The best cities in the UK and across Europe for throwing a garden party

After what feels like a long winter and spending a lot of time indoors, many are looking forward to having get-togethers in their garden this year as the warmer months roll in. To help your party planning, we have put together the best places in the UK and Europe to celebrate this spring and summer. 

In the UK, we looked at average temperature and rainfall in summer months, as well as average city centre garden size. For your holiday abroad party planning we have reviewed the average temperatures and rainfall in summer months in other European cities. The result is a top 10 best places for garden parties in the UK and the rest of Europe. Get your cocktail recipes and fairy lights and start planning!

• The best places in Europe to throw a garden party
• The best places in the UK to throw a garden party

The best places in Europe to throw a garden party

We’ve taken a look at the warmest and driest parts of Europe for a summertime shindig, and if you’re looking to escape to a sunshine-filled destination this summer, these European cities are a safe bet. Transform your holiday accommodation or picnic into a summer bash, with maximum warmth and minimum chance of rain!

Spanish cities take four of the top 10 positions

With its mild climate and low summer rainfall, it is no surprise that Spain features strongly in our best cities for garden parties list. Seville takes third place, with an average temperature of 28°C and average rainfall of 3.5mm. Known for its rich history and stunning architecture, Seville is a green city surrounded by beautiful nature. If your accommodation doesn’t have an outdoor area, no fear! There are plenty of garden bars and beach clubs to choose from, like Green House Sevilla that offers everything from cool drinks, to a pool, and music.

As a port city on Spain’s southern coast, Valencia offers ample opportunities for beach parties and picnics in one of its many parks. With its average temperature of 25.9°C and rainfall of 14mm, it takes 6th place on our list. What’s more, many holiday accommodations include a rooftop terrace or a pool, the perfect place for a summer celebration!

Madrid and Barcelona take places 7 and 9 respectively, with average temperatures of over 25°C and a low chance of rain. Both cities are renowned for their history and architecture, and have a wealth of options of holiday accommodation with outdoor spaces. Alternatively, try one of the absolutely spectacular Restaurantes Salvador Bachiller in Madrid, who have four breathtaking locations with indoor and outdoor gardens. Barcelona has its own wonderful options, such as the awesome El Palace Rooftop Garden.

If you’re not able to get to Spain this year but you’d still like to add some Spanish feel to your garden space, there are a lot of options. For example, you could add features such as terracotta plant pots, a small water feature, or greenery like hanging plants and cypress trees. You could also find a rattan dining set so you can enjoy tapas right here at home.

Nicosia and Pireas take prize spots

The top places to visit are Nicosia in Cyprus and Pireas in Greece, which prove to be the very best places in Europe to throw a garden party. 

Nicosia boasts an average summer temperature of almost 30°C, as well as a meager 3.6mm rainfall during the summer months. Additionally, many holiday accommodations listed on sites like Airbnb feature gardens, balconies, or pools, making it a very attractive spot for an outdoor celebration. Alternatively, Kalamas Tavern offers an amazing patio garden and a mouthwatering selection of traditional food. Recreate the feeling of a Cypriot patio garden in your own home with a comfortable rattan sofa set.

If you’re looking for a garden bar in Pireas, look no further than the Mary Pickford Bar, where you can try a variety of cocktails while enjoying the harbor view.

The UK’s top 10 garden party destinations

If you live in one of these locations and are planning to throw a garden party this summer, the great news is that you’ve got the best chance of hot and dry weather there is in the UK, alongside a garden big enough for friends. Based on average temperature, rainfall, and city centre garden size, we’ve pinpointed these 10 cities as the UK’s best for garden partying.

If you’re not lucky enough to live in one of the top 10 locations, it’s time to get visiting family and friends – or start looking out for great garden bars and public ‘garden parties’ to make the most of the summer fun.

Bristol is the UK's top spot

Bristol takes the first place with an average summer temperature of 17.5°C, a relatively low rainfall of 16.5mm, and its spacious gardens of 112msq on average in the city centre. 

Search data suggests that Bristolians care as much about being on-trend as they do about having practical garden spaces, 2021 garden trend reports say people in this region were keenest on calm and neutral garden design, which is reflected in our top sellers for Bristol in 2021 - the Barcelona Grey Modular 8 Seater Rattan Corner Sofa Set and the Vancouver 7 Seater Rattan Garden Sofa Set In Grey.

If you don't have friends and family in Bristol to make the most of the great garden party potential, keep an eye out for public 'garden parties' each summer instead, like the ones hosted at Motion.

The best of the rest

Next up in best cities for garden parties are southern UK cities Southampton, London, and Bournemouth. Due to its geographical location, the South East of England is the least exposed to cold temperatures from the North Pole, and occasionally even get tropical air masses from the south. This area is therefore known for its mild temperatures and low rainfall, and can be a great place for garden parties. 

London residents know how to make the most of their outdoor space: our most popular product with Londoners is the Vancouver 5 Seater Corner Sofa. It’s also clear to us that Londoners know how to throw big gatherings, with almost 50% of London shoppers choosing a garden set that has 8 seats or more.

Skegness in 5th place may be a surprising find for some, but with its relatively low rainfall and the biggest average gardens of the list, the seaside town has a lot to offer. Meanwhile, congratulations are in order for Oxford who can claim not only a top 10 spot in the UK’s most enjoyable cities for student living, but also 6th position in the UK in our rank of great garden party locations.

Throwing a garden party in one of these UK cities may be cooler and wetter than the other European cities, it is no less exciting. With the unpredictable UK weather, it is a good idea to invest in durable furniture that is able to withstand the change of environment throughout the year. Rattan garden furniture is well known for being able to withstand all kinds of weather conditions when looked after properly, so it’s a great addition to your garden party.

Get ready for summer

Whether you’re looking to host or attend a garden party at home or abroad, our research shows that these are the best places for your outdoor festivities. Need to give your garden an upgrade before inviting guests to visit? Styling your garden has never been easier with our outdoor garden furniture range, with options for all weather conditions.

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