A garden parasol not only offers protection from the sun and cool shade on hot days; a striking or vintage-inspired design can also add stylish flair and instant character to your garden.
Parasols with gorgeous patterns, bold colours or fringed tassels are a fun choice, and can make your garden feel as welcoming as the inside of your home. Choose one of these beautiful designs for an instant upgrade to garden picnics, beach days or sunny afternoons on a lounger or daybed.
The best garden parasols to buy in 2024
Sand Pinstripe Parasol
Buy from Ella James (£239.00)
Browse other Ella James parasols (from £90.00)
We love Ella James's current selection of garden parasols, which includes this perfect vintage-inspired design, complete with pinstripes and tassels. The canopy is made with high-quality cotton-polyester fabric and slots onto a solid beechwood pole.
Plus, you get a matching carry bag, making trips to and from the beach - or just the garden shed - easy.
It's worth checking out the other beautiful designs by Ella James, including the fringed terracotta parasol and the unusual palm leaf parasol on an adjustable metal pole - perfect for bringing a tropical feel in the summer.
Jarder Libra Garden Parasol Set
It's a large parasol with a three-metre diameter, large enough to keep group gatherings covered from sun and rain with ample space. The Libra parasol comes with the full set necessary to assemble it in your garden, with instructions suitable for tool-less construction by one or two people. The set also includes a cover to protect the materials when the parasol is not in use.
As the parasol is suspended from the frame, it leaves the entire space free underneath without a pole obstructing your view of others. The parasol itself is made using a 180g/m² polyester for improved protection from the weather. It has an adjustable tilt, too, so you can position it where it's needed!
Available in cream, black, green, blue and grey.
OKA Hanway Luxury Parasol
Buy from OKA (£525.00)
OKA offers this luxury parasol in a natural oatmeal tone, that can create a perfect cover over a couple of loungers. It's made with an ash wood pole and a fabric canopy, and the parasol comes with a waterproof cover for when it's stashed away.
Pair with OKA's side table parasol stand for a luxurious garden aesthetic, which can help create that relaxing space in your garden for warm summer days.
Wood-Effect Wind-Up Parasol
This parasol has a wind-up mechanism that allows you to extend the canopy with little effort, as well as a tilting function to adjust the angle. Plus, the fabric is shower-resistant and can offer sun protection up to UV50+, so it's a practical choice.
The design comes in a selection of sophisticated colours, including grey, oyster white and this rich green tone.
Kettler 3.5m Freestanding Arm LED Light & Wireless Speaker Parasol
This is the perfect all-inclusive parasol for outdoor gatherings and family evenings in the garden, with LED light strips and a Bluetooth wireless speaker. Don't worry about getting the torches out when it starts to get dark, as the parasol can light up your outdoor space and entertain you with music.
It has a 3.5m diameter which is plenty of coverage from the sun and rain. The LED lights are solar powered and, once charged, they can provide around six to ten hours of runtime.
The parasol comes with a protective cover, so you won't have to worry about damage from the elements.
Find LED lights and Bluetooth speakers in our round-up of the best smart garden products to buy this year.
Business & Pleasure Premium Beach Parasol
Buy from Made In Design (£314.00)
This vintage-inspired parasol makes a stylish choice. It comes in a range of smart colours, as well as this multi-coloured design, with a natural wood pole for a classic look.
The canvas is treated against UV and water, and you can even remove it from the base to clean it.
Shanghai Parasol
Buy from M&S (£99.00)
A simple look that's inspired by Chinese design principles, the Shanghai Parasol from M&S can bring some distinguished simplicity into your garden. The canopy is a neat circle with a 2.5m width, offering UPF50+ protection from the sun.
The parasol has a satisfying draped shape even when it's down, so it can be a lovely focal point of the garden whether it's in use or not. The parasol comes readily assembled, too, so it can go straight outside.
Purple Leaf 3m Garden Cantilever Parasol
Using a crank handle system, this parasol from Purple Leaf can easily be adjusted with seven heights and angles to choose from. There's also a foot pedal that allows for 360 degree rotation - you can put it in the middle of the garden and position it wherever the sun shines!
The parasol's 240g/m² canopy promises to protect you against the weather with its water-repellence and UV protection.
It's available either round or square and in a number of sizes. Choose between grey, beige, navy or turquoise blue.
Wall-Mounted Cantilever Parasol
You can mount this parasol on the exterior of your home with this cantilever parasol. Attaching a parasol in this way can create an outdoor space that's, in part, an extension of your home. Kit out the space with some outdoor furniture and you're basically there.
Bali Garden Parasol
Buy from The Old Railway Line (£109.99)
This eye-catching parasol is more than just a protective canopy; it's a way to make your garden look uniquely stylish. The Bali Garden Parasol has cream cotton tassels, gold metal hanging ornaments, and a mahogany wood pole.
Its natural tones will blend with the earthy tones of a garden, too, leaving no doubt that it'll upgrade your outdoor space.