Best Garden Umbrellas & Umbrellas in the UK to Block Sun & Wind

A perfect pretty parasol will add shade and cosiness to your garden this summer
Best Garden Umbrellas and Parasols UK 2022 for Protection from the Sun and Wind
This article contains affiliate links. We may receive a small commission for items purchased through this site, but this does not affect our editorial judgment.
Oh, those lazy, hazy, crazy summer days – afternoons spent in the garden soaking up the sun, cool and comfy under a parasol to protect you from UV rays. What a dream. It could become a reality with one of these beautiful garden umbrellas
A well-chosen garden umbrella is ideal for creating an ambience in your patio or next to your sun loungers. At the same time relaxed and chic, it means you never have to worry about getting sunburnt or feeling hot. Bring beautiful hotel atmosphere right into your garden.
And these days, the choice is outstanding, from sophisticated to bohemian, tropical to contemporary. There is a garden umbrella for every garden area.
Some stand alone as a freestanding parasol or come with their own base, while others are designed to fit in a garden table.
Do I want a normal parasol or a cantilever?
Regular parasols and umbrellas have minimal flexibility – you can’t really tilt them to change the shadow cast. In contrast, a cantilever parasol can bend its “hood” away from the base to put its shade where you want it.
Cantilever umbrellas have the benefit of flexibility, the downside is that regular umbrellas are generally sturdier (if you live in an exposed, windy area this is a consideration).
What size should I take?
At least 2 meters to ensure adequate shadowing. 2.4 meters is the industry standard. Of course, if you have a larger garden, choose something wider.
Remember that a larger parasol will require a stronger base unit, so be sure to purchase accordingly. The base unit is included with some models, other garden umbrellas fit comfortably in a garden table. If you don’t have a table and the parasol doesn’t have a base unit then we recommend this option, the Aria freestanding resin parasol base, £45.99.
Read more about garden furniture:
Here is our round-up of the best garden umbrellas and parasols available today.
Hanway Garden Umbrella – Black
A fabulously chic all-in-one option if you don’t have a garden table but want a spot for that all-important summer drink while you lounge.
It stands on its own with a stylish glass and wicker table forming the base of the parasol. The black canopy is both eye-catching and ideal for blocking out UV rays – a modern looking option.
A classic ash wood rod keeps the canopy aloft, and it comes with a waterproof sleeve to protect it when not in use.
buy now
Camberra offset parasol
Are you serious about casting shadows? You won’t find a better one than the Camberra Offset Parasol.
This square parasol in elegant anthracite gray is ideal when you want to create the perfect outdoor dining room.
With a width of three meters, it offers sufficient coverage. The covering is UV light-resistant, the canopy is rainproof. It comes with a 100kg concrete base and is made from strong aluminum so this parasol won’t go anywhere in wind and rain. Big, beautiful and strong: worth the price.
buy now
3m Cantilever Parasol by Freeport Park
There is little to complain about with the parasol in anthracite. With a 3 meter wide perimeter, it offers a wide circle of shadow.
A wind outlet in the canopy prevents the cantilever parasol from being spun around – a notorious problem with these models. The base is included and ensures that the parasol itself is stable.
With a hand crank for opening and closing, it can be assembled and disassembled effortlessly. Easy to assemble, too. A great choice.
buy now
Afer balcony/terrace screen
Little space? Don’t let that stop you from enjoying a sundowner in the shade. This parasol sits flush against your wall, making it ideal for saving space.
It still casts ten feet of shade though, so while it doesn’t take up too much space, it still offers plenty of storage space.
The anthracite looks great too.
{{#hasItems}}
Best available offers
{{/hasItems}} {{#items}} {{/items}}
Parasol made of Bahamas fir and braided vegetable fibre
Do you want to make a statement? Bring a touch of the tropics to your garden with this beautiful Bahamian style beach umbrella.
The canopy is made of braided plant fibers and, at 2.2 meters in diameter, is large enough to cover several family members (there’s nylon in the padding too – don’t worry, that’ll protect you from the sun and light rain showers).
With a simple up and down lever, this is the kind of dream umbrella you’ll want to lounge under with a tiki cocktail. Can’t go abroad? Take a vacation in your garden.
buy now
Charles Bentley Hanging Cantilever Parasol Lightweight 3m Gray
Charles Bentley cantilever parasols tend to sell out every summer as – as is – they are some of the best on the market and very reasonably priced.
This hanging umbrella is a great alternative to a more traditional parasol.
You can place it free standing in the garden (just need a weight on the bottom for quick securing) – allowing the enclosure to be hung over a BBQ or hot tub.
It’s also easily adjustable so you can tilt it as needed when the sun moves.
buy now
All Things Brighton Beautiful Garden Umbrella
Keep it simple and chic with this beach style umbrella. Timelessly stylish with its monochromatic stripes, this parasol is a great choice if you’re short on space and a tighter budget. At 1.8 meters in the parasol it offers adequate shade coverage.
The canopy is durable and weatherproof, while the stainless steel pole is strong but lightweight. A very affordable, adaptable number.
buy now
Taupe Geisha Garden Umbrella
SO ELEGANT: This garden umbrella is modeled after traditional Japanese geisha parasols and captures their serene beauty.
Available in five colors, the roof is stretched over 24 fiberglass ribs to give it that classic, beautiful shape. But apart from looking good, this umbrella also works well.
It has a weatherproof canopy, strong aluminum center pole. Set up and take down with a non-stick, easy-to-use hand crank – a distinctive, pretty choice. However, please note that the base is supplied separately.
buy now
BUSINESS & PLEASURE CO Holiday Beach Umbrella – Vintage Gold
This is a beautiful parasol umbrella, with its retro yellow color scheme and adorable white fringes.
Can do double duty: it’s light and portable enough to take to the beach or add a sense of candy-colored fun to your backyard.
buy now
John Lewis & Partners 3m Free Standing Parasol, Oyster
We all know that we can fully trust John Lewis when it comes to homewares and this freestanding parasol is no exception.
This freestanding 3 meter parasol is great for al fresco dining or afternoon parties. Best of all, you can adjust the shaded area to cover any seating area without having to center it on a table.
{{#hasItems}}
Best available offers
{{/hasItems}} {{#items}} {{/items}}
BUSINESS & PLEASURE CO. 70’s Cinque Stripe wood and canopy umbrella
Another gorgeous retro confection from Business and Pleasure – this time in a striking 70’s colourway
Complete with a durable, UV-protected and water-resistant fringed hood, it’s equipped with a sturdy pole (made from reclaimed wood) so even the windiest of days won’t steal it.
It comes with its own bag so you can pack it neatly at the end of the day.
buy now
Kyoto Parasol Set
Do you like it more minimalist, chic, classic?
The Kyoto parasol set will look fabulous in your garden. The parasol’s ribbed roof is reminiscent in design to a traditional bamboo and paper parasol, giving it a unique classic look, especially in the neutral gray tones.
But it’s made from a quality all-weather material with a UV protection rating of 50+ and features a clever crank and tilt function to reposition it exactly where you want it, meaning it offers excellent modern functionality.
buy now
https://www.nationalworld.com/recommended/garden-furniture/best-garden-parasols-umbrellas-uk-2022-3143029 Best Garden Umbrellas & Umbrellas in the UK to Block Sun & Wind