Posts about Outdoor

Camping tarps are essential if you want to ensure you're sheltered from the elements. With waterproofing and UV resistance, they're a versatile piece of kit no matter where you're headed. However, with so many options available, it's tough to know which one to pick to complete your setup.But, don't worry. This article details everything you need to know about tarpaulin sizing, materials and attachment points to ensure you're making the most informed purchase. Plus, we've included links to the 10 best camping tarps in the UK that are currently available through Amazon and Decathlon. From small to large, lightweight to heavy, there are plenty of options available.

People often grow tomatoes, basil and mint at home, so why not give mushrooms a go? While you might think they'd require a lot of upkeep, you couldn't be further from the truth. Mushrooms are one of the easiest foods to grow, and with their supermarket price tag being relatively high (especially when it comes to more exotic varieties), you'll be saving yourself money with near to no effort on your part!If this is your first time searching for a mushroom growing kit, don't worry. This buying guide details everything beginners need to know, including mushroom varieties such as shiitake, oyster and button, the skill level you need to be successful and how many harvests you can expect from your kit. We've also included a list of the 10 best mushroom grow kits available in the UK from Amazon. Happy growing!

If you're planning on heading out into the wilderness, or visiting a string of hotels and hostels, sleeping bag liners can be a great way to protect your bedding from dirt and avoid any chance of contamination from public bedsheets. They also add an extra layer of insulation in colder weather, and comfort when sleeping on hard ground.In this article, we go over everything you need to consider, including materials, fit, and the overall size and weight of the liner. Plus, we've compiled a ranking of the 10 best sleeping bag liners currently available from UK retailers such as Amazon and Decathlon, so you can be sure to get the very best experience while you travel!

If you're heading to the beach or planning a weekend at the campsite, you're no doubt hoping for clear blue skies, but that's not always a promise in the UK! However, you can still enjoy the sun even when the world gets a little windy if you pack a windbreak for your day out, but choosing the right one is important. In this article, we'll discuss all the key considerations such as height, number of poles, materials, and added extras to make sure you choose the most durable, weather-resistant and lightweight product. Plus, we've compiled a list of the 10 best windbreaks for the beach currently available from leading UK retailers such as Amazon, Argos, and Decathlon. 

Floodlights are a staple of home security, acting as a deterrent for potential burglars, and giving you peace of mind that every corner of your home is visible and protected. So if you're shopping for floodlights online, our buying guide is here to help you make an informed choice.We've broken down all the key factors to consider, such as motion sensors, timers, brightness and smart connectivity. If you're still unsure, we've even compiled a ranking of the 10 best floodlights currently available from UK retailers, such as Amazon, Argos and John Lewis. 

Heading camping for the weekend, running a night trail, doing a touch of DIY in the attic or trekking outdoors at sunrise? You will want a head torch. A great hands-free accessory, a headlamp is an essential piece of kit that'll keep you safe wherever and whatever you may be doing. Not only do head torches help with your night vision by illuminating your path, but they also make you visible to other people, which is vital on unlit roads.However, with so many factors to consider, such as rechargeable LED lights, powerful yet subtle red lights and fully waterproof torches, we've written this buying guide to walk you through your options. We've also reviewed a list of the 10 best head torches in the UK, featuring popular brands such as Petzl, Energizer Vision and Black Diamond, which are all available online from Amazon, Decathlon and Argos.

The appeal of portable toilets dramatically increased during lockdown due to Covid rules closing campsite facilities and public toilets. Having a portable toilet for camping stops the dreaded midnight toilet run and (if compact enough) can be taken on day trips, so excursions don't need to be planned around the availability of public toilet facilities. They can also be invaluable to those with mobility issues.Our buying guide looks into everything you need to know, including the dimensions, max user weight, capacity, comfort, ease of emptying and any flush mechanism involved, so that you can find a portable loo to suit you. We've also included a list of the 10 best portable toilets available in the UK to buy from Amazon, including stand-alone facilities and loos with bags, along with their prices and which chemicals you'll need to operate them.

When the sun does finally shine in the UK, you'll need adequate shade to safely enjoy UV rays. In the past, this meant bulky, awkward sun parasols, that you were forever having to adjust. Nowadays, there are garden shade sails! These are large pieces of material that can be attached to nearby walls and poles to provide shelter from the sun.Made to fit any garden, in this article we'll show you how to find the perfect one. Sharing the 10 best garden shade sails in the UK on Amazon, read on for tips and advice on how to choose the right size, fabric and fixing for your garden, patio or deck.

