London Solar Eclipse August 2026: Best Viewing Spots, Timings & Safety Tips

On Wednesday August 12, London will experience its most impressive solar eclipse since 1999 — with the Moon blocking 90-96% of the Sun. Here is your ultimate guide to witnessing this celestial spectacle in the capital.

If the skies are clear and you find a good spot — absolutely! Like everywhere else in the UK, London's skies will temporarily darken next week as the Moon moves to cover nearly all of the Sun's light. Here is everything you need to know ahead of the eclipse.

When is the August 2026 Solar Eclipse?

The eclipse takes place on Wednesday August 12, 2026. In London, the eclipse starts at 6:17pm, with the maximum eclipse (when the greatest portion of the Sun is covered) at approximately 7:17pm. From the maximum, the Moon will slowly move away and the eclipse will be over by 8:06pm.

Will London See a Total Solar Eclipse?

Neither London nor anywhere else in the UK will witness a total solar eclipse (you would need to head to northern Spain or Greenland for that). What we will see is a deep partial eclipse, with around 90-96% of the Sun covered by the Moon — the most coverage seen from the UK and Ireland since the 1999 solar eclipse.

【Performance Tickets】London "Phantom of the Opera" Musical Ticket

Book today before 18:30

HKD 317 Start

Book now

Best Places to Watch the Eclipse in London

The best spots in the capital will be high vantage points with clear views of the western horizon.

Primrose Hill

Primrose Hill will likely be one of the most popular spots for the eclipse — make sure to arrive early to secure a good position.

【1-Day Tour Routes】Buckingham Palace & Changing of the Guard Tour

Available 2026-09-04

HKD 574 Start

Book now

Parliament Hill

From this northwest London vantage point, spot landmarks like the Shard, St Paul's Cathedral and the Gherkin while you watch the Sun and Moon meet.

Royal Observatory Greenwich

Head to the home of London's astronomers for a viewing session hosted by the Flamsteed Astronomy Society (normal admission fees apply). Alternatively, find a spot in Greenwich Park.

Eclipse Viewing Parties

Several venues with prime skyline views are hosting viewing parties. Sky Garden on floor 58 of 22 Bishopsgate is throwing an eclipse party (£25 adults, £15 kids, including a glass of bubbly or soft drink). Kioku by Endo at the OWO, with a terrace overlooking the Thames, will provide certified eclipse glasses for all guests dining on August 12. At the ArcelorMittal Orbit in Stratford, choose between two eclipse experiences — one including a planetarium show, expert talk and tube slide ride; the other featuring an expert talk and viewing platform access.

【Performance Tickets】London《My Neighbor Totoro》Performance Tickets

Available tomorrow

HKD 188 Start

Book now

How to Safely Watch the Eclipse

Looking directly at the eclipse can seriously damage your eyes, and sunglasses are not enough protection. To watch safely, you can make a pinhole projector or buy special solar eclipse glasses. Eclipse glasses have a silver filter that blocks 99.99% of visible sunlight and reduces UV and infrared radiation to safe levels. Make sure glasses are ISO 12312-2 certified — many sold online are not. In London, certified glasses are available at Ryman, WHSmith, Waterstones and Amazon.