Sight the LIGHTS

Yes, the awe-inspiring Aurora Borealis can be seen from the UK – here are four breathtaking places to see it this winter

- ALICE BARNES-BROWN

See the Northern Lights without leaving the UK

See the Mirrie Dancers perform

Shetland Islands, Scotland

As the closest place in Britain to the North Pole, and with little in the way of light pollution to block your view, the Shetland Islands offer Britain’s best chance to spot the Aurora Borealis. Except Shetlanders call it ‘Mirrie Dancers’, from the Gaelic for ‘nimble men’ – and when the green, yellow, purple, and red curtain flickers across the pitch-black sky, you’ll see why.

AuroraWatch UK has special alerts for the Shetland Islands, so you’ll get a notification when geomagnetic activity is likely to give a spectacular show. Pour a hot cuppa (or a wee dram) into a flask, pack a picnic and wrap up warm, then head out to see the lights dance against a backdrop of ancient Shetland standing stones.

Need to know: Located half an hour from capital Lerwick, at the lapping edge of a Shetland fjord, Busta House is a 16th-century farmhouse hotel with elegant dining. Standard double rooms start from £115 per night; bustahouse.com

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