Beautiful places in Britain to watch the sunrise

Dawn views worth an early start

There is something incredibly joyful about watching a new day dawn, particularly if you’re viewing it in a beauty spot. Here are some prime places around Britain to watch the sunrise – you’ll need to get up early to catch them but it's worth it. The spectacle will leave you well and truly invigorated for the day ahead...

Read on to uncover the best sunrise spots in the British Isles...

Stonehenge, Wiltshire, England

Watching the sun rise between the colossal prehistoric stone circle at Stonehenge is a magical experience. Thousands congregate every year to watch the new day dawn over the ancient landscape during the winter and summer solstices. But it’s a sight to behold on any day of the year. You can book special experiences through English Heritage that grant access to the stone circle outside of normal opening times to see the sunrise (and sunset) – times and group number are restricted and there’s a fee. Stay at Rollestone Manor.

Isle of Skye, Inner Hebrides, Scotland

Watching the sun appear over the tranquil waters of the sea loch at Portree is a wonderful way to start a day's explorations in this incredible isle. The top of the Quiraing – strange pinnacles in the Trotternish Ridge at the far north of Skye – is another fantastic place to watch the sunrise, although it requires some effort to get up there. It's worth it, though, for the sight of the sun rising over the extraordinary landscape. Stay at Cuillin Hills Hotel in Portree.

River Thames, central London, England

Forget Waterloo sunsets, it's all about London Bridge sunrises. On the right day, the vibrant colours streaking the sky above the stretch of the Thames from London Bridge towards Tower Bridge (pictured) are a jaw-droppingly beautiful sight. The various hues of red, orange and yellow not only reflect in the river but in the glass windows of the surrounding high-rise buildings too. And what's more, the bustling city is at its most peaceful at this time of the morning. Stay at Ibis London Blackfriars.

Peak District National Park, Derbyshire, England

The top of the Mam Tor, a 1,696-foot (517m) hill near Castleton in the rugged Peak District, takes some beating when it comes to dramatic settings for sunrise-gazing. Follow the two-hour circular trail around the ridgeway to the viewpoint, where you can drink in the beautiful scenery stretching north over the Edale Valley to Kinder Scout and the Derwent Moors. Stay at the Rambler Inn in Castleton.

Dartmoor National Park, Devon, England

For an appealingly lonely setting, it has to be Dartmoor National Park where you can watch the light creep over the mist-covered moorland from lofty viewpoints such as Rowtor – a large tor (rocky peak) on the north moors. This wild and beautiful landscape is a majestic place for an early morning stroll when the colours and shadows are particularly dramatic. You may even be joined by a herd of grazing wild ponies. Stay at the Rock Inn in Haytor Vale.

Start Point, Devon, England

Jutting out a mile into the sea, this peninsula is the most southerly point in Devon. Follow a short but scenic 1.2-mile (2km) walk from the car park to the historic lighthouse, which was built in 1836, and watch the sun drift up above the English Channel. When the day has dawned, you can also see the remains of Hallsands Village, which was wrecked by storms in 1917, and the Daymark Tower on the Dart Estuary. You may even spot the Isle of Portland right along the coast on a clear day. Stay at 5 Prospect House in Beesands, or any of the self-catering cottages in the area.

Tenby, Pembrokeshire, Wales

Beat the crowds of beachgoers in this busy little seaside town on the Pembrokeshire coast and get up early to watch the sunrise. Top spots include Castle Hill and Harbour Beach, where you can watch the sun slowly illuminate the harbour, St Catherine’s Fort and Caldey Island in the distance. You can also be first in line for a no-frills cooked breakfast at the wonderfully old-fashioned Dennis Café on Castle Beach. Stay at Croyland Guest House.

Mousehole, Cornwall, England

You'd be hard pressed to better this pretty-as-a-picture Cornish fishing village for a sunrise-watching location. Get up early and head down to the little harbour to watch the sky gradually colour orange and red above the little fishing boats bobbing on the water and St Clement's Isle, a tiny rocky islet just offshore. And don’t forget your camera – this one is bound to be a framer. Stay at one of the many holiday cottages in the area, such as The Net Loft.

