With the partial solar eclipse due on Wednesday August 12, there is a last-minute scramble for safety glasses, with big customer demand to find out where to buy solar eclipse glasses in Dorset.

The items are changing hands on Facebook Marketplace for prices ranging from £3 – £20.

And you might also still be able to buy them at a handful of shops. But be prepared to queue!

Where to buy solar eclipse glasses in Dorset

Artisan Island gift shop in Weymouth say: “We MAY have 16 pairs of ISO 12312-2:2015 certified eclipse glasses arriving some time tomorrow (Wednesday August 12). They have been ordered with promised delivery, but whether they arrive or not in time, your guess is as good as ours.

“Look out for another live announcement from Artisan Island tomorrow if and when we get them in. They will be sold at £4.99 each. First come first served!”

The new social space at Kingston Maurward, The Dragonfly, will have eclipse glasses for sale from 5.30pm tomorrow (Wednesday August 12) for £3 each. They are limiting purchases to 2 per person. A spokesman said: “We have a very limited stock which will likely not meet demand  – when they are gone, they are gone!”

Nothe Fort in Weymouth is holding a free eclipse viewing evening on Wednesday night from 6:30pm to 8pm, with glasses on sale on site.

No tickets required. Gates open at 6:30pm. Entry is first come, first served and may be restricted if site capacity is reached.

Approximately 250 pairs of certified solar eclipse glasses available while stocks last. Glasses will only be available for visitors viewing the eclipse from Nothe Fort.

You can find out more on the Nothe Fort events page.

A spokesman said: “Visitors are encouraged to bring their own certified eclipse glasses where possible. If supplies become limited, priority may be given to children, and families may be encouraged to take turns using eclipse glasses.

Only view the eclipse with proper proper ISO 12312-2 certified eclipse glasses. Ordinary sunglasses are not safe.”

The Cranborne Chase Astronomy Club is running an open eclipse event at Win Green Trig Point near Shaftesbury, meeting at 6pm. Their Facebook event says: “We should have some spare filter glasses but please be advised that you should NEVER view the sun directly.”

Places now SOLD OUT of eclipse glasses

• Howleys / Toymaster in Weymouth, Dorchester and Bridport shops
• The Gloucester pub in Weymouth

Places to view the partial solar eclipse in Dorset

West Beach Cafe-Bar in Weymouth is offering eclipse viewing from its Sunset Terrace and is asking people to book ahead as spaces are filling up.

The Lobster Pot Restaurant on Portland Bill already has several bookings for the evening and says there’s still room for more (01305 820242).

Maiden Castle Farm hosts an exclusive solo-entry photography evening on the Dorset Sunflower Trail from 6pm, with the eclipse running from 6.18pm to 8.08pm and maximum coverage at 7.14pm. Tickets are £6 on arrival. Organisers ask photographers to bring certified eclipse glasses and a solar filter, and the evening is for landscape shots only, no portraits, no dogs, no drones.

The Spyway Inn at Askerswell offers eclipse views from its garden alongside live music from Lost Souls and a beer battered fish and chips special. Doors open at 5pm, music from 6pm, and it’s dog and family friendly. Booking is essential for anyone eating.

Higher Moor Farm Campsite in Weymouth is throwing an eclipse party with Dorset Wood Fired Pizza, The Horse Box Bar and live music from Hamish. The event is aimed at campers due to limited parking, but pedestrians are welcome too.

The Pulpit Inn Portland is hosting a Solar Sizzle BBQ from 6.30pm, with live music from The Pulpits.

Meanwhile, Beach Tennis Poole is inviting you to something a little different at Sandbanks for their regular Wednesday beach tennis session. The partial eclipse begins at around 6:18pm, reaching its maximum at approximately 7:14pm — right in the middle of the session.

The New Inn at West Knighton has a beautiful garden setting providing the perfect backdrop to watch the partial eclipse.

You can also watch the eclipse from Kingston Maurward Estate surrounded by stunning countryside views. A Facebook post reads: “Enjoy 10% off all food and drinks between 5pm and 6pm! We’ll have eclipse viewing glasses available so you can enjoy the event safely. Gather your friends and family, grab a drink, and look to the skies for an unforgettable evening at the Dragonfly.”

The Lugger Inn at Chickerell has extended an invitation for people to pop up and watch the eclipse with them in The Octopuses garden!

Places no longer taking bookings for the partial solar eclipse

• The Fat Badger
• Quiddles

For those watching from home, locals recommend a clear view looking west. Suggestions include the Dancing Hill beacon in Sherborne and Sherborne Old Castle, as well as Golden Cap, the jewel of our Jurassic Coast.

Or you could try Lewesdon Hill, the highest point in Dorset with views between the trees over Devon, Somerset and out to sea.

Ham Hill Country Park, west of Yeovil, will extend opening hours at its Lime Kiln Car park until 9pm instead of 5pm to allow for extra parking as they expect it to be very busy on the Hill as people flock to witness the partial eclipse.

A spokesman said: “Please park appropriately and give yourself time to walk to the War Memorial or View carpark for the best views of the eclipse. We are not selling solar eclipse glasses at the Visitor Centre.”

As with any solar eclipse, viewers are reminded never to look directly at the sun without certified eclipse glasses or another safe viewing method.

According to the BBC, a partial solar eclipse is set to be visible across the South West and Channel Islands on Wednesday evening.

The entire event is set to last about one hour and 50 minutes, starting at about 18:20 BST and finishing by 20:10.