You’ve got your tickets, so all you need now is a tent to ensure you have the best festival experience. Your tent will be your home for the weekend; whether it's a simple space for hardcore revellers to recover or a big, comfortable place to regroup, relax and socialise with friends and family, it's vital to choose one that suits your needs.With so many options from cheap 2-person pop-ups to teepees and 4-man domes, we have compiled a list of the 10 best-rated tents for music festivals to make sure you have a great time, regardless of the unpredictability of the British weather. Featuring brands such as Quecha, Regatta and Coleman, they're all easily ordered online from Amazon, Go Outdoors, Decathlon and Argos.

Peat has traditionally been used in compost because it contains nutrients and retains water brilliantly – unless specifically labelled peat-free, a bag of compost is likely to be made up of at least 70% of it. However, from 2024, peat will be banned from retail all-purpose compost and potting soil because its use is so detrimental to the environment. In the past, peat-free compost has been of questionable quality, but with the 2024 ban looming, mainstream compost manufacturers have been investing heavily in the development of viable peat-free alternatives. We look at the suggested use, composition, cost and bag sizes of the best peat-free composts to buy in the UK, all of which are available for delivery from Amazon, B&Q and others.

Are you a proud gardener in line for first prize at the neighbourhood flower show? Have you made it a goal to put homegrown veg on the dinner table? Either way, plant protection is a must here in the UK. One of the leading causes of plant degradation is insects sticking their noses where they aren't welcome, but with a good insecticide, it's easy to put a stop to this. Whether you're looking for the best insecticide for vegetable gardens, strawberries, roses or lawns, we've reviewed a range of options to wage war on every pesky pest from scale insects and spiders to aphids and mealybugs. Our list is stacked with top-shelf products from brands like Provanto, Nuedorff and Resolva, including both chemical bug sprays and natural, organic formulas that are guaranteed to be safe.

Tis the season for bats, pumpkins, witches and ghosts - that's right, Halloween is fast approaching! You've probably already considered decorating the inside of your house, but displaying outdoor Halloween decorations  will seriously up that wow factor.From outdoor lights to pumpkin inflatables, there are plenty to choose from. That's why we've put together this guide with helpful tips and spooky garden decor ideas to inspire you. So read on for our ranking of the top 10 best outdoor Halloween decorations in the UK, from Amazon and Argos.

If you're a nature lover, watching the day-to-day activity of the local birdlife is surely one of the best ways to spend your time, and it's always nice when we can lend a hand to help out our feathered friends. A bird box will allow you to do all that and more, providing robins, small birds and other passing residents with a place to nest and even rear their young.Bird boxes come in all shapes and sizes from those with cameras to fun, novelty designs, and it can be tricky to know which will actually attract birds to your garden. In this guide, we'll detail every key decision you need to make while browsing before counting down the ten best nesting boxes in the UK, all of which can be ordered from Amazon, eBay and John Lewis.

Outdoor hanging baskets are a brilliant way to add greenery to your garden, balcony or patio. They’re handy for maximising space, and will let you display trailing plants, flowers, fascinating foliage or even veggies!  Sure, all outdoor hanging pots will serve the same purpose, but how do you know which one to choose? Fear not, as we've put together this guide to wire, wicker, plastic and ceramic hanging baskets and railing planters, along with our ranking of the top 10 best in the UK on Amazon and eBay.

Bee hotels are rapidly gaining popularity in the UK as a garden must-have. Their contribution to the bee world is small but important, providing solitary species (such as mason and leafcutter bees) with a place to rest, recuperate and even nest their young. In turn, they'll also benefit you by encouraging bees to visit and pollinate your garden. Plus, they're a great educational tool for kids.As with real hotels, bee hotels come in many shapes and sizes, so it can be difficult to know which one to pick. Don't fret – we'll walk you through everything from height and location to which wood or materials encourage other insects to check-in. Then, we'll share our ten favourites to buy from Amazon, eBay and John Lewis, including bee and bug hotels, bee hotel kits and more. 

Camper van awnings are a great way of gaining extra sheltered space when living that sweet, carefree van life. Maybe your family has recently outgrown the size of your van, and you're looking for a tent awning, or you're just chasing some extra weather protection with a porch or canopy awning.Whichever it may be, our top 10 of the best camper van awnings will have your needs covered. Featuring plenty of self-supporting drive-away awnings from reputable brands like Vango, Kampa and Olpro, you can set to planning your next camping trip in full confidence of your equipment's ability to weather it all.