Corfe Castle, Dorset, England

Watch the sunrise over the eerie ruins of Corfe Castle in the Isle of Purbeck, a beautiful headland in Dorset. The 11th-century fortress, which sits high above the pretty stone village of the same name, looks like something out of a legend at this time of day, especially on a misty morning. Feeling energised by your early start? Follow the Purbeck Ridgeway trail from the ruins towards Old Harry Rocks for incredible views of Poole Harbour and Swanage. Stay at Mortons Manor.

Penarth, Glamorgan, Wales

It’s hard to beat a coastal location when it comes to sunrise spots and the Welsh seaside town of Penarth, near Cardiff, has the welcome addition of a picturesque pier. Take a stroll along the seafront as the light starts to illuminate the Bristol Channel. Linger a while on the sand until the cafe on the pier opens and ease into the day with a cuppa as you soak in more panoramic views across the estuary. Stay at Holm House Hotel.

Arthur’s Seat, Edinburgh, Scotland

A short but at times strenuous stroll takes you up to the summit of Arthur’s Seat, an ancient volcano at the bottom of the Royal Mile that overlooks the historic city. Sunrise is a wonderful time to make the ascent to this popular walking spot. As the sun comes up, you’ll be in prime position for awesome views over Edinburgh's handsome streets and famous monuments, as well as Leith and across the Firth of Forth to Fife. Stay at the Radisson Blu.

Cromer, Norfolk, England

All the beaches along this stretch of north Norfolk are fabulous spots for sunrise, but there’s something particularly appealing about the seaside town of Cromer. Set up camp on the beach in the early hours of a clear morning and watch the vast East Anglian night sky change through varying shades of pinks, purples and oranges to brilliant blue. The wide sandy beach and old-fashioned pier are wonderful early morning spots, where you’ll have only seagulls, a few hardy fishermen and dog walkers for company before the beachgoers descend. There are some great camping and glamping spots along this coast, or plump for the Red Lion Hotel.

Wells-next-the-Sea, Norfolk, England

Watch the sky start to blush pink and gradually lighten as bird song fills the air in the salt marshes around Wells-next-the-Sea. This haven for birds on the fantastic north Norfolk coast is a wonderful place to be in the early hours of the morning. The wide sweep of Wells beach with its pretty little beach huts is a special spot too. Stay at Bang in Wells.

Ness Point, Suffolk, England

Suffolk’s coastline is the first part of Britain to see the sunrise and Ness Point, a small peninsula near Lowestoft, is the country’s most easterly point. Get here when it’s dark and you’ll be right in line for uninterrupted views of the sun rising out of the North Sea. Stay at the aptly named Sunrise Cottage in Lowestoft.

Southwold, Suffolk, England

An endearing coastal town with its wide sandy beach, old-fashioned pier, colourful beach huts and sea defences, Southwold is another picturesque place for sunrise-gazing in East Anglia. Head to the sands to capture a gorgeous shot of the day dawning behind the pretty Victorian pier. Stay at The Swan Hotel.

Dovercourt Bay, Essex, England

A beautiful Blue Flag bay near the maritime town of Harwich on the Essex coast, Dovercourt certainly delivers dazzling views of the new day dawning. Watch the sky illuminate behind the beach’s two beautiful cast-iron stilted lighthouses. Stay at The Pier Hotel in old Harwich.

Botany Bay, Kent, England

White cliffs, chalk stacks, old smuggler coves and a vast expanse of sand make Botany Bay a pretty fantastic beach at any time of day. But add a spectacular sunrise into the mix and it’s positively spellbinding here. On a sunny morning, a dip in the water or a spot of fossil hunting is just the thing to start your day at this lovely Kentish seaside escape. Stay at The Albion Rooms, halfway between Botany Bay and Margate.

