Summer Solstice 2025: What is the Summer Solstice and the Best Places to Celebrate
What is the summer solstice? | Summer solstice 2025 | Best places to celebrate the summer solstice
Thousands of people gather around the country each summer to celebrate one of the UK’s oldest festivals – the summer solstice. But what is the summer solstice? When does it occur, and where are the best places to celebrate it? This guide has all the information you need to join this year's festivities. Plan what to do and where to stay for a memorable experience.
What is the summer solstice?
The summer solstice is the longest day of the year and marks the end of spring and the start of summer.
Despite being widely thought to last a whole day, the summer solstice represents an annual moment when the sun is at the northernmost point from the earth’s equator.
It’s not to be confused with the winter solstice, which is when the exact opposite occurs. The Sun is at its lowest in the sky, giving us our shortest day of the year. This usually takes place around six months after the summer solstice – on December 21st.
When is the summer solstice 2025?
Typically, the summer solstice date rotates between the 20th and 21st of June every year. This year, the summer solstice will occur in the UK on Saturday, 21st of June 2025, at 3:41 a.m.
Despite being the longest day of the year, the summer solstice doesn’t actually have the earliest sunrise of the year. Generally, the earliest sunrises occur before the summer solstice.
Best places to celebrate the summer solstice 2025
Across the UK, the longest day of the year is celebrated in different ways. Take a look at this list of the best places to enjoy the summer solstice.
1. Stonehenge, Wiltshire
Over the course of many years, the summer solstice has become synonymous with Stonehenge. It’s arguably Britain’s most recognisable landmark and an important ancient monument.
Each year, tens of thousands of people set their alarms early and gather around the prehistoric stones to cheer the sunrise at the start of the longest day of the year. Tourists travel from around the world to participate in this event, which has become a common feature on most people’s bucket list.
On the morning of the solstice, the sun rises behind the Heel Stone, and rays of sunlight shine directly through the centre of the monument, creating a magical and picturesque scene.
To make sure you're up early for the summer solstice, book a stay at Salisbury Club Site, which is only 15 minutes away from Stonehenge. Alternatively, you can find more campsites in Wiltshire here.
2. Glastonbury Tor, Somerset
Glastonbury Tor is another popular attraction during the summer solstice. At over 500 feet in elevation and with panoramic views of the Somerset countryside, it is a striking hill with a roofless tower at the summit.
Like the summer solstice, Glastonbury Tor is intrinsically linked to paganism and mythology. The Tor is said to be a magic mountain, an Arthurian hill-fort that once hosted Druid initiation ceremonies. It’s no surprise then that this place is filled with people waiting to see the sunrise on the longest day of the year.
Nearest campsite: Cheddar Mendip Heights Club Site.
3. Ben Nevis, Scotland
Where better to watch the sunrise from than the highest point in the UK? The climb to the top of Ben Nevis can take between 5 and 7 hours, depending on your health and fitness. Experienced climbers can do it much quicker, but it is recommended that you go with a guide to find the fastest route.
Once you reach the top, celebrate with a piece of cake and a drop of scotch while enjoying the sunrise above the towering Munros. Then, descend via the Pony Track, marvelling at views of mountains and lochs soaked in the morning sunshine.
Nearest campsite: Glencoe Club Site.
4. Avebury Henge, Wiltshire
Despite often being thought of as Stonehenge's lesser-known neighbour, Avebury Stone Circle is larger than Stonehenge and just as magical. When the summer solstice comes around, druids, pagans, and other sun worshippers congregate at the small Wiltshire village.
With people visiting from all over the world, Avebury is one of the busiest places to celebrate the summer solstice. To make sure you get there on time, book a stay at Devizes Club Site, which is 20 minutes away. You can find more campsites in Wiltshire here.
5. Calanais Standing Stones, Isle of Lewis
The Calanais Standing Stones predate Stonehenge and were a place of ritual activity for over 2,000 years. There are 13 main stones arranged in the shape of a cross, with the tallest stone sitting at about 4.8 meters high.
Although the significance of this stone circle is unknown, it’s believed that the site had ceremonial and astronomical purposes. A key feature of this stone circle is that it aligns with the solstice sunrise and sunset – attracting visitors from all over to appreciate the magical event.
Nearest campsites: Skye Club Site.
6. Durdle Door, Dorset
One of the most famous stone arches in the world, Durdle Door, is a spectacular location for the summer solstice. Although it may not be directly associated with the solstice, the arch, surrounded by the beach and ocean, is a popular spot for people to gather and enjoy scenic coastal views.
Book a stay at Moreton Club Site, just 20 minutes away from Durdle Door or discover other incredible campsites in Dorset here.
7. Castlerigg Stone Circle, Cumbria
Castlerigg Stone Circle is located near Keswick and is considered one of the best megalithic monuments in Northern England. It consists of 38 stones of differing heights, mostly composed of local volcanic rock.
