Best Beach Chairs UK 2026
Tested on UK sandy beaches, pebble shores and coastal spots.
We’ve looked through the best beach chairs available in the UK and selected our top picks to review. The beach chairs can be separated into two distinct design styles: front folding and crossbar. The chairs we selected are deliberately a combination of these styles as what will suit you best depends on your intended use and what works for your body. We tested these chairs by walking with them, and by sitting in them for hours on sand, pebbles and grass. Comprehensive reviews of each product can be accessed via the ‘Read Full Review’ buttons below, or you can watch our beach chair video review. Looking for some fun at the beach? Check out our list of the best inflatable kayaks.
Updated 9th January 2026
Our Top Picks
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Kampa Sandy High Back
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SONGMICS Portable
Beach Chair Reviews
Kampa Sandy High Back
Price At Time Of Writing | £29.99
Overall Rating | 90
Construction and Design | 8
Setup/Pack Down | 8
Portability | 9
Comfort | 8
Durability | 7
Open Size - 64x57x64cm
Weight - 3kg
Load Capacity - 120kg
Materials - Steel, polyester
Best For - Basic, no-fuss camping trips
Pros - Sturdy build, simple setup
Cons - Lacks accessories like cup holders
Overall - A reliable and affordable no-frills chair
Tommy Bahama Deluxe
Price At Time Of Writing | £149.99
Overall Rating | 86
Construction and Design | 8
Setup/Pack Down | 5
Portability | 8
Comfort | 8
Durability | 7
Open Size - 61x81x71cm
Weight - 3.33kg
Load Capacity - 136kg
Materials - Aluminium, polyester
Best For - Stylish relaxation at festivals or the beach
Pros - Attractive design, lightweight, good features
Cons - Low back support, weak carry straps
Overall - A comfortable lounger best for shorter sessions
RIO Beach Folding
Price At Time Of Writing | £111.84
Overall Rating | 85
Construction and Design | 9
Setup/Pack Down | 7
Portability | 9
Comfort | 5
Durability | 5
Open Size - 78x63x75cm
Weight - 3.18kg
Load Capacity - 113kg
Materials - Aluminium, polyester
Best For - Style-conscious users for short outings
Pros - Lightweight, good-looking, well-made
Cons - Shallow seat, no headrest
Overall - A portable chair where aesthetics are a priority
SONGMICS Portable
Price At Time Of Writing | £45.81
Overall Rating | 81
Construction and Design | 7
Setup/Pack Down | 6
Portability | 9
Comfort | 4
Durability | 5
Open Size - 63x68x75cm
Weight - 3.1kg
Load Capacity - 150kg
Materials - Aluminium, polyester
Best For - Smaller adults or children on a budget
Pros - Very lightweight, low price
Cons - Too small for larger users
Overall - A compact, basic chair for petite frames
Homevative Foldable Backpack
Price At Time Of Writing | £75.00
Overall Rating | 81
Construction and Design | 8
Setup/Pack Down | 5
Portability | 7
Comfort | 5
Durability | 6
Open Size - 43x64x84cm
Weight - 3.75kg
Load Capacity - 109kg
Materials - Aluminium, polyester
Best For - Organised day trips where gear access is key
Pros - Great storage pockets, durable
Cons - Uncomfortable for reclining or tall people
Overall - A practical chair for those who need storage
GCI Outdoors Sunshade
Price At Time Of Writing | £120.02
Overall Rating | 76
Construction and Design | 6
Setup/Pack Down | 7
Portability | 3
Comfort | 7
Durability | 3
Open Size - 114x62x110cm
Weight - 4.63kg
Load Capacity - 113kg
Materials - Aluminium/steel, polyester/mesh
Best For - All-day sun protection at a fixed campsite
Pros - Effective built-in shade
Cons - Heavy and bulky
Overall - The top choice if shade is your main concern
Homecall Beach Folding
Price At Time Of Writing | £34.62
Overall Rating | 69
Construction and Design | 4
Setup/Pack Down | 6
Portability | 3
Comfort | 4
Durability | 2
Open Size - 52x35x56cm
Weight - 3.49kg
Load Capacity - 120kg
Materials - Steel, polyester
Best For - Occasional, low-cost use
Pros - Simple to set up, strong fabric
Cons - Poor quality frame components
Overall - A functional but basic entry-level chair
Advice We’d Give to A Friend
The Basics
How do I know if it's going to be comfortable? - Consider whether you want a chair that reclines or something more upright. Look for a good amount of space between the seat fabric and any metal frame to ensure no frame digs into you, check the depth and width of the seat matches your size, and look for extras like armrests, cup holders and storage pockets.