If you're a keen gardener yet to own a trellis, you may wonder what benefits one could possibly bring to your outside space. The truth is there's much more to a garden trellis than meets the eye. They can be used to transform plain spaces into decorative feature walls adorned with climbing plants, they can support growing vegetables, you can even use them to separate and conceal parts of your garden. The options are pretty much endless!If you're currently looking for a garden trellis, you may be struggling with where to start. After all, they come in all shapes and sizes! Don't fret because our buying guide will explore all the options available, from black metal arches to cheap and cheerful modern plastic walls. We'll walk you through everything you need to consider before buying, then we'll count down the best garden trellises in the UK from online stores such as Amazon and eBay. 

Gardening is perhaps one of the most underrated hobbies out there. Therapeutic and slow-paced but with plenty of long-term gains, it's a great opportunity to practice mindfulness and patience in our frantic world. However, if you're planning on doing a bit more than keeping your geraniums watered, you're going to need some helpful gear – and that's where gardener's aprons come in. Both protective and useful in the way they allow you to have all your equipment to hand, an apron made of hardy fabric with ample pockets is essential for any perennial gardener. Thanks to this guide, you'll have everything you need to make the perfect choice. We've also included a list of our ten favourite garden aprons for inspiration, including a tool belt alternative and designs for ladies and kids.

Garden sprinklers can be used as an irrigation system to keep grass in top condition, or as a fun way for the kids to cool off in the summer. There are many varieties, with impact and oscillating sprinklers being the most popular designs. So if you haven't used sprinklers yet, we recommend you give them a go for watering and maintaining your lawn.To help you pick the best one, we've put together a guide on water pressure, range and coverage. We know it can be a daunting task, especially if it's your first time using one. That's why we've included a ranking of the top 10 best garden sprinklers in the UK, including products from big brands like Hozelock and Gardena available on Amazon, eBay and Argos!

Whether they're guiding you safely up your driveway on a winter's evening or lighting up your patio for a summer garden party, wall lights are an essential garden fixture, whatever the season. As well as serving a practical purpose, they're incredibly stylish, allowing you to experiment with your favourite décor styles outside. However, wall lights come in various shapes and sizes, and two can look and work completely differently from one another.From traditional brass lantern-style wall lights to stainless steel solar-powered LEDs with motion sensors, there is a whole range to choose from. It always helps to be armed with a little knowledge before diving in, which is exactly why we've written this buying guide. We'll walk you through everything you need to consider, then we'll show you ten of the best outdoor wall lights in the UK. 

Not too long ago, if someone outside of the kayaking, sailing or surfing community would have asked your average Joe what a dry bag was, not many people could have answered. However, they’ve had somewhat of a glow-up recently and are becoming popular as waterproof bags and backpacks for running, hiking and even everyday use, which makes sense in the rain-soaked UK! As you’d expect, these bags are all about keeping goods safe and dry, but how do you tell one apart from another? In our guide, we’ll show you the features you should consider before buying. After that, we’ve gathered the best options for paddle boarding, swimming, boating and more for you to check out, all of which are available to order from affordable sites such as Amazon.

A rake is an often overlooked garden tool as it's seen as something secondary to a fork or shovel, but when maintaining and tidying your garden, it will likely end up being your most used tool. Gardening isn't just about growing plants or having a nice place to sit, but the hobby itself can be a very calming and relaxing pursuit, with both gardening and raking having links with zen Buddhism.On the surface, the different types can all look very similar, so we're here to take you through each one and recommend the best soil rakes, lawn rakes and rakes for leaves to buy online from Amazon, eBay and Argos. Pick up a rake from some of the best makers of garden equipment around like Spear & Jackson, Draper and Challenge, and you'll have your garden in tip-top shape in no time! 

Garden arches, or arbours, are a wonderful way to liven up your outdoor space. The trellises or poles they feature allow you to grow beautiful climbing roses or clematis, while others even come with benches or gates attached. Design-wise, there's a wide variety available from sturdy wooden arches to unusual metal frames, so you'll have plenty of options to suit your garden. Having lots of selection is great, but it also makes it harder to decide which one to pick. That's OK! Read through our handy guide that contains top tips to help you choose the best arch for your garden. We've also put together a ranking of the 10 best garden arches available to buy on Amazon and Argos with designs by Outsunny, TecTake and more. 

