9 best garden hammocks to relax and unwind in or take on an adventure

This hammock made us smile every time we looked at it. Its beautiful rainbow-bright stripes helped brighten even the dullest day and made us want to drop everything we were doing, lay back and relax whenever we clapped eyes on it. Not exactly helpful when working from home.

It comes with its own black powder-coated stand, so is perfect if trees are in short supply, and this can be left outside year-round without worrying it will rust. You can even buy the stand on its own if you already have a hammock. However, we’d definitely recommend using this one as it’s so lovely to look at and is strong enough to hold up to 150kg. It feels nice and wide when you’re lying on it, so there’s plenty of space to sprawl and sunbathe, and it’s fairly low to the ground, so we could reach over to grab a drink whenever we needed. That’s our summer sorted.

It’s all too easy to forget to take the fabric hammock off a stand each evening and wake up to a soggy mess by morning. Though this one should also be stored indoors to avoid the worst of the winter weather, the 10 per cent polyester hammock is sturdy enough to withstand most summer showers. We loved the fact we didn’t have to faff around every time we used it, and had it outside ready to go whenever we fancied a flop. The cheery, wide, red and white stripes made this hammock look much more attractive than an empty stand when it was out in the garden too.

The stand is made from galvanised steel with a polyester powder coating and slots together in moments – no baffling flat-pack here. It was light enough to move around the garden but felt sturdy enough to swing on, though it should only be used by one person. Just be sure to bagsy it first.

Bedding down in the wild is all very well, but it’s less fun to wake up bitten to within an inch of your life. There’s no need to lather on the insect repellent if you have this hammock to doze in, as it comes with a bug net with a dual-sided zip to securely close it from either side. We found it took a little bit of faffing to set up correctly the first time we tried it, but it is simple to repeat once you’ve got the knack.

It’s comfy enough to sleep on too, with tree-safe straps and carabiners, while the expandable design means you don’t feel likely to topple over as you doze. Made of durable nylon, it’s also lightweight for carrying when hiking, and folds down into an integrated drawstring bag weighing just 1.1kg in total, so you won’t mind lugging it on a hike. A fantastic investment for anyone who loves the great outdoors.

If you’re seriously loved up – or always seem to have one of the kids stuck to your side – this is the hammock for you. The double model has plenty of room for two to laze and chat, with its own powder-coated grey steel frame, so you won’t have to find any sturdy trees. It’s extremely easy to assemble and can hold up to a hefty 220kg, so we didn’t worry it would tip up as soon as we climbed on. The bright-orange, striped fabric looks great on a sunny day too, though you do need to remember to take it inside after use, to avoid any unexpected downpours.

It does take a little bit of practice getting on and off if there are two people on the hammock, but it’s worth it for comedy value in our book. As long as you have plenty of room in your garden, this will make sunny days feel even more heaven-sent.

Tents are for softies. If you’re more likely to be found out in the wilds at the weekend rather than lazing in your back garden with a book, this Go Outdoors hammock is for you. Lightweight and made from 70-denier, high-tenacity nylon, it’s ideal if you’re hoping to string it up and snooze overnight. Aluminium wiregate carabiners are included, so you can hang it up and be ready to go in moments, and the breathable fabric means you won’t swelter if you’re camping in hotter climates. We found it hard to believe we’d manage to squeeze it back into the attached compression sack after use, but we succeeded with a bit of effort, meaning we could sling it in our rucksack and go. Next step: sleeping under the stars.

If you can find a couple of mature trees, this hammock will transform them into the ultimate outdoor lounging space. Made with 100 per cent strong woven cotton and matching ropes, this striped hammock is produced by a small UK company and is of fantastic quality.

Struggling to find decent trees? We think this would also look brilliant hung between walls in a child’s room for a reading corner with a difference.

Although the ‘jogging’ colourway we tested is currently out of stock, the hammock also comes in a range of vivid stripes and a stylish black and white.

Looking for a little more versatility from your hammock? This roomy, dark-green design made with soft-touch polycotton is easy to string up in the garden at the merest hint of sun, and comes with a handy net pocket to stash your book or phone while you doze.

If you’re after a little more adventure, it also packs up into the included drawstring bag, so you can head off to the great outdoors and sleep alfresco almost anywhere. There are no wooden spreader bars at each end, so it’s surprisingly comfortable, and there’s even plenty of room for two, if you’re willing to share. However, be warned: it won’t withstand prolonged exposure to sun or rain, so it’s worth checking the weather before you head out.

This elegant off-white hammock with macramé edging screams boho chic, but the bargain-basement price really wowed us. The thick polycotton is strong enough to stretch out on without worrying the hammock will collapse at any moment, and we found it easy to attach to trees for sky-gazing. There’s only room for one person though, so it’s best for solo sunbathing or Instagram posing. No one will ever guess the cost either.

The hammock gets a sleek contemporary makeover with this unusual offering from Wayfair. Instead of being hung from each end, the grey PVC-coated polyester fabric is stretched over a durable steel frame that is so comfy, it feels like you’ve just installed a bed in your garden. It rocks gently, too, and comes with a matching pillow for maximum relaxation. Plus, it’s ideal for anyone who feels a little nervous about climbing on and off a traditional hammock, as it’s much closer to the ground.

We found the parts a little stiff to put together, but assembly was still simple and took a matter of minutes. However, it is quite large when made up, so measure carefully if you only have a small garden. Best of all? The material can withstand all weathers, making this the perfect hassle-free hammock for even the laziest lounger.