Solar eclipse pictures: Best photos from the phenomenon seen around the UK and around the world

The eclipse looked like a grey, cloudy sky for much of the UK — but the eclipse looked spectacular like behind that

A partial solar eclipse is seen from near Bridgwater, in south western England

Many in the UK missed out on the eclipse, as a cold front brought a blanket of cloud that covered up the view. But for those who managed to sneak a picture through the holes in the clouds, the view was beautiful.

Across the south east and much of the north of England, not a huge amount of the spectacle was visible. But elsewhere, people got a stunning view of the celestial goings-on.

Svalbard, Norway

People view the total solar eclipse in Svalbard, Norway

Liverpool, England

The north-west was partly hit by the cloud, but some there were able to sneak a picture of the eclipse as it happened.

A partial solar eclipse of the sun is visible next to the iconic Liver Bird on top of the Liver Building in Liverpool, north-west England

Edinburgh, Scotland

Some of Scotland was hit by cloud, but the mistiness actually added to some of the effect in pictures taken in Edinburgh.

An eclipse of the sun passes behind a cloud, from Carlton Hill in Edinburgh

Plymouth, England

Some of the south had the good luck of avoiding the cloud, at least partly, and snapped pictures of the moon as it moved across the sun.

The eclipse over Plymouth this morning

Sofia, Bulgaria

The eclipse was visible into mainland Europe, though was less total towards the East.

A partial solar eclipse forms in the sky through clouds near the cross of the Church of St Nicholas the Miracle-Maker in Sofia, Bulgaria

Northamptonshire, England

In some pictures of the event, the eclipse shines through the cloud — here spotted between breaks in Northamptonshire.

A rare partial solar eclipse is seen over Northamptonshire on March 20, 2015 in Northampton, England

Greenwich, London, England

But it wasn't beautiful for everyone. People turning out to watch it at the Royal Observatory in Greenwich weren't so impressed.

People gather outside the Royal Observatory in Greenwich hoping to see the eclipse