Posts about Outdoor (Page 2)

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.

What better way to soak up the sun than by treating yourself to a traditional wooden deck chair with a fabric canvas seat? Just right for the garden, patio, beach or post barbecue nap, these folding loungers come in gorgeous designs, sometimes with cushions, sometimes with vintage style material, often cheap and always the perfect place to relax, read or soak up some rays. From John Lewis to Argos to Amazon, there are plenty of great places to find a stylish deck chair, many of which branch away from the classic recliner with stripes, and feature a canopy cover, cup holder or even a footrest! We've searched for the ten best deck chairs in the UK (including a personalised option!) and ranked them according to beauty, practicality, price and comfort. It's time to buy your very own piece of fabulous summer furniture!

Although the risk of mosquitoes transmitting diseases in the UK is currently lower than in other parts of Europe, they remain a nuisance, so it's important to minimise their spread. While summer is a great time for camping or other outdoor activities, this is also when these blood-feeding insects are most abundant. It's at times like these that mosquito repellent devices are needed to keep the menace at bay. Instead of covering yourself in insect repellant spray or lotion, which may irritate your skin, why not get a simple device to keep the mosquitoes away? We've rounded up the best mosquito repellent devices, including DEET-free options, plus a buying guide to give you all the information you need to get the perfect repellent.

When the weather is hot and the mercury's rising, there’s nothing quite like heading to the beach for a bit of sun, sand, and salty sea air. But if you’re making a day of it, then investing in a great beach blanket will make your trip to the seaside much more enjoyable. In this buying guide, we'll go through all the points you need to consider to choose the right beach blanket. Whether you're just looking for a simple picnic blanket, prepped for the beach, or you're after a large sand-free, waterproof number, there's something here for you. We’ve pulled together a list of the best beach blankets in the UK from Amazon so if you’re ready to hit the beach, keep reading to find out more. 

Want a fun way for boisterous kids to bounce away some energy? An inflatable jumping castle is just the ticket. Indoor and outdoor bouncy castles both large and small can turn your living room or garden into a joyful space for front-flips and frolics, but how to choose the best is another matter. In this article, we help you compare the best bouncy castles in the UK.From disco domes and football-themed inflatables to ones with water cannons or a slide, we have the most fun bouncy castles to buy for toddlers, kids and young teens. Forget getting one to hire, these affordable, durable castles are easy to blow up with an electric air blower or pump and are all for sale on Argos and Amazon, so you can shop with a click! 

Off to the beach with the kids this summer? It's always handy to keep them occupied with toys, whether that's a bucket and spade for sandcastles, a beach ball, cricket set or frisbee.From babies and toddlers to teens, this article will help you identify the best beach toys in time for your summer hols. With unique sustainable and eco-friendly options to help children burn off energy, as well as activities to keep the whole family busy, you'll want to browse our ranking of the top 10 beach toys in the UK on Argos, Amazon, eBay and John Lewis.

The best kind of lounging is done when you're not just poolside, but chilling out on the water itself. An inflatable pool float allows you to kick back, relax and let your stresses float away. We've ranked the best products available at Amazon, John Lewis, Argos and eBay, including ones suitable for kids and adults alike, to help you find a stable yet stylish summer oasis. Our unsinkable list includes some fabulously fruity options alongside more standard hammock floats — and even a few delightful extra-large inflatables to float with friends on. The top-tier brands to look out for in the UK are Sunnylife, Bestway and Intex, whose cleverly designed inflatables will keep you comfy and chilled out to the max. With one of our recommended inflatable pool floats, there'll be no stopping you this summer!

Nowadays most of us rely on the GPS systems built into our devices, but those heading off the beaten track should never leave anything to chance. With GPS, if the signal drops or the battery runs out, you could be left stranded. Analogue compasses offer good old-fashioned reliability. However, if you’ve never bought a compass for hiking before, then the terminology associated with them can be confusing. We’ve put together this buying guide that discusses the main features that experienced walkers expect from a compass. We share the ranking of our 10 favourite compasses for hiking, including top brands such as Suunto, Silva and Geonaute, all of which are available in the UK, from Amazon and Decathlon. 