How important is portability in a beach chair? - If you've ever carried a whole bunch of stuff down to the seaside, pretty important. Look for lighter-weight chairs with backpack or carry straps.
Will it last? - Well-constructed chairs made of strong steel or aluminium frames that have been rust-treated, and high denier fabric, will last for years, so look for those qualities when choosing a beach chair.
Budget
You can definitely find a decent beach chair without having to spend a ton of money. For a better comparison, we can divide the market into three main categories:
Under £50 - You're generally looking at chairs with a much simpler design that probably won't recline. You can get some good durable picks in this range if you're happy with that.
£50 to £75 - You're usually looking at some less well-constructed reclining chairs, or chairs with more features. There are decent chairs here too, but if you're after a quality reclining chair that will last, we'd suggest spending a bit more.
Over £100 - You'll get a high-quality, durable reclining chair with lots of features. In most cases, we don't think you should be spending over 150 pounds on a beach chair.
Purpose of Use
Think about how you will use your beach chair. Is it just for you or will you be sharing it with the family? Will you be buying multiple? Do you prefer reclining or reading a book more upright or do you bring a lot of items with you to the beach that you need to store somewhere? Consider these questions when choosing a beach chair as they will determine the type of chair you buy and how simple the design is.
UK-Specific Considerations
Weatherproofing matters - Unlike beaches in the Med, the British seaside isn’t always blessed with endless sunshine. A good beach chair for UK use should be able to withstand sudden showers, salty sea air and even a bit of sand-laden wind. Look for rust-resistant frames (powder-coated steel or aluminium) and quick-dry, mildew-resistant fabric. That way, if you get caught in a drizzle, or forget to pack it away between trips, it won’t be ruined after a season.
Transport and car boot space - If you’re heading to Cornwall, Northumberland, or even a day trip to Brighton, chances are you’ll be packing your car to the brim with buckets, spades, picnic gear and maybe a windbreak or two. That’s where compact, folding chairs with backpack straps or carry handles really come into their own. Some models even fold flat enough to slide neatly into smaller cars, which can save a lot of faff when packing.
Stability on pebbles and sand - Not all UK beaches are golden sand. From Brighton’s famous pebbles to Blackpool’s mix of wet and dry patches, the surface under your chair isn’t always predictable. Chairs with wider legs or ‘sand feet’ won’t sink or wobble as much. If you tend to visit stonier beaches, look for a sturdier frame that can balance comfortably without digging in.
UV protection (for you and the chair) - It might sound odd given our reputation for grey skies, but UV damage is still worth considering. Long exposure to sun can fade fabric and weaken stitching. Chairs with built-in canopies or detachable shades can be a real bonus, especially handy on those rare scorching days in Dorset or Devon.
Family-friendly extras - If you’re hauling gear for the whole family, extras like cup holders, side pockets, or even insulated pouches for snacks and drinks can make life easier. Some UK brands also sell ‘double’ or loveseat-style beach chairs, which can be a fun option for couples or kids who always pinch your spot.
Safety Checklist
Be mindful of the tide - It’s easy to plonk your chair down and forget the sea is creeping closer. Always check the local tide times before you set up, especially on family trips. Getting caught by a fast-rising tide is more common than you might think on UK beaches. You can check tide forecasts on the ADMIRALITY EasyTide website.
Protect yourself from the sun - Even on cloudy days, UV levels can still be high, particularly by the coast where the sun reflects off the water. Bring a chair with a canopy if possible, or pair your seat with a windbreak or beach umbrella. The NHS Sun Safety Guidance has useful advice on sunscreen and shade.
Anchor your chair in windy weather - British beaches can get blustery and lightweight folding chairs can tip or blow over if you’re not careful. Place your chair behind a windbreak, weigh it down with your bag, or dig the legs in slightly if you’re on sand. For coastal weather warnings, keep an eye on the Met Office before heading out.
