Best Polytunnels UK (2025 Guide) | Top Small, Medium and Large Models.

Best polytunnels UK – medium polytunnel in a UK garden with tomatoes and lettuce growing inside.
A medium-sized garden polytunnel filled with tomatoes and salad crops — a perfect example from our Best Polytunnels UK 2025 Guide.

🌿 Introduction

If you want to grow crops for longer in the UK, a protected structure makes all the difference. Many gardeners start with a greenhouse, but polytunnels offer a cheaper and more flexible way to extend your growing season — ideal for allotments or larger gardens.

A good quality polytunnel helps you start seedlings early, protect tender plants from frost, and maintain a more stable temperature through unpredictable British weather. They’re also easier to move, repair, and expand than glass greenhouses, making them perfect for growers who like to adapt as they go.

If you’re still deciding between the two, our guide on Greenhouse vs Polytunnel: Which Is Right for Your UK Garden? explains the pros and cons of each. You can also compare different greenhouse materials or browse our best small greenhouses and best mini greenhouses if you’re short on space.

A quick note on build quality:
Most budget polytunnels use lightweight steel frames and PE covers, which can flex or tear in strong winds if not secured properly. Always site your tunnel in a sheltered area, bury the cover edges into the soil, and consider adding extra support bars if your garden is exposed. Spending a little more on a thicker 180 g/m² cover or galvanised frame — like the Toolport model featured below — can make a big difference to stability and lifespan.

In this guide we compare the best polytunnels in the UK for 2025 — including compact models for small gardens, walk-in tunnels for keen growers, and heavy-duty designs for allotments and semi-permanent setups.

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Quick Comparison – Best Polytunnels UK (2025)

Category Model Size (L × W × H) Frame Cover Typical Price Ideal For
Small Christow Small Grow Tunnel Cloche Up to 2.6 m × ~1.0 m × ~0.8 m Powder-coated steel Reinforced PE ≈ £25 – £35 Raised beds, compact gardens
Small Outsunny Mini Polytunnel (200 × 100 × 80 cm) 2.0 m × 1.0 m × 0.8 m Steel PVC ≈ £18 – £20 Patios, balconies, seed starting
Small Outsunny PVC Tunnel (295 × 100 × 80 cm) 2.95 m × 1.0 m × 0.8 m Steel PVC ≈ £25 – £30 Small gardens needing extra length
Medium VonHaus Walk-In Polytunnel (3 × 2 m) 3.0 m × 2.0 m × ~2.0 m Heavy-duty steel Reinforced PE ≈ £90 – £100 Keen gardeners, small allotments
Medium Outsunny Walk-In (2 × 2.5 m) 2.0 m × 2.5 m × ~2.0 m Steel PE ≈ £45 – £55 Best value walk-in on a budget
Medium Outsunny UV-Resistant White (3 × 2 × 2 m) 3.0 m × 2.0 m × 2.0 m Steel UV-resistant PE ≈ £85 – £95 Durability + ventilation (roll-up sides)
Large Toolport Polytunnel (4 × 6 m) 6.0 m × 4.0 m × ~2.0 m+ Galvanised steel 180 g/m² PE ≈ £300 – £350 Premium build, semi-permanent setups
Large VEVOR Walk-In Tunnel (≈9 × 3 × 2 m) ~9.0 m × ~3.0 m × ~2.0 m Steel PE (mesh windows) ≈ £170 – £190 Extra-large, low-cost bulk growing
Large Outsunny Walk-In (6 × 3 × 2 m) 6.0 m × 3.0 m × 2.0 m Galvanised steel UV-resistant PE ≈ £140 – £160 Great value for bigger gardens

Small Polytunnels

Example of a small polytunnel in a UK garden.  One of the best polytunnels UK.

Small polytunnels are ideal for compact gardens, patios, and raised beds where space is at a premium but you still want the protection and extended growing season of a full-sized tunnel. They’re lightweight, affordable, and quick to set up — making them a great choice for beginners or anyone looking to start plants early in spring. They can even be lifted off if you require access to your plants and moved around your garden to use in different spots.

Despite their smaller size, these tunnels still provide enough space for a good mix of salad crops, herbs, and even compact tomato or pepper varieties. They also work brilliantly for hardening off young plants before they move outdoors, giving you the same benefits as a greenhouse but at a fraction of the price.

Below are three of the best small polytunnels in the UK for 2025, chosen for their value, durability, and user reviews.


1. Christow Small Grow Tunnel Cloche Garden Polytunnel

Best overall small polytunnel

With over 900 reviews and an Amazon’s Choice badge, the Christow Small Grow Tunnel is one of the UK’s most popular compact polytunnels. It’s available in 2-, 3- or 4-section lengths (up to 2.6 m) and uses a reinforced PE cover over a powder-coated steel frame. Zip-up doors and roll-up sides make access and ventilation easy, while the size is perfect for raised beds or narrow plots.

