8 of the best garden hammocks for summer

Hammocks are one of the best ways to do this, letting you gently sway in the breeze in a personal cocoon. They’re a great way to doze off in the garden, or get stuck into a good book. They can also be a relaxing place to have a few drinks after work, or snuggle into a blanket and stargaze.

Unlike sun loungers or deck chairs, curling up in a garden hammock will keep you warm when the sun goes down. Because you’re wrapped up, they also reduce the risk of sunburn on bright days, as well as the risk of insect bites and stings.

They come in several sizes, so they can be a private, cosy space for one, or a place to socialise. A stylish cover can also bring inviting colour and design into paved or decked areas of the garden.

We’ve put together a wide range of some of the best hammocks on the market. We’ve found everything from double-width and woven garden hammocks to chair-style slings and hammocks with stands.

How do I set up a hammock?

Not every garden hammock comes with its own stand, so you may need to set it up yourself. In this case, find two trees that are your hammock’s length plus two metres apart. It doesn’t matter if they’re a little further apart, as you can make up the distance with chains or rope if needed. Using a drill, screw in a hammock fixing on each tree at about 180cm/5’’9 high. This is to allow the hammock to sag in the middle, and it should hang at around 50cm off the ground, depending on how stretchy the fabric is. Then, using lengths of chain carabiners, clip in your hammock, and suspend it so that there’s a little slack in the middle.

Alternatively, you can get hammock straps, which simply tie around tree trunks or branches. If you don’t have trees to swing from, you can also buy free-standing hammock stands.

Need some more garden seating inspiration? Check out our guides to the best garden furniture, rattan garden furniture, garden egg chairs, garden loungers and garden benches. If you're entertaining, check out our tests of the best gas BBQs, the best charcoal BBQs, and our guides to barbecue accessories.

8 of the best garden hammocks

Browse our selection of favourites below:

It can be a little tricky to string up a hammock between two trees, but this Habitat hammock is easy to set up. This free-standing hammock needs no extra tools, so you can be swaying in the sun in a flash.

Price: £90

Buy the Habitat Metal Hammock from Argos

We love this garden hammock from Vonhaus; even the stand is graceful. It's well suited to modern-contemporary gardens, but neutral enough to fit a more traditional style too. It would look fantastic with some personalization with your favourite cushions and blankets.

Price: £159.99

Buy the Vonhaus 1 Person Hammock with Wooden Frame from Vonhaus

This hammock (stand not included) from Oliver Bonas would be a stylish addition to any patio or social area. We love the orange and pink colours, great for a sizzling summer’s day.

Price: £149.50

Buy the Oliver Bonas Blue & White Fan Print Hammock from Oliver Bonas

For real indulgence, try this comfortable hammock. It goes the extra mile with its quilted fabric and built-in pillow. It’s also a double, so it's roomy for one or cosy for two.

Price: £79.98

Buy the Quilted Fabric Hammock with Pillow from Amazon

Cocoon yourself in this swinging hammock hand made from up-cycled cotton on a pinewood pole. The fabric sling is easy to slip off for washing to help keep it fresh or for storage in the winter.

Price: £99

Buy Valencia Tassel Swing Chair at Graham and Green

A twist on the classic swinging hammock, this woven hanging chair offers a bohemian vibe to the garden, balcony or terrace. The macrame style and tassel trim give it a relaxed, summery feel and the padded, 100 per cent cotton cushion (which comes included) gives added cocooned comfort.

Price: £96.99

Buy Maximus Hanging Chair at Wayfair

This wide garden hammock can take up to 200kg at a time and has been classically designed to exude that traditional beach island look. The hammock can be simply tied between two trees or posts and folds away into a drawstring bag for easy storage, so it's great for taking away on holidays. It also comes in 7 colours.

Price: £122.99

Buy the Wayfair Copeland Hammock at Wayfair

This double-sized hammock with stand set is a sophisticated take on the traditional beach-side sling. The curved wooden stand provides a hull-like support for the extra-large swing which, thanks to adjustable stainless steel suspension cables, can hold up to 200kg at a time.

Price: £164.99

Buy the TecTake Wooden Double Hammock at Amazon

This Product Guide was last updated in April 2022 and we apologise if anything has changed in price or availability.