It’s believed that Castlerigg Stone Circle was constructed around 3000 BC, during the Late Neolithic or Early Bronze Age and had ceremonial and ritualistic significance. Again, this makes for a popular spot during the summer solstice, and best of all, with the Lake District as a stunning backdrop, you’ll be sure to get spectacular pictures of the area.
With Cumbria being a popular destination during the summer solstice, book your campsite in advance. Braithwaite Village Club Site is less than 8 minutes away from the Castlerigg Stone Circle. Other nearby campsites include Derwentwater Club Site and Keswick Club Site.
8. St. Michael's Mount, Cornwall
Situated on a small island just off the coastal town of Marazion, St Michael’s is home to ancient cobbles, medieval castle walls and picturesque coastline views. Although it’s not directly linked to the summer solstice, St Michael's Mount is a unique place to spend the day, as the views are sublime.
Sennen Cove Club Site is less than 20 minutes away from Folleyfield Car Park, where you can walk across to St Michael’s Mount or catch a boat across, depending on whether the causeway is accessible. You can also check out more campsites in Cornwall here.
9. Arbor Low Stone Circle, Derbyshire
Referred to as ‘the Stonehenge of the Peak District,' Arbor Low Stone Circle is a Neolithic henge near Bakewell. It’s believed to have been constructed in 2500 BC, but the reason behind it is uncertain. It could have been for ritual and ceremonial purposes, astronomical observations, or even a sacred burial ground.
It’s a fun visit during the summer solstice as many arrive there in the early hours of the morning to witness the sunrise illuminating the ancient stones and surrounding landscapes.
To get to Arbor Low Stone Circle nice and early, it’s worth staying close by. Bakewell Club Site is a 14-minute drive from the stone circle, so you can get there with ease. You can also discover more campsites in Derbyshire here.
10. Snowdonia (Eryri) National Park, Wales
Snowdonia National Park is roughly 823 square miles of stunning landscape, mountain ranges, coastline, culture, and history. Although it's not directly linked to the summer solstice, it's a great place to visit. You can hike to the peak of Snowdon during the late hours of the night and make your way to the top, ready for an exquisite panoramic view of the sun rising over the park.
Nearest campsites:
Click here for more campsites in Wales.
11. Arthur's Seat, Edinburgh
Another great place to spend the summer solstice is at Arthur’s Seat in Edinburgh. The extinct volcano towers over the capital and has panoramic views of the city. The walk-up isn’t as exhausting as the likes of Snowdon or Ben Nevis, but the views are breathtaking.
The nearest campsite to Arthur's Seat is Lauder Club Site. You can find more campsites in Scotland here.
12. Little Moreton Hall, Cheshire
Each year, Little Moreton Hall draws visitors for its lively midsummer celebrations, making it a popular destination during the summer solstice. Nestled near Congleton in the picturesque countryside of Cheshire, this timber-framed manor house, surrounded by a tranquil moat, offers a glimpse into Tudor traditions.
In homage to the Tudor festival of midsummer—a time once marked by decorating homes and planting crops—Little Moreton Hall hosts an array of festive activities. Visitors can enjoy horse racing, watch giant puppet parades, sing and dance to live music and listen to the sounds of historical instruments such as shawms, crumhorns, rauschpfeifen, and bagpipes, play.
Nearest campsite: Leek Club Site.
13. Penzance, Cornwall
Penzance in Cornwall comes to life during the summer as they put on their annual Golowan Festival. This festival dates back centuries and celebrates the summer solstice with music, dancing, community gatherings and a great time. It has now been revived and modernised to celebrate the town's spirit and heritage alongside the summer solstice. This year, the mid-summer festival kicks off on Sunday 22nd June 2025, and it continues up to the 29th of June 2025.
Book your stay at Sennen Cove Club Site, which is typically 14 minutes away or find more campsites in Cornwall here.
14. Thornborough Henges, North Yorkshire
Labelled the ‘Stonehenge of the North,’ Thornborough Henges has three identical, large circular earthwork enclosures that date back over 4,500 years. It’s thought that Neolithic farmers built this unique monument for ceremonies and funerals. The southern entrance of the northern and central henges aligns with the midwinter sunset and midsummer sunrise, making this an interesting location for those celebrating the solstice.
If you’re looking for somewhere to stay near Thornborough Henges so you can wake up early for the sunrise, book our Boroughbridge Club Site, which is 21 minutes away, or discover more of our campsites in North Yorkshire.
15. Primrose Hill, London
If you’re in the capital over the summer, you can still enjoy the summer solstice. A popular spot to watch the sunrise in London is Primrose Hill, which offers panoramic views over the city.
Nearest campsite: Theobalds Park Club Site
Click here for more campsites in London.
How are you spending the longest day of 2025? Share your summer solstice adventure with us and tag us on Facebook or Instagram.