Since the winter solstice, the days are slowly becoming longer. Before the seasons shift, now’s the perfect time to go on a drive and watch nature’s stunning skyline. “Date with sunset” has racked up over 16.2 million posts on TikTok, with many looking to experience a romantic sunset date night with their partner.
With the sun setting between 5 pm and 6 pm throughout February, experts at Nationwide Vehicle Contracts have discovered the top 10 places in the UK to drive to and watch the sunset – so you can plan the perfect Valentine’s date night!
The top ten places to watch the sunset in the UK
Rank | Spot | Location | Parking | Average chance of precipitation | Average number of rainy days |
1 | Sandbanks Beach | Dorset | Yes | 10.76% | 39.27 |
2 | Spurn Point | East Yorkshire | Yes | 10.84% | 39.55 |
3 | Ness Point | Suffolk | Yes | 11.31% | 41.28 |
4 | Seven Sister | Sussex | Yes | 11.55% | 41.99 |
5 | Zennor Head | Cornwall | Yes | 13.85% | 50.54 |
6 | Macclesfield Forest | Chesire/Peak District | Yes | 14.05% | 51.27 |
7 | Gower Peninsula | Glamorgan | Yes | 14.97% | 54.63 |
8 | Mam Tor | Derbyshire/Peak District | Yes | 22.07% | 80.54 |
9 | Arthur’s Seat | Edinburgh | Yes | 33.92% | 123.82 |
10 | Stonehenge | Wiltshire | Yes | 41.47% | 152.36 |
The importance of fewer rainy days
Planning a sunset date at locations with less chance of rainy days is a crucial tip for watching the sunset clearly and comfortably. With less risk of precipitation, this allows for clearer skies and less chance of clouds blocking your view. Valentine’s dates could be unsuccessful (and you’d get rather wet!) if you travel to a location with high rainfall due to clouds and poor visibility, so here are the best destinations in the UK to watch the sunset in all its glory.
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Sandbanks Beach, Dorset, is the best place to watch the sunset
Dorset has the least chance of precipitation, with an average of 39.27 rainy days, so it’s the perfect location to watch a clear sunset. There are plenty of parking options around the area, so the chances to see the sunset here are perfect. Sandbanks Beach is said to be one of the best beaches in Britain, making it the ideal Valentine’s date location.
Spurn Point, East Yorkshire
Just a small drive from Easington, this small slip of land is one of the best places to watch the sun. Part of the Yorkshire Wildlife Trust, parking is readily available to members and non-members alike, but those who hold Yorkshire Wildlife Trust memberships can take advantage of its free parking. The beach and lighthouse all add to the amazing character of this location.
Ness Point, Suffolk
Located in the small beach town of Lowestoft, Ness Point offers a unique experience of watching the sunset. It holds the title of the most eastern point in the UK, making this a favourite during the Winter and Summer Solstice. The average chance of precipitation is only 11.31%, so the chance of a scenic sunset is highly likely. With a range of parking available around the town, drivers also benefit from knowing that their motors are safely parked.
Seven Sisters, Sussex
With its amazing white chalk cliffs, Seven Sisters provides a stunning place to watch the sunset. With a few rainy days throughout the year, you shouldn’t need to pack an umbrella! This is a must-visit sunset date location with great-priced parking at just £3.50 for two hours.
Zennor Head, Cornwall
An 11-minute drive from St Ives, this location in the small village of Zennor is hailed as one of the best places to catch the sunset. With only a 50.54 average of rainy days, those visiting for a Valentine’s sunset can benefit from stunning scenery. Surrounded by several cliffs and viewing points, it is an ideal place to watch the sun before it gets too busy during summer.
With parking sparser than other locations in this ranking, you should make sure to be on the safe side and pack comfortable shoes as it may be a slight walk to the vantage points.
Driving tips for a sunset trip
Keith Hawes, Director at Nationwide Vehicle Contracts, advises these tips when heading out on a drive to watch the sunset:
- Parking: Ensure parking is at the front of your mind when planning a trip. You want to make sure your sunset viewing spot is secure and parking options are available. Be mindful of private land and areas where parking isn’t permitted, and ensure your car doesn’t block any roads.
- Safety: Drivers should be concerned about their safety when travelling to the best viewing locations. As destinations may be secluded, if it is dark on arrival or when leaving, make sure you have torches, lights and other equipment to make the journey back to your car safely.