Sometimes, even in our British climate, there are some scorching hot days. During these sunny summer days it can feel impossible to stay inside, but making the trek out isn't always an option.
Garden parasols can help to create those perfect, relaxing spaces in your garden, where you can do your thing while enjoying the peace and comfort of your home.
While they can offer protection from the rain and sun, they can also add a stylish flair to your garden that other outdoor furniture can't quite do. Parasols with gorgeous patterns, bold colours or fringed tassels can make your garden feel as welcoming as the inside of your home.
Read on for our favourite garden parasols available, whatever the weather.
Best garden parasols to buy in 2022
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 Parasols
OKA offer two luxury parasols, one in black and one in a natural 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 one of OKA's parasol stands for a luxurious garden aesthetic, which can help create that relaxing space in your garden for warm summer days.
Buy the Hanway Garden Parasol Table here, available in Driftwood or Flint Grey.
Premium Umbrella
- Buy now from The White Company (£295.00).
The White Company and Business & Pleasure teamed up to make this beautifully-fringed Premium Umbrella. If you want to feel like you're abroad when unwinding under your garden parasol, there aren't many better choices than this.
The parasol can be staked into the ground, so it can be your sun umbrella when going to the park, sitting by the beach or taking to a friend's garden. It has a reclaimed timber laminated wood pole and a UV- and water-resistant canopy with fibreglass ribs.
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 more LED lights and Bluetooth speakers in our round-up of the best smart garden products to buy this year.
Nicolo Vintage Parasol
- Buy now from Maisons du Monde (£54.50).
Choose between a multi-coloured block pattern or a more gentle, floral pattern with this vintage-style parasol. It has ecru fringing and stunning colours that'll add some retro style to your garden in the summer.
The parasol has a wooden-effect aluminium pole and a 140g/m² polyester canopy, with 100% cotton ecru fringing.
Shanghai Parasol
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.
Wood-Effect Wind-Up Striped Parasol
The pole of this parasol has a wind-up mechanism that allows you to extend the canopy with little effort. The design is reminiscent of a day at the beach, and it's a way to bring that same feeling into your garden.
The canopy is shower-resistant and can offer sun protection up to UV50 . Plus, you can tilt it to position it in whatever position is most ideal.
Bali Garden Parasol
- Buy now from Ella James (£155.00).
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.