20/07/2026
South West England (Cornwall / Plymouth / Truro): This region gets some of the best views in mainland Britain. The eclipse begins at 6:18pm, hits a maximum coverage of 95% to 96% at 7:16pm, and ends at 8:10pm.
Skywatchers in Cornwall are preparing for the BEST views in mainland Britain as a near-total solar eclipse prepares to plunge the county into an eerie early twilight. 🌒
People in Cornwall will see up to 96% of the Sun blocked out in the greatest solar eclipse visible from the UK since 1999. 🌑
The solar eclipse will happen on Wednesday, August 12, as the moon passes directly between the Earth and the Sun.
But the South West is set to get the most spectacular display of the power of nature.
Cornwall, Plymouth and Truro will experience a massive 95% to 96% coverage, giving the region the best views anywhere in mainland Britain.
The sky will not go completely black, but the intense coverage will create an eerie early twilight and a noticeable dip in the temperature for a while.
Parts of Europe like Iceland and Northern Spain will get a total eclipse that entirely turns day to night.
Yet this still remains the greatest Sun cover seen from the UK and Ireland since the famous 1999 eclipse.
A spokesman for Royal Museums Greenwich explained exactly what people can expect to experience as the afternoon goes on.
They said: "At the maximum, enough of the Sun will be covered to make a noticeable difference in the temperature and light levels."
"However, unlike with a total eclipse, the sky will not become dark – it will feel more like a cloudy day or close to dusk or dawn."
In the South West, the astronomical event begins at 6:18pm before hitting its absolute peak at 7:16pm.
Experts advise finding a high point with a clear view of the western horizon to see the whole sequence before it finishes at 8:10pm.
Because the Sun is never completely covered, anyone looking up must use certified ISO 12312-2 eclipse glasses, as regular sunglasses will not protect your eyes.