💷 Typical price: around £25 – £35
🌿 Best for: beginners and small garden growers

The Christow’s mix of value, strength, and flexibility easily earns it a place among the best polytunnels UK gardeners can buy for small spaces.


2. Outsunny Mini Greenhouse / Small Polytunnel (200 × 100 × 80 cm)

Best budget option

This Outsunny mini polytunnel offers unbeatable value for money. At around £19, it’s one of the cheapest ways to protect young plants or extend the growing season. Despite the low cost, it still includes a steel frame, zip doors, and a clear PVC cover for good light transmission and heat retention.

💷 Typical price: around £18 – £20
🌿 Best for: patios, balconies, or small raised beds


3. Outsunny PVC Tunnel Greenhouse (295 × 100 × 80 cm)

Best mid-range upgrade

A step up from the smaller model, this 295 cm-long Outsunny PVC Tunnel gives you more space for multiple rows of plants while keeping the same compact width. The PVC cover provides great clarity and strength, while the steel frame helps it stand firm through most UK weather. Ideal for those with a little more space who want to grow more without upgrading to a full tunnel.

💷 Typical price: around £27
🌿 Best for: small gardens needing extra growing length


Medium Polytunnels

 Medium polytunnel in a UK garden.  An example of the one of the best polytunnels UK.

Medium-sized polytunnels are the sweet spot for most UK gardeners — big enough to walk inside and grow a wide range of crops, yet compact enough to fit comfortably in an average garden or allotment plot.

They typically measure between 2 × 2 m and 3 × 2.5 m, giving around 5–7 m² of covered space. That’s enough room for several tomato plants, peppers, herbs and even early potatoes, while still being easy to anchor and maintain.

If you’re upgrading from a mini or small tunnel, a medium polytunnel gives you the freedom to stand upright, move around comfortably, and extend your growing season even further — ideal for anyone taking vegetable growing a bit more seriously.

Below are three of the best medium polytunnels in the UK for 2025, balancing durability, ventilation, and value.


1. VonHaus 3 × 2 m Polytunnel Greenhouse

Best overall medium polytunnel

This VonHaus 3 × 2 m walk-in polytunnel delivers excellent quality at a fair price. The heavy-duty steel frame and reinforced PE cover stand up well to typical British weather, while roll-up side panels provide great airflow for warm days. It offers around 6 m² of growing space — perfect for tomatoes, chillies, and salad crops.

💷 Typical price: around £92.99
🌿 Best for: keen gardeners and small allotments

Whilst not the cheapest on our list, this is one of the best polytunnels UK gardeners can buy in a medium size range.


2. Outsunny Polytunnel Greenhouse 2 × 2.5 m

Best value medium polytunnel

Compact, sturdy, and affordable — the Outsunny 2 × 2.5 m walk-in tunnel is a great option for those upgrading from smaller models. It includes mesh side windows for ventilation, a zip-up front door, and a powder-coated steel frame that’s surprisingly robust for the price.

💷 Typical price: around £49.99
🌿 Best for: small gardens and budget-friendly growers


3. Outsunny 3 × 2 × 2 m Polytunnel (White UV-Resistant PE Cover)

Best premium medium polytunnel

This upgraded Outsunny model uses a UV-resistant white PE cover and features roll-up sides plus six mesh windows for outstanding ventilation. The lighter colour improves light diffusion inside the tunnel, helping prevent scorching while keeping plants warm. A great choice for growers who want a reliable, long-lasting structure.

💷 Typical price: around £88.99
🌿 Best for: serious gardeners wanting durability and extra headroom


Large Polytunnels

Large polytunnel in a UK garden. An example of one of the best polytunnels UK.

Large polytunnels are ideal for serious growers and allotment owners who need plenty of covered space for vegetables, herbs, and even fruit bushes. Typically starting at 4 × 2 m and above, they provide generous headroom and enough width for multiple growing rows, paths, or raised beds inside.

These tunnels trap more heat, resist temperature swings, and make it easier to maintain stable humidity — perfect for crops like tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, and aubergines. However, size comes with extra responsibility: larger polytunnels need firm anchoring and some weather protection, as strong winds can put strain on the frame and cover.

Below are three of the best large polytunnels available in the UK for 2025, each offering a different balance of size, price, and build quality.


1. Toolport 4 × 6 m Polytunnel Greenhouse

Best premium large polytunnel

The Toolport 4 × 6 m is built for growers who want a structure that feels closer to a permanent greenhouse. It features a heavy 180 g/m² PE cover, galvanised steel frame, and large roll-up doors and side vents for airflow. It’s one of the few consumer models that stands up well to harsher conditions if properly anchored. The price is higher, but so is the build quality — you can expect several years of reliable use.

