Outdoor playhouses & tents
Our amazing outdoor playhouses and tents are perfect for sparking imagination. Create magical spaces where kids can play, explore, and enjoy endless adventures in your garden.
Create a dedicated space for imagination with our enchanting range of outdoor playhouses and tents, designed to provide a cosy sanctuary for creative play. Whether you are looking for a traditional wooden playhouse that acts as a permanent garden feature, perhaps with other built-in play equipment like a slide or swings, or a flexible fabric tent for sunny afternoons on the lawn, our collection offers a variety of styles to suit every garden size. Built for durability and comfort, these "little homes" provide the perfect setting for role-play, quiet reading, or secret garden meetings, helping children develop independence and social skills in a safe environment.
The choice usually depends on your space and how you plan to use it. A wooden playhouse is a sturdy, permanent structure that can be used year-round and even decorated to match your home. A play tent, on the other hand, is a fantastic flexible option that can be set up in minutes on the lawn or patio and easily stored away during the winter. If you want a long-term investment that adds character to your garden, go for timber; if you prefer portability and quick setup, a tent is ideal.
To keep a timber playhouse in top condition, we recommend applying a child-safe wood preservative or a vibrant exterior paint every 1–2 years. This protects the wood from the British weather and prevents rot. It is also a good idea to check the roof felt and hinges annually to ensure everything remains watertight and secure. For fabric tents, simply wipe down with a damp cloth and ensure they are completely dry before being packed away to prevent any mould or mildew.
A solid, level base is essential for any wooden playhouse to prevent the frame from warping and the doors from sticking. We recommend a base of concrete, paving slabs, or a dedicated timber pressure-treated base. For temporary play tents, any flat area of the lawn or a soft patio rug will work perfectly. Always ensure the area is clear of sharp stones or twigs that could damage the floor of a tent or cause the playhouse to sit unevenly.
Wooden playhouses are designed to stay out all year round and can provide a great outdoor "den" even on chilly days. To make it more comfortable, you can add weather-resistant rugs and cushions, but always ensure they are brought inside if they get damp. Fabric tents, however, should be taken down and stored in a dry place such as a garden shed or outdoor storage box during the autumn and winter, in order to protect the material and poles from harsh winds and heavy rain.
Most of our playhouses come as flat-pack kits with pre-assembled panels, making the DIY process much simpler. You will generally need two people and a basic toolkit to put one together over a few hours. Play tents are even easier, often featuring "pop-up" mechanisms or simple slot-together poles that can be ready for play in under ten minutes. Full instructions are included with every model to guide you through the setup.
One of the best things about a wooden playhouse is that it's a blank canvas! You can involve your children in painting it their favourite colours, adding window boxes with real flowers, or even installing a battery-operated doorbell. For fabric tents, adding bunting or solar-powered fairy lights can turn a simple garden structure into a magical evening retreat. Just ensure any decorations are securely fastened and child-safe.