Dungeness, Kent, England

You’ll likely only have seabirds and fishermen for company as you see in the new day in this wild and eerie part of the Kentish coast. But the solitude only makes the moment all the more enthralling. The sunrises over the Channel are as dramatic as the scenery they illuminate – Dungeness is a surreal spit of shingle that stretches out at the southernmost point of Kent. It’s a nature reserve and one of the largest expanses of shingle in the world. Stay at the Gallivant in nearby Camber.

Rye, East Sussex, England

The marshes and wetlands near the town of Rye on the Kent-Sussex border are an evocative place during the early hours. Watch the sunrise and the pastel-hued sky reflect in the lagoons with a soundtrack of the dawn chorus at the Rye Harbour Nature Reserve, an area of special scientific interest due to its unique coastal habitat and wildlife. The blowy beach at Camber Sands is also highly recommended. Stay at Hayden's B&B.

Rannoch Moor, Perthshire, Scotland

Being surrounded by the wilderness that is mist-covered Rannoch Moor in the western Highlands is not one for those who are easily spooked. But those who brave a pre-dawn jaunt to the lonely moorlands will find themselves in a magnificent place for skygazing. Watching the sunrise and low shadows creeping over the heather is a memorable sight, particularly if you spot red deer too. Stay at the Dunalastair Hotel Suites in Kinloch Rannoch.

Bamburgh, Northumberland, England

There are many exquisite places to enjoy the sunrise on Northumberland’s coast but this beauty of a bay with its dune-fringed sands takes some beating. Bar a few dog walkers and keen surfers, you’ll likely have this sandy haven to yourself for a good few hours. The looming silhouette of Bamburgh Castle, one-time seat of the kings of ancient Northumbria, adds extra atmosphere to the already evocative scene. Stay at the Victoria Hotel.

Glastonbury Tor, Somerset, England

The supposed resting place of King Arthur and much associated with pagan beliefs, the ancient conical hill of Glastonbury is a mystical spot for watching the sunrise. It can be busy during the summer solstice but visit on another day and you’ll be in for a more tranquil time as you soak in the epic views from this lofty location that rises above the Somerset Levels. Stay at the George and Pilgrims Hotel.

Malvern Hills, Herefordshire & Worcestershire, England

It’s a steep but exhilarating hike up from the town of Great Malvern to the top of the Worcestershire Beacon, the highest of the Malvern Hills. And once you reach the summit, you’ll have your breath taken away all over again as you glimpse the sun peeping over the horizon. It might be an idea to take breakfast with you as it'll be hard to tear yourself away from the unrivalled views over Worcestershire, Herefordshire and beyond to the Black Mountains. Stay at the Great Malvern Hotel.

Shetland Islands, Scotland

The sunrises on the eastern coasts of Shetland, Britain’s most northerly islands, are simply spectacular. With no light pollution and typically dramatic weather, you can be sure of a dazzling and ever-changing display here. But, if you visit in spring or summer you’ll need to be up super early to catch them in all their glory, as the sun only dips down below the horizon for a few hours in these far north isles. Stay at Fort Charlotte Guest House in Lerwick.

Isles of Scilly, England

Striking sandy beaches, azure waters, intriguing associations with pirates and sterling sunrises are the order of the day on this verdant archipelago that lies 30 miles (48.3km) off the coast of Cornwall. Join an early morning fishing trip out from Hugh Town on St Mary’s to watch the sun bob up out of the water. Stay at the Star Castle Hotel.

Anglesey, Wales

We could sit and watch the sunrise over the stretch of water between the isles of Holyhead and Anglesey for hours. The sight of the day dawning over the Inland Sea is a truly mind-blowing moment – one of many you’ll have in this spectacular part of North Wales. Stay at Witchingham B&B in Holyhead.

