Solar Eclipse UK: Best places in the Black Country to watch the rare phenomenon

People across the West Midlands will be looking to the skies on Wednesday evening as one of the most significant solar eclipses visible from the UK in decades takes place.

The partial solar eclipse on August 12 will be visible from across the region, with the eclipse reaching its maximum at around 7.11pm.

But because the sun will be sitting relatively low in the western sky, finding the right spot could make all the difference.

Here are some of the West Midland’s best options for finding an open view.

Baggeridge Country Park, Dudley

Baggeridge Country Park is one of the strongest options for people in the Dudley area looking for an outdoor setting.

The large country park, off Gospel End Road, has plenty of open countryside and is away from the densest parts of the urban area.

With the eclipse taking place towards the western horizon, visitors should look for a position with as few trees and other obstructions as possible.

The park is currently listed as open until 8pm, so anyone planning to watch should arrive well before the eclipse reaches its maximum at around 7.11pm.

Priory Park, Dudley

Priory Park is another option close to Dudley town centre.

The park is open from early morning until 10pm, making it suitable for the timing of the eclipse.

Its open green spaces provide opportunities to find a position away from buildings, although visitors should check their chosen spot has a clear view towards the west.

This could be a convenient choice for people who do not want to travel far from Dudley.

Leasowes Park, Halesowen

Leasowes Park offers another countryside setting in the southern Black Country.

The historic landscape around Halesowen provides a more rural alternative to watching the eclipse from within a built-up area.

Its combination of open areas and undulating landscape means visitors should take a little time to find a position where the western horizon is not blocked.

The park is listed as open 24 hours, giving eclipse watchers plenty of time around the event.

Bantock Park, Wolverhampton

Bantock Park could be one of the more useful options for Wolverhampton residents.

The city council describes the western part of the park as mostly open space, retaining a more rural character with gently undulating ground, hedgerows and trees.

That open character makes it particularly worth considering for an eclipse where the sun will be low towards the west.

Bantock Park is listed as open until 8.30pm, giving visitors enough time to see the eclipse reach its peak before the park closes.

West Park, Wolverhampton

West Park is another central Wolverhampton option.

The 45-acre Victorian park is described by Wolverhampton Council as the city's premier open space, with a large landscaped area and lake.

Its location close to the city centre makes it particularly accessible, although people should choose their position carefully because trees and other features could obstruct a low western view.

The park is currently listed as open until 9pm, so there should be sufficient time to watch the eclipse.

Walsall Arboretum

Walsall Arboretum is a major green space in the heart of Walsall and another option for local sky watchers.

Walsall Council says the site covers around 170 acres, including the arboretum, country park and extension, with extensive green space.

However, its many mature trees mean visitors will need to be selective about where they stand. The priority should be finding a clear line of sight towards the western horizon rather than simply finding an open patch of grass.

Walsall Council says its parks and green spaces are open 24 hours a day, although on-site car parks have separate closing times.

Reedswood Park, Walsall

Reedswood Park provides another option for people in Walsall.

It is a smaller urban park than some of the country parks on this list, so the quality of the view will depend heavily on exactly where you position yourself.

Anyone choosing Reedswood should arrive early enough to identify a spot with the clearest possible view towards the west.

The park is currently listed as open until 8pm, which covers the key part of the eclipse but leaves little time after the event ends.

What makes a good eclipse viewing spot?

Wherever you choose to watch from, the most important thing is not necessarily the biggest or most famous park.

The eclipse will occur relatively low in the western sky, meaning trees, buildings and hills can easily block the view.

Astronomers are advising people to find somewhere with a clear, unobstructed western horizon.

The eclipse will begin at around 6.15pm, reach maximum eclipse at approximately 7.11pm and finish at about 8.05pm in the Dudley, Walsall and Wolverhampton area.

That means it is worth arriving early rather than turning up just before the maximum and discovering that the Sun is hidden behind a row of trees or buildings.

And remember your eclipse glasses

Wherever you watch from, never look directly at the sun without suitable eye protection.

Ordinary sunglasses do not provide enough protection. Use properly certified solar eclipse glasses or an approved solar filter designed for viewing the sun.

The eclipse is expected to be one of the most impressive astronomical events visible from the UK for a generation, with the moon covering a large proportion of the Sun from the Black Country.

So whether you're in Dudley, Halesowen, Wolverhampton, Walsall or Sandwell, it could be worth finding a clear patch of sky and looking west on Wednesday evening.