How do I check which way my garden faces?

Enter the property postcode in our garden orientation checker. The map shows building outlines and a sun direction marker so you can see whether outdoor space gets morning sun (east), evening sun (west), all-day sun (south), or more shade (north).

What is a south-facing garden?

A south-facing garden in the UK typically receives the most sunlight through the day. Use the sun path slider and season buttons to compare summer all-day sun with lower winter sun and longer shadows.

How can I check sunlight when buying a house?

Run a garden sunlight check by postcode before or after a viewing. Scrub from sunrise to sunset, switch between winter and summer solstice, or leave Now selected so the shadow map updates with the time of day.

Garden orientation · Sunlight checker

See where the sun sits in the garden before you buy

Enter a UK postcode to map garden aspect and house shadows from sunrise to sunset — live now, or across the seasons.

Garden sunlight checker by postcode — building outlines from OpenStreetMap with estimated heights. Defaults to live UK time (, , ).

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How to read the sun path map

The yellow marker points toward the sun; dark shapes are estimated building shadows on the ground and garden.
Choose Now for a live garden sunlight check (it updates while the page stays open), or compare winter and summer sun path.
Use this as a property sun report guide alongside a viewing — trees, extensions and missing outlines can change the real picture.

Buying a home?

Full due diligence for a residential address

Garden aspect is one piece of due diligence. For a fuller property report with flood, EPC and sold prices,

Get a Homebuyer Report

Garden aspect explained: north, south, east and west

When buyers ask “which way does my garden face?”, they usually mean garden orientation (also called garden aspect). Use the checker above to map sunlight on a house by postcode, then use this guide to interpret morning sun, evening sun, all-day sun and shade.

South-facing garden

Often the most sought-after aspect in the UK — typically the strongest all-day sun. A south-facing garden checker helps you confirm whether outdoor space stays bright through the afternoon, and how winter sun still reaches the plot.

East-facing garden

Morning sun — brighter earlier in the day, cooler later. Useful if you want breakfast light outdoors but less harsh late-afternoon heat.

West-facing garden

Evening sun — popular for after-work outdoor time. A west facing garden evening sun pattern shows longer shadows earlier, then warmer light later in the day.

North-facing garden

Usually more shade and lower light, especially in winter. Still workable for many homes — compare north vs south facing garden patterns on the map before you buy.

How to check sunlight when buying a house

Enter the full UK postcode for a garden sunlight checker by postcode.
Start on Now to see live shadow mapping around the street.
Drag the sun path from sunrise to sunset to see morning vs afternoon sun on the house and garden.
Switch to winter and summer solstice to compare winter sun in the garden with peak summer light.
Use Auto to animate the day, or leave the page open on Now so the house sunlight simulator keeps updating.

Garden orientation FAQ

How do I check which way a garden faces?

Run this garden aspect calculator with the property postcode. Watch the sun direction marker and shadow map to see whether the outdoor space is oriented for morning, evening or all-day light.

Is my garden south-facing?

If the garden sits on the south side of the house and stays lit through midday on the sun path report, it is likely south-facing. Confirm with a viewing as trees and neighbouring buildings matter too.

Can I get a sunlight report for buying a home?

Yes — this tool is a free property sun report style check: garden orientation, sun path analysis and shadow mapping by postcode, designed for homebuyer due diligence.