Under normal circumstances, Iceland would typically rank at the top of the list when it comes to experiencing this phenomenon.

Fortunately, I had the opportunity to spend Christmas in Iceland last year and witness this breathtaking event firsthand, despite enduring freezing temperatures of -34 degrees.

Capturing clear pictures was quite challenging as operating a phone in such extreme cold can cause blurring. However, I made an effort to focus on the beauty before realizing that my fingers were on the verge of freezing off while attempting to capture the perfect image.

If witnessing the Aurora Borealis is on your bucket list, you might be surprised to discover that you can experience the Northern Lights in the UK.

After conducting some research, I found a list of places where they have been seen in the past, and it may be worth investigating if they can be glimpsed again.

1. The Scottish Highlands – The Dark Sky National Parks are on the same latitude as Nunivak Island in Alaska and Stavanger in Norway – two of the world’s greatest places to catch a glimpse of the Aurora Borealis. The lack of light pollution makes the Scottish highlands a fantastic place to observe the Northern Lights, with green, pink and white being the most commonly observed hues. Try Aberdeenshire and the Moray Coast, along with the Cairngorm mountains and Tomintoul & Glenlivet area – Cairngorms Dark Sky Park – the most northernly Dark Sky Park in the world.
2. The Scottish Isles – The Northern Lights are regularly spotted from Scotland’s remote islands especially during the winter months. The tiny islands of Lewis and Harris and the northern tip of the Isle of Skye are great options. Intrepid explorers should also consider checking out the Orkney Islands and the Brough of Birsay.
3. The Lake District – The Lake District has experienced some impressive activity in recent years especially in Derwent Water near Keswick. With its majestic lakes and mountainous terrain, the Lake District makes the perfect backdrop for the Northern Lights taking your experience to another level. In February 2020 a stargazing festival was held in Keswick by the Cockermouth Astronomical Society. Keep an eye on their website
4. Northumberland -Along with being the most northerly county in England, Northumberland claims to have the darkest skies in England. Both of which make it one of the better places to catch a glimpse of the Aurora Borealis. Sightings are often reported near Berwick-on-Tweed and over Kielder Water and Forest Park. Even if you get unlucky with the Northern Lights, being able to see the Milky Way and even the Andromeda Galaxy with the naked eye will make it worth the trip.
5. The southwest of England – While you’re unlikely to see the Northern Lights from southern England’s larger towns, head into the countryside and you might strike lucky. Exmoor National Park is also an International Dark Sky Reserve. The Oxfordshire countryside has experienced Northern Lights in recent years as have parts of Cornwall. Incredible right?
6. Northern Ireland – If you thought the Giant’s Causeway was dramatic enough, try seeing these ancient volcanic rocks bathed in solar light. The Antrim coast is the perfect place to see the Northern Lights, thanks to a northerly horizon interrupted only by coastal fortresses and a wild, rugged beauty which doubles as the perfect backdrop for your aurora snaps.
7. Wales – The Northern Lights have appeared over the Brecon Beacons several times in recent years. So good is the stargazing here in general, the entire Brecon Beacons National Park has been designated an International Dark Sky Reserve.

Until da next Tyme