The best places to see northern lights in the UK

You don’t have to travel to Norway or Iceland to witness the breathtaking beauty of the Aurora Borealis. While the Northern Lights are typically associated with Arctic destinations, parts of the UK—especially in Scotland and Northern England—offer prime viewing opportunities, particularly during strong solar activity.

Thanks to recent solar storms and clearer night skies, interest in UK-based aurora hunting has surged. Here are some of the best places in the UK to see the Northern Lights, along with tips for catching them at their most vivid.

1. Shetland Islands, Scotland

Located closer to the Arctic Circle than any other part of the UK, the Shetland Islands are among the most consistent spots to see the Northern Lights. The area is known for its low light pollution and expansive dark skies, perfect for aurora chasers.

Locals even have a name for the aurora: “Mirrie Dancers.”

Best Time: October to March
Bonus Tip: Visit Sumburgh Head for a stunning coastal backdrop to your light show.

2. Orkney Islands, Scotland

Another top contender, the Orkney Islands offer a northern vantage point with ancient sites like Skara Brae and the Ring of Brodgar adding mystique to the experience. The clear ocean horizon and remote atmosphere make for ideal viewing.

Best Time: Late autumn and winter
Lookout Spot: Birsay or the cliffs near Yesnaby

3. Caithness, Scottish Highlands

Located at the northern tip of mainland Scotland, Caithness is a dark sky haven. From Dunnet Head to Thurso Bay, you can witness auroras over dramatic coastlines without the need to travel to remote islands.

Best Time: November to February
Local Advice: Monitor real-time aurora forecasts like AuroraWatch UK before heading out.

4. Isle of Skye, Scotland

Though known for its landscapes and fairy pools, Skye occasionally offers northern light sightings when conditions are just right. Its mountainous terrain and secluded areas can make for unforgettable views.

Best Time: Winter months with clear skies
Top Locations: Trotternish Peninsula or Neist Point Lighthouse

5. Northumberland National Park, England

One of England’s official Dark Sky Parks, Northumberland is your best bet for aurora viewing south of the Scottish border. Areas like Kielder Forest and Hadrian’s Wall offer scenic northern horizons free from light pollution.

Best Time: When geomagnetic activity is high (KP index of 5 or more)
Perks: Easily accessible from Newcastle and Yorkshire

6. The Lake District, Cumbria

While sightings are rare and require strong solar activity, the Lake District can surprise lucky viewers with northern lights, especially in areas like Derwentwater or Ennerdale.

Best Time: During solar flares and cold, cloudless nights
Tip: Head to higher elevations for a better view of the northern sky.

7. The Outer Hebrides, Scotland

From Lewis and Harris to Benbecula, the Outer Hebrides offer pristine, untouched landscapes with crystal-clear skies and almost no artificial lighting—perfect conditions for aurora hunting.

Best Time: December through March
Notable Spots: Callanish Stones or beaches near Ness

Tips for Aurora Watching in the UK

• Use Forecast Tools: Check apps like AuroraWatch UK, Aurora Alerts, or NOAA Space Weather Prediction Center. Look for KP index ratings of 5 or higher.

• Avoid City Lights: Head to coastal or elevated spots far from urban glow.

• Be Patient: The aurora can appear suddenly and last only a few minutes.

• Bring a Camera: DSLR or mirrorless cameras with long exposure settings capture more detail than the naked eye can see.

Final Thought: Nature’s Light Show, Close to Home

The UK may not be the first country that comes to mind for aurora viewing, but under the right conditions, it offers a front-row seat to one of nature’s most stunning displays—without a passport.

So if you’re dreaming of dancing lights across a winter sky, you might not need to go far at all.