Ratings By Category
Method
We selected the top beach chair in each category after evaluating the chairs currently on the market and each chair instantly earned 50 points just for being chosen. To then rank them out of 10 in Construction/Design, Setup/Pack Down, Portability, Comfort and Durability, we conducted field tests and in-person evaluations.
Rankings are modified or weighted according to their significance and degree of variation, for example, certain categories will be rated from 1 to 10, while others will be rated from 4 to 9, etc. However, there are occasionally outliers. We have done our best to accurately depict how each beach chair ranks overall and why.
Our aim is to give you all the information you need to find the best beach chair in the UK. At The Equipment Guide, we believe that thorough reviews of beach chairs should give you all the information you need to choose one.
Testing Methodology
All the beach chairs we review get properly tested out in real UK conditions, such as sand, sea breezes and the occasional gust that sends your towel flying. Once we’ve chosen which models to review, we start with a full setup and inspection, checking how solid each chair feels, whether the frame and joints are sturdy, and how strong the fabric is. We also see how easy it is to unfold, set up and pack away again without a wrestling match. Of course, we also check whether the weight, packed size and carry bag actually match what the brand promises.
Next, it’s all about performance. We spend time sitting in each chair for a proper session, doing as you normally would, whether it be reading, chatting, picnicking or just soaking up the rare British sunshine. We test comfort over a few hours, how stable the chair feels on soft sand, pebbles or uneven ground, and whether handy features like recline settings, armrests, cup holders or built-in shades actually work well in real life. We also get different testers involved, since what fits one person might not suit another.
Finally, we test how tough and user-friendly each chair really is over time. We open and close it repeatedly to see how the mechanisms hold up, look for wear from salt, sand and sunlight, and assess how easy it is to carry from the car park across the beach. Once all that’s done, we score the chairs across comfort, durability, portability and design. The final ratings reflect how the chair performs when you’re actually using it from start to finish on a real day at the seaside.
Want to see exactly how we test and rate everything? Check out the drop-downs below for the full breakdown of our process:
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Before kicking back on the sand, we give every beach chair a proper once‑over to see if it actually lives up to what the brand promises.
Unboxing and first impressions: We open it up, check that everything’s included, such as the frame, straps, headrest, cup holder, footrest and any extras like coolers or side pouches, and see whether the setup instructions actually make sense. You’d be surprised how many don’t…
Material and build quality: We look for the usual weak spots straight away, like flimsy fittings, sharp edges, loose stitching or places where fabric might tear or pinch. We check the frame (whether it’s steel, aluminium, wood or composite), joints and locks, plus all the bits that get tugged, folded or leaned on over time.
First setup test: Then comes the fun bit, setting the chair up for the first time! We time how long it takes, note any sticky hinges or awkward latches, and check whether everything clicks firmly into place or wobbles around like it’s had one too many.
Weight and pack size: Finally, we measure how heavy it really is compared with the brand’s claim and take down the key dimensions, including total weight, seat height from the ground (handy for both kids and taller beach‑goers), and how much space it actually takes up when folded, whether in its carry bag or stuffed into a car boot.
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Once we’ve given each chair a proper inspection, we take it out for several beach trips because one outing doesn’t do much. We want to see how it actually performs after proper use in real seaside conditions.
Stability on sand: We try each chair on soft and compact sand to see if it sinks, tilts or wobbles once you sit down. We also test it on uneven ground like slight slopes or dunes to check how stable it feels when the surface isn’t perfectly flat.
Ease of sitting and standing: We look at how user‑friendly the chair is for different people. Does it sit so low that getting up feels like a workout, or is it a comfortable height for most? We check whether the frame stays steady while you’re sitting down or standing up.
Using the features: We use the cup holders, test any recline functions, built‑in coolers, phone pouches, headrests and other extras to see if they’re genuinely useful or just nice on paper.
Comfort over time: Chairs are only as good as they feel after a couple of hours. We sit in each one for a proper stretch to test back support, fabric sag, head and neck comfort and whether it keeps you cool on warmer days, especially for mesh designs.
Performance when wet: Finally, we test how the chair holds up after a swim. We check for sticky fabrics, drying time and whether salt or moisture leaves any marks or affects comfort.