💷 Typical price: around £330
🌿 Best for: allotment growers and semi-permanent setups

If quality is your main concern, this is one of the best polytunnels UK gardeners can buy in the large category.


2. Vevor Walk-In Tunnel Greenhouse (≈ 9 m × 3 m × 2 m)

Best extra-large budget option

If you want to go big without spending greenhouse-level money, the Vevor 9 m tunnel is worth considering. It offers huge growing space and includes 12 mesh windows for ventilation and a zip-up door at each end. Reviews note that the steel frame is quite light, so good ground anchoring and sheltered positioning are essential — but once secured, it’s a cost-effective way to grow on a large scale.

💷 Typical price: around £176.99
🌿 Best for: large gardens and low-cost bulk growing


3. Outsunny 6 × 3 × 2 m Polytunnel Greenhouse

Best value large polytunnel

This Outsunny 6 m tunnel sits nicely between home-garden and professional use. It includes three roll-up doors, mesh-covered windows, and a UV-resistant PE cover supported by a galvanised steel frame. While not as heavy-duty as the Toolport, it’s good value for its size — just make sure to reinforce it if your garden gets regular wind exposure.

💷 Typical price: around £142.99
🌿 Best for: medium-to-large gardens on a budget


🌱 Final Thoughts

Polytunnels remain one of the most cost-effective and versatile ways to boost productivity in any UK garden. The best polytunnels UK gardeners choose combine value, durability, and protection — all key to reliable year-round growing. Whether you’re protecting tender crops from frost, extending your harvest into autumn, or starting seedlings early in spring, the right tunnel can make all the difference.

If you’re still comparing your options, take a look at our related guides:

You’ll also find more home-growing tips and self-sufficiency guides at HomeGrower.co.uk.

For further advice on greenhouse and polytunnel selection, see the RHS guide on choosing greenhouses at rhs.org.uk — it’s a great complement to this article if you’re looking for long-term durability and design inspiration.

Best Polytunnels UK – FAQs (2025)

What size should I choose if I’m new to polytunnels?

For beginners, a 2–3 m small tunnel is ideal. It’s cheaper, easier to anchor, and still extends your season. Our best polytunnels UK guide compares small, medium, and large options.

Do I need planning permission for a polytunnel in the UK?

Usually no, unless it’s very large or permanent. Most of the best polytunnels UK gardeners use are classed as temporary structures, but it’s wise to check your local council if you’re unsure.

How long do polytunnel covers last?

Light PE covers on budget tunnels last around 3–5 years, while reinforced or UV-stabilised covers on the best polytunnels UK can last much longer with good maintenance and anchoring.

Which cover is better: clear PVC or green reinforced PE?

Clear PVC gives higher light transmission (great for seed starting). Green reinforced PE diffuses light and resists tearing. The best polytunnels UK often use reinforced PE for durability.

Are polytunnels OK in windy areas?

Yes, if you choose wisely. The best polytunnels UK for windy gardens include heavy frames, buried skirts, and optional storm bars. Always site your tunnel in a sheltered position and anchor it well.

What can I grow in a medium polytunnel (around 3 × 2 m)?

Tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, salad leaves, herbs, early potatoes, and winter brassicas. A medium tunnel balances space, airflow, and ease of setup—one reason it features in our best polytunnels UK picks.

How do I stop condensation and mildew?

Vent daily on mild days and open roll-up sides to reduce humidity. The best polytunnels UK include mesh windows and zip doors to help prevent mould build-up.

Can I use a polytunnel through winter?

Absolutely. The best polytunnels UK retain enough warmth to grow winter salads, kale, and spinach. Add fleece for frost protection and you can harvest all year.

What’s the best way to anchor a polytunnel on soil or grass?

The best polytunnels UK use ground anchors or base rails. Drive stakes at each hoop, trench the skirt 20–30 cm deep, and secure tightly to resist wind lift.

How long does assembly take?

Small tunnels: 30–90 minutes. Medium walk-ins: 2–3 hours. Large models: half a day or more. Having two people speeds things up and helps square the frame.

How do I repair rips or wear points in the cover?

Use UV-resistant polytunnel tape on both sides of the tear, clean and dry first, and round the tape corners. Add padding (old hosepipe or foam) where the cover contacts sharp frame edges.

Is a greenhouse better than a polytunnel?

Greenhouses are more rigid and long-lasting; polytunnels are cheaper, larger per pound, and easier to move or repair. Many gardeners start with a tunnel, then add a greenhouse later.

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