Skip to content

Where in the South to watch rare solar eclipse

Naj ModakSouth of England
News imageGetty Images Progression of the partial solar eclipse - the image shows 6 pictures of the sun being covered more and more by the moon.Getty Images
(Stock image) More than 90% of the Sun is expected to be covered by the Moon at the eclipse's peak

A partial solar eclipse will be visible across much of the UK and Ireland on Wednesday.

For the first time in about three decades, more than 90% of the Sun is expected to be covered by the Moon at the eclipse's peak shortly after 19:10 BST.

Stargazing groups, observatories and science centres are organising public viewing events to help people watch safely, using approved eye protection or safe projection methods.

Here's our pick of the best places across the region to witness the deepest solar eclipse visible from the UK since 1999, in Oxfordshire, Berkshire, Dorset, Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.

What is a solar eclipse?

A solar eclipse is when the Moon passes in front of the Sun and blocks its light.

The Sun, Moon and Earth all have to line up to for it to happen. A partial eclipse is when the Moon only covers part of the Sun.

It is not safe to look directly at the eclipse, as the Sun could cause eye damage and sunglasses do not offer good enough protection.

Special protective eclipse glasses are required.

Where to watch

  • Please check event hosts' websites for details and updates

Berkshire

News imagePA View of a large stone castle at the end of a broad, tree-lined avenue. A paved path runs through a grassy park toward the castle’s arched entrance, with several visitors walking, crossing the lawn, and pushing a stroller in the foreground. The castle features tall square towers, battlements, and Gothic-style windows, with a smaller stone tower visible to the left. Mature trees frame both sides of the scene, and the building rises above the surrounding greenery under a clear sky.PA

Pinkney's Green Common, Maidenhead

Organised by Maidenhead Astronomical Society, a limited number of eclipse glasses will be available to borrow on a first-come basis from18:00 to 20:00.

Dorset

News imagePA Low-angle view from a pebble-covered beach looking toward a dramatic coastal rock arch rising from the sea. The foreground is filled with multicoloured pebbles in sharp detail, leading to turquoise water and a curved shoreline where visitors are scattered along the beach and swimming near the shore. In the background, steep green-and-white cliffs form a natural limestone arch over the water. A bright blue sky with scattered white clouds stretches above the rugged coastline, creating a striking seaside landscape.PA

Holtwood Methodist Church, Wimborne

The event includes a presentation covering eclipses and astronomy-themed crafts for children.

Hampshire

News imageView across calm coastal waters toward large white chalk sea stacks and a striped lighthouse standing on a stone pier. The cylindrical lighthouse, painted with red and white horizontal bands, rises on the right side of the image beside a rugged chalk rock formation. Additional chalk cliffs are visible to the left, separated by a narrow channel of sea. The turquoise water reflects the structures, while a clear blue sky fills the background. Bright sunlight highlights the contrast between the white cliffs, the colourful lighthouse, and the surrounding water.

Fordingbridge Recreation Ground

The free event organised by Fordingbridge Astronomers will take place between 15:00 and 23:59.

Cliddesden Primary School in Basingstoke

Basingstoke Astronomical Society have organised the event, which will begin at17:30. Society members will be on hand with specialist solar telescopes and certified eclipse glasses.

Toothill Observatory in Southampton

Organised by Solent Amateur Astronomers, the event will start at 18:00.

Members will be admitted free and it is recommended that adult non-members donate £5. Children can attend for free.

Barn Farm Community Centre, Whiteley, Southampton

Starting at 18:00, the event promises a "family-friendly evening" where people can create their own simple eclipse viewer.

Weston Parade, Southampton

The Bath on Weston Shore Beach event will take place from 19:45 and promises a "peaceful sound bath" as the partial solar eclipse draws to a close. People are asked to bring a yoga mat or blanket, warm clothing and water. Entry is by donation.

Oxfordshire

News imageBBC/Curtis Lancaster Historic circular stone building with a large domed roof at the center of a university courtyard. The domed structure is surrounded by Gothic and medieval-style academic buildings with arched windows, towers, and decorative stonework. A black metal fence encloses a grassy lawn around the central building, while several bicycles are parked along the fence and nearby cobblestone paths. The scene is brightly lit under a clear blue sky, with the sun positioned behind the dome, creating a subtle halo effect around the roof.BBC/Curtis Lancaster

Margaret Road Recreation Ground in Headington

The Science Oxford event will take place between 17:30 and 20:15. The free family-friendly event is currently sold out, however, organisers have invited people to join a waiting list on the website.

Henley-on-Thames

Hobbs of Henley are offering a chance to experience the eclipse from the River Thames. The ticketed event will take place between 18:00 and 20:00.

Didcot

UTC Oxfordshire's free event is due to take place between 18:30 and 20:00, with glasses provided and staff on hand to explain the eclipse.

How to watch safely

Simple rules to watch safely:

DO NOT:

  • Use normal sunglasses. They will not block dangerous invisible rays that only ISO 12312-2 rated special eclipse glasses will
  • Look through a camera, telescope or binoculars. These will act like magnifying glasses and can burn your eyes instantly unless fitted with specialist solar filters in front of the lens
  • Think clouds make it safe. Sunlight punches right through thin clouds, so don't be tricked or tempted to take a quick glance
  • Never look directly at the Sun through your phone screen. You can accidentally catch the Sun in your eye while trying to take a picture. It may also damage your phone's camera lens if you have not fitted it with a solar filter in front of the lens
  • Share glasses while looking up. Put your glasses on before you face the Sun, and take them off after turning away. Sharing glasses may cause one or both people to reveal an eye or, if swapping your glasses to someone else, you may forget to look away first

DO:

  • Wear solar eclipse glasses to safely view an eclipse but make sure you check they have the safety code ISO 12312-2 printed on them
  • Build a DIY pinhole projector for the eclipse
  • You can use a colander to view the eclipse by allowing the sunlight to shine through all the tiny holes onto a plain wall or a piece of paper
  • Look for live stream events to safely watch on a screen
Related internet links