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To see how a beach chair really holds up after a summer’s worth of use, we put it through repeated use and a few seaside challenges to mimic what it’ll face after weeks of salt, sand and sunshine.
Hinge and mechanism cycling: We keep opening and closing each chair over and over, usually fifty times or more, to see what wears out first. We look for loose bolts, squeaky joints or stretched fabric around the pivot points.
Fabric wear and abrasion: Some of what we do includes rubbing and shifting the seat fabric against sand and rough ground to simulate real use. This shows how quickly the fabric might fray or lose tension in the areas that take the most strain, like the edges or seat base.
Weight tolerance: We load each chair up to its stated weight limit and then add a bit more to see how it handles pressure. We listen for any worrying creaks, look for bending in the frame or signs that the structure is starting to give way.
Salt and sun exposure: Chairs are left out in the sun and sea breeze for long periods to see how well they cope with the elements. We check whether the fabric fades or stiffens, whether the metal parts corrode and if any rust appears around joints or screws.
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Next, we look at how practical each chair is to carry and store, because a great beach chair needs to do more than just feel comfy once you’ve set it up.
Carry comfort (car to shore test): We haul each chair around 200 to 300m across the sand, sometimes with extra gear, to see how easy it is to lug about. We pay attention to how the strap sits, how the weight balances on your shoulder and whether it digs in or feels awkward after a few minutes.
Folding and packing away: We also time how long it takes to fold and stow the chair once you’re done lounging. Some need a bit of puzzling or brute force, especially when there’s sand in the joints, so we note how much faff each model requires and whether it’s still easy to use after a day on the beach.
Fitting in the car: Finally, we see how the chair packs into a typical car boot, both in a hatchback and an SUV. We check whether it fits neatly alongside other gear, or if its shape makes packing multiple chairs and a cool box a bit of a struggle.
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Each beach chair gets a proper score so you can quickly see where it shines and where it falls short in real UK use.
We rate every chair out of 10 in five main areas:
Construction and design: This is about 25% of the final score and looks at overall build quality, materials and how solid the joints and frame feel.
Setup and pack down: This makes up around 15% of the score and focuses on how easy and quick the chair is to open, adjust and put away without any faff.
Portability: Another 15% of the score goes on how easy it is to carry, how heavy it feels on a walk from the car to the sand and how neatly it fits into a typical UK car boot on top of all your other beach bits.
Comfort: Comfort is worth about 25% and covers support, seating position and how it feels over a long stretch, not just a quick sit down.
Durability: The final 20% looks at how well the chair stands up to regular use, from frame strength to fabric wear and how it handles sun, sea air and a bit of classic British drizzle.
Once we have those category scores, we blend and normalise them into an overall rating out of 100. If a chair has a big strength or a serious flaw, we might tweak the final rating slightly so it lines up with how important that is in real life. For example, a super comfy chair that starts rusting after a few trips will not end up near the top of the list.
To keep things fair, we test chairs in similar weather and on comparable sandy or pebbly beaches around the UK and use several testers of different heights and builds. If people have very different experiences, we flag that in the review so you know what to expect.
The whole idea is to be open about how we test, not just to pick favourites. A good beach chair should last more than one summer, feel relaxing to sit in for hours and cope with sun, sand and salt without falling apart, and every score we give comes from using the chairs exactly that way.
Construction/Design
Construction and Design looks at how well the beach chair is made and the quality of the fabrics and frame. It also looks at how well the chair is designed for use.
The difference here does tend to be in line with the price: cheaper chairs will be less well-constructed, except for our top pick. The Kampa Sandy High Back came out on top as it's a great combination of lightweight, durable materials, thoughtful design and comfort, especially for the price. The Tommy Bahama Deluxe and Rio Beach Folding chairs both have features like reclinable backs, armrests, pockets and drink holders. The second cheapest of our picks, the Homecall Beach Folding, does have durable fabric, but its metal frame is low quality and it has no extras.
The Tommy Bahama has a wide seat with armrests
Low armrests can be uncomfortable for tall people
Setup/Pack Down
Setup/Pack Down focuses on how easy it is to set up a beach chair, how large it opens to, then how easy it is to pack away and how small its packed size is.
