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A stay at Aurora Rural Retreats offers you a front-row seat to one of nature's most spectacular performances: the Aurora Borealis, or Northern Lights.

Named after the Roman goddess of dawn, Aurora, and the Greek name for the north wind, Boreas, this incredible spectacle is caused by charged particles from the sun's solar wind colliding with the Earth's upper atmosphere along magnetic field lines. The result is a vibrant, dancing display of light across the night sky.

It might surprise you, but northern Scotland is on the same latitude as places like Stavanger in Norway and Nunivak Island in Alaska, putting you in an excellent position to spot the Northern Lights.

The Best Time to See Them

The best time to experience the aurora is during the autumn and winter seasons (October to March). The longer, darker nights and more frequent clear skies create the perfect conditions. For a truly amazing show, you need cold, clear nights with minimal light pollution and high solar activity.

The Colors of the Aurora

The colors you see in the Northern Lights are determined by the types of gas particles colliding in the atmosphere:

Green: The most common color, caused by solar particles interacting with oxygen at an altitude of 60 to 105 miles.
Blue/Purple: Less common, these colors appear when solar activity is high and particles react with nitrogen in the atmosphere below 60 miles.
Yellow & Pink: A rare sight, these colors are a mixture of red and green or blue, associated with very high solar activity.
Red: A rare color usually seen during intense solar activity, when particles interact with oxygen at higher altitudes (above 150 miles).

Your Prime Viewing Location

The Isle of Skye is one of the top locations in Scotland to see the Northern Lights, and our secluded location in Glendale offers minimal light pollution, giving you the best possible chance of a clear view.

At Aurora 3, you can watch the display directly from your bed through the large picture window, or from the comfort of your private deck. Guests in Aurora 1 and 2 can also enjoy this celestial show from their decking areas.

The photos you see were taken in November 2024 with a normal iPhone, captured right over our accommodation on the Isle of Skye, proving just how incredible the view can be from our retreats.

Escape the ordinary and chase a truly magical experience at Aurora Rural Retreats. While a trip to Skye is enchanting in any season, a visit during the autumn and winter months offers you the unique opportunity to witness one of nature’s most breathtaking phenomena: the Aurora Borealis.

Here’s why Aurora is the perfect place to book your Northern Lights adventure:

Prime Location for Celestial Viewing

The Isle of Skye is one of the top locations in the UK for seeing the Northern Lights. Located in Glendale, our retreats are situated in a secluded part of the island's northwest, away from any significant towns or cities. This remote setting means we have a crucial advantage: minimal light pollution. This is a non-negotiable for aurora hunting, as the dark, clear skies allow the fainter, more ethereal colors to shine through without interference.

Spectacular Views from Your Retreat

You don't need to drive for miles in the dark to find a good viewing spot. The design of our retreats puts the show right on your doorstep.

Aurora 3 features a large picture window, allowing you to lie in bed and watch the sky dance with color.
All three properties have private decking areas with stunning views over Loch Poilteel and the Atlantic Ocean. You can step outside, wrapped in a blanket, and take in the entire celestial spectacle.

The Perfect Season to Visit

The Northern Lights are most commonly seen during the autumn and winter months (October to March). The long, dark nights of a Skye winter provide the ideal canvas for the aurora to appear. While sightings are never guaranteed, our location and the season you visit maximize your chances of catching this once-in-a-lifetime display.

More Than Just the Aurora

Even if the lights don’t make an appearance, a winter stay at Aurora offers a unique, tranquil experience. You'll be in an authentic, quiet part of Skye, away from the bustling summer crowds. The crisp, clear air and dramatic winter landscapes create a stunning backdrop for quiet walks and cozy evenings. You can witness incredible sunrises and sunsets, see abundant wildlife, and then spend your evenings stargazing under some of the darkest skies in Europe.

A trip to Aurora Rural Retreats in the colder months is an investment in unforgettable memories—a chance to witness the "mirrie dancers" and experience a side of Skye that few get to see. Don't just dream about it; book your stay and come see it for yourself.