Whether you’re hoping to witness a spectacular eclipse, photograph the Milky Way or simply spend an evening under a sky full of stars, Midhurst is one of the best places in southern England to begin.
Located within the South Downs National Park, the area benefits from some of Britain’s darkest protected skies. Just a few minutes from the town centre you’ll find peaceful locations where the night sky comes alive with planets, meteor showers, constellations and the changing phases of the Moon.
Whether you’re an experienced astronomer or simply curious, we hope this guide inspires you to look up.
We recommend you explore the Best that the Dark Sky’s have to offer through the South Downs National Park Dark Skies Hub:
Dark Skies Hub – South Downs National Park Authority
THE GREAT SOLAR ECLIPSE & METIOR SHOWER 2026
Wednesday 12 August 2026
Experience one of Britain’s deepest partial solar eclipses from Midhurst
On Wednesday 12 August 2026, people across the UK will witness one of the most impressive astronomical events for many years. From Midhurst, more than 90% of the Sun’s diameter will be eclipsed, creating a spectacular evening sky unlike anything seen since the famous eclipse of 1999.
Better still, the eclipse takes place as the Sun sets over the South Downs, before the evening continues with the peak of the annual Perseid Meteor Shower.
Whether you’re an experienced astronomer or simply looking for a memorable evening with family and friends, Midhurst is a wonderful place to experience this rare event.
Why This Eclipse is Special
Events like this don’t happen very often.
- 1999 – Last major eclipse visible from the UK
- 2026 – Deep partial solar eclipse visible from Midhurst
- 2081 – Next equally good eclipse
- 2090 – Next total solar eclipse visible from the UK
This makes the 2026 eclipse a genuine once-in-a-generation opportunity for many people.
Eclipse Timings for Midhurst
| Event | Time |
|---|---|
| First contact | 6:18 pm |
| Maximum eclipse | 7:14 pm |
| Last contact | 8:07 pm |
| Sunset | 8:35 pm |
| Civil twilight ends | 9:13 pm |
Times may vary slightly depending on your exact location.
Where to Look
The eclipse will take place low in the western sky.
At maximum eclipse, the Sun will be approximately 11° above the horizon — roughly the height of a clenched fist held at arm’s length.
For the best experience, choose a location with a clear, unobstructed view towards the west or west-north-west. Trees, buildings and hills close to the horizon may block your view.
Eclipse Glasses
Watch Safely
Never look directly at the Sun without appropriate eye protection.
Certified ISO 12312-2 eclipse glasses are essential for safely viewing any stage of the eclipse.
Certified Eclipse Glasses Available in Midhurst
Visit Midhurst is pleased to be working with Kamaellis Restaurant, where certified eclipse glasses are available while stocks last.
Pop into Kamaellis on North Street Midhurst for current availability and purchase details.
A Perfect Evening for Dark Skies
The eclipse is only the beginning.
Later that same evening, the Perseid Meteor Shower reaches its annual peak.
With a new Moon providing exceptionally dark skies, conditions for meteor watching are excellent if the weather is clear.
The Perseids occur every August as Earth passes through a stream of dust left behind by Comet Swift–Tuttle. Under ideal conditions, up to 150 meteors per hour may be visible, with bright streaks often leaving glowing trails across the sky.
Why is the best viewing after midnight?
Although the Perseid meteor shower is active throughout the night, the greatest number of meteors is usually seen after midnight. At that time, the side of the Earth you’re standing on is facing forwards in our planet’s journey around the Sun, rather like the windscreen of a moving car. As the Earth travels through the stream of tiny particles left behind by Comet Swift–Tuttle, more meteors enter the atmosphere on the leading side of the planet, producing a higher rate of shooting stars before dawn. If you’re able to stay out into the early hours, you’ll usually be rewarded with the best display.
Every indication is that the skies will be clear on Wednesday, but if not the meteor shower can be seen on Tuesday and Thursday as well.
Midhurst and the South Downs International Dark Sky Reserve
Midhurst lies on the edge of the South Downs International Dark Sky Reserve.
