Top UK spots to see the Northern Lights

If you’ve always wanted to see the Northern Lights in action, you don’t necessarily have to head to the Arctic. There are some places in the UK where this natural phenomenon has been known to occur, even as far south as Pembrokeshire.

Walker above Watendlath Tarn in the Lake District
Borrowdale and Derwent Water   Cumbria

Derwentwater, Cumbria

Derwentwater is often called the 'Queen of the Lakes', and its crowning glory has to be the Northern Lights displays that occasionally appear over the water. Even if you’re not lucky enough to see the Aurora, it’s still a beautiful spot for some stargazing on a clear night.

Discover the night sky at Derwentwater
Walkers enjoy the view at the Brecon Beacons National Park
Brecon Beacons   Powys

Brecon Beacons, South Wales

From time to time you might be lucky enough to see the Northern Lights in the Brecon Beacons National Park. The area is a designated an International Dark Sky Reserve, making it a great location to try and spot the natural phenomenon.

Explore the Brecon Beacons Dark Sky Reserve
Broad Haven beach
Stackpole   Pembrokeshire

Stackpole, Pembrokeshire

Part of the former grand estate at Stackpole, Broad Haven beach in Pembrokeshire is a perfect Dark Sky Discovery spot for watching the night sky. The car park above the beach provides a great vantage point – and the Northern Lights have been seen here in the past.

See the Northern Lights in southern Wales
View overlooking the Ogwen Valley
Carneddau and Glyderau   Gwynedd

Carneddau, Snowdonia

Experience the wildest scenery that Snowdonia has to offer amid 21,000 acres of mountainous terrain, including the famous mountain Tryfan where Edmund Hilary trained for his ascent of Everest. If you’re ever lucky enough to get the right conditions, Carneddau is a truly spectacular place to see the Northern Lights.

Have a wild night in Carneddau
Walker watching sunset on Mam Tor
Kinder, Edale and the Dark Peak   Derbyshire

Mam Tor, Peak District

The summit of Mam Tor is one of the most dramatic viewpoints in the Peak District. From the top you get a 360 degree view – perfect for a bit of stargazing. The Northern Lights have also been known to appear here on rare occasions.

Enjoy sky views from Mam Tor
Sycamore Gap during the night
Hadrian's Wall and Housesteads Fort   Northumberland

Hadrian's Wall, Northumberland

Northumberland International Dark Sky Park is Europe’s largest area of protected night sky. In fact it boasts the darkest skies in England, making it the perfect place to admire the stars. The Northern Lights have previously been seen shining over Sycamore Gap on Hadrian’s Wall, so it’s worth bearing this spot in mind next time there’s a chance of seeing the Aurora.

See the night sky over Sycamore Gap