The best garden parasols and umbrellas for spring and summer

Nov 06, 2024

Parasols let you make the most of spring and summer weather without the risk. Here, we round up the best of the best

In the UK, it’s fairly easy to go overboard when the sun comes out. It’s understandable, too – we really don’t get enough of it to take a few good days of rays for granted. Unfortunately, that also means we tend to forget there is such a thing as too much sun. And we get the burn lines to prove it.

The best thing for it? Invest in a gorgeous garden umbrella or parasol. Whilst they allow you to enjoy brilliant weather for longer, the best parasols and garden umbrellas also double-up as a stylish addition to your garden.

While ‘normal’ parasols and umbrellas can tilt to shade you from the sun, their flexibility tends to be limited. Cantilever parasols allow you to stretch the umbrella away from its stand, over the area of your choice, which means more space to move around underneath.

As such, the choice of whether or not to opt for a cantilever is largely a matter of preference. Non-cantilever parasols are often sturdier in difficult weather, by design, but you can get great versions of both. It is, however, worth noting that low-quality cantilever parasols will swing like a sail when hit with big gusts of wind, so it’s worth investing in quality.

Most good parasols are at least 2 metres wide, and 2.4 metres seems to be the industry standard. To cover larger areas, like L-shaped garden furniture, you may want to opt for something a little wider.

It’s important to remember that a large parasol will need a more substantial base than a smaller alternative. In this case, big families may prefer to invest in a large cantilever parasol to cover as many people as possible.

Whether you’re looking for a patio table umbrella or something more substantial, we searched high and low to help you find the best garden parasol for your outdoor space.

£44.99, Amazon

This contemporary garden parasol is an absolute steal, in steel, and at less than £60. Its 2.4-metre wide canopy comes in a variety of colours and has an air vent at the top to reduce wind pressure. It prevents wind from pulling the parasol upwards and keeps air circulating so you don’t overheat.

Instead of a fiddly pulley system, the parasol’s crank system can also lift or lower the canopy with the turn of a handle. Both the parasol’s pole and ribs are made of powder-coated steel, which is heavier than aluminium, for superior stability. Parasol base not included, but an 11kg (with a table) or 25kg base (without a table) base is recommended.

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£50, Argos

This garden parasol is a little larger than the average, at 2.7 metres wide, but its sturdy eucalyptus pole and water-repellent canopy give it a sort of strength and resilience you might not expect for the price. Its rope pulley system doesn’t come with bells and whistles, but it is easy to use. Decor enthusiasts can colour-match the canopy to their outdoor space – this model is available in Green, Cream or Blue. One-year manufacturer’s guarantee included.

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£65.95, Amazon

By now, you’re sure to understand the value of a strong base and/or base weights, which is why we couldn’t go much further without recommending these fantastic base weights. Though they don’t look like much, the four-piece set can be filled with sand or water to a max weight of 66kg. Each weight also has a moulded handle, should you want to move your parasol around. You can always pop a small potted plant over them if you want to hide them completely.

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From £450, OKA

This stylish garden parasol has an integrated wicker side table as its base – perfect for drinks in the garden and al fresco entertaining. It has an ash wooden pole, a generous 3 metre fabric canopy and a waterproof sleeve to protect it when not in use.

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£225, Cox and Cox

A nautical-stripe parasol will bring a slice of the French riviera to your back garden. This one from Cox and Cox has a 2.4 metre canopy and an 'easy up' mechanism to raise it at the touch of a button. It also has a wheeled base and adjustable height pole so you can follow the sun round your garden and customise your shade. It's available in a sand and cream stripe.

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£99.99, Robert Dyas

Charles Bentley has one of the best cantilever parasols on the market and, as you might expect, they sell out fast when new shipments arrive. With its chic hanging canopy, the umbrella’s adjustable angles are supported by a sturdy steel pole. A base is still required (four base segments are recommended, but do not come with the parasol).

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£965, The East London Parasol Company

If you want to splurge on a designer parasol that will make a statement, look no further than the East London Parasol Company. Their bright, colourful Indian-inspired designs are printed onto cotton canvas and each hand-made parasol is unique.

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Get your garden in shape for summer by reading our guide to the best hedge trimmers, and upgrade your garden furniture, patio heater and sun loungers with our expert buying guides