All categories
Business & Offices
Electronics & Media
Fashion & Accessories
Groceries & Essentials
Health & Personal Care
Home & Living
Kids & Family
Sports & Outdoors
Search in ZoneOffer
Loading...
Thinking about adding a fountain or pond to your garden? Great idea — water features can turn a dull patch of lawn into a calming retreat, attract birds and wildlife, and mask street noise with the gentle murmur of flowing water. Whether you have a postage-stamp patio or a sprawling backyard, there are garden fountains and ponds suited to every size, budget, and style. In this guide I’ll walk you through how to pick the right feature, where in the UK to buy one, installation basics, and practical maintenance tips so your water feature stays beautiful year after year.
Adding water to an outdoor space is like introducing a new voice to a choir: it changes the whole melody. Fountains add movement and sound, making a focal point you can sit beside and relax, whereas ponds create habitat and visual depth. Both can lower perceived temperature on hot days and turn your garden into a sensory experience. They also blend well with planters, decking, and gravel beds — think of a small mirror of water reflecting your trellis lights at dusk.
Picking the right fountain or pond depends on scale, style, and how hands-on you want to be with maintenance. Start by measuring the space in feet and thinking about sightlines from inside the house. A tiny courtyard might suit a container fountain four to eight inches wide, while a family garden could comfortably host a pond three to six feet across and two to three feet deep. Keep practicalities like access to power for pumps and how the feature will fit into existing planting in mind.
Size matters for both aesthetics and maintenance. Small fountains and container ponds are low-effort and perfect for balconies or patios, while larger ponds require pumps, filters, and potentially liner work. If you’re planning for fish, aim for a minimum depth of around two feet so temperature changes are less drastic. For decorative ponds without fish, shallower designs of one foot to eighteen inches can still look gorgeous and be easier to maintain.
Are you into modern, minimalist lines or a natural, cottage-garden vibe? Concrete, stone, and corten steel work well in contemporary settings, while timber, rock, and natural-looking liners suit more informal gardens. Look at examples in store catalogs and customer galleries to imagine how materials age over time — a fountain that develops a green patina might enhance a rustic style but jar with sleek, urban landscaping.
Common materials include resin, stone, metal, and ceramic. Resin is lightweight and frost-resistant in many modern blends, but heavyweight stone feels premium and won’t blow over in strong winds. Metal features create dramatic shapes but can warm in direct sun — not ideal for delicate aquatic plants. Always check manufacturer guidance on frost resistance and winter care if you live somewhere with cold snaps.
Almost every fountain and pond will require a pump. Match the pump flow rate to the feature size — too weak and the fountain will sputter, too strong and you’ll waste energy. Look for energy-efficient pumps with adjustable flow and an integrated filter or add an external filter for larger ponds. Consider running your pump on a timer to limit hours and save on electricity while still keeping the water moving.
From big-box retailers with easy returns to specialist suppliers with expert advice, the UK offers plenty of places to shop for water features. Below are some trusted destinations that cover different needs: budget buys, specialist equipment, and designer pieces. Think of this as your shortlist — visit showrooms or read full product guides before committing.
B&Q is a go-to for affordable garden fountains, pre-formed ponds, liners, and basic pumps. Their range suits DIYers who want to save money and install a straightforward feature over a weekend. Expect clear product specifications, online customer reviews, and the convenience of collecting in-store or arranging delivery. B&Q is a good starting point if you want standard sizes and reliable basic equipment.
Homebase offers a blend of decorative fountains and pond kits, often with seasonal promotions that make upgrades affordable. Their product selection includes stone-look fountains, small container features, and pond care accessories suited to novice pond owners. If you want a balance of style and value with accessible in-store staff, Homebase is worth checking out.
Wickes supplies practical pond liners, edgings, and tools for the landscaping side of installation. While their decorative fountain variety may be smaller, Wickes shines when you need building materials or technical items like pond underlay and installation fittings. Combine purchases from a big-box decorative range with Wickes for the groundwork.
Wayfair has a vast online catalogue of garden fountains and outdoor water features in many styles and price points. If you love browsing design-led options and comparing customer images, Wayfair’s filters make it easy to narrow by size, material, and price. Delivery options are flexible, and you’ll find designer-looking pieces that suit contemporary patios or traditional gardens alike.
Dunelm is great for smaller, decorative fountains and accessories that fit indoor-outdoor lifestyles. If you want a tabletop fountain for a covered porch or a small garden ornament that ties into your existing décor, Dunelm’s curated collection is worth a look. They often carry seasonal pieces with approachable price tags.
