It’s almost spring, so we’re sure you’re looking forward to relaxing in your garden once the sun makes its welcome return. That means, of course, your outside space should be looking its best, which is where a garden water feature can help.
A gently bubbling water feature will make a charming focal point and help create a relaxing, tranquil ambiance in your home’s outdoor space. As well as looking lovely, bringing a water source into your garden can help attract local wildlife, providing animals with somewhere to have a drink and a bath. Good news for the birds.
Choosing the best garden water feature for you
There are plenty of styles available to help you carve out a peaceful outdoor spot. If you have a big garden, there are grand multi-tiered designs that’ll make a beautiful statement piece on your lawn. For tiny patios, there are discreet sculptures perfect for weaving between the pots on your rockery. If you have a pond, an attractive waterfall feature will give it a little extra oomph.
Mains or solar-powered water feature?
There are a range of plug-in and solar options, both of which have pros and cons, so consider which is best for your needs.
Solar-powered features are more eco-friendly as they draw power from sunlight rather than electricity. They’re really easy to set up: connect the pump to the solar panel, position it in a sunny spot and you’re done. They require very little maintenance, too; the pump needs an occasional clean, but that’s it. You won’t have unsightly wires running across your flowerbeds, either. Naturally though, it needs sunlight to run so it’s likely to work only during spring and summer – although this is when you’ll be outdoors the most, of course.
This isn’t an issue for a mains-powered water feature. Running on electricity, these can be switched on at any time, so you can enjoy them year-round without having to rely on unpredictable British weather. You’ll need to check the length of the power cable as you may need to invest in an outdoor extension lead. They’re not as environmentally friendly as a solar-powered design, either.
Garden water features: Our top picks
Scroll down to see our favourite garden water features that’ll help turn your home’s outside space into an idyllic spot for years to come.
Garden water features: Sculpture
Stone Buddha Water Feature
Even switched off, this calming Buddha feature will look lovely centred in your rockery or nestled among the plants. A light-up orb at its centre provides some soft illumination for some extra ambience when the sun goes down.
Size: H60cm x W31cm x D34cm
Solar powered? No.
Garden water features: Fountain
Peaktop Water Fountain
Garden water features: Fountain
Peaktop Water Fountain
Channel a rustic cottage garden with this beautiful multi-tiered fountain. A real statement piece, this attractive decoration is bound to draw attention (and admiration) from guests.
Size: H92.7cm x W52cm x D52cm
Solar powered? No.
Garden water features: Indoor/outdoor use
Indoor/Outdoor Water Feature
Garden water features: Indoor/outdoor use
Indoor/Outdoor Water Feature
Now 50% Off
This delicate floral feature is suitable for indoor and outdoor use, so you can dig out a spot for it in your flower bed, or tuck it in the corner of your conservatory. Right now, it’s currently 27% off, reduced to £39.99 from £54.99.
Size: H39.5cm x W12.2cm x D26cm
Solar powered? No.
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Garden water features: Urn fountain
Blue Elephant Water Fountain
Garden water features: Urn fountain
Blue Elephant Water Fountain
Create a Mediterranean-inspired display with this attractive urn fountain; we think it would look very smart nestled beside your larger plants in their terracotta pots on your patio. At nearly a metre tall, it’s one of the larger options in our round-up, so if you’re looking to make a statement, this is a good choice.
Pick from turquoise, green, brown and red to suit your scheme. It’s currently on sale, too.
Size: H83cm x W37cm x D37cm
Solar powered? No.
Garden water features: Planter
Solaray 4-Tier Herb Planter/Water Feature
This sleek tiered water feature doubles up as a decorative planter with space to grow small herbs and flowers. We think this would suit a small urban garden; you’ll have a quiet spot for your basil and parsley to flourish and a pretty decoration to enjoy, all while saving on space.
Size: H42cm x W39cm x D39cm
Solar powered? Yes.
Garden water features: Modern look
Lights4fun Stone Sphere Water Feature
Garden water features: Modern look
Lights4fun Stone Sphere Water Feature
This round decoration makes a great contemporary option for modern interior fans. The pretty white LED lights will create a pretty glow and illuminate the flowing water, upping the ambiance for evenings spent relaxing in the garden.
Size: H36cm x W36cm x D27cm
Solar powered? No.
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Garden water features: Birdbath
Solaray Cobbled Solar Bird Bath
Garden water features: Birdbath
Solaray Cobbled Solar Bird Bath
The local wildlife will like this one; it has plenty of room for your winged friends to take a dip or stop by for a cool drink. This charming rustic design, consisting of two sweet (and very realistic-looking) yellow birds sitting on top of the cobblestones, is one of our favourites.
Size: H68cm x D36cm
Solar powered? Yes.
