Best Blackpool and Fylde coast spots, exact times, and key health info you need to watch the solar eclipse

People across the Fylde Coast are preparing to watch a spectacular partial solar eclipse on Wednesday, August 12, when the Moon passes between the Earth and the Sun and blocks out a large proportion of the Sun’s disc.

Those hoping to catch the event are being urged to get into position before 6.13pm, with the most impressive stage expected shortly after 7pm.

In Blackpool, the eclipse will begin at approximately 6.13pm, when the Moon first covers part of the Sun. It will reach its maximum at 7.09pm, when around 91.65% of the Sun’s disc will be covered, before gradually coming to an end at around 8.04pm.

The entire eclipse will last just under one hour and 51 minutes, although the period around maximum coverage is expected to be the highlight for spectators.

At 7.09pm, the Sun will be only around 13 degrees above the horizon, making location particularly important. The best viewing spots will offer an unobstructed view towards the western sky, with as few buildings, trees or other obstacles as possible.

Across the wider Fylde Coast, timings will be very similar, although they may vary by a few minutes depending on the precise location. The wider Fylde area is expected to experience around 92.6% coverage.

The eclipse is a partial eclipse in the UK rather than a total eclipse, meaning the Sun will not disappear completely. Nevertheless, more than nine-tenths of the Sun will be covered over Blackpool at maximum, creating a striking celestial spectacle.

Anyone planning to watch must also take care not to look directly at the Sun without suitable certified solar eye protection, even during an eclipse.

Best places to watch on the Fylde Coast

Blackpool Tower – An elevated viewpoint offering sweeping views across the Fylde Coast and towards the horizon.

Fylde Sand Dunes – A more natural setting with open views and fewer potential obstructions.

North Pier – A classic Blackpool location extending out towards the sea and offering a distinctive setting for the eclipse.

Fleetwood Beach – A coastal viewing spot with the open sea providing a dramatic backdrop.

Pleasure Beach Resort – A chance to combine eclipse watching with the resort’s special event.

Blackpool Promenade – A lively seafront setting where spectators can gather along the coast.

Stanley Park – A greener, more tranquil alternative to the busy seafront.

St Annes North Beach – A wide, open beach offering expansive views towards the horizon.

South Pier – Another iconic seafront location providing an atmospheric setting for the spectacle.

St Annes Pier – Watch from the end of the historic pier for panoramic views across the coastline and sea.

Lawson’s Field – An open local recreation space offering a more relaxed alternative to the busier coastal locations.

Rossall Beach Promenade – A seafront location with an open coastal outlook and plenty of space to take in the eclipse.

Cleveleys Beach – A wide coastal setting offering views towards the horizon and an alternative to central Blackpool.

Knott-End-on-Sea – A quieter coastal option with open views across the water and away from the largest crowds.

Lytham Green – Enjoy the spectacle from the expansive waterfront green, with views across the Ribble Estuary providing a distinctive coastal backdrop.

St Annes Beach Huts– A classic Fylde Coast setting where the colourful beach huts can provide a distinctive foreground against the open sea and sky.