Eyes to the skies: Best places to see the partial solar eclipse in South Tyneside

The rare spectacle of the partial solar eclipse will peak shortly after 7pm – here’s when, where and how to watch it safely

South Tyneside residents will have the chance to witness one of the most spectacular solar eclipses seen from the UK in years on Wednesday evening (August 12).

The eclipse will be total in parts of Greenland, Iceland and Spain, but from the North East it will appear as a very deep partial eclipse, with the moon covering the vast majority of the sun.

For the Sunderland and South Tyneside area, the eclipse is expected to begin at around 6.10pm, reach its maximum at 7.07pm and finish at about 8.01pm – giving viewers almost two hours to catch the spectacle.

But where should you go to get the best view?

Because the sun will already be fairly low in the sky, experts advise finding somewhere with a clear and unobstructed view towards the west-northwest. Given that information, we plugged into AI and asked ChatGPT for some tips.

As elevated ground is particularly useful, Cleadon Hills and Windmill Field are probably your best bet for a good view. South Tyneside Council describes Windmill Field as the highest point in South Tyneside, offering panoramic views across the borough and coast.

That elevation and its open outlook should make it one of the best places locally to find a clear view of the low evening sun.

Another option is The Leas, between South Shields and Marsden. Its huge areas of open clifftop grassland give spectators plenty of room to find a position where buildings and trees do not obscure the western horizon.

Further south, the open ground around Souter Lighthouse and Whitburn Coastal Park is also worth considering.

Where to watch if you’re in Jarrow

Head for the open ground at Monkton Fell, where the lack of buildings and extensive open space should give viewers one of the best chances of catching the low evening sun.

And if you’re stuck in Hebburn?

Hebburn Riverside Park is the standout choice, with its elevated open grassland and extensive views along the River Tyne providing a potentially excellent outlook towards the western sky.

Put your faith in the North East weather

The latest forecast currently suggests intermittent cloud at 6pm and 7pm, with temperatures around 24C at 6pm and 23C when the eclipse reaches its maximum. Conditions become cloudier towards 8pm, so breaks in the cloud could be crucial. To be on the safe side, get the latest weather forecast from the Met Office.