Best places in UK to see Northern Lights as phenomenon was visible in Britain last night

Some lucky Brits were treated to a stunning spectacle in the skies last night as the Northern Lights made a surprise appearance on the UK coast.

Stargazers in Dorset got a lot more than they bargained for on Tuesday (16 April), as they were left stunned when they spotted a stunning purple glow staining the skyline.

Residents rushed out onto the streets of Bournemouth to admire the extraordinary-looking aurora borealis 'dancing across the skies', while excitedly sharing snaps of their incredible view to social media.

Waves of lilac literally lit up the sky last night and the results were particularly impressive in less cloudy areas.

The Northern Lights, which usually only emerge within the Arctic circle, are a result of a coronal mass ejection', which the Met Office explains is the large expulsion of plasma from the sun's corona.

When these particles hit our atmosphere, they create the aurora and us Earthlings get to enjoy the natural phenomenon.

The Northern Lights have been spotted in the UK. (Getty Stock Photo)

A manager at the Met's Space Weather Operations Centre, Krista Hammond, said Brits should expect the Northern Lights to turn up unannounced more often.

She explained: "Over the coming years, as we continue towards the solar maximum, we can expect to see an increase in the frequency of space weather events, with more chances to see the aurora borealis over the UK."

So seen as though we have plenty of time to plan out the perfect place to sit and gawp at the incredible display up above, why not get ahead of the game and choose your ideal location before everyone else does.

We all know that the further north you are, the better - whether in the UK or elsewhere.

But what areas are known as a Northern Lights hotspot with a belting view?

Well, let's find out.

Shetland Islands

As well as boasting a stunning natural landscape and plenty of interesting wildlife, the Shetland Islands are also the perfect place to get a glimpse of the aurora borealis - or 'Mirrie Dancers', as the locals dub them.

Bypass the town for a rural spot and pray it's not a night with a full moon when you head to this archipelago which is situated between Orkney, the Faroe Islands, and Norway.

The Northern Lights are most visible between mid-October and March.

The Shetland Islands in Scotland are a good shout. (Getty stock image)

Conwy

The ideal conditions to get a good look at the Northern Lights are a dark and clear sky - paired with a destination that doesn't have a lot of light pollution.

Which is why North Wales' national park Eryri, formerly known as Snowdonia, is an ideal spot to see the incredible sight.

Declared a dark sky reserve in 2015, there's no annoying glares spoiling your view of the aurora borealis and Llyn Geirionydd lake is said to be the most tranquil location to star gaze from.

Norfolk

This village on the north coast of Norfolk might be a lesser-known location, but it's still a brilliant place to see the spectacle in the skies.

Residents in Brancaster Staithe are often blessed with the beautiful phenomenon up above and locals have been able to see it with the naked eye.

On top of that, it's a cute little place to visit where you can hike, camp, fish, sail and birdwatch while you're waiting for the aurora borealis to show up.

To see the Northern Lights you need a clear, dark sky. (Getty Stock Photo)

North Yorkshire

As if you needed any more reasons to love Yorkshire, it's also a glorious spot to stare at the Northern Lights.

With a stunning landscape, dramatic scenery and low light pollution, what more could you ask for?

They've been spotted in various parts, but Whitby is said to be the best place to spot them in the Dales.

County Antrim

Scotland is a sure-fire place to see the Northern Lights as we all know.

But it turns out Ballycastle in Northern Ireland offers the best view of the natural phenomenon when it comes out to play, which is less than an hour's drive from Belfast's airport.

Cumbria

As well as being a brilliant place to getaway to for the weekend, the Lake District is also a great spot to see the Northern Lights after a long walk through the hills.

Locals reckon that the lake next to Keswick, Derwentwater, is an underrated destination for sky gazers.

Expect lungs full of fresh air and a sight to remember.

Topics: UK News, News, Weather, Space, Science

Olivia Burke

Olivia is a journalist at LADbible Group with more than five years of experience and has worked for a number of top publishers, including News UK. She also enjoys writing food reviews (as well as the eating part). She is a stereotypical reality TV addict, but still finds time for a serious documentary.

@livburke_