Where to see the Northern Lights in the UK: top places

The world's most amazing natural phenomenon attracts tourists around the world. During certain periods of the year, electronically charged particles enter the Earth's atmosphere from space, creating dazzling green, yellow, purple and even red light.

This phenomenon can also be seen in the British Isles. Fortunately, you can see this natural wonder without leaving the UK,  the Independent writes.

It is difficult to predict the exact place where you can see this event. But the publication has prepared a list of the best places where you will be most lucky.

Hebrides

This northern archipelago off the west coast of Scotland consists of hundreds of islands divided into the Inner and Outer Hebrides.

The best place to see the lights is in the Outer Hebrides, probably on the Lewis or Harris Islands.

The "season" here lasts from September to April, although the aurora is most often seen in winter when the sky gets dark in the late afternoon. In February, the Isle of Lewis hosts its own Dark Sky Festival with events like live music, film and theatre.

Shetland Islands, Scotland

This point is the northernmost in Britain, with the remote island located more than 100 miles from the mainland. Locals can expect to see the northern lights several times each winter.

The season here lasts from mid-October to mid-March, with winter being the best time to try and see the phenomenon (on the shortest days, daylight lasts less than six hours).

Cairngorms

The largest national park in the UK is another Scottish destination where you can see the northern lights. The park is home to Ben Nevis, the highest peak in the UK, and one of the UK's International Dark Sky places.

Many dark areas are ideal for viewing the lights between mid-October and mid-March (especially those closer to the coast, where the views are less likely to be obstructed by clouds).

Yorkshire Dales, England

The absence of light pollution makes the Yorkshire Dales a great place to watch the aurora borealis

The aurora borealis was spotted here in April 2023; the park is one of the nature reserves.

In February 2024, it will hold a joint Dark Sky Festival with the North York Moors National Park. It has four locations for dark sky spotting. They are located in the car park of the Buckden National Park, at the Tan Hill Inn and at the visitor centres of the Howes and Malham National Parks.

Northumberland, England

This is a wonderful place that can boast of the darkest skies in the UK.

The aurora borealis has been seen over Hadrian's Wall and Bamburgh in the past, thus the county remains one of the most reliable places to see it in England.

It should be noted that the lights are usually visible only after particularly strong geomagnetic storms, so keep an eye on them when planning a visit.

Snowdonia, Wales

One of the three Dark Sky reserves in Wales, Snowdonia also boasts of the country's highest peak, largest lake, its own section of mountain railway and 1,497 miles of public footpaths.

The location offers great views of the Milky Way and the main constellations on clear nights, while the odd shooting star makes up for those nights even if you miss the aurora show.

You can see the lights from October to March. For the best views, head to Llyn Geirionydd and Llyn y Dywarchen or Ty Cipar between Llan Ffestiniog and Ysbyty Ifan.

Lake District, England

The Lake District is also one of the best places in England to see the northern lights. This area is striving to become an International Dark Sky Reserve.

The lights most often appear alongside the views of the Grizedale Forest, Wasdale, the Langdale Valley and Derwentwater.