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Want to make your garden sing after sunset? Landscape pathway lighting does more than just stop you tripping over a hose — it adds drama, safety, and curb appeal. In this guide I’ll walk you through the types of lights you’ll see at UK retailers, the brands highlighted in the reference list (like Collingwood, Ansell and Ovia), and where to pick up the right kit — from specialist sellers such as Expert Electrical to big-box stores like B&Q. Expect practical tips, spacing guides, and buying advice so you can light your paths like a pro, using only imperial measurements for clarity.
Think of pathway lights as the punctuation marks of your garden design — they guide, highlight and set the mood. Good lighting improves safety on steps and paths, highlights planting and architectural features, and extends your outdoor living hours. Plus, the right fixtures give instant street appeal if you ever sell your home. You’re not just buying a lamp; you’re investing in atmosphere and usability.
On the safety front, path lights reduce slips and trips on wet or uneven surfaces. From a style point of view, you can choose warm, inviting tones or crisp, modern whites. And yes, it can add perceived value — a well-lit exterior feels cared for and secure.
There’s a lot of variety out there. The HTML reference lists several common types: in-ground uplights, post lamps, bollards, spike lights, solar street lights, drive-over ground lights and mini ground lights. Here’s a quick look at what each does and where they work best.
In-ground uplights are installed flush with the surface and can be used to highlight trees, walls, or as subtle path accents. Some are drive-over rated, meaning they’re tough enough to take traffic — handy for illuminated driveways. These often come in stainless steel and use integrated LED modules for minimal maintenance.
Classic post lamps, like the Orchid post lamp with antique bronze styling, bring a vintage touch to a garden entrance or gate. They’re taller than bollards and cast a wider, more decorative pool of light — great for driveways and formal paths.
Bollards are short, vertical posts that cast light down or around a perimeter and work brilliantly to define paths. The reference includes 1,000 millimetre (about 39 inches or 3.3 feet) and half-height 19.7 inch options — convert that to your site needs and pick heights that balance visibility without glare.
Spike lights are low-cost, easy-to-position fixtures that push into borders or lawn edges. They’re excellent for highlighting small shrubs or features. Twin-bar spike lights offer two heads for broader coverage in one stake.
Solar street lights and PIR-activated units are great for low-maintenance installations. Solar is perfect for spots where wiring is tricky; PIR sensors add energy efficiency by lighting only when movement is detected, like the Ovia solar street options with PIR built-in.
Mini ground lights can be disguised in gravel or decking and are subtle but effective. Drive-over options are beefier and sealed against moisture, suitable for paths shared with vehicles.
When you’re comparing products from brands such as Collingwood, Ansell, Astro, JCC and others, focus on build quality, ingress protection, beam angle, color temperature and driver type. These determine how the light looks and how long it lasts.
IP ratings tell you how well a light is sealed against dust and water. For garden pathways you’ll want at least IP44 for basic splash resistance, and IP67 if the fixture sits in ground-level damp locations or needs to be fully weatherproof. Higher IP ratings mean fewer surprises after heavy rain.
Colour temperature (measured in Kelvin) affects mood. Warm light (around 2700K to 3000K) creates a cosy, inviting feel, while cooler light (3500K to 4000K and above) feels modern and crisp. Beam angle matters too: narrow beams pick out features, and wide beams provide general pathway illumination without dark spots.
Stainless steel, cast aluminium and powder-coated finishes are standard. Stainless resists corrosion on coastal sites, while bronze or antique finishes like those on Luxuria products suit traditional gardens. Consider maintenance — raw metal can weather differently depending on exposure.
The HTML listing names a mix of brands and a retailer. Let’s unpack what each brings to the table and where to find similar ranges in the UK.
Expert Electrical is a specialist retailer for lighting and electrical goods, and the HTML lists specific Expert Electrical SKUs like the Astro Dartmouth spike light. Specialist stores tend to stock a wide choice of finishes and technical fittings, and can be a good source for low-voltage and hard-to-find parts.
Collingwood lines are well represented in the list — from drive-over ground lights to mini ground lights and bollards. They’re known for robust LED options and sensible IP ratings. You’ll find Collingwood products at specialist lighting stores and larger retailers; they suit homeowners wanting reliable, modern LED kits.
Ansell often produces decorative lantern-style post tops and contemporary bollards, while Ovia’s strength is in cost-effective solar and PIR street lights. If you want automatic lighting with minimal wiring, Ovia’s solar PIR combos are worth a look.
Astro is a go-to for design-led fittings; Orchid and Luxuria offer traditional aesthetic lamps; JCC (and their Niteled family) focuses on sturdy stainless steel bollards and practical LED fittings. Between them you can cover everything from classic lanterns to industrial-grade outdoor bollards.
