All categories
Business & Offices
Electronics & Media
Fashion & Accessories
Groceries & Essentials
Health & Personal Care
Home & Living
Kids & Family
Sports & Outdoors
Search in ZoneOffer
Looking to add character to your outdoor space without shouting for attention? A sundial is a quiet way to bring history, beauty, and function into the garden. More than an ornament, a sundial reads daylight like an old friend telling time in shadow and light. Whether you want a romantic focal point in a cottage garden or a minimalist feature on a modern patio, a sundial adds personality and a sense of place—plus it ages gracefully, taking on a patina that tells a story. And let’s be honest: who doesn’t like checking the time and feeling a little closer to nature?
Sundials come in many shapes and styles, and knowing the difference helps you pick one that suits your space and taste. Some are ornate and classic, like something plucked from a stately home; others are sleek and modern, more sculpture than instrument. Think of types as tools in a kit—each one tells time in a slightly different voice. Below are the most common designs you’ll see at UK retailers and specialist makers.
Horizontal sundials are the classic garden variety: a flat plate with hour markers and a gnomon that casts the shadow. They sit on a plinth or pedestal and are perfect for beds, lawns, or patios where you want a low-profile focal point. Sizes typically range from around 8 inches across for a tabletop piece to 24 inches or more for a substantial garden statement. They’re easy to read and easy to place, but remember they need a clear view of the sky for most of the day.
Equatorial sundials are a bit more technical-looking—the dial plane is aligned with the earth’s axis, so the gnomon lies in the dial plane. They’re elegant and often used by people who want something that looks scientific and ornamental at once. Because of their angled design, equatorial dials can be easier to read in the darker months when the sun sits lower in the sky, which is handy across much of the UK.
Armillary sundials are sculptural rings that intersect to indicate time; they resemble an ancient astronomical instrument. Vertical sundials are mounted against a wall, often acting like a mural made of metal or stone. Both types make strong statements: armillaries are dramatic in the middle of a flower bed or lawn, while vertical dials can decorate a conservatory wall or the side of an outbuilding. If you like a piece that doubles as garden art, these are great choices.
Picking material is half style, half practicality. The UK weather can be unrelenting, so choose materials that develop character rather than disintegrate. Brass, bronze, and copper age into warm, attractive finishes—expect a greenish patina on copper over time if left to the elements. Cast iron offers an industrial, heavy look and stands up to knocks, but it can rust if not finished. Stone and marble feel classical and substantial but can chip if dropped. Powder-coated steel and stainless steel give a contemporary feel and resist corrosion. Think about the look you want and how much maintenance you’re willing to do: a bronze sundial might need polishing if you want to keep that shine, while a cast-iron piece left to weather will gain a rustic charm.
Size matters for both aesthetics and function. A sundial that’s too small will get lost in a large garden; too big and it can dominate a small patio. Aim for proportion: on a small patio, a dial about 12 to 18 inches across works well, while a larger lawn can comfortably host a 24-inch or bigger piece on a pedestal. Placement is all about sunlight—sundials need an unobstructed view of the sky for most of the day, ideally in a spot that gets sun from morning through late afternoon. Set it away from tall trees or high walls that cast long shadows. And remember: a sundial is happiest on level ground. If the base leans, the time will read wrong, so use a spirit level during installation like a pro.
Shopping around is key—prices, styles, and delivery options vary widely. Many well-known UK retailers stock sundials, from budget-friendly options to designer pieces. Comparing offerings helps you find a sundial that fits your garden’s style and your wallet. Below are stores and shops where you’re likely to find sundials, whether you want a ready-made classic or a bespoke artisan piece.
B&Q and Homebase offer a good range of affordable sundials, perfect if you’re after straightforward designs that won’t break the bank. These stores often carry cast-iron horizontal dials and compact tabletop models ideal for smaller gardens and balconies. If you want something simple, durable, and wallet-friendly, these are good starting points. You’ll find options in the price range for the casual gardener and plenty of accessories like pedestals and mounting kits.
Wayfair UK carries a broad selection—from weatherproof modern steel designs to decorative bronze styles—making it easy to compare many options in one place. John Lewis tends to stock higher-end, well-crafted pieces that focus on design and finish. Both retailers are useful for browsing different aesthetics, and they often list product dimensions in inches so you can imagine scale before you buy. If you prefer online browsing with lots of filters and reviews, these stores are very handy.
For people who want something a bit more distinctive, Cox & Cox and Graham & Green lean into designer styles, offering sundials that double as striking garden sculptures. Primrose and specialist garden retailers focus on practical, durable items with garden-focused finishes. These shops balance beauty and function—expect well-made pedestals, bronze finishes, and options sized around 12 to 36 inches for centerpieces. If you want a statement piece that’s built to last, check these sellers.
