The best places in the UK to see the last 8pm sunset next week from seaside piers to ancient volcano
WHETHER you’re looking forward to cooler days or you’re going to miss the summer heatwave, autumn is on the horizon, quite literally.
Next Thursday, the sun will go down at 8pm for the last time until 2027 -so where should you go to make the most of it?
Photo printing company CEWE and travel photographer Bella Falk have revealed the best UK spots to see a sunset and it turns out we’ve been to a lot of them.
In top spot is Arthur‘s Seat, an ancient volcano in Edinburgh which is a popular hiking destination.
It’s in Holyrood Park at the end of Edinburgh’s Royal Mile but you will have to put in effort to see the sunset.
The circular hike is around 2.9miles and can take up to two hours.
Travel Reporter Cyann Fielding who made the journey to Edinburgh and saw the sun setting from Arthur‘s Seat gave us an insight into what it’s like.
She explained: “Edinburgh is a pretty city already, add in Arthur’s Seat and you get the best of both worlds – a city and the countryside.
“Arthur’s Seat is actually an ancient volcano that did erupt around 340 to 350 million years ago and if you head to the top you will find the main peak, which was formed from a lava flow.
“The hike takes between an hour and a half and two hours and is a circular route. You’ll see many people as it is a popular spot, but never feels too crowded.
“Once at the top, the views are endless of the green park below, the historic city centre and out to sea as well. Make the hike even better by going at sunset when I did.
“Despite being a cloudy day, the glow of the sun behind the clouds gently dimmed with undisturbed views all around. It was a spectacle to see, before enjoying the walk back down the volcano to a cosy coffee shop.”
In second position is seeing the sunset from Southwold Pier.
The town in Suffolk has unobstructed skies across the coast where visitors can see pink and orange hues across the North Sea.
Travel Reporter Alice Penwill spent many weekends on the Suffolk coast.
She said: “Southwold holds a special place in my heart because of the sheer amount of weekends I’ve had there with my family over the years and I always make sure to stay for the sunset.
“The clear views across the coast mean you can see for miles out to sea and when the sun goes down, the sky transforms and it’s just beautiful.
“Next time I’m going to bag myself a spot at the very end of the pier rather than from the sands.”
Assistant Travel Editor Sophie Swietochowski said: “There’s a reason Durdle Door is plastered on so many pretty postcards and Dorset holiday adverts.
“The striking structure, jutting out from a small beach, is a brilliant example of what makes Britain’s coastal countryside so spectacular – and it’s best enjoyed at sun down.
“Instead of clambering down the wonky steps to the shore, I’d recommend taking a pew at the top of the cliff where you’ll have a prime view of the rocky door and the sun setting just beyond it.
“From up here, you can watch the waves slowly roll in and the stream of orange light spreading across the sands until it dips beyond the horizon.”
If you’re more of a hiker, Contours Walking Holidays has listed some of the UK’s Best Sunset Walks.
Mam Tor in the Peak District, otherwise known as the Shivering Mountain, is one of their top picks for watching the sunset.
In the south of England, you’re likely to catch a glimpse of the sunset along the South West Coast Path which stretches on for 630 miles.
Check out the views along the High Cliffs of Exmoor or tucked away at Kynance Cove.
Here’s the full top 10 list of where to see the UK sunsets…
CREWE revealed its top 10 places to see the sunset in the UK…
1. Arthur’s Seat, Edinburgh
2. Southwold Pier, Suffolk
3. Durdle Door, Lulworth, Dorset
4. Golden Jubilee Bridges, London
5. Catbells, Keswick, Lake District
6. Mam Tor, Castleton, Peak District
7. Richmond Park, London
8. Giant’s Causeway, County Antrim
9. Fishguard Lower Town Harbour, Pembrokeshire
10. Sandbanks, Poole, Dorset