See the partial eclipse at Hengistbury Head

See the partial eclipse at Hengistbury Head

Wednesday 12th August 2026 from 18:00pm to 20:00pm

Hengistbury Head Visitor Centre
Hengistbury Head Nature Reserve, Bournemouth, Dorset, BH6 4EN, South West

Join Wessex Astronomical Society and Newbury Astronomical Society for a deep partial solar eclipse watch at Hengistbury Head on the Dorset coast.

From this location, around 95% of the Sun will be obscured by the Moon at maximum eclipse, creating a dramatic and memorable celestial spectacle. Meet us at Hengistbury Head (What3Words: when.beyond.reject) to observe the event alongside fellow astronomy enthusiasts.

Please remember that safe solar viewing is essential. Even during a deep partial eclipse, the Sun remains bright enough to cause permanent eye damage without appropriate solar filters. Fingers crossed for clear skies!


Event organiser

Wessex Astronomical Society

Wessex Astronomical Society is organising this event

Please contact Wessex Astronomical Society directly for more details regarding this event or, if appropriate, contact the event venue.


Event booking

Please book tickets for this event via the Eventbrite website.

Visit event website

Event darkness

The Moon has a big impact on the visibility of celestial bodies in the night sky. Try to plan your stargazing when there is no bright Moon at night as this is when the skies will be at their darkest.

The below chart shows if and when the skies will be at their darkest during this event. Moonlight is shown in light yellow and the Sun's twilight in light blue. Midnight on the date shown is shown as a white line with sunset to the left and sunrise the next morning to the right. A black background with stars shows the best times for stargazing.



Forthcoming events

Below is a list of events at Hengistbury Head Visitor Centre. View these events on our calendar, add them to your calendar or Google Calendar.

  • See the partial eclipse at Hengistbury Head

    Wednesday 12th August 2026 from 18:00pm to 20:00pm

    Hengistbury Head Visitor Centre, Bournemouth, BH6 4EN

    More info
  • See the Perseids meteors at Hengistbury Head

    Wednesday 12th August 2026 from 20:30pm to 23:00pm

    Hengistbury Head Visitor Centre, Bournemouth, BH6 4EN

    More info
  • Stargazing workshop at Hengistbury Head

    Wednesday 18th November 2026 from 18:00pm to 20:00pm

    Hengistbury Head Visitor Centre, Bournemouth, BH6 4EN

    More info

Stay and gaze nearby

Stay at one of these stargazing-friendly accommodation providers.

  • Old Harry – Swanage

    Burlington Road, Swanage, Dorset, BH19 1LT, South West England (10.8 miles away)

    Stay & Gaze

    More info
  • Cosy Oak Yurt – Cranborne Chase

    Coombe Bissett, Salisbury, Wiltshire, SP5 4LP (20.5 miles away)

    Stay & Gaze

    More info