The Humber Estuary, Lincolnshire & Yorkshire, England

Watch the sky lighten and the striking form of the mighty Humber Bridge come into view in the Humber Estuary. There are some fantastic walks along the foreshore, where you’ll get spectacular views of the vast suspension bridge that stretches for nearly 1.5 miles (2.2km), as the sunlight reflects in the mudflats. Stay at The Whittington and Cat in Hull.

Saltwick Bay, Yorkshire, England

North Yorkshire’s gorgeously rugged coastline has numerous scenic places for sunrise watching, but the small and secluded sandy cove of Saltwick Bay, in the east of the region, is one of the most majestic. Watch the new day dawn over the North Sea and the light reflect in the numerous rockpools, then walk around the coastal path to have a hearty breakfast in Whitby. Stay at the Teesdale Rooms apartments in the fishing town.

Brimham Rocks, Yorkshire, England

The unusual rock formations and surrounding moorland of this part of Nidderdale promise magical morning views. Stroll out early to see the light peep over the horizon and cast shadows over the collection of bizarre rock outcrops, some of which reach a height of nearly 30 feet (9m). Stay at the Willow Restaurant B&B in Pateley Bridge.

South Downs National Park, Hampshire, West Sussex & East Sussex, England

The undulating swathe of the chalky South Downs is positively packed with picturesque spots for sunrise viewing. One lovely (and easy) route leads from the pretty village of Alfriston around the gorgeous Cuckmere Valley. Pack a breakfast picnic and set up camp by the water’s edge to watch the sun work its magic over some of England’s prettiest countryside. Stay at Deans Place Hotel.

Lake District National Park, Cumbria, England

A glorious patchwork of woodlands, fells, valleys and lakes, this national park has a plethora of take-your-breath-away sights. Start the day as you mean to go on – being wowed as you watch the sun slink up above the particularly lovely lake of Ullswater. Visit on a cold morning and the mist swirling above its still waters will only add to the magic. Stay at the Ullswater View Apartment.

Knap Hill, Wiltshire, England

It’s a short but fairly steep walk up to this perch in the Marlborough Downs so be sure to have a morning caffeine-hit before you go. You won’t regret your efforts as you watch the sun rise over the ancient landscape of the Vale of Pewsey. Stay at The Bell at Ramsbury in Marlborough.

Hadrian's Wall, Northumberland, England

An early morning walk along this ancient fortification, which stretches from Wallsend on the east coast to Bowness-on-Solway on the west coast, is an invigorating start to the day. The dramatic landscape seems to be even more atmospheric at this peaceful hour. Looking east from Housesteads Crag is a great spot for surveying the stunning scenery as the sun rises over this incredible legacy of Britain's Roman past. Stay at Langley Castle Hotel.

Beachy Head, East Sussex, England

Immerse yourself in the sight of the light returning by bagging a prime clifftop position at this stunning beauty spot on the south coast near Eastbourne. At 535 feet high (163m), Beachy Head is Britain's highest chalk cliff. You'll certainly feel as if you're on top of the world as you gaze across the English Channel at the vivid sky and hear the waves crashing below. It's stirring stuff. Stay at the Port Hotel in Eastbourne.

New Forest National Park, Hampshire, England

Rockford Common near Ringwood is a beautiful part of this gorgeous forest – rise early to see the low sun cast its long shadows on the undulating heath, patches of rusty bracken and silver birch trees. There'll doubtless be some New Forest ponies congregating nearby. It's especially atmospheric on a cold and frosty winter morning. Stay at The White Buck in Burley.

Hampstead Heath, London, England

Join the dog walkers, pre-work joggers and late-night stragglers in this vast open heath in north London, one of the city's highest points and undoubtedly one of the best places to enjoy views across London. Make your way to the brow of Parliament Hill, a fantastic vantage point to watch the day dawn over the capital. Stay at La Gaffe.

Porlock Hill, Somerset, England

Pack a breakfast picnic and set off for an early morning stroll up Porlock Hill in west Somerset. This beauty spot takes some beating for a meal with a view – gaze over Porlock Vale and across the channel to Wales, or inland across Exmoor as the sun edges stealthily into the sky. The pretty shingle beach of Porlock Weir down below also has wonderful views of the sunrise. Alternatively, head there afterwards for a post-stroll dip. Stay at The Lorna Doone Hotel in Porlock.

