Where to See the Solar Eclipse & Perseids in Norfolk 2026

Look up, Norfolk!

Tomorrow (Wednesday 12th August 2026) could be a VERY good day to keep your eyes on the skies, with not one but two impressive celestial events taking place on Wednesday 12 August.

First up: a solar eclipse

While parts of Europe will experience a total eclipse, here in Norfolk we’ll see a pretty spectacular partial solar eclipse, with almost 90% of the Sun covered in Norwich at its maximum.

In Norwich, the eclipse begins at around 6.15pm, reaches its maximum at approximately 7.11pm, and ends just after 8pm.

You’ll want somewhere with a good view towards the western sky – and, of course, some cooperative Norfolk weather!

IMPORTANT: Never look directly at the Sun, even during a partial eclipse. Proper certified eclipse glasses or a safe indirect viewing method are essential.

Then… The Perseids!

Once darkness falls, attention turns from the Sun to one of the best meteor showers of the year.

The Perseid meteor shower peaks overnight on 12-13th August, and 2026 is particularly promising because the peak coincides with a New Moon – meaning beautifully dark skies without moonlight washing out the fainter meteors.

Under perfect conditions, the Perseids can produce large numbers of meteors – including occasional bright fireballs – although what you’ll actually see will depend on cloud, light pollution and where you’re watching from.

For your best chance in Norfolk: find somewhere safe with a wide, dark sky away from streetlights, give your eyes 20-30 minutes to adjust and simply LOOK UP. No telescope required.

And with Norfolk blessed with plenty of open countryside and big skies, we’re rather well placed for it.

Where To Watch In Norfolk

For the eclipse, look for somewhere with a clear view towards the western horizon – the Hunstanton coast could be a particularly good bet. For the Perseids, head somewhere properly dark: Kelling Heath and Wiveton Downs are both official Dark Sky Discovery Sites, while Barrow Common near Brancaster is another wonderfully dark option. Closer to Norwich? Try an elevated, open spot away from as many city lights as possible. Maybe the top of Mousehold near the prison?

Wherever you go, please park considerately, respect private land and wildlife, take a torch (apparently red is best for stargazing) and check access before setting off. And never look directly at the sun – even during an eclipse.

Here are a few potentially good Norfolk sky-watching spots:

• Hunstanton Cliffs / Old Hunstanton – potentially one of the best choices for the eclipse itself. Norfolk’s unusual west-facing coastline here gives you a lovely open view towards the setting Sun across The Wash. You could then stick around as darkness falls for the Perseids. Obviously take care around the cliffs as darkness falls!
• Wiveton Downs Car Park – possibly the best all-rounder. It’s elevated, isolated and has very good sightlines in all directions. It’s also an officially recognised Dark Sky Discovery Site, so should be excellent once darkness arrives.
• Kelling Heath Holiday Park – a Norfolk star-gazing superstar. It’s a Dark Sky Discovery Site and now has a dedicated Dark Sky Viewing Platform; the public sports field has free access. This might be particularly good for the Perseids.
• Barrow Common, Brancaster – another excellent North Norfolk option. It’s elevated, remote and extremely dark, with broad views of the horizon. There are only a couple of off-road parking spaces and no facilities, though, so bear that in mind.
• Titchwell area – also recognised as one of the Norfolk coast’s outstanding dark-sky locations, with very low light pollution and wide horizons.
• Broadland Country Park – an option for people who don’t want to travel to the North Norfolk coast. It’s north of Norwich and away from much of the city’s glow, although it possibly won’t compete with Kelling or Wiveton for truly dark skies.
• Mousehold Heath / St James’ Hill, Norwich – perhaps the easiest option for Norwich residents wanting to catch the eclipse without travelling. Local skywatchers have specifically suggested St James’ Hill because of its view towards the western horizon. Expect popular viewpoints to be busy.

Note: the perfect eclipse spot isn’t necessarily the perfect meteor spot. Tomorrow’s eclipse peaks around 7.10pm, when you need that clear view west; the Perseids become much more rewarding later, once the sky is properly dark. The UK partial eclipse itself is expected to be particularly deep, with more than 90% coverage in some parts of Britain.

Exploring Norfolk? Make a Day (or Night!) of It

While you’re out exploring Norfolk and searching for the perfect spot to watch the eclipse or meteor shower, don’t forget your Enjoying Norfolk Card. You can use it at brilliant places across the county – so why not save a little while you’re out and about?

Explore Enjoying Norfolk Card discounts by location →