We all know the benefits of getting in touch with nature, and the great thing about having an outside space is that we don't have to go too far to enjoy it. Offering fresh water is a great way to encourage wildlife while keeping our feathered friends' thirst quenched and helping to loosen dirt and dampen their feathers prior to preening. To help you find the bath that both fits your garden's style and successfully attracts birds, we've written this buying guide packed with tips and suggestions on everything from material to modern extras like solar lights. Whether you're after a heavy ceramic bath or a unique hanging design for a small space, you're sure to find a match among our list of the best bird baths on Amazon and John Lewis.

If you’re a regular all-weather walker or camper, then you're sure to have some trusty waterproof items like walking boots, trainers and backpacks that you rely on time after time to keep you snug and dry. But what happens if they start to lose their waterproofing properties and you start to find leaks and damp patches?If you’ve found yourself in this situation, a good waterproofing spray is bound to be the answer to your soggy situation. We’ve checked major online retailers to scope out the best waterproofing sprays for fabrics and canvas, jackets, tents, shoes and even waders so you can spend less time being wet and cold and more time enjoying the great outdoors!

Whether you run a small delivery business or live in a city where it doesn’t make much sense to drive, having a bike cargo trailer to help cart around your goods or equipment is a great way to lower your costs and keep fit while doing so. From lightweight, folding bike trailers, to enclosed wagons suitable for the beach, camping or going off-road, this article is here to help you find the right one. Alongside our guide on how to buy, we’ve ranked the top 10 best cargo trailers for bicycles available in the UK!

Cycling is a great way to keep fit and much better for the environment than car travel. Unfortunately, your space is limited when transporting young children. That's why we recommend getting a bike trailer for kids!Child carriers and wagons are a safe way to cycle with up to two children, whether you're taking them to school or riding through the countryside. To help you decide, we've ranked the 10 best bike trailers in the UK on Amazon and Halfords, with tips on how to choose the right one for their age and weight.

The quality of the grass in your lawn can really make or break a garden, especially if you feel that the garden is an extension of the home - if you religiously hoover the carpets indoors, I'm sure you'll see the sense of maintaining the grass outdoors. Perhaps you've decided to re-landscape your garden, or maybe just want to breathe some life back into your dried-out or muddied grass.Whether you're looking for a child-proof, hard-wearing grass, a flawless ornamental lawn or a pack of decorative grass seeds, this article has got you covered. Clay soil or planting in shade? No problem! Preference for an ingenious grass seed spreader or added weed killer? Done! We've searched Amazon to find exceptional grass seeds from Miracle-Gro, Finchmill, Graminex and more, ranking them according to quality and value for money. 

If you have a long daily commute, you live in a small flat or you're just fed up with the ever-increasing costs of city parking, you may want to consider picking up a folding bike. Manual or electric, they’re easy to take on the train or pop in the boot of a car, saving you considerable time when walking to and from stations and park and rides, or even just cycling straight home.Unfortunately, bike theft is a real issue in the UK, so it can also bring peace of mind to have your method of transportation safely folded away with you in your office or home. There are many inventive and original designs on the market today, so we’ve put together a list of the best foldable bikes on Amazon, Decathlon and more, including both top-end Bromptons and budget brands under £300 and £500. 

If you're venturing into the outdoors for camping, hiking or backpacker trip, one of the first things you need to do is to make sure you have somewhere comfortable and warm to sleep. For most people, this means getting your hands on a sleeping bag. With online stores like Argos, Amazon and Decathlon offering so many brands and styles, you'll be spoilt for choice. The right sleeping bag for you will depend on many factors, such as whether you need the warmest 3 or 4 season design for winter or an ultralight or lightweight one for summer. It could also depend on your size – some are extra-wide or extra-long, while others are doubles made for two! Whatever you're looking for, we'll show you the best fleece-lined and cotton-filled sleeping bags, all costing under £100.

Taking time out from our regular routines and stripping it right back to the bare essentials helps us to appreciate what's really important in life. As well as your tent and sleeping bag, one item that is always included in that list of outdoor comforts is a dedicated camping pillow, sure to up the chances of a good night's rest on the ground or in your hammock.We'll help you decide on either an ultralight inflatable pillow for backpacking, hiking or trekking that focuses on minimising space, or if you're car camping, a more plush yet compact design. Read on to discover our picks on Amazon, Argos, Decathlon and eBay from top-shelf camping brands like Jökel, Thermarest, Vango and Klymit.