Bushy Park, Richmond, England

Start your day nice and early surrounded by the pretty woodland of Bushy Park, known as a quiet spot away from the hustle and bustle of London. With its herds of roaming deer and lovely gardens stretching across over 1,000 acres of parkland, you’ll feel like you’re exploring the English countryside at dawn and not the capital's second-largest Royal Park. Stay at The Kings Arms Hotel.

Avebury, Wiltshire, England

Another ancient stone circle perfect for seeing a stunning sunrise is Avebury henge, part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site alongside Stonehenge. Built during the Neolithic period, Avebury is one of Britain's oldest monuments and is a spectacular sight as it lights up at dawn, overlooking the gorgeous Wiltshire countryside. Stay at B&B Dorwyn Manor, just a short walk from the site.

Talacre Lighthouse, Flintshire, Wales

Just off the north coast of Wales lies this historic lighthouse, formerly a guide for ships coming into the port with a reputation as a hub for paranormal activity. At night, a ghostly figure dressed in work clothes has been spotted on the lighthouse balcony looking out to sea. To avoid any spooky visitors, head down to the beach early and see the striking weather-stricken tower in all its glory. Stay at the Beaches Hotel in nearby Prestatyn.

Pakefield Beach, Suffolk, England

Sitting atop some of Suffolk’s most dramatic coastline is the quiet village of Pakefield overlooking the charming coastline. Head down to the sandy beach bright and early and watch the sun rise over the water, as the sky turns candy pink and purple. If you need a pick-me-up after the early start, head along the beach to the aptly named Sunrise at Zaks for a coffee or some ice cream. Stay at Sunrise Cottage, of course.

Rydal Water, Cumbria, England

At just three-quarters of a mile (1.2km) long and only 55 feet (17m) deep, Rydal Water is regarded as one of England’s smallest lakes but its glittering water provides a perfect reflection of the sunrise. For a more scenic route around the lake, make sure you check out nearby Rydal Cave. It's a great picnic spot with a car park less than a mile away. Stay at Badger Bar in Glen Rothay.

Primrose Hill, London, England

In the heart of the capital is this pretty protected park, a short walk from Regent's Park and London Zoo. With stunning views across the London skyline that include the London Eye and the Shard from its grassy summit, you can see why the hilltop is one of the city's treasured viewpoints. The park is the perfect place for a peaceful morning stroll (or jog) as the sun pops up. Stay at Camden Enterprise Hotel.

Bembridge, Isle of Wight, England

The east coast of the Isle of Wight is peppered with pretty villages and bays, and Bembridge is the prettiest of them all. The coastline here is peaceful and perfect for an early morning walk. Head to Bembridge Lane End beach at sunrise for a great photo opportunity with the Bembridge lifeboat station pier in the foreground. Stay at 4 The Nab House.

Snowdonia, Gwynedd, Wales

The brooding landscape of Wales’ mountainous Snowdonia National Park makes for dramatic scenery at any time of the day, but sunrise takes some beating. There are many prime positions for watching the light of a new day fall on this magical part of the world, such as Llyn Nantlle Uchaf in the Nantlle Valley with its backdrop of Mount Snowdon. Stay at the Sygun Fawr Country House in Beddgelert.

Durdle Door, Dorset, England

Set within the picturesque Jurassic Coast, this stunning natural limestone arch is even prettier in the early hours of the morning. Arrive early to experience this much-loved attraction before the sun comes up. The incredible 'through the keyhole' sunrise of Durdle Door is a rare sight that only happens a few times a year, but is certainly worth the wait. Your best bet for capturing the moment is visiting during the winter solstice. Stay at Lulworth Cove Inn.

Now take a look at some of the oldest photos ever to be taken in the UK