I really wanted to see this, and I almost booked holiday to Faroe Islands, for the full eclipse, but was obscene prices. And so I am now working a night shift before this, so an event close to home would allow me to view but not have a long drive home afterwards also!!
The event covers the time off the full transition of the moon in front of the sun. The maximum eclipse will be at 930am and will be around 85% eclipsed. Suggested to look like this pic...
The next time a 80-90% partial eclipse over the UK is in 2026
And the next total eclipse in UK is not until 2090!!!! (Although I plan to be there for that too!)
The location is...
White Horse Wood Country Park.
Detling Hill, ME14 3JE
Which is just off the A249 but you must be going in the SOUTH BOUND direction to reach the car park, see waypoints. There are no facilities here, just car park, new woodlands, great views and a trig point!
Parking is £1 or maybe £1.20 and there is a height restriction, around 6ft
The car park could take around 50+ cars, and I have contacted the park manager who says the gate opens early and probably before 8am. He seemed quite excited, so may be along too. With amazing views over Maidstone and across towards the south this will be a great place to see the partial eclipse.
I shall bring some breakfast pastries, but feel free to bring along your own food and flasks of tea and coffee.
Or there is a diner across the A249 but the road may be busy to cross, see waypoint.
You are free to come and go as you please, and please follow guidance on looking at the sun. Please buy some eclipse glasses, available in more and more places as the event nears, and I'm sure some newspapers will give away freebies nearer the day too. I brought mine on a well known website.
Please also protect your camera lens for some interesting pictures
Hope to see you there for some chatter, TB swapping, and some breakfast while watching the eclipse.