The next total solar eclipse is due on August 2, 2027, and travel specialists say Brits can catch it abroad without waiting decades. The UK will only see a partial eclipse, but a band through southern Spain, North Africa, and parts of the Middle East offers prime viewing.
Top Viewing Locations
Travel creator Kate Donnelley (who posts as @Thedonnelleyedit) suggests treating it like a holiday with a bonus cosmic show. Her hotspots include Cádiz (Spain), Tangiers (Morocco), Gibraltar, Benghazi (Libya), Luxor (Egypt), and Jeddah (Saudi Arabia).
In her view, Luxor is the standout because it’s expected to get the longest spell of totality — around six minutes — making it one of the lengthier eclipses of this century. She also warns that anyone serious about going should start looking early, as flights and hotels could get pricier as the date gets closer.
UK Partial Eclipse Details
Back home, the best UK “near miss” is expected around the Isles of Scilly, with a top obscuration of about 48%. London and much of southern England could see roughly 42% to 45% coverage, while the Shetland Isles may be down at around 13%.
NASA and the Royal Observatory Greenwich have previously flagged 2090 as the next time the eclipse “totality” track hits the UK, sweeping across Cornwall and the south coast close to sunset. Solar eclipses happen two to five times a year somewhere on Earth, but a direct hit on the UK is rare.
Safety Advice
With even less Moon coverage than 2026, the safety advice is still very important in 2027. Keep hold of your eclipse glasses or makeshift alternatives. If you’re planning to watch, don’t stare at the Sun - even when it looks muted. The safest pictures are also taken with the right filters or by watching official livestreams and local events.
