Parasols - our pick of the best

We welcome the sunshine with open arms but there are times when shade is desirable, especially during the hottest hours of the day. For these times the humble parasol is the saviour that allows you to enjoy the outdoors without feeling the heat.

There are plenty of styles to choose from – classic navy, green or cream garden parasols, large cantilever parasols (some complete with lights!), pretty country florals or seaside-inspired garden umbrellas. With sun awareness there are now more designs made using fabrics with a cover equivalent to a high UV rating of UPF50, so it’s well worth looking out for these parasols to protect your loved ones from the sun’s rays.

If you’re simply looking for a lighter weight cover there are plenty of decorative parasols, such as beautiful eastern designs, which provide plenty of shade and style in equal measure. Take a look at our favourite options to help stay cool this summer.

This stylish black and white striped parasol will instantly add a fresh, summery look to your garden - it says beach without being too overpowering. On that note, it's compact enough to pack up and take to the beach. The hard-wearing polyester canopy is ideal for relaxing outdoors in the shade, in any destination, during the summer months. Sturdy steel pole. 

Garden Umbrella, £52.95, notonthehighstreet.com.

With timeless style and a generous rectangular canopy, this classic garden umbrella creates a luxurious look and feel in an outdoor eating space. The frame has a subtle matt finish - thanks to the dark grey powder coating - and the hand crank has a smooth action for raising and lowering the canopy. The water and stain resistant canopy is machine washable and won’t fade in the sun. 

Roma Rectangular Parasol, £145, neptune.com.

We love the on-trend shade of this French Grey design. Grey is a colour that has taken over the inside of your home... so now it's time to let it rule the garden too! In addition to looking great this parasol has winning qualities, such as the tilting functionality that allows you to position the angle to suit as the sun moves overhead through the day. The Canopy offers UV50+ protection that ensures complete protection and, therefore, peace of mind when out in the sunshine. 

Henley by Kettler Tilting Parasol, £99, John Lewis.

This Capri ecru parasol is perfect for for protecting and shading from the sun. Compatible with all standard parasol bases, it also comes with a carry bag for easy handling. 

Capri Ecru Parasol, £51, B&Q - diy.com.

The cantilever design of this stylish parasol is perfect for providing shade without the pole taking up space and getting in the way. The large three-metre canopy will provide plenty of cover and the sturdy ribs also feature light-up LEDs that come with a rechargeable USB battery pack - a great idea for sitting outside after the sun has gone down. 

Palermo 3m Grey Cantilever Parasol with LED Strip Lights, £585, Worldstores.

A bright and breezy option that’s perfect for small spaces, this beach umbrella folds down neatly into its own matching carry case, meaning you can use it at home with a base or take it to the beach if you so desire. The cheery colours on the multi-stripe design channel this summer’s Cuban trend, and with SPF30 protection from the sun you can relax all summer without worrying about your skin.  

Havana Beach Umbrella, £58, amara.com.

Bring a little bit of your interior style outdoors with this simple parasol, in a charming shade of duck egg blue with a smart silver finish on the metal support pole. The polyester canopy is water resistant and also offers protection from the sun's harmful rays, equivalent to a UV rating of UPF50+, making it suitable for keeping children covered. 

Duck Egg Blue Parasol, £79, marksandspencer.com.

Could this be the prettiest parasol you’ve ever seen? The pale grey canopy has a delicate leafy pattern - designed to create the impression of tree-dappled shade - and the silver pole is topped with a small decorative bird. As practical as it is pretty, the robust frame is suitable for commercial use so you can rest easy that it will last for years to come.

Sywawa ShadyLace Parasol, £280, gomodern.co.uk.

What’s better than an stylish umbrella for your garden? Two words, PARTY PARASOL. Not only will this little black number look fantastic on a modern patio or terrace, the powder-coated steel frame is rigged up with a bluetooth speaker and LED lights. Now there’s no excuse not to enjoy the long, warm summer nights. One word of caution, the parasol is not showerproof so best to take it indoors if the weather turns. 

Party Parasol With Bluetooth Speaker, £129.99, very.co.uk.

If you’re struggling with floor space on a small balcony or patio then this wall-mounted parasol is a great space-saving solution. The flexible arm allows you to tilt and position the canopy as the sun moves round through the day. The canopy can also be removed for cleaning and simple storage over the winter. 

Easysol Wall Mount Parasol, £152, amazon.co.uk.