Allowing yourself the time to sit down and soak up the spoils of your garden is made all the more possible by a dedicated outdoor bench. By nestling a comfortable, stylish and sturdy bench on your lawn or patio, you'll be reaping the seating rewards while also adding a touch of flair to your home's exterior. Outdoor Furniture, BrackenStyle and Outsunny are creating good value, weatherproof garden benches of the highest seating order, with plenty of two, three and four-seaters available. Whether you enjoy the natural appeal of wood or the more refined style of quality plastic and cushioned metal frames, Amazon, Argos, and John Lewis have got your back covered!

We often associate the idea of camping with being dirty, but it doesn’t have to be that way! Nowadays, there are various portable camping showers that will allow you to keep yourself, your dogs and your dishes sparkling clean, however long you wish to spend in the outdoors. Whether you're after a solar powered shower that produces hot water, or one with an electric pump that can be charged via your car, there are a few things to consider before you buy. In this guide, we're here to help you choose the best camping shower, including our ranking of the top 10 in the UK on Amazon and Decathlon.

Ornaments have been used as garden decorations for generations, and although the traditional porcelain statues that your grandma used to love might be a little outdated now, you'll be able to find plenty of modern pieces to accentuate the décor of your patio or lawn. In fact, the right kind of sculpture or water feature can really bring a tranquil atmosphere to your outdoor space.With much of the world now waking up to the rejuvenating powers of nature, there's never been a better time to brighten up your garden with a few unique pieces. Whether you're after cute garden gnomes, a colourful metal bird, some stunning solar lights, or a large stone Buddha, we've compiled a selection of the 10 best garden ornaments currently available to order online in the UK at Amazon and John Lewis. Happy shopping!

Whatever the weather, we Brits love a barbecue, and we're not afraid to stand under an umbrella to make it happen. Something else you don't want to get in the way of your cooking is injuries to your hands from the flames. Insulated flame and heat resistant gloves, made from protective materials like aramid, silicone and leather, will stop these from occurring.From small to extra large and long to short, you'll be able to find the right glove style for you no matter what size your hands are or how much of your arm you want covered. Well-loved brands like Weber have created mitts to match their smokers and barbecues that you can find on Amazon and John Lewis allowing you to feel safe while grilling up a storm. 

Who doesn't love the taste and smell of a barbecue on a sunny day? There's nothing quite like the chargrilled quality you get from this method of cooking, but once it's over, there's always some mess to deal with afterwards. No matter what sort of BBQ you use, cleaning will be required, so it's good to have a specialist cleaner and some tools at the ready. There are many options out there for tackling the grease, grime and soot you find on a barbecue. For a chemical solution that dislodges dirt, look for a liquid spray, or if you'd prefer something more hands-on, look for a natural yet heavy duty scrubbing brush. Whatever you want, the likes of Cif and Weber will have solutions to get your grill sparkling again. 

It seems that more and more people are waking up to the spiritually restorative powers of nature and wildlife, and many of us are doing what we can to introduce a little bit more of it into our lives. One guaranteed method of achieving this goal is to invest in a bird feeding station, which will allow our feathered friends to feed and bathe in your garden. As well as deciding which snacks you want to provide for the local wildlife, you must also decide how you want your feeding pole, stand or station to look – after all, it's your garden it'll be sitting in! For a little help and a few ideas, check out our buying guide and bird feeder recommendations below. The early bird catches the worm, so let's get going!

When trees begin to change their colour in the autumn time, it’s a pleasant sight to behold. All the reds, yellows and browns give a lovely glow of nature all around us. Unfortunately, that beauty quickly disappears as they suddenly begin to fall to the ground, not only becoming an eyesore but also a slippery hazard. To ensure you’re prepared, you might want to consider buying a leaf blower.  Forget trailing wires, these days there are plenty of cordless leaf blowers to choose from, regardless of whether you opt for a petrol powered blower, or one that comes with a battery and charger. You may also want to go for a blower with a vacuum setting. In this article, we'll show you how to choose the right one for your needs, before ranking the top 10 best cordless leaf blowers in the UK on Argos and Amazon.

