Where you can see the Summer Solstice in London 2023

The longest day of the year is just hours away, as thousands head to the historic site of Stonehenge to grab a glimpse of the summer solstice. 

With celebrations expected to be high for all those that mark the annual event, many might be heading out of work a little early to witness the solstice. 

If you want to see the summer solstice but don’t fancy the trip down to Stonehenge, then you are in luck. 

As we’ve found the perfect spot in London where you can see the annual event in all its beauty.  

Where to see the Summer Solstice in London?

Primrose Hill

If you’re hoping to see the solstice in London, you will want to travel to high ground such as Primrose Hill. With impressive panoramic views of London on offer you will get a spectacular show of the sunrise and sunset. Plenty of people flock to the hill every year to see the solstice at dawn and dusk and celebrate the occasion. 

Greenwich Park

Climb to the top of Greenwich’s Parks Hill at the Royal Observatory and you will get amazing views. Across the Thames and more, being at the Observatory will also give you a mini science lesson the solstice and why its important. 

The Shard

Although you will have to pay to see the view, The Shard does offer a view unlike any other. With 360 degrees of London around you and the highest point in the capital.

When is the Summer Solstice 2023 UK? 

This year the Summer Solstice will take place on Wednesday, June 21 at 3.58pm, according to Royal Museums Greenwich.

Why do solstices happen?

Solstices occur due to the Earth rotating on its axis, producing the day and night cycle, whilst it also orbits around the Sun.

Royal Museums Greenwich states: “However, the axis of rotation of the Earth is not lined up with the axis of motion around the Sun. Instead, it is tilted slightly at 23.44°.1.

“This tilt means that during one half of the year, the North side of the Earth is tilted slightly towards the Sun and the South is tilted away. For the other half of the year, the reverse is true.

“At the exact moment that the northern hemisphere is most tilted towards the Sun, the northern hemisphere experiences its summer solstice. The southern hemisphere, by contrast, has its winter solstice.”