20/07/2026
For my guests staying with us on 12th August, put this in your diaries!
DON'T FORGET THIS DATE 12 AUGUST 2026
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Good evening everyone,
If you're a fan of astronomy, sunsets, rare sky events, or simply enjoy looking upwards and saying "wow," then make sure you put this date in your diary now.
Wednesday 12th August 2026
On that evening, Europe will witness its first total solar eclipse of the century, an event that will attract thousands of skywatchers, photographers and weather enthusiasts from around the world.
Now, before everyone starts booking flights and caravans, I should point out that Cornwall won't be in the path of totality, so we won't experience daytime darkness like parts of Spain and Iceland will. However, that doesn't mean we're missing out.
In fact, Cornwall will have one of the best views anywhere in the UK.
The far west of Cornwall will experience an impressive partial solar eclipse, with the Sun appearing as a giant glowing crescent hanging low above the western horizon as the evening progresses.
And because the eclipse occurs close to sunset, it has the potential to create some truly spectacular photographs if the weather behaves itself.
What exactly is a solar eclipse?
A solar eclipse occurs when the Moon passes directly between the Earth and the Sun, temporarily blocking some or all of the Sun's light.
For those in the path of totality, the Moon completely covers the Sun, turning day into an eerie twilight for a few minutes.
Here in Cornwall, we'll see a large bite seemingly taken out of the Sun, creating a dramatic crescent shape as the Moon slides across its face.
The next total solar eclipse visible from the UK won't occur until September 2090, meaning many of us may never get another opportunity to witness anything quite like this from our shores.
Best Viewing Locations
Because the eclipse happens late in the day, you'll need a clear and uninterrupted view towards the west-northwest horizon.
Some of the best locations include:
Land's End
Cape Cornwall
The cliffs around Pendeen
The coastal paths around Penzance
Elevated west-facing locations across Penwith
Anywhere with a clear sea horizon will give you the best chance of seeing the eclipse unfold.
Key Times for Cornwall
Partial Eclipse Begins: 18:18 BST
Maximum Eclipse: 19:16 BST
Partial Eclipse Ends: 20:09 BST
At maximum eclipse, the Sun will be only around 13 degrees above the horizon, making for an incredible sight if skies remain clear.
Of course, this is Cornwall we're talking about.
The eclipse is still over a month away, but if history has taught us anything, it's that the weather forecast discussion will probably start about six weeks beforehand.
Half of Cornwall will be hoping for crystal-clear skies.
The other half will already be preparing themselves emotionally for a stubborn bank of sea fog to drift in at exactly 7:15pm!
As many of you know, low cloud and sea fog love our coastline during summer evenings, especially when warm air passes over cooler seas. So while astronomers will be looking at the Sun, weather enthusiasts will probably be staring nervously at satellite images and fog forecasts.
Either way, it's going to be one of the biggest skywatching events of the decade.
So save the date, tell your friends, and let's hope Cornwall's weather decides to cooperate for once.
More updates and reminders as we get closer to the event.
Kind regards,
KWT Dave
Smudge's Eclipse Verdict:
"I've studied the long-range forecast carefully. My professional opinion is there will be a perfectly timed patch of fog arriving five minutes before maximum eclipse."
Gus's Eclipse Verdict:
"Humans are funny. You've got over a year to prepare and you'll still spend the entire day checking weather apps. Personally, I'll be napping until someone confirms whether we can actually see it!"
