Where are the best spots to see Northern Lights in London?

It comes as Aurora Watch UK issued an amber alert, detailing that sightings are likely this evening.

Usually, Scotland is the only part of the UK that is lucky enough to see the wonders of the world, however tonight, even areas of south England, including London will be able to see the display.

The Met Office's forecasts show a cloudy night but with a chance to clear so you can see the Aurora Borealis.

Where are the best spots to see the Northern Lights in London?

Hampstead Observatory

The small observatory is a great space to watch celestial events, with its large telescope and an open roof that make any event easy to watch. 

Plus, if you're interested in more than the Northern Lights, every Friday and Saturday the Observatory opens up for the public to watch the night sky during the summer months. 

Primrose Hill

The hill is one of London's most loved spots, with its offering of spectacular views across the city, it makes a perfect spot to be away from the busy street of London and close to the night sky. 

The elevated nature of the hill allows light pollution not to be a major issue making sure the Northern Lights appear at their brightest. 

Royal Observatory Greenwich

The world-famous observatory is arguably the most popular stargazing spot in the whole of London, making it great to see the aurora.

Thanks to its elevated spot and impressive telescope, it's a perfect spot to watch celestial events take place. 

Although we would recommend bringing some good walking boots to walk up that rather steep hill. 

Ruislip Lido

The lido is a brilliant place to get a dark sky so you can watch the stars all night long.

With its reservoir and the artificial beach, there is little light pollution and much of the glow from the outskirts do not take over the sky. 

Blackheath Common

The large open green space is the perfect place to look up into the night sky, with its 250 acres and away from the bright lights of the city. 

There is also the Flamsteed Astronomy Society which holds meetings on the site once a month and welcomes all amateur stargazers to come along. 

However, it is important to know that Blackheath Common is a private location but you can arrange to have a public event. 

What are the Northern Lights? 

The Aurora is caused by atoms and molecules in our atmosphere colliding with particles from the Sun, according to the Royal Museum Greenwich. 

Adding that the light's wavy patterns are created by force lines in the Earth's magnetic field, with the different colours created by different gasses.

The lowest area of the Aurora is normally around 80 miles from Earth whilst the top could be hundreds of miles above Earth.