The rare astronomical phenomenon began at 6.18pm, reaching maximum coverage at 7.14pm and ending at 8.07pm.
People were advised not to look directly at the Sun and were warned that sunglasses, smoked glass, photographic filters, gelatine filters and crossed polarisers were not suitable.
With specially designed solar viewing glasses quickly selling out, sky watchers got creative, using methods including colanders and pinhole projectors to safely watch the eclipse.
See our pictures of locals enjoying the spectacle, along with photographs sent in by our readers, below.
1. The New Moon partially covered the Sun
Chichester, Bognor Regis, Midhurst and Petworth turn out for solar eclipse. Photo: Stephen Carville
2. People got creative with safe solar viewing
Chichester, Bognor Regis, Midhurst and Petworth turn out for solar eclipse. Photo: Lucy Woolliscroft
3. Some captured the eclipse in all its stages
Chichester, Bognor Regis, Midhurst and Petworth turn out for solar eclipse. Photo: Sarah Denman
4. Colanders were an alternative for those without solar viewing glasses
Chichester, Bognor Regis, Midhurst and Petworth turn out for solar eclipse. Photo: Deborah Richards