The unpredictable British weather means it isn’t always easy to enjoy sitting outside in your garden.
A shelter or gazebo will give you protection from both the sun and rain and allow you to make the most of your outdoor space. But if you haven’t room for something permanent, a pop-up gazebo you can easily put up or take down is a great option.
What is a pop-up gazebo?
A pop-up gazebo is a shelter which collapses and folds up small so you can store it or take it with you on holiday or to an outdoor event. People sometimes call them mini marquees or frame tents and you can get them in a wide range of colours, sizes and styles.
You will often see pop up gazebos at events held outside like markets and summer fairs but having one at home can be useful too. Having a shelter you can put up whenever you need to will make it easier to hold garden parties and barbecues or even just spend more time sitting outside enjoying your garden.
How do I choose the right pop-up gazebo for me?
Think about what you will be using your gazebo for. Will it be providing a shelter in your garden or do you want something you can take with you on camping or caravanning holidays? Or perhaps you want something to go over a hot tub to protect you from the elements?
You also need to set a budget and look for pop-up gazebos which are in the right price range for you.
How often will I use it?
Before deciding how much to spend or which one to choose, consider how often you will use it. Will you be putting it up and leaving it in place for long periods of time or does it need to be something you can put up and take down quickly?
How big is it?
Size is an important thing to think about. You need to look at how big it is when it is fully erected and also how big it is when it is folded up. Will you have space in your garden?
How easy will it be to store when not in use? Consider how many people will be able to comfortably fit inside the pop-up gazebo.
Our pick of the best pop-up gazebos
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Dimensions: 305cm x 285cm x 305cm If youu2019re looking for a simple shelter which will offer some shade and protection from the rain, this canopy tent from Eagle Peak does the job. Once erected, it provides 100 square feet of shade and is large enough for six people to sit under. This pop-up gazebo is lightweight and comes with a portable storage bag on wheels to make it easier to move into position. The canopy opens and closes from the centre and the manufacturer claims the assembly is simple enough for one person to do alone. The material is water and flame resistant and also protects against UV rays. The steel frame is rust resistant and the legs are adjustable with 3-pin push buttons so you can have the canopy at different heights. It comes with stakes and a line of cord to tie it down so you donu2019t need to worry about it blowing away in the wind. Reviewers liked the simple set up and compact storage.
Dimensions: 325cm x 325cm x 265cm This folding gazebo pops up by pressing a button on the frame and once it has been taken down, it fits into a carry bag. The polyester canopy is treated with a polyamide coating to protect against UV rays and water resistant. As well as the basic canopy, the Outsunny pop-up gazebo has four sides of mosquito netting so you can keep the bugs at bay and protect against nasty insect bites. Even when the sides are up, you can still easily get in and out through the zipped opening. The metal frame is anti-peeling and corrosion resistant and it comes with eight ground stakes and four ropes to secure it in place. There are extended eaves to give extra shade plus four leakage holes to stop water accumulating. The instructions say it takes four people to put the gazebo up, although some reviewers managed with two. The frame is perhaps not as strong and sturdy as non-pop-up alternatives so you may need to take care when putting it up and down.
www.allseasonsgazebos.com
This gazebo is smaller and more compact than the standard 3m x 3m designs. Available in a wide range of colours including pink, green, orange and blue, you can choose one which reflects your own personality and taste. This simple pop-up gazebo comes with a wheeled bag to store it in, a rope to hold it down and four leg weight bags. Unlike some models which are water resistant, the polyester roof is 100 per cent waterproof and has been reinforced at its pressure points so is great for unreliable British summers. The matt black frame is made from a heavy duty steel and includes fully integrated support struts within the roof to make the gazebo more stable. It is quick and easy to put up u2013 you can erect the shelter in minutes - and when you want to put it away, the frame folds up. The 2.5m x 2.5m size is just right for going over a table and four chairs or an inflatable hot tub. There are three different height settings - 306cm, 314cm and 323cm u2013 from floor to peak of roof.
www.therange.co.uk
If youu2019re on a tight budget, this pop-up gazebo might be just the ticket as it comes in at less than £80. It is easy to assemble with four removable walls with transparent windows so you can still see out even when theyu2019re up. The walls go on with Velcro fastenings and can be tied up like curtains to get in and out easily. The cover is durable and water-resistant and has been given a silver coating to stop it getting too hot. The steel framework has a straight leg design and has been coated in rust-free powder to prevent corrosion. This gazebo is ideal if you want something small and simple without breaking the bank. The Range claims that it takes less than a minute to put the pop-up canopy up and when youu2019re ready to put it away, it fits into its own portable carrying case. There is a range of colours available including coffee, black, green, blue and white.
Dimensions: 300cm x 300cm x 210cm If youu2019re looking for something a little bit different, this Alvantor pop-up gazebo screen house might be right up your street. Unlike the other gazebos on our list which have a pointed roof and straight legs, this rounded dome design canopy tent pops up in seconds. The main body of the screen house is made from mesh panels, allowing the air to get in but keeping any bugs and creepy crawlies out. It provides UV protection to keep you safe in the sun and zips on the doors mean you get in and out easily. The structure has fibreglass ribs which open automatically. It may take you a little while to get the hang of folding it up again but once you do, it goes into a small bag which is only one metre in diameter so easy to store away. Large enough for four to six people, it comes with sandbags, guylines and stakes to keep it in place and stop it blowing away. One word of warning though, it is not waterproof so should only be used in nice weather.