The five best places to see the Northern Lights near the UK

TRYING to spot the Northern Lights can be tricky, even for the experts.

The Sun's Head of Travel, Lisa Minot, has revealed the five best places to spot them, both in the UK and a bit further.

1. In the UK

The most northerly point in the UK, the Shetland Isles lie closest to the North Pole and the lights are visible several times a year.

The season runs from October to March with the best sightings in the depths of winter when the short days mean dark skies for longer.

Even if you don’t spot them, the wildlife spotting, walking and exploring will more than make up for it.

Other UK spots for the lights include the Cairngorms and even Northumbria.

2. By cruise

There are hundreds of options for those looking to cruise their way to the Northern Lights.

Hurtigruten even has a ‘Northern Lights Promise’ on selected sailings, if the lights don’t show you will get another classic voyage for free.

For a value cruise direct from the UK, adults-only brand Ambassador sailings round-trip from London Tilbury, the 14-night Land of the Northern Lights itinerary heads to Norway and deep into the Arctic Circle.

3. By plane

One of the best ways to guarantee you’ll get to see the Northern Lights is an evening flight where the pilot will take the guesswork out of the search.

Omega Breaks has flights from Gatwick on November 8, Birmingham on the 9th and Manchester on the 11th.

The three-hour flights cost from £269pp and include commentary from an onboard astrologer and light refreshments.

4. From a glass igloo

Of course, the further north you go, the more chance you’ll get to spot the famed lights.

And one of the glitziest ways to do it is on a stay in the wilderness of Finnish Lapland in an AuroraHut Glass Igloo.

Best Served Scandinavia combine the chance to admire the lights from the bed of your igloo on the shores of a frozen lake with a stay at the Jeris Lakeside Resort with snowmobiling, reindeer and husky safaris on offer - all from £1,695 for a four-day short break.

5. On a city break

With the lights sometimes fickle, it makes sense to combine your search for the Aurora Borealis with other exciting activities and in Iceland’s capital Reykjavik you can combine city delights with natural wonders.

A three night trip will include free time to explore the city as well as a jeep tour to search for the Northern Lights and a chance to take a dip in the heated springs of the Blue Lagoon.

All from around £865pp.