Many UK gardens end up unused in winter simply because it’s too cold to sit outside. But what if there was a way to warm up your garden? By exploring outdoor heating solutions and shelter options, you can fight off the cold weather and enjoy your garden all year round. Below are just a few solutions to consider.

Outdoor heating options

Heating doesn’t just need to be for the inside of your home. There are various forms of outdoor heating that you can explore. These include:

Fire pits

Fire pits are a bit like having a campfire in your garden. They involve creating a designated stone area or using a metal bowl, and then burning firewood or other biomatter in them.

Chimineas

These are portable fireplaces with a chimney that directs smoke upwards. They’re often made from clay, cast iron or steel, and provide heat by burning firewood.

Outdoor fireplaces

This is essentially a fireplace, but outdoors. Unlike a chiminea, outdoor fireplaces are a built-in landscaping feature (often part of a patio). 

Gas heaters

Gas heaters run on propane or natural gas to provide powerful heat output. They can take the form of freestanding ‘umbrella-style’ heaters, or they can be fixed fireplaces or fire pits. 

Electric heaters

These are an environmentally-friendly alternative to gas heaters that are also typically cheaper to run and safer. They use infrared heat to provide warmth. Such heaters can be freestanding, wall mounted or hung from a gazebo roof.

There are many heated luxury features that can also be added to a garden to provide warmth including saunas and hot tubs. If you have an outdoor pool, you could even look into pool heating using solar power. These features will cost more, but are excellent investments for turning your garden into a comforting spa area.

Shelters and wind breaks

Keeping the rain and wind away can also help you to stay warm. It might be worth considering shelter solutions or wind breaks. This could include features like:

Lattice screens

These are wooden panels with small holes that allow sunlight through, while providing some privacy and helping to break large gusts of wind. They can be great wind barriers for adding to the side of a pergola.

Hedges

Hedges make great living wind barriers – choose hardy wind-resistant plants like cherry laurel or hawthorn. Planting hedges will also add a burst of greenery to your garden, but be prepared to occasionally cut back these hedges.

Glass screens

Glass screens – including sliding screens – can let in light while providing an effective barrier against wind. A great option for summer houses.

Curtains

Adding curtains to the side of a gazebo or pergola could also help to stop cold drafts getting in, keeping you warm. Just make sure to choose waterproof fabrics that are also not flammable (if there are nearby outdoor heating sources).

Sunken patios

A sunken patio can also provide shelter from the wind. This does require a lot of excavation work, but can be a stunning value-boosting feature. Abandoned pools can often make great sunken patios. 

Think carefully about which forms of shelter and outdoor heating suit the style of your garden and are within budget. Rustic options like fire pits and hedges could be great for traditional gardens, while electric patio heaters and glass screens are excellent choices for modern outdoor spaces.