Now we can welcome friends and family into our gardens, it's time to get our outdoor spaces primed and ready for reunions, catch-ups and celebrations. Whether you need help tending to the weeds or getting your garden furniture ready, we're here to help. Plus, we've got the best garden parasols to finish off the look.
With the British weather being so unpredictable, we can never rule out a heatwave or a downpour. That said, these garden parasols are here to ensure you can still catch up with your loved ones, no matter what the day might bring.
Related: Bistro garden furniture that will transform your outdoor space in time for summer
How we chose the best garden umbrellas:
All of these umbrellas have been hand-selected by What's The Best shopping experts. Our team has spent hours investigating and researching the best garden parasol, so you can choose the best one. We'd never recommend a product we don't believe in. Find out why you should trust us here.
Here are some key features to look for when choosing the right parasol:
Coverage: When selecting a garden umbrella, look for options that offer 360-degree rotation or coverage. Most brands will highlight the angles of rotation, but if they don’t, look specifically to see if the umbrella offers a tilt mechanism.
Materials: Thanks to the fact that it rains approximately 156.2 days per year, you're going to need to make sure that your garden umbrella has some protection and that's where the material comes in. Water-repellent fabrics are a must; if this is a big requirement for you, check that your umbrella has this feature before you buy.
It's also good to know that some parasols come with protection against UV rays. The description will outline if this is available. Top tip: UV50+ is the best sun protection on the market right now.
It's time to discover our favourite parasols so that you can kit out your decking area.
Best garden parasol
1 of 8Schallen 2.7m UV50 Leaning Sun Umbrella Parasol
The sun might not have its hat on today, but warmer days are coming. Don't leave it until May-June time to buy one, when you can get a brilliant parasol for your patio today.Size: 270 x 268cm Base included: NoReason to buy:• Crank system to open and close your parasol• UV50 protection• Well made
2 of 8Nude and Mustard Fringed Beach Umbrella
We've found the ultimate garden parasol. If you want to give your garden that chic classy edge, this number ought to do it. This design not quite to your taste? There are three styles to choose from.Size: 200 X 230 cmBase included: NoReason to buy:• Vintage aesthetic • Nude and mustard stripe, pink and black or green pattern available• Includes a matching fabric carrier bag
3 of 8SUNMER 2M Grey Beach Umbrella
Alternatively, you can keep it traditional with this grey beach umbrella. This is totally something you'd spot on your All Inclusive holiday to Tenerife, and we're not mad at it. Size: 205 x 184cmBase included: NoReason to buy:• Universal design• Good value for money• Easy to assemble
4 of 8Rainbow Crank Beach Parasol
Talking of the holidays, this fun rainbow parasol is usually what comes to mind when we think of beach parasols. That said, you don't need to be abroad to enjoy this lovely choice, just your back garden.Size: 230 x 245cmBase included: NoReason to buy:• Good for families• Fun yet sturdy construction• Budget-friendly
5 of 8BTM Cantilever Parasol with Base
Finally, a garden umbrella that comes with a base. If you're looking for the whole package, well then you've found it. We love that you can adjust the height and tilt angle effortlessly. Size: Canopy dimensions - 3mBase included: YesReason to buy:• Easy to assemble• Good size• Comes with a good rain cover
6 of 8Palm Leaf Parasol
Costa del garden has a whole new meaning thanks to this gorgeous palm leaf parasol. If you're thinking about bringing the beach vibes to your terrace house, we're all about it. Size: 210 x 180cmBase included: NoTilt: YesReason to buy:• Made from synthetic water repellent materials• Gorgeous palm leaf effect• Matching parasol stand available
7 of 8Argos Home 2.7m Water Repellent Garden Parasol
Do you have a south-facing garden? Either way, this strong garden parasol will keep you protected, even in the sunniest spots.Size: 246 x 270cmBase included: NoTilt: NoReason to buy:• Include a manufacturer's one-year guarantee• The fabric is water repellent• Easy to use the pulley system
8 of 8Norfolk Leisure Carrousel 2.7m Traditional Parasol
Create a stylish and comfortable spot in your garden, with this beaded parasol. High quality, with a crank lift and tilt mechanism, this garden umbrella is an easy way to add a touch of glam to your outdoor space. Size: width 270cm x diameter 270cm, pole height 260cm, pole diameter 4.8 cmBase included: NoTilt: YesReason to buy:• Pretty decorative bead detail• Good size• Easy crank lift opening mechanism
Best garden parasol verdict:
Now that you've seen all of our garden umbrella picks, it's time to decide what one is right for your garden. Although all of these garden staples made it onto our shortlist for a reason, one of these parasols stands out from the rest and that's why the best garden parasol has to go to Nude and Mustard Fringed Beach Umbrella.
Yes, this is an extravagant item, and it won't be everyone's cup of tea, but we love the amazing quality and attention to detail that this vintage parasol has. From the ability to choose from three patterns to its fringe hem, it's all about aesthetics. It gets a big thumbs up from us.
Will any garden umbrella fit any base?
Thankfully most parasols will fit any garden base, but the base will need to be large enough to keep it secure. While any base may fit your umbrella's pole, we cannot guarantee it'll be a stable hold.
Basically, this means you need to buy a base dependent on the size and type of parasol. If the weight isn't distributed evenly, then your parasol is likely to topple over with the smallest gust of wind - yikes!
We don't have to ask you twice if you want a wobbly parasol - instead of spending your whole summer holding on to your umbrella, we've found the best bases to buy (in case your parasol doesn't already come with one).
Best garden parasol base:
Best garden parasol base
1 of 4R & S Supplies Ltd Plastic Garden Parasol Base
Compact and sturdy is how we'd describe this parasol base. If your umbrella has a petite pole, this will be perfect for you.
2 of 4EDA Umbrella Base
To stop your parasol from falling over, fill this base up with water or sand. Get the measuring tape out as it's suitable for an umbrella with a diameter of 1.8 to 3.2cm.
3 of 4Strata Products Ltd GN351 Ward Parasol Base
Are you searching for a robust base that you can effortlessly move around the garden? This lightweight option is a good budget-friendly buy.
4 of 4Kingfisher Cast Iron Effect Parasol Base
Keep it traditional with a cast iron effect base. Other than design, the best thing about this number is that it includes adapters to hold parasols up to 40mm, 50mm or 55mm pole diameters. Fantastic!
What to read next:
Lily Anderson is a Senior Commercial Content Writer at Bauer Media, where she tests products for titles such as Heat, Closer, What’s the Best and Mother&Baby.
Subscribe to the What’s The Best Newsletter to keep up to date with more of the latest reviews and recommendations from Lily and the rest of the What’s The Best team.