of Ophthalmologists, said: "Crucially, the retina has no pain receptors, so people will not feel the damage as it happens.

"Symptoms may only become apparent several hours later and can include blurred vision, a central blind or dark spot, distorted vision, reduced colour perception and increased sensitivity to light."

Standard sunglasses should also never be used to observe an eclipse, as they will still allow harmful solar rays to reach the retina.

Certified solar eclipse glasses are available, while another option is using a pinhole projector.

Where are the best places to see the eclipse?

Large grassy area in a park, with trees in the background. A rectangular wooden sign says Lickey Hills Country Park with a map of the park. — Lickey Hills Country Park is among places which should offer good views

Keele University, Staffordshire - The university has invited people to join a free event on campus to "safely view the partial eclipse of the sun by the moon". Astronomers invited people to gather on the edge of playing fields on Barnes Hall Road. "We'll have solar telescopes for safe viewing, eclipse glasses available to borrow and share, refreshments, activities for kids, and guests from Newchapel Observatory," the university said
Jodrell Bank, Cheshire - The world-famous observatory has announced it will remain open until 20:00, and will offer guided solar observing sessions and an "immersive Space Dome film" with bookable tickets included in its admission
Broadgate, Coventry city centre - The Coventry and Warwickshire Astronomical Society will hold a public viewing of the partial solar eclipse, with special equipment and glasses. Like similar events, it will be weather permitting. From 18:00 to 20:30, people can meet near the Lady Godiva Statue with knowledgeable astronomers "on hand to answer your questions"
Wolfords Village Hall, Warwickshire - The Chipping Norton Amateur Astronomy Group is hosting a special evening for local residents from 18:00
Aston Hall, Birmingham The venue is selling £5 tickets for people to see the "striking celestial alignment" with solar telescopes and sun spotters and hear from its resident astronomer about what causes eclipses
Rodington Village Hall, Shropshire People can bring a picnic to a fun event from midday until late is being hosted by Shropshire Astronomical Society with live telescope views, astro talks and "safe viewing of the eclipse for the all the family". The event is free for under fives
Shropshire Petal Fields The venue has an evening opening for the eclipse which is set to begin at about 18:14 in the area. People with tickets booked earlier can move them to the evening slot, said organisers, adding people needed to bring solar viewing glasses

Good views

And as well as organised events, as long as you wear the correct eye protection, the best viewing spots are among places with a clear western horizon, such as hill tops and countryside without buildings.

The events guide Muddy Stilettos advises Sutton Park is a good option for a "front row seat on the cosmos".

Lickey Hills Country Park on the Birmingham-Worcestershire borderalso offers a higher viewpoint, it advises, and is a good picnic spot for a relaxing watch.

Barr Beacon in Walsallshould also offer expansive and clear views.