A Complete Guide to See Solar Eclipse in London This Wednesday

August 10, 2026 | 06:23 pm

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - London is gearing up to witness a spectacular celestial phenomenon this week, as Europe gets its first total solar eclipse in almost three decades.

While nearly 15 million residents across Spain, Iceland, parts of Greenland, Russia and Portugal will be blessed a total obscuration of the Sun, Londoners will be viewing a slightly dimmed, but no less spectacular version with a partial solar eclipse. 

In fact, the Royal Museums Greenwich boasted that this would be the greatest coverage the UK will get since 1999, with around 90 percent of Sun's light blocked during the peak.

Here's what to know about the partial solar eclipse visible from London, citing multiple sources.

What time is the partial solar eclipse in London?

A solar eclipse occurs when the Moon blocks the Sun's light by moving between it and the Earth. Since the Moon is considerably smaller than the Sun, the shadow cast only looms over a handful of countries at a time. The upcoming eclipse will take place on Wednesday, August 12, 2026. 

The 'first contact,' when the Moon begins to cover the Sun's disc, will take place at 6:17 p.m.

The Moon will then gradually move in front of the Sun until it reaches the eclipse's peak at 7:12 p.m. At this time, most of Sun's light is blocked. For a partial solar eclipse, this makes for a noticeable difference in temperature and light levels, akin to a cloudy day or the time around dusk or dawn. The sky will not go completely dark as it would be during a total eclipse.

The eclipse will end at 8:06 p.m. from London, as the Moon moves completely off the disc of the Sun.

Where are the best places to watch solar eclipse in London?

According to the Royal Museum Greenwich, as the solar eclipse takes place while the Sun is setting, getting to a high vantage point with a clear view of the western horizon is advisable if you want to see the whole event. 

Citing TimeOut and BBC, here are some locations you can go to catch the partial solar eclipse in London:

1. Primrose Hill

Primrose Hill is one of the most popular places to watch the eclipse, so TimeOut suggests getting there with enough time left to secure a good spot. It's located north of Regent's park.

2. Parliament Hill

Located in Hampstead Heath, Parliament Hill is an open parkland that grants stargazers one of the best views of London's skyline. 

3. Royal Observatory Greenwich 

For those keen on watching the solar eclipse this week, you can buy a standard admission ticket and join the public viewing session hosted by the Flamsteed Astronomy Society near the Dolphin Sundial. Alternatively, you can find a free spot in Greenwich Park, where the observatory is located.

Eclipse viewing parties

Several venues schedule paid viewing parties for the Wednesday partial solar eclipse. This includes Horizon 22 on floor 58 of 22 Bishopsgate and Kloku by Endo on the OWO.

City Cruises London also offers skywatching experiences on board while cruising the Thames, while ZipWorld at the ArcelorMittal Orbit in Starford has two eclipse experiences you can choose.

For free viewing parties, head to Kenley Airfield, Warlingham, and Addiscombe to join the Croydon Astronomical Society. 

Other top locations

Other locations with the best viewing conditions for the upcoming eclipse include Telegraph Hill near Nunhead Lewisham; Alexandra Palace in Haringey; and Crystal Palace Park, which is located on the Norwood Ridge.

How to safely watch the solar eclipse in London

Citing Time Magazine, it is strongly advised to wear the appropriate eye protection while observing the partial solar eclipse in London. This is because a solar eclipse can potentially damage your retina if viewed directly with the naked eye. 

Regular glasses are not safe to use, according to the Royal Museums Greenwhich. It recommends buying or borrowing a pair of ISO 12312-2 certified eclipse glasses.

The museums also provide instructions on how to make natural 'pinhole projectors' using pieces of paper, a colander, or tree leaves. The idea is to indirectly see the projected image of the eclipse without seeing it directly in the sky.

If you're planning to take a picture with a smartphone, BBC advises protecting the camera with a solar filter or putting the pair of eclipse glasses over the lens.

Will London see another solar eclipse soon?

It's going to be a long wait ahead for London. The UK will not be seeing another deep partial solar eclipse until 2050, while a total solar eclipse is not due until September 23, 2090.

Read: Solar Eclipse in Europe: Best Viewing Locations and Times

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