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Solar Eclipse: Preston’s top five places to watch

Posted on - 15th March, 2015 - 12:00pm | Author - | Posted in - Avenham, Moor Park, Opinion, People, Photos, Preston Locations, Preston weather, Riversway, What's On in Preston
Watch the sun set over the Docks

Watch the sun set over the Docks

As Britain prepares to plunge into darkness on March 20, we look at some of the best Preston spots to see the first solar eclipse since 1999 (and experts say the last until 2090!)

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We’ve heard that the further up north you are, the better the view of the eclipse this month. With that, hundreds are flocking to the Faroe Islands, but we’ve narrowed down some local hotspots to catch a glimpse – fingers crossed for clear skies!

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5 – Hoghton Tower 

Hoghton, Nr Preston, PR5 0SH.

Hoghton Tower, in the north of the city is described as “High on a hill in the heart of Lancashire” and so what better way to be close to the action. Standing tall overlooking the countryside, this would be a picturesque spot to watch the solar eclipse. It’s Tudor Elizabethan architecture would surely create beautiful shadows over the surrounding field, with the chance to watch the (hopefully) clear skies work its magic! Why not use it as an opportunity to visit Hoghton Tower ahead of Symphony at the Tower?

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4 – Moor Park 

Preston, PR1 6AS

MoorPark

With Moor Park being the closest to the university, it is probable that a younger audience of space-seekers will gather here to watch the spectacle. It’s also close to the local pubs, if celebrating with a pint at 10 am is your thing.

3 – Avenham Park 

Preston, Pr1 8JT

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Avenham Park old tram bridge Pic: Matthew Laraway

If the Japanese Gardens are not enough to attract you to Avenham Park, perhaps the historical solar eclipse will. The stunning backdrop to our city running alongside the River Ribble will host a beautiful solar eclipse later this month, come rain or shine.

2 – Beacon Fell Country Park 

Goosnargh, Preston, Pr3 2NL

With a summit 266 metres above sea level, Beacon Fell is another gorgeous countryside spot to spend the morning. With conifer woods and moorland as the scenery, this again will be another picturesque landscape to experience the eclipse, and even spend the afternoon exploring afterwards.

1 – Preston docks 

Mariners Way, PR2 2YP

A personal favourite, Preston docks. Where better than to see the solar eclipse across our city’s beautiful waters. The docks look stunning in both daytime, and at night and would be the perfect spot to watch this historic event. It’s a snapshot of our city, did us proud at the Guild and so for me is the ultimate number one Preston hotspot!

 

FACTS:

What you need to know for the Solar Eclipse?

When is it? Friday March 20. 9.30am. Effects will begin to be felt as early as 8.25am but the actual eclipse will only last a couple of minutes.

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What is it? A solar eclipse occurs when the moon passes over the sun, blocking the suns light from the sun to Earth.

What else do you need to know?

It’s important to remember that most of Northern Europe will experience the eclipse, with some places seeing more of it than others. But, remember never look directly into the sun – protect your eyes! As well as darker skies, cooler temperatures and damper air is expected so take precautions if you’re venturing out!

 

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