While not a legal requirement in the UK, wearing a bike helmet while on the road is well worth doing in case you’re involved in an accident. It’s unlikely that you’ll be hit by a car on your morning commute, but it’s better to be safe than sorry, and here in the UK you’re almost always running the risk of cycling in the slippery conditions that the rain brings to the roads.We’ve put together a guide and a list of the best and safest bike helmets for commuters as we think that anyone who spends a portion of their day cycling to and from work should invest in a little extra protection. Below you’ll find our picks from trusted brands like Lazer, Bern and Closca and where to buy them on Amazon, Halfords, eBay and Decathlon. 

The sun has got his hat on, and he's coming out to play! Safety should be one of your main priorities when you're spending a day at the beach because you don't want to end up with sunburn, or worse, sunstroke. A beach umbrella offers more protection than sun lotion alone, plus it'll give you some shade so you can stay cool and see that book you're reading.There are a few things to consider when picking a sun umbrella so you can find one that's portable, lightweight and does the job of protecting you and your family. We've put together a helpful guide with info on UV protection and special features like anchors and adjustability so you know what to look out for. Don't miss our top 10 recommendations from Amazon and Argos too! 

Creating your own outdoor oasis at home requires a few vital essentials, with adequate shading being high up the list. A cantilever parasol will enable you to make the most of your patio or garden, while taking cover from the sun during the hottest parts of the day.Whether you're after a wall mounted parasol, or one that comes with a base, we've ranked the top 10 best to buy in the UK on Amazon, Argos and eBay. With options for gardens large and small that can tilt and rotate up to 360° keeping you shaded as the sun tracks across the sky, and LED solar lighting that will allow you to turn the summer days spent outside into nights, read on to find out more!

Gazebos are an excellent way of weatherproofing your garden or patio, whether that’s against the wind and rain or providing shade in the summer. They’re also a handy piece of kit to own should you decide to hold an impromptu BBQ or birthday celebration. The only trouble comes with finding one that is practical, stylish and of course, waterproof!  In our article, we’ve curated ten all-season gazebos to buy online from Amazon, Argos, and eBay, ranked by their coverage, build time, sturdiness and aesthetics. But before we get into that, don't forget the buying guide. From large hard-top designs with sides to small pop-up frames, not all gazebos are made equal, but this quick read will help you identify which one is best for your needs.

There are plenty of key pieces of equipment you'll want to bring camping, but if you’re after a good night’s sleep, the humble camping mat might be the most important of all. Mats and mattresses not only provide a bit of cushioning between you and the ground below, but they also stop any heat from being sapped so you can stay cosy throughout the night.There are hundreds of options available from luxury to budget, so we’ve compiled this guide to help you choose the right one for your trip. From there, we’ll show you our ten favourite roll up, inflatable and self-inflating camping mats for single sleepers and couples to buy from Amazon and Decathlon to ensure you get a lie-in no matter where you lay your head.

Leaving it all behind on a dedicated hike with your trusted pack is the kind of camping trip that gets imprinted on your memory for a very long time. Evidently, you can't leave absolutely everything behind, which is where a lightweight two-person tent eagerly steps into the trekking, hiking, bikepacking and backpacking conversations. This style of tent needs to tick several boxes to make it worthy of a place in your pack, and luckily, brands like Vango, Terra Nova and Geertop have met these requirements with good weatherproofing, low weights and small dimensions. We've ranked the 10 best light and ultralight tents for every budget on Amazon, Argos, Decathlon and more to bring you protection from the elements when it counts. 

Gardening may have been having a recent revival, but not everyone has a sunny balcony or a glorious garden to tend to. Before you look for a different hobby, we're here to show you how to grow your own herbs indoors by choosing the right kit.Herb garden kits make it possible for anyone to grow herbs indoors, whether you're after chopped mint thrown into a feta and pomegranate salad, or fresh basil to sprinkle on your favourite ratatouille. From simple starter pack for beginners, to kits with grow lights for darker rooms and hydroponic gardens, we've ranked the top 10 best in the UK on Amazon and eBay to get you growing in no time!