The Range mixes garden ornaments with practical pond kits and pumps, making it a solid choice for shoppers who want both aesthetics and function. Look for large, budget-friendly options here and seasonal promotions. The Range is especially handy if you’re outfitting a bigger space on a tighter budget without sacrificing impact.
Primrose specialises in garden products, and their water features cater to hobbyists and wildlife enthusiasts. You’ll find pond liners, specialist pumps, UV clarifiers, and plant lists if you want to encourage frogs, dragonflies, and birds. Primrose is a good source if you intend to create a wildlife-friendly pond or buy higher-spec filtration for larger setups.
Both Argos and Amazon UK offer convenience and a vast selection from many brands. Argos provides fast local collection options, while Amazon’s marketplace includes user reviews, delivery choices, and a broad price range. These sites are handy for quick buys like replacement pumps, tubing, or decorative spouts.
If you’re serious about long-term performance, look at specialist brands sold through UK dealers. Aquascape, Oase, and Laguna are known for reliable pumps, skimmers, and pond kits built to last. These brands often come with better warranties and technical support for complex systems, making them worth the investment for larger ponds or showpiece fountains.
Installation ranges from simple plug-and-play fountains to dig-and-liner pond projects. A small pre-formed pond or container fountain can be a weekend DIY, but if you’re planning a larger pond with filtration, waterfalls, or electrics, hiring a professional ensures safety and longevity. When in doubt, get a quote — many landscapers offer initial site visits to estimate costs and feasibility.
A level base is crucial. For fountains, use paving slabs or firm compacted hardcore to prevent tilting. For ponds, dig a hole that follows your shape plan, remove sharp stones, and lay pond underlay before the liner to protect against punctures. Edge the pond with stones or timber and integrate planting shelves if you plan to add marginal plants.
Always place pumps near a frost-free power supply and use a suitably rated outdoor cable and RCD-protected circuit. Position the pump on a flat, firm surface to avoid vibration noise and ensure easy access for cleaning. If you’re not comfortable working with electrics, hire a qualified electrician to install outdoor sockets safely.
Regular maintenance makes the difference between a serene centerpiece and a murky headache. Skimming leaves, checking pump flow, and watching for algae are routine tasks. Use a net for debris, clean filters as recommended, and top up evaporation with fresh water. In winter, reduce feeding if you keep fish, and fit a de-icer if temperatures dip below freezing to maintain an open area for gas exchange.
Algae thrive in still, nutrient-rich water. Keep water moving with a pump and avoid overfeeding fish. Introduce marginal plants and floating plants, which compete for nutrients and shade the water. For quick fixes, use UV clarifiers or water treatments designed for ponds, but always follow product guidance to avoid harming wildlife.
Spring and autumn are the busiest seasons for pond care — spring for planting and restarting filters, autumn for leaf control and netting. In summer keep an eye on water levels as evaporation can be significant; a top-up every few days might be necessary in hot stretches. In winter, if you expect freezing, reduce pump run time if using a surface skimmer and protect delicate feature materials from frost damage.
Need a spark of imagination? Try a ribbon fountain along a path to create a visual corridor, a mirror pond near a seating area to reflect evening lights, or a tiered stone fountain at the junction of paths for a classic look. For urban gardens, think vertical water walls or compact ceramic fountains that fit a narrow terrace. Small changes — a cluster of potted water bowls or a single statement spout — can transform a space without a full redesign.
If you want to invite frogs, newts, and dragonflies, focus on gradual sloping edges, shallow shelves for planting, and native marginal plants. Avoid sharp sides and provide places for wildlife to enter and exit easily. A wildlife pond doesn’t need to be huge — even a small pond about three feet across with native planting can become a buzzing micro-habitat.
Costs vary widely. A small decorative fountain might cost under a hundred pounds, while a professionally installed pond with filtration and planting can run into several thousand. Save money by combining a store-bought decorative bowl with a quality pump from a specialist supplier, or by doing groundwork yourself while hiring a pro for the electrics. Watch for end-of-season sales and consider second-hand materials like reclaimed stone for character at a lower price.
Adding a fountain or pond is one of the most rewarding garden upgrades you can make. It brings sound, movement, and life to your outdoor space, and with so many UK retailers and specialist suppliers to choose from, there’s a solution to suit every garden and budget. Plan carefully — measure your space in feet, think about materials and maintenance, and match your purchase to your lifestyle. With the right pump, a little routine care, and a dash of imagination, your garden water feature will become a favorite spot for years to come.
| Fountains & Ponds - Other | Price | |
|---|---|---|
| Wellbeing Tabletop Cascading Fountain With Led Illumination | £ 15,- |
