Summary

Send us your solstice sunrise photos

Live Reporting

Edited by Chris Kelly and Kelly Withers

  1. Beautiful sunrise near Durham

    We've been really impressed by the photos you've been sending in today.

    This one, from David of Blackhall Rocks on the Durham coast, is particularly beautiful.

    Blackhall Rocks on the Durham coast

  2. 'I promised myself I'd watch the solstice sunrise'

    Florence Moffat hiked Wansfell Pike in Cumbria to watch the sunrise with her husband Josh, some friends and her parents, a promise she had made last year while undergoing cancer treatment.

    She says: "This time last year I was extremely poorly in hospital having just started cancer treatment. I promised myself in 2026 I’d watch the sunrise from somewhere amazing on solstice.

    "I still have cancer but am much stronger now and due to have a liver transplant next month. I went to all my chemo sessions wearing a party hat, so it felt fitting to wear one this morning too!"

    A couple on Wansfell Pike in CumbriaFlorence Moffat
    A group stood on top of a mountain peak, wearing party hats.Florence Moffat

  3. Paddleboarders 'recreate' Stonehenge

    Surfers stand up their boards to recreate Stonehenge at the beach.

    We were with the paddleboarders on Joss Bay in Broadstairs, Kent, earlier.

    Every year they have an unusual tradition - re-creating their version of Stonehenge on the beach.

    Here they are with the 2026 version.

  4. In pictures: Stonehenge welcomes longest day

    Three people smile at camera in StonehengePA Media
    A woman wearing red in the sun at StonehengePA Media
    A woman blows bubbles at StonehengePA Media

  5. Sunset to sunrise hike for the Scouts

    A big well done to the 5th Knutsford Scouts.

    They completed an "epic overnight sunset to sunrise 20km hike to celebrate the summer solstice".

    That's an amazing effort - well done to all of you.

    5th Knutsford scouts

  6. Solstice in Loch Lomond

    Les sent this really lovely photo of a solstice sunrise swim in Loch Lomond.

    Very peaceful!

    Swimmers in Loch Lomond

  7. Stonehenge 'brings people together'

    The sun shines through the rocks at Stonehenge

    A spectacular sunrise over the misty plain at Stonehenge drew big cheers from everyone.

    Georgia Butters, English Heritage’s head of Stonehenge, says: “Coming together at this iconic monument for the summer solstice is a tradition that brings people together from near and far. It was wonderful to see families and friends taking part in this joyous experience.

    “We look forward to welcoming returning and new visitors to Stonehenge for next year’s summer solstice.”

  8. 'If you can get out of bed, it's the best time of day'

    A man wearing a hat and a vest is standing by a lighthouse.

    Richard Moore from south Devon travelled to Dorset "to do a bit of birding" at sunrise.

    He says: "If you can get out of bed, it's the best time of day."

    He spotted a little owl in the quarry this morning and is hoping to see Manx shearwaters and other sea birds while he is here.

  9. Fog did not dampen atmosphere

    Leanne Brown
    Live page reporter, Hornsea

    A group of women in the foggy sea. An RNLI lifeboat is behind them.

    The summer solstice may have dawned under a blanket of fog on Hornsea beach this morning, denying people a view of the Sun rising over the North Sea, but it did little to dampen the atmosphere.

    Hundreds of people gathered on the shoreline to mark the longest day of the year, braving the chilly water for an early morning sea dip before warming up around barbecues on the beach.

    Many spoke of the invigorating feeling of getting into the sea, as well as the strong sense of community, friendship and wellbeing that keeps them coming back year after year.

  10. Drums sound as Stonehenge lights up

    Sophie Parker
    Live page reporter, Wiltshire

    A view of sunrise at Stonehenge.

    It’s now light here at Stonehenge, where about 20,000 people gathered to watch the sunrise.

    They crammed in to the space to welcome the longest day of the year.

  11. Sunrise 'on par with Ibiza'

    People are sitting around a picnic table with dogs and strawberries.

    Parties and picnics continue on Roker beach in Sunderland. Graham Anderson says: “We’ve been having champagne for the sunrise, I’ve seen the sunset in Ibiza but this has been on par.”

  12. Sunrise over Minehead

    Thanks to Jacqui Boast who shared her photos of sunrise in Minehead, Somerset.

    Some brave people had a swim there, too.

    Sunrise in Minehead
    Swimmers at Minehead

  13. More swimmers enjoying sunrise dip

    Seems to be the thing to do, doesn't it? Solstice sunrise swimming.

    Here's a beautiful shot from the BBC's Rachel Kerr who is at Tynemouth.

    A view of swimmers in Tynemouth

  14. People applaud as sunrise breaks over Somerset

    The sun is rising over a misty valley. There are people watching the sunrise to the right of the image

    About a hundred people gathered at Burrow Mump in Somerset for the sunrise.

    There was drumming, singing and applause when the Sun broke over the skyline.

  15. 'Feel connected to what's important in life'

    A couple is standing on top of a hill, smiling at the camera.

    Jason and Nicola Leggatt from Sheffield set off at 02:15 BST to watch the sunrise, beginning their walk through Padley Gorge.

    It’s their first time celebrating the summer solstice. They say their 27-year-old son, who is currently wild camping in the Peak District, has inspired them to be more adventurous this year.

    They add that the experience has helped them “feel connected to what’s important in life, which is nature.”

  16. Who's a good boy?

    Alex has been out in Sunderland with a cute friend.

    "First summer solstice for our new puppy," he says. But the question, Alex, is what is the puppy's name?

    Alex and his puppy on a beach

  17. First light

    Paul Shackleton has been out and about this morning.

    He enjoyed taking a photo of first light at Walcott beach in Norfolk.

    Hope you're home and enjoying a warm drink now, Paul!

    Walcott beach in Norfolk.

  18. Sun illuminates Stonehenge as thousands gather

    A crowd has gathered in front of Stonehenge. Some are taking pictures or posing for photos.PA Media

    Thousands have gathered by Stonehenge in Wiltshire to watch the sunrise.

    The Sun rose between the stones through the early morning fog.

    The Sun rises between the stones at Stonehenge with people's silhouettes in the foreground.PA Media

  19. Prosecco and sausage sandwiches in Hornsea

    A man is sitting in a camping chair on the beach holding a cup of tea.

    It's Adrian Kyler's birthday today - and he decided to enjoy solstice at the beach in Hornsea for the first time.

    He says: "We're just surprised by the amount of people that are here, we’ve got the prosecco and sausage sandwiches, so it’s all good."

  20. A solstice dip for these swimmers

    Four people are standing in the sea at sunrise.

    People are celebrating the sunrise at St Michael's Mount in Cornwall with a dip in the sea.