The northern lights have been popping up more frequently than usual in recent years. So, if you’ve had seeing the aurora borealis on your bucket list, there’s no better time to book a trip to do exactly that.
There’s no need to venture to the deepest, darkest corners of Norway or Finland – you can catch an equally spectacular display here in the UK. After the Shetland Islands, which can be especially awkward and expensive to get to, the greatest place to go for the lights – and one of Time Out’s best places to visit in the UK in 2026 – is Caithness, right at the top of mainland Scotland.
Right now, the sun is at the peak of its 11-year cycle and in a state of heightened activity. That means geomagnetic storms, which is what causes the northern lights, are more frequent and more powerful than normal. Charged particles from the sun hit the Earth’s surface and combine with oxygen and nitrogen to create the brilliant greens, purples and blues that we see from down here.
The region is a prime place for the seeing the lights thanks to its high latitude and low light pollution. The solar maximum will hit its peak in April, before activity will start to decrease again. So, next month will be the best time to head up north for the illuminations.
Obviously, catching the display is never 100 percent guaranteed, but there plenty of other things that make Caithness worth the journey – mostly exploring its glorious landscapes.
The Flow Country is the largest blanket bog on the planet and a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. There are several walking trails that can take you through and around it, along which you can look out for residents otters, red foxes and rare birds like the red-throated diver. There’s also the gorgeous golden sands and coastal walks at Scrabster Beach, Dunnet Beach and Sinclair’s Bay.
In the summer you can catch the raucous Highland Games in Halkirk (July 25) and Mey (August 2) featuring bag pipes, traditional dance and kilted athletes throwing hammers and tossing cabers.
To do your aurora borealis trip properly, we recommend finding accommodation in the middle of nowhere. But, for a touch more luxury, our favourite option is the Forss House Hotel in Thurso.
Plus: The best new things to do in the UK in 2026.
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