Make your garden staycationworthy

Here are tips for three different ways to make your garden the ultimate holiday destination. Because who needs Mallorca when you can easily have your own summer paradise right outside your door?

1. Outdoor furniture

One thing we all associate with holidays is relaxation. But how relaxed can you be on a clumsy old wooden chair or an uncomfortable sofa with no cushions?

The first step in getting your garden ready for summer is to create spaces where you want to spend time. Remember that there's a big difference between a patio for dining and one for relaxation, so choose outdoor furniture that suits your needs.

If there's space on your lawn, it can be nice to have both a sofa for lazy days lounging around reading a book and a more upright dining group where the entire family can come together for dinner in the oasis of your garden.

2. Water fun

If you can't get to the sea, perhaps the sea can come to you? Or at least a very very little bit of the sea, stored in a hot tub. There are even arguments for why a hot tub is better than a dip in the sea.

For a start there's no risk of irritating sand to get everywhere when you're staying in your own garden. And a hot tub can also cool you down on a hot summer's day.

But a hot tub can also extend those wonderful summer nights we all love so much. Long after the sun has set, you can enjoy the bubbling water – and why not with a glass of bubbly in your hand too?

If you want a bit more of interactive fun, set up a sprinkler in your garden, it's great fun for kids, adults and pets alike! Or if you want to go the extra mile set up a fun water slide, you can even get ones with boards and fun shapes.

3. Barbecue

A charcoal grill, gas barbecue, electric barbecue, fire pit or a simple campfire – our fascination with fire runs through human history. And now we don't only use them to warm ourselves or prepare food. Because the barbecue has become a focal point for holiday meals.

Adding a barbecue to your garden means you can spend the entire day outdoors. The type of barbecue you prefer is largely a question of taste. The different models have different advantages and disadvantages in terms of style, environmental impact, warming up time and – of course – purchase price.

With a barbecue in your garden, the summer trinity is complete. Grill a nice steak (best served with a cold beer in your other hand), enjoy dinner with your family comfortably seated on garden furniture, and round off the evening with a dip in the hot tub!