The summer solstice on June 21 brings the longest day ‒ and might be a good reason to get up early to see the sunrise at 4am. For those in the mood, try these sunrise and sunset spots for a mood-boosting start to a new season
Seaside sunrise
Yorkshire’s east coast is the place to see a fine sunrise at any time of the year and unique in that you can see both sunrise and sunset in the most northerly parts.
Join Happy Seal Yoga for Summer Solstice Sunrise Yoga to celebrate the longest day of the year. This session is 4.15am-5am at Scarborough Star where you can share the moment with like-minded people in a soulful spot. The star disk is located on the site of the old open air swimming pool, to the south of Scarborough Spa on Scarborough’s South Bay.
Happysealyoga.com
Take the plunge
Whitby Wellbeing has a number of pop up saunas, cabins and horseboxes along the coast for those who like to feel the heat and take the plunge. On solstice Saturday, choose from Saltburn, Sandsend, Runswick Bay, Scarborough at various times of the day. Book at whitbywellbeing.com
Thornborough Henges. Image: Historic England ‘Stonehenge of the North’
Thornborough Henges in North Yorkshire 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 for an early sunrise, the Camping and Caravanning Club recommend a stay at their Boroughbridge Club Site, 21 minutes away. campingandcaravanningclub.co.uk
Top of the world
Hardy walkers will love an adventure walk to see the sunrise at Ingleborough, setting off in the early hours to ascend the summit plateau of the Yorkshire Dales peak. Starting in darkness before dawn, experience the once-a-year summer solstice sunrise and a 17km circular route on a professionally guided trek. No previous experience is necessary, ‘but may be an advantage’.
June 21 yourmountainadventure.com
You can do the same walk at the end of the day with a guided golden hour walk with the team at YorkieTalkies. An 11-mile walks starts at 7.30pm at Clapham in the Yorkshire Dales and you can watch the sun set on the longest day from this fine spot. yorkietalkies.co.uk
Night time walk
Bring a torch for the seven-mile Summer Solstice Walk talking in Roseberry Topping and Captain Cook Monument on th North York Moors. The walk will take in Roseberry Topping for sunset and starts at 8pm at Great Ayton Railway Station.
yorkietalkies.co.uk
Social saunter
You don’t have to get up early to run the trails of Bolton Abbey for the The Solstice Saunter 2025, a five-mile run on breathtaking Bolton Abbey estate, organised by the Airedale Dodgers as a fundraising event for Sue Ryder. The event is timed for the evening of the Summer Solstice, at 7.30pm.
The Solstice Saunter is a circular route of five miles that starts from the Cavendish Pavilion car park and runs a clockwise loop up through the Strid Wood to Barden Bridge, then back along the river bank to the finish line at Cavendish Pavilion.
sueryder.org
Restful retreat
Join Yogatonic Yorkshire for a Summer Solstice Yoga Retreat. This day is designed to fully immerse you in a relaxing day for mind, body and soul…a day in nature to truly get away from everything and provide you with a well-deserved break.
June 21, 9.30-4.30
Well House Yoga SpaceWell House Farm, Cote Hill Road, Felliscliffe, Harrogate
wellhouseyogaspace.co.uk
Take in a view
Ordnance Survey teamed up with Taylors of Harrogate to share Yorkshire’s most glorious daybreak locations. Andrea Day recommends a sunrise view at the Cow and Calf on Ilkley Moor.
‘What could be more Yorkshire than a visit to Ilkley Moor? This route has it all: great views, big rocks to scramble on, an iconic ‘Peak and Northern Footpaths’ green sign and a trig point.’ There’s also a free car park with a café and bins just off the main road. Even if you don’t fancy the walk, then scrambling around the Cow and Calf stones near the car park is a great adventure and a perfect place to enjoy the sunrise. Explore.osmaps.com
If you’re not a morning person, why not mark the other end of the longest day with a sunset stroll – take in big views from landmarks across the dales such as Twistleton Scar on the slopes of Whernside in the Yorkshire Dales. Pack a picnic, wrap up warm and soak up late sunset.
