Following our recent experiences, we have lots of opinions on gazebos & we thought we’d write you some posts to share them!

Things to think about when purchasing a gazebo

• Wind is the enemy of gazebos!  Look for a design that will stand up well to the wind, both in terms of a good pegging arrangement so it doesn’t blow away and a frame with some flexibility in it, so it isn’t damaged if it bends a bit.
• It’s a pain to have to keep ducking to get in and out.  And particularly if you are a tall goat you want to be able to stand up straight inside.
• They are always smaller than you think!  Before we purchased, we marked out the size in our back garden and placed chairs around in a circle to see how many people we could fit in.  Would be sad if you were the goat left out in the rain!!
• There are different levels of waterproofing available.  If you are after something that’s tough and hardwearing, look into this.
• Doors/sides. In the UK the rain doesn’t just come down – sometimes it’s horizonal!  The option to be able to add a door or a side can mean that you are able to use the full area of your gazebo in the rain.  It is also useful to shelter from the wind.
• Gazebos can be quite a challenge to put up – a 3-dimensional jigsaw requiring several people with Mr Tickle length arms to complete!  If you are going camping on your own, or if your fellow campers are child-sized or arriving later, an inflatable one could be a good option.
• Some gazebos have floor straps which are trip hazards, watch out for this.
• Ok we admit it, we have become camping snobs.  But if you’ve got to look it all day you don’t want it to be a jarring colour – tan, grey, pale green are all acceptable.  Blue, red, multicolour are not.  Feel free to disagree, but just don’t pitch up next to us & spoil the view!!
• Light attachments. This isn’t a deal breaker, but it is lovely to be able to attach the fairy lights to the gazebo!!
• They are expensive, so think about your purchase carefully!

R & L