HOLIDAYMAKERS in the UK don’t have to spend a small fortune flying to Iceland or Lapland to see the Northern Lights.
Over the last year, Brits have been able to spot the Northern Lights all over the UK, with sightings as far south as Cornwall.
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This is thanks to an uptick in solar activity, with stargazers witnessing the strongest displays of the Northern Lights in the last 500 years, according to NASA.
And it looks like 2025 might also be a promising year for solar activity, with the Northern Lights being spotted in south Wales on New Year’s Day.
While the Northern Lights can be visible across the UK, one of the best places to see the Aurora Borealis is Cairngorms National Park in Scotland.
Parts of the Cairngorms have been awarded gold tier “International Dark Sky Park” status by the International Dark-Sky Association.
There are certain spots in the park that are better for looking out for the aurora, with Andy Bateman of Scot Mountain Holidays revealing some of the best places to visit.
He told Visit Cairngorms: “The Cairngorm Mountain car park is a perfect, north facing location. As is Feith Musach, north of Tomintoul.
“Another ideal spot is the Glenlivet Estate.
“Dava Moor, between Grantown-on-Spey and Inverness, is also a good lookout; the hills aren’t particularly high, but they look north.”
The Cairngorms National Park is packed with hotels, lodges and glamping sites where Brits can stay and stargaze.
One of the best hotels in the Scottish national park to see the Northern Lights is the Fife Arms – a boutique five-star hotel.
The hotel was built in the 19th century, and it is located in a region of Scotland that was loved by Queen Victoria.
Its 46 guestrooms are split into seven categories including the Royal Suites, Victoriana Suites and Scottish Culture Rooms.
Guests will be treated to traditional Scottish design and touches of Highland nature in whichever room they choose.
The opulent rooms have four poster beds, lavish furnishings and framed pictures.
Hotel guests can also book the Hunt for the Dark Sky experience where holidaymakers are led through the Cairngorms National Park with a certified astronomer.
A description on the hotel website reads: “With low light pollution, incredible vantage points and vast horizons, it’s the perfect place (weather permitting), to witness the Aurora Borealis”.
Hunt for the Dark Sky Experience starts from £250 per person,
Sun Online Travel have found overnight stays at the Fife Arms from £295 per night.
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Located in the northern tip of the national park, Brits can also book dark sky packages at the Rowan Tree Country Hotel and Restaurant.
A description on its website reads: “Take an evening walk into the local National Park to view our dark skies, away from light pollution our carefully selected stargazing spots offer the magic of sky filled with constellations, shooting stars and the tranquil beauty of the National Park under darkness.”
Sun Online Travel have found from £100 per person for a two-night break in January.
Brits who prefer self-catering breaks can book to stay at Lochan Lodge, which is just a 30-minute drive from the Rowan Tree Country Hotel and Restaurant.
The lodge feature four king bedrooms, two kitchens, lounge areas, two bathrooms, ample parking and lakeside views.
According to the accommodation provider’s website, the best time to visit the lodge for views of the Northern Lights is from October to January.
Weekly rates in the low season start from £795.
Located in the heart of the Scottish Highlands, Cairngorms National Park is an hour’s drive from Aberdeen.
The five best places to see the Northern Lights in or near the UK
- In the UK
Aside from the Shetland Isles, the Cairngorms and Northumbria have great dark skies to spot the lights, with wildlife and walking to enjoy even if you miss them. - By cruise
Hundreds of cruise options are available to see the Northern Lights, with Hurtigruten offering a free voyage if the lights don’t show. - By plane
Evening flights offer a great way to guarantee seeing the Northern Lights, with Omega Breaks providing flights from Gatwick, Birmingham, and Manchester. - From a glass igloo
Stay in an AuroraHut Glass Igloo in Finnish Lapland for a luxurious Northern Lights experience.
Best Served Scandinavia offers packages including snowmobiling, reindeer, and husky safaris. - On a city break
Combine your Northern Lights search with a city break in Reykjavik, Iceland.
A three-night trip includes city exploration, a jeep tour for the lights, and a dip in the Blue Lagoon.
Meanwhile, for those who want to see the northern lights from the sky, there’s unique day trips available from all over the UK.
And this award-winning national park in the UK is another place to spot the aurora.
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