Create an outdoor sanctuary with the best garden arbours UK

A garden arbour is the best place to curl up in the shade with a book or sip your morning brew and listen to the birds. With plenty of new and contemporary garden furniture on the market, arbours are back in style. They are the must-have garden piece of the season. We have rounded up the best garden arbours in the UK - from our favourite garden furniture brands - that can be transformed into modern sanctuaries to escape and relax.

Arbours are the perfect way to be surrounded by nature in your garden but still have protection from the sun. Essentially, they're garden benches with shelter. From corner arbours to metal shelters - there are many gorgeous designs. These sleek new designs are heavily inspired by this year's cottagecore trend. All things cottage-related have been contemporised for your modern garden.

The best part about garden arbours is that they are small and easy to assemble. All you need are some DIY skills and a screwdriver, and you're good to go. Plus, they are the perfect addition to any size outdoor space. Whether you are looking to fill out an empty corner (consider a corner sofa set) or for somewhere to sit in the shade on your generous-sized plot, this compact structure can be positioned just about anywhere and does not take up much space.

Best garden arbours at a glance:

• Nautical shelter: Seaview Wooden Arbour - View on Wayfair
• Shaded sanctuary: Penncross Wooden Arbour - View on Wayfair
• Rose arch: Valleywood Metal Arbour Bench - View on Wayfair

So with that in mind, let's take a look at our pick of the best garden arbours in the UK today.

The best garden arbours UK

Verdict: What is the best garden arbour?

The Seaview Wooden Arbour has a convenient under-seat storage compartment for stowing small garden items. Plus, it has a beautiful solid finish for a nautical-themed piece. It fits about two people and is pressure-treated against rot.

It's beautifully contemporary and will pair well with some outdoor cushions.

Garden Arbour FAQs

What material is best: Wood vs metal

Wooden arbours are easy to paint and customise to make your own. However, they take a little more time to install as they should ideally be placed on a solid base.

Choose an arbour made from pressure-treated wood to protect from wood rot and decay rather than dip-treated. Products made from dip-treated wood are generally cheaper as the process is more straightforward, but they won't last as long.

Metal arbours, on the other hand, are more open and better suited for growing climbing plants to create a shady sanctuary. They bring an instant touch of modernity to a garden and act as a piece of garden art.

They are also quick to construct and easy to install too. Make sure you go for a product made from powder-coated steel so it doesn't rust or paint with a rust-proof metal stain. If you plan to grow climbers around the frame, ensure that it is robust enough to support the weight once the plant is fully developed.

What is the difference between garden arbour and pergola?

A pergola is an outdoor room, whereas an Arbor is more of an outside arch or doorway. Arbours are typically freestanding, but they can also come attached to a wall or gate too.

What do you stand the garden arbour on?

No matter where you choose to place your garden arbour, you must put it on level ground. Whether it is made from wood or metal, it's best to fix your arbour to the ground, so it doesn't blow over in strong weather and wind.

If you fit your arbour on grass and gravel, use post spikes to make this easier. Just measure and mark where the posts of the arbour will go. Then, hammer the spikes into the ground, slot the posts of the arbour into them, and screw them in place.

If you are placing it on decking or paving, use bolt-down post bases to keep your arbour in place. Just put the foot of each corner post of the arbour into the metal sleeves of the post bases and move into position on the surface.

Mark the fixing holes onto the decking or paving, then remove the structure and post bases. Drill and plug the holes, then screw the post bases into place. Raise the arbour frame into the sleeves and tighten the bolts, and you are good to go.

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Ellen Kinsey is a Senior Health & Wellness Product Writer for Modern Gardens, specialising in sustainable living and health. She lives and breathes all things natural health, cooking and nature.