There is something magical about seeing the daytime sky change, and on Wednesday 12 August 2026, families across the North West will have a chance to experience an unusually spectacular partial solar eclipse. Around 91% of the sun will be covered from Liverpool and Manchester at maximum, making this one of the most impressive solar eclipses visible from the U.K. in decades. The eclipse will take place in the early evening, so it is perfectly timed for a family adventure during the summer holidays. The Moon will begin moving across the Sun at around 6.13 p.m. in the North West. Maximum eclipse will occur at approximately 7.10 p.m., and the event will finish shortly after 8 p.m.
At A Glance
| Date | Wednesday 12 August 2026 |
| Type | Partial solar eclipse |
| Start | Around 6.13pm |
| Maximum | Around 7.10pm |
| End | Around 8.03–8.04pm |
| Liverpool | Around 91.8% coverage |
| Manchester | Around 91.4% coverage |
| Best direction | West |
| Best viewing | An open location with a clear western horizon |
| Safety | ISO 12312-2 eclipse glasses or indirect projection |
What is a Solar Eclipse?
A solar eclipse happens when the Moon passes between the Earth and the Sun, temporarily blocking some of the Sun’s light. On 12 August, the U.K. will experience a partial solar eclipse, rather than a total eclipse. That means the Moon will cover most of the Sun but not all of it. The Royal Observatory Greenwich estimates around 90% coverage across much of the U.K., with the exact amount depending on your location.
For families, this is a fantastic opportunity to introduce children to astronomy without needing to travel far. The eclipse happens during the evening and it lasts for around an hour and 50 minutes. The last time the U.K. experienced a total solar eclipse was in 1999, while the next total eclipse visible from the British Isles won’t arrive until 2090 (RIP me). The 2026 eclipse therefore deserves a place in the family calendar.
What Will the Eclipse Look Like from the North West?
From Liverpool and Manchester, around 91% of the Sun will be covered at maximum eclipse. Liverpool has slightly greater coverage at approximately 91.8%, compared with about 91.4% in Manchester. The eclipse starts at approximately 6.13pm, reaches its maximum at around 7.10pm and ends at around 8.03–8.04pm.
You won’t see the sky turn completely black. Because a small part of the Sun will remain visible, the experience will be more like a strange twilight or heavily dimmed afternoon. You may notice changes in the quality of the light, shadows and the appearance of the landscape.
One important consideration for North West families is the position of the Sun. As the eclipse progresses, the Sun will be getting lower in the western sky. The Royal Observatory Greenwich recommends finding a high or open location with a clear view towards the west. That makes beaches, promenades, open parks, hills and countryside viewpoints particularly appealing.
Best Places to Watch the Eclipse in the North West
You don’t need to visit an organised event to enjoy the eclipse. In fact, one of the easiest options is to choose a familiar family day-trip destination with plenty of open space.
Liverpool and Merseyside
Merseyside has several possibilities for families looking for an open evening location. Coastal areas around Southport and Formby can provide expansive skies, while large parks around Liverpool may also work if trees and buildings don’t block the western horizon. The coast has an additional advantage: there can be fewer tall buildings directly in the direction you’re looking. However, remember that a clear horizon is more important than simply being near the sea.
Southport
Southport is a particularly tempting option for families because the resort already offers plenty to do before the eclipse begins. You could make a full day of it, enjoy the beach and promenade, have something to eat and then settle somewhere with an unobstructed view towards the west for the main event.
Don’t leave finding your viewing spot until the last minute. The eclipse is likely to attract plenty of interest, particularly if the weather forecast looks promising.
Formby and the Sefton coast
The Sefton coast provides another option for families who prefer a more natural setting. Open areas around Formby and the surrounding coastline can offer impressive skies, although you should check access arrangements, parking and any site restrictions before travelling.
Remember that the Sun will be relatively low by maximum eclipse, so a location that looks open in the daytime isn’t necessarily suitable if woodland or buildings sit directly on the western horizon.
Manchester and Greater Manchester
Families around Manchester can expect approximately 91.4% coverage at maximum. The city itself has plenty of parks and open spaces, but buildings can make it harder to find a completely unobstructed western horizon. If you’re travelling specifically to watch the eclipse, consider heading towards more open countryside or an elevated viewpoint. The same rule applies wherever you go: check the western horizon rather than simply choosing somewhere with a nice view.
Eclipse Safety for Children
This is the most important part of your eclipse planning. Never look directly at the Sun without proper solar eye protection. Normal sunglasses, even very dark ones, are not suitable for viewing an eclipse. If you want to watch the eclipse directly, use certified eclipse glasses that meet the ISO 12312-2 standard. Check the glasses before use and don’t use damaged, scratched or creased filters. Children should always be supervised while viewing the eclipse.
An excellent alternative for younger children is a pinhole projector. This projects an image of the Sun onto another surface, meaning nobody needs to look directly at the Sun. You can make a simple version using two pieces of card, or even demonstrate the effect using the gaps in a colander or tree leaves. The Royal Observatory Greenwich describes pinhole projection as one of the safest and cheapest ways to enjoy the eclipse. It is also a great little science activity to do with the children before your day out.
Turn the Eclipse into a Family Day Out
The eclipse is much more than something to look at for a few minutes. Why not make a proper day of it? Head out during the afternoon, explore somewhere new, have a picnic or an early dinner and then find your viewing position before 6 p.m. Give children a notebook and ask them to record what they notice as the eclipse progresses.
What Happens If It is Cloudy?
This is the North West, so naturally there is one thing we can’t control: the weather! Cloud is likely to be the biggest potential problem for eclipse watchers. Keep an eye on the forecast and have a backup plan.
The good news is that the eclipse lasts for a substantial period, so even if clouds temporarily obscure the Sun, you may still get a glimpse later. If the weather completely spoils your plans, the Royal Observatory Greenwich will provide a free online livestream beginning at around 6.10 p.m. This is also a useful option for families who don’t have suitable eclipse glasses.
What to Take With You
If you’re heading out specifically to watch the eclipse, a little preparation will make the evening much easier.
Pack:
- Certified eclipse glasses for everyone who will be viewing directly
- A picnic or snacks
- Drinks
- Blankets or camping chairs
- Warm layers, just in case
- A phone or camera for ordinary landscape photographs
- A notebook and pencils for children
- A torch for the journey home
- A backup plan if the weather changes
Most importantly, don’t use ordinary binoculars or telescopes to look at the Sun unless they have been fitted with the correct specialist solar filter.
Make 12 August a Night to Remember
For North West families, the 12 August 2026 eclipse is a brilliant excuse to get outside during the summer holidays. With more than 90% of the Sun covered in Liverpool and Manchester, it should be an extraordinary sight, particularly as the eclipse happens against the backdrop of a low evening Sun.
You don’t need an expensive trip or specialist equipment. Find somewhere with an open western view, prepare your eclipse glasses, pack a picnic and let the children experience one of nature’s most fascinating spectacles. And if the clouds arrive? Well, that’s the North West for you. Have the Royal Observatory livestream ready as your backup and enjoy the experience together anyway.
