17 Jun 2019
The 10 best places in the UK to watch the sunset
As the longest day approaches, here are some suggestions for top places in the UK to watch the sunset.
[FULL LIST OF IMAGES AT https://www.dropbox.com/sh/yzn71xkw2rxt6a4/AACJi1DIrc8Kgnma2mDscwV2a?dl=0 ]
1) The View from the Shard, London
[PIC: Shutterstock]
Renzo Piano's 'Lighthouse for London' – the capital's tallest building – opened in 2013 and now seems as much at home in the city as Tower Bridge or St Paul's. The viewing platform has played a big part in endearing it to Londoners, embracing various themes and events, from Wimbledon Fortnight to Silent Disco. A simple sunset with a flute of champagne is one of the most rewarding ways to enjoy the view. In fact, the experience even has its own hashtag – yep it's #shardsunset
Adult entry from £24; www.theviewfromtheshard.com
2) Greenwich Park, London
[Pic: Shutterstock]
Richmond Park, in south west London, has red and fallow deer and a view of St Paul's Cathedral. But Greenwich Park, to the east, boasts an astonishing view of the Thames and the City beyond, framed by the graceful colonnaded walkways of the Naval College. The Royal Observatory is of course where GMT timescale originates. As the sun lowers in the sky, ramble across Greenwich Park, pick up an ice cream or two and settle down for a sunset as good as this.
https://www.royalparks.org.uk/parks/greenwich-park
3) Exmoor National Park, Devon
[Pic: Shutterstock]
With its wild ponies and goats and empty rolling hills, Exmoor feels a little like the land that time forgot. Which of course is part of its charm. As the sun slides down the sky, find a rocky outcrop to watch the changing colours and then stay out later for another fine display: Exmoor is an internationally recognised Dark Sky Reserve, affording magnificent views of the heavens above.
https://www.exmoor-nationalpark.gov.uk/
4) British Airways i360 viewing tower, Brighton
[Pic: BA i360]
For sweeping south coast views, from the chalky arches of the Seven Sisters all the way to the Isle of Wight, board the British Airways i360 viewing pod for a 'flight' above Brighton.
Watching the sun melt into the sea from 450ft is a must-do Brighton experience (check out #BrightonsBestSunsets). For the perfect sundowner, toast the view with a glass of Nyetimber English sparkling wine from the Sky Bar on board.
Adult entry from £14.85; www.britishairwaysi360.com
5) Gower Peninsula, Wales
[Pic: Shutterstock]
This dramatic finger of southern Wales was the UK's first Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and with mile after mile of empty beaches, sand dunes and cliffs that seem to rise directly from the sea, you can see why. Take it in from the Wales Coast Path (you don't have to walk all 870 miles) or find a spot at Three Cliffs Bay and marvel at the sight of the sun going down behind the rocks.
https://www.visitwales.com
6) The Mersey Riverbank, Liverpool
[Shutterstock]
When the sunset hits the Mersey, you'll perhaps understand why this gritty city is also one of our most creative. The Three Graces – the Port of Liverpool Building, the Royal Liver Building and the Cunard Building – are the pride of the waterfront, and when bathed in a purple glow of the evening light, they couldn't fail to inspire. Join the locals and take in the view from the riverbank opposite, camera in hand.
https://www.visitliverpool.com/
7) Talisker Beach, Isle of Skye
[Pic: Shutterstock]
Sunshine in the Highlands and Islands seems to have passed through a whiskey filter, imbuing it with an ethereal orange glow. Sunset isn't until 10.28pm this week [June 21], and there are many beaches from which to enjoy a sunset, but Talisker on the Isle of Skye is undeniably stunning. So enjoy a dram of the good stuff while the surf slips over brooding black rock, and the sea soaks up the sky above.
https://www.isleofskye.com/
8) Derwentwater, Lake District
[Pic: Shutterstock]
Where Victorian poets came for wildflowers and fresh air, generations of adventure seekers followed. Such is the endless beauty of the Lakes, it is impossible to single out one view as the prettiest: Loughrigg Fell, Nidderdale, Ullswater, Grasmere, Coniston…there is never a bad angle. But the sheer size of Derwentwater and the play of light on the water around simple jetties like this make it a favourite among sunset connoisseurs.
https://www.lakedistrict.gov.uk
9) Bath Spa rooftop pool, Bath
[Pic: Bath Thermae Spa]
There's something hugely decadent about wallowing in warm waters high above city rooftops as dusk settles; and nowhere does rooftop pool better than Thermae Bath Spa. The Twilight package includes evening access to the pools and wellness suite plus dinner and a glass of wine in the restaurant. With the church domes lit up around you as you stretch out in the pool, and the stars coming out overhead, this is an elegant and romantic experience.