Most chairs are really simple to set up, so there's not a huge amount of difference here between the ratings. Usually non-reclining chairs are slightly easier to set up. It’s best to get a reclinable chair that has something to keep it in place, as with the Homecall Beach Folding chair, it needs your weight to fully keep it open. The SONGMICS Portable Beach Chair requires a simple opening and placing it on the sand, although you must make sure to fold out the support stand first, which is easy to forget. The Tommy Bahama is quite complex to set up for a beach chair, requiring different stages of clips and openings which can be annoying. The Kampa Sandy High Back ranks highest here, with a smooth open and close with its folding design.
Consider how you will store and transport the chair, as this can help you make your purchasing decision
Many of the chairs on our list have a simple 'open/close' design
Portability
Portability looks at the important mix of weight, packed size and ease of carrying a chair. In selecting the most portable beach chair, also consider its carry style — does it have in-built backpack straps or come in a carry bag with a shoulder strap?
There are two clear styles here: chairs that fold in half and chairs that fold more into a tube shape. Smaller chairs will obviously tend to be lighter, but the key thing for us is to think about how you want to use it. If it's just a chair for you then backpack chairs are great, whereas if you're a family of four carting a lot of stuff down to the sea then you might want several smaller chairs that you can fit in a cart. The SONGMICS Portable Beach Chair has the word in its name, it’s light — the second lightest of our picks — and comfortable to carry on your back. The lightest on our list, the Kampa Sandy High Back, packs into a small tube, so it’s easy to carry, although the carry back could be better quality. The RIO Beach Folding Chair has a carry strap to sling over your shoulder, although the single strap may not suit some people.
Some chairs compact into a tube with a bag and carrying strap, others fold in half
The Tommy Bahama chair is equipped with backpack straps for transport
Comfort
Comfort considers the size of the sitting area, how high the back rest is, how the material and frame feels when sitting and how its design comes into play when sitting, such as accessibility to pockets and cup holders.
Make sure chairs have a deep and wide-enough seat to accommodate you. Low-backed, non-reclining chairs can definitely be comfortable, just make sure that's what you want, and if you're after a high-backed chair, also make sure the back will be high enough to rest your head against. Something with armrests, or at least places to rest your arms, is key. Finally, make sure you choose a chair without an obvious frame that's going to dig into you while you're sitting. The Homevative Folding Backpack chair has quite a short back so it can dig into your back if you’re taller, although it does fully recline for lounging. The front edge of the frame of the SONGMICS chair can dig into your legs when sitting and reclining and it’s quite small. Like most low-back chairs, the Tommy Bahama can be a pain when upright, especially with the pillow hitting you under your neck, but it’s fine when reclining.
Some chairs are quite low to the ground
Tall people should opt for a high-backed chair
Durability
Durability looks at how well a chair is made compared to how well it will last. There's not always a clear correlation here between price and durability, so you need to know what to look for.
We'd recommend chairs using at least 300 denier polyester, which will last well over time. Aluminium frames are much lighter-weight than steel but not quite as strong, so choose based on what you prioritise, and make sure everything metal is rust-treated as repeated exposure to salty air will cause the joints in the metal frame to corrode and weaken over time. The sunshade and attachments of the GCI Outdoors feel easy to bend or break, especially during transport, and while the fabric of the Homecall Beach Folding is great, the carry bag is not so much and the metal frame is very flimsy. The SONGMICS Beach Chair, while it has an aluminium rather than steel frame, feels as though it will last a while.
Look for a durable polyester fabric
Steel frames can rust if exposed to salty air or moisture for too long
Overall Ratings
Learn what to look for in a beach chair in our video review
Learn what to look for in a beach chair in our video review
About Our Testing Process
Here at The Equipment Guide we write reviews for the UK with the goal of providing a genuine personal assessment of the best products on the market right here at home.
All products are reviewed and ranked in a methodical and careful manner and we assess them on relevant key features. We do not accept free products from manufacturers.
Our mission is simple: To create the UK’s best outdoor gear reviews.
Afterword
We hope you liked our reviews of the best beach chairs available in the UK.
There really is a lot of similarity between beach chairs and to be honest, the biggest factor in determining what the best beach chair is for you will come down to your personal preference. If you would like us to review a product or have any feedback we’d love to hear from you, feel free to drop us a note.
If you do purchase and are out in your beach chair please share some pics with us, we’d love to see you in action.