These days, it’s easy to think you’ve seen it all. Oh, they landed a rocket on a moving comet? No biggie.
But there are thankfully some things that can still take our breath away and it’s often Mother Nature that manages to surprise us when we least expect it. That double rainbow after the storm, the sun setting on our commute home – the things we can’t control still have the ability to surprise and delight us.
Which is one reason why a natural phenomenon called the Northern Lights (or aurora borealis if you want to get technical about it) is on many people’s bucket lists. Nature’s very own theatrical display has seen curious minds travel to the Poles simply to catch a glimpse of this wonderful and bizarre light show.
But you don’t need a sled and pack of dogs to see it. In fact, you can actually see this performance of a lifetime right in the UK.
So, with that in mind, here are a couple of places you can experience this spectacle for yourself.
Stunning Scotland
Undeniably the best place to view the Northern Lights in the UK, Scotland boasts the perfect conditions to catch one of the greatest shows on earth. In general, you want to get away from streetlights and pollution.
The further north you travel the better view you’ll get, so the likes of the Orkney Isles, Shetland and the Outer Hebrides are perfect for intrepid explorers. However, while the colours may be more intense as you travel further afield, you will be able to catch aurora borealis wherever you are in Scotland as long as there is low light pollution and it’s a clear night.
Book a room in our Inverness Travelodge to ensure you have the best chance of enjoying this magnificent natural wonder. Aberdeenshire and Invernesshire are known areas for catching auroras – especially along the coast. If you miss the lights, and you’re staying in Inverness, you can still get your share of spectacle with a boat tour on Loch Ness or a show at Eden Court Theatre.
Breath-taking Tyneside
The Northern Lights have in fact been spotted as far down south as East Anglia, but if you’re set on seeing this natural beauty and don’t fancy Scotland, then a trip to Tyneside should stand you in good stead.
Whitley Bay, where you can escape from the light pollution of Sunderland and Newcastle, is the perfect place to start, with the clear coastal air and spectacular views making it the ideal viewing platform.
And if you’re looking for something for the whole family, why not check in to our Newcastle Travelodge and make a weekend of it? The centre of town’s only 20 minutes’ drive from Whitley Bay’s clean beaches, and you’ll have family attractions like Seven Stories and the Great North Museum on your door.
