Ditchling Beacon and coastal view points, could have the best views of the eclipse from their summits

Ditchling Beacon, along with the Sussex Coastal line will be the best places to view the eclipse in the mid-Sussex region.

The beacon is a Dark Sky Discovery Site, an officially recognised place where anyone can stargaze. Therefore attracting many people in the area for the event on Wednesday.

The solar event is best seen in an uninterrupted view towards the west, making the high points in the county most favourable.

Skies will be illuminated across the county in a cosmic event where the sun, the moon and the earth will be in a perfect alignment. (Image: Mark Tegethoff)

placeholder image — Skies will be illuminated across the county in a cosmic event where the sun, the moon and the earth will be in a perfect alignment. (Image: Mark Tegethoff)

Ditchling Beacon offers a scenic high point in Sussex with 360 degree views from the summit, free parking after 6pm.

Coastal areas are also recognised as great spots to view the spectacular.

On Wednesday (August 12th) a partial solar eclipse will be taking over the skies at 18:17pm.

This year, people across Sussex will see 90-96% of the sun covered by the moon for the first time since 1999 – and last chance until 2081.

Skies will be illuminated across the county in a cosmic event where the sun, the moon and the earth will be in a perfect alignment.

On lookers will have the opportunity to see two different shadows, but are warned to wear specialist eyewear.

Advice

The UK Home Office highlights that ordinary sunglasses are not suitable for the event- no matter how dark.

They said: “Sunglasses….do not provide adequate protection for viewing a solar eclipse.

"They reduce glare, making it feel more comfortable to look at the Sun for longer, while still allowing harmful solar radiation to reach the retina. Never use regular sunglasses to look at the Sun during an eclipse.”

The Home Office recommends two safe approaches to enjoying and making most of the rarity of the occasion:

Specialist eclipse viewers- make sure they have specially designed filters and lenses are in perfect condition.
Indirect viewing methods- a homemade pinhole viewer or viewing the Sun's image projected through a colander or the gaps between tree leaves

For more advice about the eclipse visit: https://ukhsa.blog.gov.uk/2026/07/23/how-to-watch-the-solar-eclipse-safely-this-summer/