We earn a commission for products purchased through some links in this article.
8 stylish garden parasols, umbrellas and bases to enjoy this summer – including a £30 designer collab
Enjoy a relaxing, shady spot in your garden over summer with our pick of the best parasols and bases to buy right now
With summer on our doorstep, a considerately planned garden provides a balance of open sky and shade.
To ensure everyone can stay comfortable and skin-safe, you should consider setting up a top-quality parasol. A good model will create a shady spot in your garden, adding both style and functionality to the space and providing strong UVA and UVB protection.
If alfresco dining is your priority, ask yourself how big your garden parasol needs to be in order to shelter the guests and the garden dining set itself. You'll probably need more coverage than you'd initially think. Also, observe where the sun falls in your outdoor space, and consider whether your parasol will need a tilt function to provide adequate shade throughout the day.
As we'll see, parasols vary greatly in design. Are you looking for a decorative statement piece to embellish your outdoor setup, or a simple umbrella that will blend in while it blocks the sun's rays?
Staycation Vintage Parasols Pavilion-Portico Blush Parasol
Read review
Do all garden parasols come with a base?
Some parasols come with their own base. However, many are sold without this key accessory – and, in these cases, you’ll need to purchase one separately. The base is required to prevent the parasol from tilting or blowing over in the wind and, unfortunately, it's not sufficient to simply rest the pole through a hole in the table.
If you need to source a base, take care to ensure your chosen model has a wide enough opening to accept your parasol's pole. With most bases, you use a bolt to tighten the base around it, so the fit between the pole and base doesn't need to be super-tight. The base should also be heavy enough, when filled with sand or water, to weigh down your parasol during windy weather.
Can I leave my garden parasol out in the rain?
We wouldn’t recommend it. Most garden parasols are designed to keep you shaded, not protected from heavy rain. They’ll likely be weather-resistant, like most garden furniture, but the average parasol can’t withstand high winds and storms. Storing your parasol in a shed or garage during bad weather is a good habit to get into. One day, it might save your garden umbrella from a visit to next door's garden.
Garden parasols and umbrellas: Our top picks
Read on for Country Living's roundup of the best garden parasols and garden umbrellas. We've covered a wide range of styles, sizes and price brackets to help you add beauty and cooling comfort to your garden this summer.
We love the chic, vintage look of this striped garden parasol. It's been constructed with a solid beechwood pole (FSC-certified) and a water-resistant, UVF50+ canvas canopy.
The multi-position tilt function means you can stay shaded through the day, without uprooting the entire parasol. It also comes with a handy carry bag in matching fabric
Features at a Glance
| Parasol diameter | 1.85m |
|---|---|
| Material | Beachwood, canvas |
| Base included? | No |
Who says parasol bases have to be boring? This super stylish number from Dunelm is weighty enough to support your umbrella while still adding some charming vintage appeal with its pretty scallop design.
Add a harmonious pop of colour with this zesty green tasseled parasol, with a delicate dappled print. Its ergonomic pulley system with a swivel handle makes putting it up and down a breeze, too.
Features at a Glance
| Parasol diameter | 2.5m |
|---|---|
| Base included? | No |
| Material | Wood, polyester |
An exclusive collaboration with quirky designers Scion, this pretty parasol features a whimsical floral print and tassels that will lend a relaxed, jolly feel to any garden.
Plus, it's adjustable and tilts so you can stay shaded as the sun moves throughout the day.
Features at a Glance
| Parasol diameter | 1.6m |
|---|---|
| Material | Polyester, metal |
| Base included? | No |
This striped parasol, complete with a fringe edging, will make a fun addition to any garden. Designed for ease, it has a push-up mechanism for a simple setup. Please note, the base is available to purchase separately.
| Parasol diameter | 2m |
|---|---|
| Material | Polyester, steel |
| Base included? | No |
Add shade to your next alfresco lunch or dinner with Rowen & Wren's vintage-inspired design, hand-made in small batches.
In a subtle pink, it features a tactile lined cover, antique brass hardware, and a traditional pulley rope and pin system for a timeless, heritage feel.
| Parasol diameter | 2.5m |
|---|---|
| Material | Polyester, cotton, cedar wood |
| Base included? | No |
No parasol hole in your garden furniture set? No problem. This contemporary-style overhanging umbrella will sit neatly next to your table, while holding its canopy overhead.
This parasol is best suited to small-to-medium tables; we tried it with our 10-seater setup and a few seats at the end didn't get the full benefit.
Our writer found the parasol easy to set up within about 15 minutes, and they earned multiple compliments on its smart looks from guests. The crank handle works smoothly, and the parasol has UV30+ coating for a little extra sun protection.
| Parasol diameter | 3m |
|---|---|
| Material | Steel, polyester |
| Base included? | No |
Resplendent in fringing and tassels, this handmade garden parasol brings Balinese artistry to your garden. There are lots of well-considered details to enjoy here, including a durian wood pole.
This parasol would add a relaxed yet celebratory feel to any garden party or alfresco event – assuming you're happy to share the shade.
Features at a Glance
| Parasol diameter | 2m |
|---|---|
| Material | Durian wood, canvas, aluminium |
| Base included? | No |
Lisa Joyner is the Deputy Daily Editor at House Beautiful UK and Country Living UK, where she's busy writing about home and interiors, gardening, dog breeds, pets, health and wellbeing, countryside news, small space inspiration, and the hottest properties on the market. Previously, she has written for Conde Nast Traveller, House & Garden and Marie Claire magazine. Lisa studied at University For The Creative Arts, where she completed a BA in Fashion Journalism.
Rosie Stagg is former Marketplace Content Editor for House Beautiful UK and Country Living UK, covering everything from self-care advice to craft trends and interior style guides. With many years working in e-commerce and specialising in marketplaces, Rosie also managed content on the Country Living Marketplace. Rosie studied at the University of Leeds where she completed a BA in English & History of Art.
Cara is Commissioning Editor at Country Living, covering everything from style and interiors to sustainability, artisans and the great outdoors. She has previously worked for Good Housekeeping, Homes & Gardens, House Beautiful, Prima and Red, and has an MA in Magazine Journalism from City University and a BA in Music from the University of Oxford. Follow Cara on Instagram @caralaskaris or Linkedin.
What to see at Bramham Horse Trials 2026
The Welsh weaver behind Dinefwr Blankets
Badminton Horse Trials 2026: What you need to know
RHS Malvern Spring Festival 2026: Important info
