UK solar eclipse - Weather and where to watch in Lancashire

On August 12, more than 90 per cent of the sun will be obscured by the moon in the UK between 6.17pm and 8.06pm, the most it has been blocked above the skies since the total eclipse in 1999.

Across Lancashire, more than 91 per cent of the sun will be obscured.

Devon, Cornwall, and the westernmost parts of Pembrokeshire in Wales are set to see the eclipse at its fullest, with a range of 94 per cent to 96 per cent of the sun obscured by the moon.

Where to watch the solar eclipse in Lancashire

Lancashire has a variety of prime locations for viewing the solar eclipse.

From as early as 5.45pm, Moor Park in Preston will facilitate a free public viewing organised by the University of Lancashire's Jeremiah Horrocks Institute and the Preston & District Astronomical Society.

Solar telescopes and eclipse glasses will be available for attendee use.

Local beaches and promenades, such as Morecambe and St Annes, provide excellent viewing opportunities due to their unobstructed coastal vistas.

Other recommended sites include Pendle Hill, Beacon Fell Country Park, Rivington Pike, Fairhaven Lake, Glasson Dock, Longridge Fell, and the Forest of Bowland viewpoints.

Where to watch solar eclipse in Lancashire:

1. Moor Park, Preston
   Free public eclipse viewing on 12 August from 5.45pm, organised by the University of Lancashire's Jeremiah Horrocks Institute and Preston & District Astronomical Society (PADAS). Solar telescopes, projection equipment and eclipse glasses provided, with a livestream planned if cloud prevents viewing.
2. Morecambe Promenade
   One of Lancashire's strongest viewing locations, with open views across Morecambe Bay and a largely unobstructed western horizon. Particularly well suited to eclipse photography and sunset-style coastal views.
3. St Annes Beach & Lytham Green
   Wide-open seafront locations offering clear western sightlines, easy access and plenty of space for families, photographers and casual viewers.
4. Pendle Hill
   Lancashire's best-known elevated viewpoint, providing expansive county-wide views. Excellent for photography, though potentially busy and exposed to the elements.
5. Beacon Fell Country Park
   A respected astronomy and viewing location with elevated terrain, good parking and an established reputation for skywatching activities.
6. Rivington Pike
   A classic North West viewpoint offering extensive west-facing views. Popular with amateur astronomers and photographers looking for dramatic vantage points.
7. Fairhaven Lake, Lytham
   Accessible waterfront site with attractive estuary views, making it a good option for families and casual eclipse watchers.
8. Longridge Fell
   Elevated location with panoramic views across eastern Lancashire. Particularly appealing to photographers seeking dramatic landscapes.
9. Forest of Bowland Viewpoints
   Recommended spots include Jeffrey Hill, Bowland Knotts and the Crook O'Lune area. High ground, dark skies and scenic surroundings make these excellent viewing locations.
10. Rossall Promenade, Cleveleys
    Blackpool & District Astronomical Society will host a public viewing event with specially filtered solar telescopes, expert guidance and eclipse glasses. Suitable for all ages and beginners.
11. Fairhaven Lake Community Picnic, Lytham St Annes
    Free community eclipse picnic hosted by Blackpool & South Fylde Methodist Churches from 5pm-8pm near the Spitfire Memorial. Combines eclipse viewing with a family-friendly social event.

How to protect your eyes during a solar eclipse

Eyes should be protected during the eclipse, with the Royal Greenwich Observatory warning the public that regular sunglasses are not an adequate method to view the cosmic phenomenon.

Imo Bell, a planetarium astronomer at the observatory, stated: “It’s not a total eclipse, but over 90 per cent is really exciting. We’re not going to get one this good for a really long time.

“So, it’s important not to miss it, and to be prepared. You can’t just go out and expect to have a look because it’s really dangerous for your eyes.

“So, you can use solar eclipse glasses, which are very, very different from sunglasses – they block out so much light that you can’t see anything through them except the sun, because that’s how much light they need to block for the damaging light of the sun to be safe to view.

“Ideally, a solar telescope is an amazing way to witness it, and if you don’t have one of them then you can look into whether your local astronomy society is doing any events.

“And if all else fails, you can project the image of the eclipse using a household item like a colander which has lots of holes in – point the colander towards the Sun with your back facing it, and in the shadow of the colander you’ll be able to see the eclipse in the holes, which is really cool.”

The next time the moon obscures as much of the sun will be in 2081, and the next total solar eclipse in the UK will be in 2090.

What will the weather be like?

In Lancashire, the weather is set to be hot and clear on Wednesday, August 12. Highs of 30C and lows of 17C. Clear skies forecast all day.