This week will see the arrival of the summer solstice and with it the longest day of the year, each year this important date is celebrated all around the northern hemisphere with people gathering to celebrate that big yellow ball in the sky.
While Stonehenge is the focus of the celebrations down south, in Scotland it's the perfect excuse to get out and rediscover some of the best places to enjoy a sunrise or sunset.
With that in mind, holiday park operator, Verdant Leisure, has analysed Trip Advisor reviews, weather reports, social figures and distance from car parks to reveal the 10 best, and just as stunning, Stonehenge alternatives that offer the best views of the sun, at the start and end of each day.
And, unsurprisingly, the two Scottish entries in the top 10 for the UK are both in Edinburgh and the Lothians.
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While Arthur's Seat and the Salisbury Crags were an obvious pick for the top spot, another hidden gem beach in East Lothian was also included with Belhaven Beach being described as a "small paradise".
Speaking about the stunning beach, which is the home to the now iconic ‘bridge to nowhere’, the team wrote: "Only a short distance from Edinburgh, this beach has a 4.5 rating on Trip Advisor, and is a must-see sight for sunrise seekers who also want to take in views of the coast.
"A quieter and more tranquil sunrise setting, the beach offers a breathtaking panoramic view of the sky, allowing you to take in every minute of the sun coming up next to the waves. If you’re lucky enough to be there for the whole day, you can catch the sunset and stroll out to the bridge when the tide is out."
While those looking to stay closer to the city, a wee jaunt up Arthur's Seat (take a few torches and sturdy footwear and stick to the trails) is described as a "fantastic selfie spot" with views out over the capital as the sun rises or sets in the background.
Francesca Houldsworth, travel expert at Verdant Leisure commented: “Along with the excitement that builds around summer, the UK provides so many diverse locations where you can visit to watch sunrises and sunsets. From the tops of mountains to beaches and country parks, we want these moments to be as memorable as possible, so choosing the location that best fits your lifestyle is essential.
“Whether you want somewhere closer to home, or you’re willing to take a road trip, or even a minibreak, make sure to get there with plenty of time before the sunrise, and have a camera to hand to capture the magical moment.”
Here are the top 10 locations that you should visit for the ultimate sunrise scenes:
This list is compiled of sandy stretches of beaches, and mountainous hills and ruins, covering a vast range of locations, that can be enjoyed throughout the summer season.
Name |
Rainfall |
Walk distance |
Location tags |
Insta hashtags |
TikTok hashtags |
TripAdvisor rating |
No. of reviews |
Arthur's Seat, Edinburgh |
72 |
3.00 |
252000 |
298000 |
6900000 |
4.5 |
21575 |
Primrose Hill, London |
64 |
4.00 |
351000 |
294000 |
42400000 |
4.5 |
2095 |
Dartmoor National Park, Devon |
59 |
6.4 |
91000.00 |
174000.00 |
91800000 |
4.80 |
14403.00 |
Ullswater, Lake District, Cumbria |
75 |
1.00 |
113000 |
4000000 |
10900000 |
5.0 |
394 |
Seven Sisters, Sussex |
55 |
4.00 |
214000 |
359557 |
20900000 |
5.0 |
1361 |
Mam Tor, Derbyshire |
61 |
0.70 |
143000 |
121000 |
13500000 |
4.5 |
185 |
Malvern Hills, Herefordshire |
49 |
9.00 |
66900 |
186000 |
2500000 |
5.0 |
1006 |
Hadrian's Wall, Northumberland |
46 |
12 |
37000 |
131000 |
8300000 |
4.5 |
713 |
Belhaven Beach, East Lothian |
45 |
5.5 |
12800.00 |
1000.00 |
8661 |
4.50 |
171.00 |
Whitby Abbey, Yorkshire |
61 |
1.00 |
100 |
106000 |
3800000 |
4.5 |
5807 |
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