13 idyllic water feature ideas for your garden

A garden water feature will transform your outdoor space into a tranquil oasis, with its beautiful aesthetics and soothing sounds.

From rock ponds and birdbaths to garden fountains and waterfalls, there are many different ways to add peaceful garden water feature ideas to your outdoor area.

Why have a water feature in your garden?

Water features offer more than just decorative benefits to your garden or outdoor space:

• They bring a sense of peace and calm that’s ideal for those living in a busy neighbourhood or city and for those looking for some escapism
• They attract birds and wildlife to your garden, increasing biodiversity and enhancing your enjoyment of your outdoor space
• They act as a focal point for the garden and soften surrounding hard landscaping
• They benefit your mental and physical health – being close to water has naturally restorative effects

Garden water feature ideas

Whether you’re imagining an ornate water feature with dramatic jets, a small pond and fountain, or a simple birdbath, there are lots of options to choose from.

We list our top 13 water feature ideas, providing inspiration for every budget and garden size. To price up your water feature idea, take a look at our water feature cost guide.

Flowing water feature ideas

The following ideas are all about water movement. They are ideal for those who enjoy the soothing sound of flowing water.

1. Tiered water fountains

A garden fountain creates a distinctive focal point in your outdoor space. They’re available in a variety of styles, making it easy to find one to suit the style of your home and garden.

2. Wall fountains and sconces

Wall-mounted water spouts and sconces can be ornate and decorative, adding to a classical, romantic-style garden, or have cleaner lines, being well-suited to a contemporary outdoor space.

3. Vertical spouts and bubblers

This water feature idea offers lots of flexibility. Whether you want a dramatic display or a softer vibe, simply select the nozzles or fountainheads to suit your needs.

4. Stone plinth fountains

Ideally suited to classic garden schemes, these stone plinth fountains create an eye-catching centrepiece, ideal for any size garden.

5. Flowing jugs

The sound of flowing water has naturally soothing properties, making this type of water feature idea great for our health and wellbeing. Position a flowing jug either as a standalone feature or as part of a pond and you’ll keep local wildlife happy too.

6. Rockery fountains and pebble piles

The ideal water feature idea for a cottage-style garden, pebble piles and rockery fountains complement the natural aesthetic perfectly.

7. Water sculptures

Water sculptures are a super way to add some personality to your garden. Hire a local metal worker to create a bespoke, standout water feature in your outside space.

8. Waterfalls

Waterfalls can be sculpted in a variety of sizes and from a selection of different materials to suit your style, space, and budget. Whether you want a small babbling brook that trickles over large pebbles or a cascading contemporary feature, a garden landscaper will help to perfect your plans.

9. Scupper water feature

A scupper water feature is a slit cut into a wall through which water flows. Position it near an outdoor seating area to maximise your enjoyment of this feature.

Still water feature ideas

Birdbaths, ponds, lakes, and pools; there are several possibilities for adding a static water feature to your outside space.

10. Birdbaths

Birdbaths are a simple water feature idea, yet they are hugely versatile and beneficial. Whether you have a sprawling estate or a compact balcony, a birdbath makes a lovely addition that will attract birds and wildlife too.

11. Water troughs

Water troughs, tin baths, or barrels are well-suited for rustic gardens or those who love to use natural materials and repurpose existing items.

12. Garden ponds

Traditional with aquatic plants and fish, or as an architectural feature to soften hard landscaping, a garden pond is a popular water feature idea for many homeowners.

13. Natural swimming pool

Natural swimming pools blend beautifully with your garden landscape, are chemical-free, and use less energy and water than a traditional swimming pool. Team yours with a garden sauna for a fully luxurious experience.

Find a landscape gardener to help create your water feature

A landscape gardener will listen to your needs, assess your outside space and create an individualised plan to suit your requirements and budget.

To find quality landscapers in your local area, simply add your postcode to the search box below.

FAQs

Are solar garden water features any good?

Solar-powered water features are highly energy-efficient and eco-friendly. They include a solar panel connected to a water pump. When sunlight hits the panel, it generates a voltage that powers the pump and activates the water feature.

As long as they have good access to direct sunlight during the day, solar garden water features offer great flexibility and low-cost benefits. They’re easy to install, with no need to conceal pipes or wiring, they require little maintenance, and come in a range of designs and sizes.