On Wednesday, August 12, the Moon will pass between the Earth and the Sun, creating the deepest solar eclipse visible across the UK since 1999. While a total eclipse will only be seen from parts of Spain, Iceland and Greenland, people across the North East will witness an impressive partial eclipse, with around 90% of the Sun covered.
Best viewing areas
According to eclipse experts, the Northumberland Coast is the best general area in the region to watch the event. Its long stretches of open coastline provide clear, unobstructed views of the low evening sun, making it ideal for eclipse watching.
Bamburgh Beach is among the standout locations, with its expansive shoreline offering uninterrupted views of the evening sky. The Simonside Hills also provide an elevated vantage point looking towards the west, while higher ground near Hadrian's Wall offers panoramic views across the surrounding countryside.
For those staying closer to Newcastle and Tyneside, open spaces such as the Town Moor provide one of the city's best viewing spots thanks to the lack of tall buildings. The hill surrounding the Angel of the North is another strong option, while Penshaw Monument near Sunderland offers sweeping views across Wearside from its elevated position.
Further south, the Durham Heritage Coast around Seaham provides clear coastal viewpoints, while Eston Nab near Guisborough offers one of the highest natural vantage points overlooking the Tees Valley.
Eclipse timing and visibility
The eclipse will begin at around 6.10pm BST across the North East, reaching its maximum at approximately 7.07pm before ending shortly before 8pm. At its peak, around 89.5% to 90% of the Sun will be obscured by the Moon.
Because the eclipse happens shortly before sunset, the Sun will sit only around 9° to 11° above the horizon at maximum eclipse. That means choosing a location with an uninterrupted view towards the west or west-northwest is essential.
The North East will experience slightly less coverage than south-west England, where parts of Cornwall are expected to see around 95% of the Sun obscured. The deepest eclipse in the British Isles will be seen in County Kerry, Ireland, where almost 97% of the Sun will disappear behind the Moon.
Additional celestial display
Once the eclipse ends, skywatchers may be treated to another celestial display. The event coincides with the peak of the Perseid meteor shower, meaning those who remain outdoors after darkness falls could also see dozens of shooting stars crossing a moonless sky.
Safety advice
Despite most of the Sun being covered, it is never safe to look directly at a partial solar eclipse without proper eye protection.
The UK Health Security Agency recommends using only genuine eclipse glasses or handheld solar viewers that meet the international safety standard ISO 12312-2:2015(E). Ordinary sunglasses do not provide enough protection.
Anyone using binoculars, cameras or telescopes should ensure they are fitted with specialist solar filters. Alternatively, a simple pinhole projector made from a piece of card allows the eclipse to be viewed safely without looking directly at the Sun.
