With spring officially here, outdoor experts reveal the best sunrise and sunset spots in the UK and four are in the Peak District.

Experts at Blacks analysed social media data to determine the best UK nature spots for sunrises and sunsets. They also offer advice on how to safely enjoy sunrise and sunset viewing.

With spring finally here, there is no better time to start heading outside and enjoying your surroundings. Whether you're an early riser looking to catch the first light of the day or like to watch the day unwind as the sun sets, there are several spots around the UK which offer spectacular scenery.

From the mountains to beaches, we have revealed the best viewpoints across the UK to watch the sun rise or set.

The UK’s best sunrise and sunset nature spots:

	Location	Region	Hashtag 1	Instagram Posts	Hashtag2	Instagram      Posts
1	Snowdon	Wales	#SnowdonSunset	549	#SnowdonSunrise	2,375	2,924
2	Mam Tor	Peak District	#MamTorSunset	269	#MamTorSunrise	1,081	1,350
3	Sandbanks	Dorset	#SandbanksSunset	833	#SandbanksSunrise	62	895
4	Perranporth	Cornwall	#PerranporthSunset	849	#PerranporthSunrise	38	887
5	Bamford Edge	Peak District	#BamfordEdgeSunset	133	#BamfordEdgeSunrise	10	143
6	Watergate Bay	Cornwall	#WatergateBaySunset	91	#WatergateBaySunrise	0	91
7	Curbar Edge	Peak District	#CurbarEdgeSunset	42	#CurbarEdgeSunrise	19	61
8	Rhossili Bay	Gower	#RhossiliBaySunset	46	#RhossiliBaySunrise	0	46
9	Catbells	Lake District	#CatbellsSunset	6	#CatbellsSunrise	27	33
10	Baslow Edge	Peak District	#BaslowEdgeSunset	23	#BaslowEdgeSunrise	1	24

Taking the top spot as the best place to watch the sun rise and set is Snowdon, also known as Yr Wyddfa, a popular mountain located in Wales. Snowdon is the most popular mountain in the UK and is climbed by an estimated half a million people every year due to its impressive views. With nearly 3,000 Instagram posts under #SnowdonSunset and #SnowdonSunrise, Snowdon is a top UK destination for breathtaking sunrises and sunsets.

Following in second place is Mam Tor, a hill located in Castleton, Derbyshire. Standing at 517m tall, its elevated position and open landscape make it a great spot for anyone looking to capture a great picture of the sunrise or sunset. With views of the White Peak and the Winnats Pass, it’s no surprise this spot boasts 1,350 Instagram posts.

Rounding out the top three is Sandbanks, a beautiful coastal neighbourhood located in Dorset with 895 posts mentioning sunrises and sunsets. Renowned for its impressive beaches and waters, the coastal area is the perfect backdrop to watch the day begin or end. For those seeking a more relaxed experience, the flat terrain of the beaches makes it an accessible and easy spot to explore.

Calum at Blacks has also shared their top tips for heading out for sunrise and sunset viewing safely:

1. Wear appropriate clothing

Early mornings and late evenings can be much colder than daytime, so layering is key. Ensure you’re prepared for this by layering up clothing, allowing you to add or remove layers as the temperature changes. Alongside this, always check the forecast before you leave for any unsettled conditions; if heavy rain is forecast, you may also want to consider adding waterproof layers.

2. Bring a torch

If you’re heading out early before the sun rises or returning late after sunset, you’ll likely have minimal natural light. Therefore, it’s vital that you bring a torch or head torch and ensure that it is well-charged. It can be easy to stray from routes, lose your footing, or encounter wild animals.

3. Watch your footing

Reduced light in the early morning or late evening can make it difficult to see where you’re going, even with a torch. Take your time and watch your step to avoid trips or falls. Alongside this, when choosing a spot to view the sun, make sure you’re careful to inspect where you stand or sit and don’t get too close to exposed edges when at a height. Always wear appropriate footwear when heading out on a walk or hike to prevent injury and ensure comfort.

4. Protect your skin and eyes

Even earlier and later in the day, the sun can still be powerful enough to cause damage to our skin and eyes. Ensure that you wear suncream throughout the day and reapply as needed. The same goes for our eyes, so remember to always wear sunglasses or similar eye protection and avoid staring into direct sunlight for long periods.

5. Bring food and water

If you’re heading out for a long walk or hike to your chosen viewing spot, make sure you are well-prepared and energised for the full day. Remember to take enough snacks and water to keep you hydrated. Alongside this, it’s worth letting someone know your plans before you head out.

6. Respect your surroundings

Lastly, remember to respect your surroundings. Many sunset and sunrise spots are areas of natural beauty and are home to local wildlife. Ensure to always take any litter home with you, avoid disrupting local foliage, stick to designated paths and keep noise to a minimum.