Garden water features: Ornament
Homebase Umbrella Water Feature
Garden water features: Ornament
Homebase Umbrella Water Feature
Add some charm and character to your garden with this solar-powered fountain, featuring a sweet scene of two children and their puppy taking shelter under an umbrella. This is another one that birds can enjoy, so you can do your bit to support local wildlife.
Size: H84cm x W48cm x D48cm
Solar powered? Yes.
Garden water features: Waterfall
Primrose Slate River Water Feature
Garden water features: Waterfall
Primrose Slate River Water Feature
Put this in your pond to create an illusion of a natural waterfall; the stone-effect material will blend right in. The little spotlights cast a gentle glow over the trickle of water, which looks really pretty after dark.
Size: H24cm x W34cm x L74cm
Solar powered? No.
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Garden water features: Floating water feature
Sol 72 Outdoor Tincher Polystone Solar Fountain
Garden water features: Floating water feature
Sol 72 Outdoor Tincher Polystone Solar Fountain
Now 12% Off
This floating water feature is self-contained, making it great for those who don't have a mains water supply through their garden or outdoor space. Just place it in the sunshine and allow it to create a relaxing atmosphere with the gentle sound of cascading water.
Right now, it's on sale, reduced from £44.99 to £28.99
Solar powered: Yes.
Garden water features: Floating water feature
Dakota Fields Solar Floating Fountain Pump
Garden water features: Floating water feature
Dakota Fields Solar Floating Fountain Pump
Here's another floating fountain pump for you to consider – and it's on sale, too. It provides four different water flows, producing a serene splashing sound to make your garden a soothing idyll.
Solar powered? Yes.
Garden water features: Barrel planter
Esty Barrel Planter
Garden water features: Barrel planter
Esty Barrel Planter
An Etsy best-seller, this attractive upcycled Oak Whiskey planter can be used as water feature and feet can be added to lift it off the ground. All the barrels are authentic and have been used in the whiskey industry, so are weathered and seasoned and will last outdoors for years to come.
It comes in a variety of wood finishes, including light and dark oak.
Size: H44cm x D60cm
Solar powered? No.
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Garden water features: Blue
Store of Jam Cascade Water Feature
Garden water features: Blue
Store of Jam Cascade Water Feature
We think this cascading water feature is really lovely. Whether it's in a quiet corner of your patio or nestled next to your flowerbeds, this will certainly help to pretty up your outdoor space.
Size: H49 x W44 x L38cm
Solar powered? Yes.
Garden water features: Bamboo
GommeBamboo Water Fountain
Garden water features: Bamboo
GommeBamboo Water Fountain
This beautifully crafted handmade bamboo water feature is selling out fast, so you may need to act quickly to get yours. It's made from the strongest variety of bamboo and other natural materials to protect against weather damage. It can be placed indoors or outdoors, too, so you can enjoy it year-round.
Size: W20cm x L35.56cm
Solar powered? No.
Garden water feature: Water mirror
All Things Brighton Beautiful Garden Water Mirror
Garden water feature: Water mirror
All Things Brighton Beautiful Garden Water Mirror
This pretty water feature works just like a mirror, reflecting plants, flowers and the sky. It also attracts birds to the garden, so they use it as a little place to bathe.
The small size is currently sold out, but the large size is still available, if you've got space to play with.
Size: H6.2cm x W75cm x L75cm
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Garden water feature: Sphere
Ambienté Water Feature with Lights
Garden water feature: Sphere
Ambienté Water Feature with Lights
This stainless steel sphere is great for adding a sense of light and movement to your home or garden. For anyone limited on space, this is an ideal option; it'll look very pretty on a balcony or small patio.
Size: H23cm x D22cm; D15cm (sphere)
Solar powered? No.
Garden water features: Rechargeable solar panel
Very Water feature
Garden water features: Rechargeable solar panel
Very Water feature
This contemporary water feature gives the result of a dancing 'current' effect that gives off a relaxing vibe in your garden, patio, balcony, terrace or decking. Handily, this comes with a rechargeable solar panel, helping water to flow whether the sun is shining or not.
Size: H56cm x D27.5cm
Solar powered? Yes.
Lauren Codling
Home and Garden Writer
Lauren is our Homes and Garden writer, covering the latest homeware trends, sales and launches for Good Housekeeping, Country Living, Cosmopolitan, House Beautiful, Red and Harper’s Bazaar.
On a daily basis, Lauren navigates the ins and outs of interiors – whether it’s offering tips on how to perfect a garden bar or trying out viral kitchenware. She is committed to finding the most reliable products and best-value deals, so readers can buy with confidence and save money.
Lauren has a BA in English Literature and Journalism and has worked in various editorial roles across Southeast Asia and North America. She previously wrote for a local London newspaper, covering everything from entertainment and lifestyle to politics and wellness.
When not writing, Lauren can be found bargain hunting for pre-loved trinkets and clothes at various car boot sales across the capital.
Follow Lauren on instagram @laurenkatehannah