Twilight package £49; www.thermaebathspa.com
10) Bold Tendencies, Peckham, London
[Pic: Bold Tendencies]
Bold Tendencies comes but once a year…although thankfully it stays all summer. This non-for-profit organisation, running on the top four floors of a multi-storey car park in Peckham, kick-started a genuine scene 10 years ago; helping turn Del Boy's old haunt into one of the coolest neighbourhoods in South London. You can expect art, architecture, opera, orchestral music and dance, as well as quality cocktails at Frank's Cafe, all situated on top of one of the best views of the city. Entry is free but get there early to avoid the queues.
Opens May 30; www.boldtendencies.com
ENDS
Information for editors
About British Airways i360
British Airways i360 is a viewing tower on Brighton seafront which was conceived and designed by Marks Barfield Architects, creators of the London Eye. It opened in August 2016.
Visitors board a giant glass observation pod and glide up gently to 138m (450ft) above Brighton beach to enjoy unfolding views across Brighton & Hove, the South Downs National Park and the beautiful Sussex coastline. 'Flights' depart every 30 minutes and the pod carries up to 175 passengers, who are free to walk around freely. While on board, they can also enjoy a drink at the Nyetimber Sky Bar which serves a range of refreshments from Sussex including Nyetimber, an award-winning sparkling wine.
At ground level is the British Airways i360 beach building, which houses West Beach Bar & Kitchen, a stylish all-day restaurant with sea views and a large terrace spilling out onto the promenade. Dishes feature ingredients sourced from the local area. The beach building also has flexible beachside events spaces, most with private beach terraces, which can be hired for private functions and can accommodate up to 1,100 people.
British Airways i360 is licensed for weddings and couples can marry in the pod, saying 'I do' at 138m above Sussex.
British Airways i360 has worked with the West Pier Trust to reconstruct two of the original West Pier tollbooths using Victorian building techniques. The buildings now grace the entrance to British Airways i360 and house the West Beach Café & Bar and the British Airways i360 ticket office.
The British Airways i360 shop stocks beautiful gifts and use, many of which have been created by local Brighton artists.
A year-round programme of events in the pod includes Sky Dining, iDrop, Live @ the Sky Bar, Halloween Fright Flights and Santa Flights.
British Airways i360 is owned and operated by Brighton i360 Ltd.
Website: BritishAirwaysi360.com
Twitter: @BA_i360
Instagram: @BA_i360
Facebook: BritishAirwaysi360
Hashtag: #BAi360
About Marks Barfield Architects
The late David Marks MBE was the architect-entrepreneur behind the creation of Brighton i360, together with his wife and business partner Julia Barfield MBE. They founded Brighton i360 Ltd in 2005. Previously David Marks and Julia Barfield performed a similar role creating the London Eye where they remained shareholders and directors until 2006. Together with a tight-knit group of extraordinary individuals, trusted consultants and companies, many of whom worked with David and Julia at the London Eye, they secured the planning permission, partners, land and funding for British Airways i360. Marks Barfield Architects is one of the UK's most versatile and innovative architecture practices, established in 1989. Julia Barfield now chairs the Brighton i360 board.
@marksbarfield
About British Airways
British Airways is one of the world's leading global premium airlines and the UK's largest international scheduled airline, carrying approximately 35 million passengers worldwide annually, on around 800 daily flights. The airline employs around 40,000 people, the vast majority of these at its sites throughout the UK, and has an annual turnover of £8.5 billion. It employs 2,500 people in Sussex, several hundred of them in Brighton.
British Airways is the naming rights sponsor of British Airways i360. The attraction is owned and operated by Brighton i360 Ltd.
Ba.com
@british_airways
