What are the best festoon lights for outdoor garden use in the UK?

When it comes to creating a warm, inviting outdoor space, few lighting solutions make as much impact as festoon lights. Whether you’re lighting up a garden party, adding ambience to your patio, or turning your backyard into a cosy retreat, festoon lights are a top choice for UK outdoor spaces.

In this guide, we break down what makes the best festoon lights for outdoor garden use in the UK. From weather resistance and bulb type to length, spacing and style.

1. Weatherproofing Is Essential

The UK weather isn’t always sunny, so great outdoor festoon lights must be able to withstand rain, wind and humidity. Look for lights with a strong IP rating (IP65 or above), this means they’re dust tight and protected against water jets, so they’ll stand up to British weather year‑round. Some brands which offer strong IP rating for all-year round use include: 

Sorrento Festoon Lights
Portofino Festoon Lights
Meribel Festoon Lights

2. Bulb Type: LED vs. Classic

• LED festoon lights are energy‑efficient, long‑lasting and bright. They stay cool to the touch and use less energy, perfect for extended evening use.

• Classic filament bulbs offer a nostalgic glow. They’re often warmer in tone and great for atmosphere, though not as energy efficient as LEDs.

With Garden Lights Direct, you’ll find both LED and classic styles to suit your aesthetic and lighting needs.

3. Length and Spacing

Think about the area you want to light:

• For small garden spaces, 10–20 m strings are usually perfect.

• For larger gardens or entertaining spaces, 50–100 m festoon lights allow you to cover more ground with fewer joins.

Spacing between bulbs (e.g., 30 cm, 50 cm or 1 m) also affects the overall look, closer spacing means richer light coverage.

At Garden Lights Direct we offer a variety of lengths and spacing options so you can customise your garden lighting exactly how you like it.

4. Power Options: Mains vs Solar

• Mains‑powered festoon lights deliver consistent brightness and are ideal for spaces close to an outdoor socket.

• Solar festoon lights are great for eco‑friendly setups where running cables isn’t convenient! just make sure they get enough daylight to charge effectively. Some examples of these include Cotswold and Nova Solar Festoon Lighting. 

5. Style and Finish

Festoon lights come in different finishes and bulb shapes, from classic G45 round bulbs to oversized retro styles. The look you choose can set the mood, sleek and modern, classic vintage, or something playful.

Garden Lights Direct has multiple styles to match your outdoor design. View a full range of Festoon Lights here. 

Choosing the Best Festoon Lights for You

The best festoon lights for your garden are the ones that match your space, your style and your practical needs. Whether you prioritise durability, aesthetic warmth, energy efficiency or simple installation, understanding the key features above will help you make the right choice.

Ready to find your perfect outdoor festoon lights? Explore our full range on Garden Lights Direct today, from compact garden sets to long commercial‑grade festoon lighting.