Aside from specialist sellers, consider these widely-available UK options: B&Q, Wickes, Screwfix, Homebase, Wayfair and Amazon UK. They carry a broad spectrum from budget solar stakes to premium integrated LED systems. If you prefer hands-on advice, stores like B&Q and Wickes often provide installation accessories and basic electrical tools too.
Before you buy, sketch a simple plan. Measure your path lengths in feet and note any steps, level changes or planting beds. Proper spacing avoids dark gaps and excessive glare.
For low-level accent lighting, place fixtures roughly 3 to 5 feet apart to create a continuous wash. For bollards providing wayfinding, 6 to 10 feet spacing is common depending on bollard height and beam angle. Place uplights at least one foot from tree trunks to avoid root disturbance and to get a flattering angle.
Low-voltage systems (commonly 12V) are safer and easier for DIY, while mains systems (like 230V) deliver higher lumen output without bulky transformers. The HTML included both mains 230V options and low-voltage fittings. If you’re not confident with wiring, hire a qualified electrician for mains work — it’s worth the peace of mind.
LEDs dominate landscape lighting for good reason — long life, low running costs and instant output. Look for LEDs rated for at least 25,000 hours; many modern modules are good for 50,000 hours or more. That practically removes lamp changing from your to-do list.
Installing pathway lighting is about more than digging holes. Use cable conduit in shallow trenches to protect wiring, and set drive-over fixtures in firm, well-compacted stone for stability. When mounting bollards, ensure the base is level and secure to prevent wobble.
Smart controls let you schedule zones, dim lights, or activate on motion. PIR sensors conserve electricity by only lighting when needed, while dusk-to-dawn controls automate routine. Pair smart bulbs with a recommended hub so you don’t end up juggling incompatible tech.
Prices vary widely. Expect to pay less for basic solar spikes — sometimes under £20 — while integrated LED bollards and drive-over ground lights can be several hundred pounds per unit. Specialist brands like Collingwood and Ansell typically sit in the mid-to-premium bracket, whereas mass-market spikes and solar lights are more affordable.
Buy a small number of higher-quality units for focal points and supplement with cheaper spikes in borders. This mix-and-match approach keeps budgets sensible while delivering visual impact.
Maintenance is minimal with outdoor LEDs, but occasional cleaning of lenses and checks for corrosion will keep your installation looking sharp. Replace batteries in solar units every few years and trim plant growth that could obstruct light beams.
In winter months leaves and grime can reduce output; a quick wipe with a damp cloth restores clarity. If you live near the coast, opt for higher-grade stainless steel or marine finishes to resist salt-air corrosion.
When you shop — whether at Expert Electrical, a high-street store like B&Q, or online at Wayfair — use this quick checklist: pick the right IP rating, choose an appropriate colour temperature, check beam angles, confirm material finish, decide on mains or low-voltage and consider smart/sensor options.
Want a contemporary look? Slim, stainless steel bollards with cool white LEDs fit the bill. Prefer a traditional look? Bronze lantern-style post lamps and warm 2700K LEDs create a welcoming glow. Mixing styles can work too if you keep a consistent colour temperature across fixtures.
Landscape pathway lighting is one of the highest-impact upgrades you can make to an outdoor space. From the specialist stock at Expert Electrical and brand-focused ranges like Collingwood and Ansell, to the convenience of B&Q and Screwfix, UK buyers have excellent options. Plan your layout, pick the right fixtures for the job, and don’t skimp on IP rating if the lights sit close to the ground. With a little planning you’ll end up with a garden that’s safer, more inviting, and downright stunning after dark.
Ready to shop? Start with a short list of zones to light, prioritise key fixtures for entrances and steps, and then layer in accent lights. You’ll be surprised at how much impact a handful of well-placed lights can have — it’s like changing the soundtrack of your garden from daytime chatter to evening jazz.
Conclusion: Put simply, pick quality for primary fixtures, supplement with economical options, and choose durable finishes and appropriate IP ratings. Whether you buy from Expert Electrical, a national DIY chain, or online marketplaces, the right pathway lighting will transform your outdoor space and keep you enjoying it long after the sun sets.
| Landscape Pathway Lighting | Price | |
|---|---|---|
| Jcc Niteled Dome Mains Ip44 Short Louvred Bollard | £ 63,89 | |
| Galle Tall Post 1xe27 Ip54 Graphite Black Luxuria | £ 80,10 | |
| Ansell Leo 450mm Led Bollard 8w 3000k 4000k | £ 98,66 | |
| Rhapsody 65cm Post Lamp 1xe27 Ip54 Anthracite Opal Luxuria | £ 107,10 | |
| Louis Poulsen Bysted Garden Long Adapter Bollard Corten - Footplate | £ 390,45 | |
| Louis Poulsen Ph 3-2 Bollard 126 Cm Black | £ 1.050,09 |