The Reserve is:
- One of only 27 International Dark Sky Reserves worldwide.
- One of just seven in the United Kingdom.
- The closest International Dark Sky Reserve to around 17 million people living in London and the South East.
Recognised by DarkSky International, the South Downs offers some of the finest night skies in southern England. Whether you’re watching the eclipse, searching for meteors or simply enjoying a star-filled sky, Midhurst is an ideal base for exploring this remarkable landscape after dark.
Suggested Viewing Areas
We recommend choosing any safe location with a clear western horizon.
Midhurst is surrounded by some of the Best Views.
- Iping Common: Iping and Stedham Commons easy walk – South Downs National Park Authority
- Butser Hill: Butser Hill – Go Stargazing
- Older Hill View Point: https://mapcarta.com/W4277137
- Heyshott Down: Heyshott Down, West Sussex, England – 51 Reviews, Map | AllTrails
These sites offer wide open skies and excellent opportunities to enjoy the night sky.
The South Downs National Park also highlights several Dark Sky Discovery Sites:
Local Astronomy Events
Several local astronomy organisations are holding special events to celebrate the eclipse, including:
Further information can be found on the South Downs National Park Dark Skies Hub.
Viewing Safely
Please remember:
- Use only certified ISO 12312-2 eclipse glasses.
- Never use ordinary sunglasses.
- Never look at the Sun through binoculars, telescopes or cameras unless they are fitted with approved solar filters.
- Children should always be supervised when viewing the eclipse.
Photography Tips
For practical purposes photographers hoping to capture maximum eclipse will need to view the sun at:
- Bearing: 282° (±1–2°)
- Direction: West-northwest (WNW)
- Altitude: ~10° above the horizon
📱 Using a Mobile Phone
Modern smartphones can capture the atmosphere of the eclipse, but they won’t show much detail in the Sun itself.
- Don’t point your phone directly at the uneclipsed Sun for long periods.
- Capture the landscape as well as the sky – the low Sun over the South Downs will make a much more memorable photograph.
- Use 1× zoom rather than digital zoom for the best image quality.
- Lock focus and exposure by holding your finger on the screen before taking the picture.
- Take photos before, during and after maximum eclipse to record the changing light.
Top tip: The best memories may be photos of your family and friends watching the eclipse, rather than the Sun itself.
📷 Using a Camera
A DSLR or mirrorless camera can produce excellent photographs, but only with the correct solar filter.
- Never photograph the Sun without a certified solar filter fitted over the front of the lens.
- A tripod will help keep images sharp.
- A telephoto lens (200 mm or longer) will show the eclipse in much greater detail.
- Include the landscape in some of your photographs – the eclipse will be low above the western horizon, making it ideal for scenic images.
- Remove the solar filter only if the Sun is completely below the horizon. For this event in Midhurst, there is no total phase, so the filter should remain on whenever the Sun is visible.
Best Photo Opportunity
One of the most striking images may not be a close-up of the eclipse at all.
The eclipse takes place low above the western horizon, just before sunset. Try including trees, rolling South Downs hills or historic Midhurst landmarks in the foreground to create a real sense of place.
A Quick Safety Reminder
Never look through a camera, binoculars or telescope at the Sun unless a certified solar filter is fitted over the front of the equipment. Looking through an optical viewfinder without proper protection can cause permanent eye damage and may also damage your camera.
Plan Your Visit
Bring:
- Eclipse glasses
- Warm clothing for the evening
- A blanket or chair
- Camera (with appropriate solar filter)
- A sense of wonder!
Open the Visit Midhurst Web App: https://midhurst-events.pages.dev/ and save it to you home screen for more ideas of places to explore, eat, drink, walk and discover.
One Unforgettable Evening
On one remarkable summer evening, Midhurst offers the opportunity to experience:
One of Britain’s deepest partial solar eclipses
A beautiful South Downs sunset
The peak of the Perseid Meteor Shower
All from the edge of one of the world’s recognised International Dark Sky Reserves.
We hope you’ll join us, look up, and enjoy this unforgettable evening in Midhurst.