Recent studies show searches for accommodation in Northern Lights hotspots like Norway have more than doubled, reflecting the rise of ‘noctourism’ as travellers seek unique experiences under darkened skies. However, research suggests you may not need to leave the UK to see the auroras. So, where in the UK are the most beautiful cities to spot the Northern Lights?
To find out, Betway has analysed prime Northern Lights hotspots across the UK, evaluating factors such as reported sightings, cloud cover, light pollution, visibility, and proximity to the North Pole to uncover the most breathtaking locations for aurora enthusiasts.
| Rank | City | Number of reported observations | Annual average cloud cover (%) | Light pollution (SQM score) | Annual average visibility (km) | Distance to North Pole (mi) |
| 1 | Durham | 447 | 51.6 | 19.3 | 9.0 | 2,434 |
| 2 | Edinburgh | 674 | 57.3 | 18.5 | 8.8 | 2,353 |
| 3 | Lancaster | 309 | 56.7 | 20.0 | 9.0 | 2,484 |
| 4 | Newcastle upon Tyne | 447 | 52.3 | 18.0 | 9.0 | 2,420 |
| 5 | Brighton | 73 | 48.3 | 19.0 | 9.8 | 2,704 |
| 6 | Colchester | 168 | 51.3 | 19.5 | 9.1 | 2,633 |
| 7 | Belfast | 477 | 59.5 | 18.3 | 9.0 | 2,446 |
| 8 | Norwich | 220 | 49.9 | 18.9 | 8.8 | 2,582 |
| 9 | Chester | 231 | 54.3 | 19.1 | 9.0 | 2,543 |
| 10 | Lincoln | 229 | 55.8 | 19.2 | 8.8 | 2,541 |
Key findings from the study:
- For those seeking the beauty of “Noctourism” without venturing abroad, Durham stands out as the most beautiful UK city to witness the Northern Lights. With an impressive 447 reported sightings, it offers one of the best opportunities to experience this breathtaking phenomenon.
- With 674 sightings and just over 57% cloud cover, Edinburgh ranks as the second most beautiful destination in the UK for catching a glimpse of the Northern Lights.
- Manchester is the city where residents are least likely to see the Northern Lights, with a fairly high annual cloud cover (61.4%) and high light pollution.