Along with a trowel and spade, a good garden fork is one of the basic gardening tools that no shed or garage should be without. Whether you only have access to a small allotment, or tend to a larger green space in the countryside, you'll need a reliable fork to make the most of time spent maintaining your garden or growing plants and vegetables.In this article, we'll show you how to pick the best garden fork for your space or upcoming project. We'll go over the key terminology used, as well as ranking the top 10 pitchforks, digging and border forks available online in the UK on Amazon, eBay, and Argos. That way you'll be able to turn that patch of weeds into a beautiful herb or vegetable garden in no time!

While cushions, toys, gardening tools, and other outdoor belongings are great to have, they can make a garden look cluttered and untidy when left lying around. To organise your space, why not try a garden storage box to keep your things neat and secured while you're not using them? However, the challenge comes in knowing which garden storage box to buy, but don't worry - we've done the research and compiled a step-by-step buying guide to make it easy.We've also included a list of the top 10 best garden storage boxes available in the UK from popular online retailers such as Amazon, eBay and Argos. Whether you're after a heavy-duty grey box with a lid or you fancy a waterproof wooden one to match your furniture, we've got something here for everyone. 

Looking to add interest to a corner of your garden? Well, we have just the thing for you – a chimenea. Made from clay, cast iron or contemporary steel and sometimes even with a grill for cooking, they are a simple and cosy way to improve the usability of any outdoor space and are a guaranteed way to entertain your guests. Whether you are looking to create a magical atmosphere, heat up the patio or explore innovative ways of cooking, you are in luck. This article will guide you through the best chimeneas for sale in the UK, on Amazon, Argos and others, with options from the most reputable brands, such as La Hacienda and Charles Bentley. We are sure that you will find something to fit your needs perfectly and add an extra spark of personality to your garden.

Leaving the hustle and bustle behind and going camping with friends and family is a great way of making memories and digging your heels back down into nature. But no camping trip is complete without an adequately stocked camping cookware set to keep the troops on top form and happily fed. Read on for our handy buying guide that will help you choose the right tools to see you through a tonne of hiking trips in the UK and beyond. Collected from Amazon, Decathlon, Argos and eBay, our top 10 list of the best camping cookware includes premium cookware from Sea to Summit, Snow Peak, Odoland and more. Whether you're looking to dazzle the family with stainless steel and cast iron pots, pans and kettles, or you're chasing a lightweight aluminium or titanium set for 4, you'll find something special in this list that's perfect for you.  

A durable dinnerware set makes al fresco dining easy and fun, however, choosing the right product can be tough given John Lewis and Amazon are both packed with top quality sets. Plastic picnic plates, enamel camping mugs, bamboo bowls or melamine crockery? Wicker hampers or a cutlery case? With products from the likes of Coleman, Yvonne Ellen and Royal Doulton, this guide will help you choose the perfect dinnerware for any camping setting.Our reviews rank the best outdoor tableware including plates, cups, bowls, knives, forks and spoons. We've found the ten best camping dinnerware sets of the year so you can cook and dine in the great outdoors. Whether you want a travel dining set for two, four or six people, vintage camping dishes or dishwasher-safe things, we've got it covered.

When the days get longer, and the weather warms up, many of us venture into our gardens to enjoy the summer days and sultry evenings. Dressing your outdoor furniture to be as comfortable and attractive as possible makes your time in the garden all the more special, and outdoor cushions could be just the thing to achieve this. If you're wondering how to pick through all the options available, this buying guide is here to help you out.Whether you're looking for some waterproof cushions for chairs or large pieces for your bench or sofa, we've got you covered. We've listed our favourites from Argos, Amazon and eBay, including everything from tropical covers, to bright orange fabrics to bring you the top 10 best outdoor cushions in the UK. So if you think these may be something you’d use, keep reading our buying guide to find out more. 

When you're lounging around on a lilo or soaking up the bubbles in a hot tub, there's only one thing that could make the experience even better. Introducing the inflatable cup holder, a brilliant invention designed to present you with your favourite icy beverage no matter which body of water you're floating around in, whether that's the swimming pool, the bath, or (if you dare) the sea. There are many different designs nowadays, from practical floating drinks trays to novelty flamingos and unicorns that add a splash of poolside colour. Luckily for you, we've collated all the information that you need to know in order to find the most suitable cup holder to last you the whole season. In addition, we've selected ten of the most popular products to buy on Amazon and eBay.