This Wednesday evening, August 12, brings a rare astronomical sight to the North West. A deep partial solar eclipse will cover nearly 93% of the sun, giving us our most dramatic eclipse in over a decade.
Because peak eclipse happens in the early evening – starting at 6:13pm and reaching its maximum at 7:11pm – the sun will sit low over the western horizon. If you want a clear line of sight, Sefton’s west-facing coastline is the place to be.
Here are five great spots across the borough to watch the sky darken this week.
1. Crosby Beach & Promenade
Crosby gives you a completely open view across the Irish Sea. The low evening sun means the eclipse plays out right over the water. Setting up near Antony Gormley’s Another Place statues makes for incredible photos, provided you use proper solar filters over your camera lens.
If you want to avoid crowds, the promenade running between Waterloo and Blundellsands offers miles of paved walking space with the same open view.
- Logistics: Shore car parks at Burbo Bank and Mariners Road fill up fast. Aim to arrive before 5:45pm, or take the Merseyrail to Waterloo or Blundellsands & Crosby stations and walk down. Always check the tide times before heading out and stay within 50 metres from the promenade.
2. Formby Beach & Lifeboat Road Dunes
Formby’s high sand dunes offer elevated views out to sea, clearing any low-lying vegetation. Clambering up the large dunes at the end of Lifeboat Road or Victoria Road puts you well above the coastline.
- Logistics: The main National Trust car parks close early and queue up quickly on summer evenings. To save hassle, catch the train to Formby Station and walk or cycle in. Remember to stick strictly to marked paths to protect the fragile dune system, and don’t try viewing from inside the pine woods, the trees block the western horizon entirely.
3. Southport Marine Lake & Promenade
If you prefer a flat, family-friendly spot, Southport seafront works brilliantly. The lawns around Kings Gardens and the long stretch along Marine Lake offer wide-open views across the salt marshes and out to sea.
You also have the bonus of nearby food stalls and ice cream kiosks if you’re waiting around for the 7:11pm peak.
4. Ainsdale Beach
Ainsdale’s massive expanse of flat sand makes it one of the easiest places to find room. At low tide, the shore recedes far enough to give you a clean, unobstructed view straight into the setting sun’s path without anyone blocking your sightline.
5. Local Green Spaces: Victoria Park & Rimrose Valley
If you want to stay off the sand, head for open parkland:
- Victoria Park (Southport): The main central fields offer clear views away from tall streetlights and buildings.
- Churchtown Botanic Gardens: Stick to the main lawn directly behind the conservatory to keep clear of the surrounding tree line.
- Rimrose Valley (Waterloo/Litherland): The elevated paths running along the valley ridge give south-borough residents an surprisingly clear line of sight toward the coast.
Key Timings for Sefton (Wednesday 12 August 2026)
- 6:13pm: Partial eclipse begins.
- 7:11pm: Peak eclipse (~93% of the sun covered). Expect a noticeable drop in air temperature and a dimming, twilight effect.
- 8:04pm: Eclipse ends.
Eye Safety Warning
Looking directly at the sun without real protection causes permanent eye damage. Standard sunglasses will not protect you.
- Eclipse Glasses: Use glasses rated ISO 12312-2.
- Indirect Viewing: If you don’t have glasses, poke a small pinhole through a piece of card (or use a kitchen colander) to project the crescent shape onto the ground or a second sheet of paper.
- Cameras & Optics: Never look through a camera viewfinder, telescope, or binoculars without a dedicated, front-mounted solar filter.