If you prefer handcrafted or bespoke sundials, independent makers on Etsy and Notonthehighstreet are gold mines. You can commission custom engravings, specific sizes, or unique materials. Specialist workshops and local foundries also create bespoke pieces that reflect local character and craftsmanship. Independent makers often allow you to pick finishes and add personal touches—perfect for memorial pieces or thoughtful gifts. Expect turnaround times longer than mass-market stores, but the results are often worth the wait.
Prices for sundials vary from modest to eye-wateringly bespoke. In the budget bracket, you can find basic cast-iron or aluminum dials for under £50, while mid-range designer pieces in bronze or weathered metal typically sit between £100 and £400. Bespoke, hand-crafted sundials or heavy cast bronze antiques can climb into the thousands. Think about what you want the piece to do: if it’s a trial run for a garden upgrade, an affordable tabletop model might be fine. If it’s a long-term focal point, invest in quality material and craftsmanship—it's like buying a small sculpture that tells time.
Keeping your sundial both beautiful and accurate is easier than you might think. First, check that your dial sits level—use a spirit level or adjustable pedestal to get it spot on. Clean metal dials with mild soapy water and a soft cloth; avoid harsh chemicals that strip protective finishes. For brass or bronze, if you want to keep the original shine, a light polish every now and then will do the trick. If you prefer the aged patina, skip the polish and let nature take its course. Inspect fastenings and screws annually to avoid wobble. And remember: a sundial measures apparent solar time, not clock time, so if you want exact minutes you may need to correct for the equation of time and local longitude—fascinating for the curious gardener, but not necessary if you’re just enjoying the charm.
Want to make your sundial sing? Surround it with a planting scheme that complements the material and scale. A low circle of box hedging or gravel creates a formal look, while a ring of lavender or sedum gives a softer, cottage feel and attracts pollinators. Place a sundial on a plinth at the intersection of garden paths to turn it into a literal crossroads for visitors. For modern gardens, use a sleek stainless-steel equatorial dial against a backdrop of architectural planting or patio tiles. Think in layers: the sundial is the sculpture, the planting is the frame, and the light is the performance.
When comparing sundials across shops, keep a checklist: material, dimensions in inches, mounting options, weight (heavier is often sturdier), and whether the gnomon is fixed or adjustable. Look for clear product photos showing the dial from multiple angles, and check customer reviews for comments about durability in British weather. If you’re buying a vintage or antique piece, ask about restoration work and whether any corrosion has been treated. And if a bespoke maker offers calibration services, that’s a bonus—watching a craftsman align a dial feels like commissioning a tiny piece of timekeeping history.
Want your sundial to reflect your values? Choose pieces made from recycled metals or repurposed stone, or go local to cut down on shipping. Many independent makers use reclaimed materials or small-batch processes that reduce environmental impact. A solid, well-made sundial will outlast cheap alternatives and reduce waste over time—an eco-friendly choice that keeps on giving. Plus, supporting local artisans keeps traditional metalworking and stone carving skills alive, which is worth the extra consideration.
Not sure what style will suit your garden? Visit botanical gardens, historic houses, and public parks—many feature sundials in varied settings that show what works at different scales. Garden shows and local fairs are great places to meet makers in person and see materials up close. Online forums, gardening blogs, and social media accounts devoted to garden decor offer a wealth of styling ideas and troubleshooting tips. Ask questions, snap photos of potential locations, and don’t be afraid to try a few layouts—sometimes the best placement is discovered through a bit of trial and error.
A sundial is more than a purchase; it’s a long-term investment in atmosphere and character. Decide on the mood you want—antique, minimalist, sculptural—and match material and scale to that vision. Compare high-street retailers for convenience, boutique stores for design, and independent makers for something truly unique. With a thoughtful choice and a little care, your sundial will become a timeless companion in the garden, marking seasons and afternoons in the way only natural light can.
Conclusion: Choosing the right sundial blends practicality with personal taste. Think about style, material, and placement, use the stores mentioned as a starting point for comparison, and consider bespoke makers if you want personality. Your garden deserves a focal point that rewards you every day—why not let time itself be the ornament?
| Sundials | Price | |
|---|---|---|
| Maritime Sundial Compass | kr. 175,- | |
| Sundial 35,5x82 Cm Plastic Bronze | kr. 322,- | |
| Sundial 35,5x82 Cm Plastic Bronze | kr. 336,- |
