Arthur’s Seat in Edinburgh has been crowned the best sunrise and sunset spot in the UK, in research marking the Summer Solstice.
The 822ft peak, in the Scottish capital’s Holyrood Park, came top, ahead of Southwold Pier in Suffolk and Durdle Door in Dorset.
Leading photo printing company CEWE worked with documentary producer and travel photographer Bella Falk to find the top spots based on visual impact, scenery, accessibility, and the overall photography experience.
The results highlight a mix of recognised landmarks and lesser-known gems across the UK.
Arthur’s Seat – the only Scottish location in a top ten also featuring stunning landmarks across England, Wales and Northern Ireland – was highlighted for its “unbeatable panoramic city views, especially dramatic at sunrise and sunset as the city lights create contrast against the sky”.
Made from ancient volcanic rock, Atrhur’s Seat is one of Edinburgh’s most famous and popular landmarks, offering panoramic views of Scotland’s capital and beyond.
It was described by Robert Louis Stevenson as “a hill for magnitude, a mountain in virtue of its bold design”.
A CEWE spokesperson said: “Formed more than 350 million years ago, the iconic landmark offers panoramic views across the city and attracts millions of visitors every year.
“Head there early to enjoy the peaceful morning glow or visit at sunset to watch the city lights below create a dramatic contrast against the sky.”
Southwold Pier in Suffolk, was built in 1900. Known as one of the UK’s prettiest piers, it offers sweeping views across the coastline and North Sea, with an east-facing position making it ideal for sunrise.
Durdle Door in Dorset features a famous limestone arch, which stands 200 feet tall and dates back 140 million years, allowing visitors to watch the sunrise through or beside it, depending on the time of year.
Making up the top ten are the Golden Jubilee Bridges, London; Catbells, Lake District;
Mam Tor Castleton, Peak District: Richmond Park, London: Giant’s Causeway, Northern Ireland:
Fishguard Lower Town Harbour, Pembrokeshire, Wales; and Sandbanks, in Poole, Dorset.
The spokesperson added: “From golden mornings to fiery evenings, sunrises and sunsets capture nature’s beauty and create unforgettable moments for travellers and photographers alike.”
The UK’s Top Ten Sunrise and Sunset Spots:
1) Arthur’s Seat, Edinburgh, Scotland
2) Southwold Pier, Suffolk, England
3) Durdle Door, Lulworth, Dorset, England
4) Golden Jubilee Bridges, London, England
5) Catbells, Keswick, Lake District, England
6) Mam Tor Castleton, Peak District, England
7) Richmond Park, London, England
8) Giant’s Causeway, County Antrim, Northern Ireland
9) Fishguard Lower Town Harbour, Pembrokeshire, Wales
10) Sandbanks, Poole, Dorset, England
