The 2026 Solar Eclipse: How Families Can Safely Watch In The UK

Activities & Days Out / 7 August, 2026 / Christina Walter

There is something incredibly exciting about watching the Moon pass in front of the Sun, and this summer families across the UK will have the chance to experience a spectacular solar eclipse together.

On Wednesday 12 August 2026, a total solar eclipse will take place across parts of the world, including areas of Greenland, Iceland and Spain. Here in the UK, we will see a partial solar eclipse. This means the Moon will pass in front of the Sun but will not completely cover it. How much of the Sun is obscured will depend on where you are in the country.

For families, it is a brilliant opportunity to get children interested in space and astronomy. However, there is one important rule: never look directly at the Sun without proper solar eye protection.

When Can You See the Eclipse?

The eclipse will take place in the evening, making it particularly easy for families to watch together.

The exact timings vary depending on where you are in the UK. In London, for example, the partial eclipse begins at approximately 6.17 pm, reaches its maximum at 7.13 pm and finishes at around 8.06 pm.

The Sun will be relatively low in the sky, so plan your viewing spot in advance. Choose somewhere with a clear view of the western sky. Avoid tall buildings, trees or anything that could block your view.

For the most accurate timings and level of eclipse coverage where you live, check the timings for your specific location before the day.

What Will Families See?

During a partial solar eclipse, the Moon gradually moves across the face of the Sun, making it appear as though a bite has been taken out of it.

As the eclipse reaches its maximum, the sky may appear noticeably different and the light can take on an unusual quality. You may also spot crescent-shaped patches of sunlight on the ground beneath trees, as the tiny gaps between the leaves act like natural pinholes.

It is a great opportunity to encourage children to look at what is happening around them as well as in the sky. Ask them to notice changes in the light, shadows and temperature, or keep an eclipse diary and draw what they see at different stages.

How to Watch the Solar Eclipse Safely

This is the most important part of your eclipse planning.

Do not look directly at the Sun with the naked eye. Even when the Sun is mostly covered, the remaining visible sunlight can cause serious and permanent eye damage.

Regular sunglasses are not suitable for watching a solar eclipse, regardless of how dark they appear. Instead, use specialist solar viewing glasses or a handheld solar viewer designed specifically for looking at the Sun. NASA advises choosing viewers that comply with the ISO 12312-2 international safety standard.

Before handing eclipse glasses to children, check that they are undamaged and have no scratches, tears or holes. Children should also be supervised while using them.

What about cameras and binoculars?

Never look at the Sun through binoculars, a telescope or a camera viewfinder unless the equipment has been fitted with a specialist solar filter designed for that specific equipment.

Importantly, you should not put eclipse glasses over the eyepiece of binoculars or a telescope. The concentrated sunlight can damage the filter and cause serious eye injury. Solar filters for optical equipment need to be fitted correctly to the front of the device.

If you’re hoping to take photographs, it’s worth researching appropriate solar filters for your particular camera or speaking to an astronomy specialist before attempting it.

A Fun Alternative: Make Your Own Eclipse Projector

If you don’t want children looking directly at the Sun, an indirect viewing method can be a great family activity.

A simple pinhole projector allows you to see an image of the eclipsed Sun without looking at the Sun itself. You can make one using a piece of card with a tiny hole and a white surface for the sunlight to project onto.

The important thing is that the Sun should be behind you while you look at the projected image. Never look through the pinhole towards the Sun. This can be a fun science experiment to try before eclipse day.

Children can learn how light travels and why the Moon appears to cover the Sun.

Make an Evening of It

The eclipse falls during the summer holidays, so why not turn it into a family evening?

Find a spot with a good view of the western sky, and give everyone a pair of safe solar viewing glasses. Older children might enjoy recording the eclipse, while younger children can draw pictures or learn facts about the Sun, Moon and Earth beforehand.

You could even make an eclipse-themed activity sheet with questions such as:

How long does an eclipse last?

Why doesn’t a solar eclipse happen every month?

What is the difference between a partial and total eclipse?

How does the Moon block the Sun?

The August 2026 eclipse is an exciting event to share with children. Although the UK won’t experience totality, much of the Sun will be covered in many areas.

Don’t Forget Your Eclipse Glasses

If you’re planning to watch the eclipse as a family, make sure you have suitable solar viewing glasses well ahead of time. Look for products that comply with ISO 12312-2, and buy from a reputable retailer or specialist astronomy supplier.

NASA also recommends checking viewers carefully before use and avoiding any that are damaged.

Most importantly, remember that the safety rules apply to everyone, including children. The fact that the Sun is partially covered does not make it safe to look at without protection.

With the right preparation, however, the August 2026 solar eclipse could be a brilliant opportunity for families to step outside, look up and experience a little bit of astronomy together.