A fire pit transforms how you use your garden. Those extra hours outdoors on cool evenings, the natural gathering point for friends and family, the primal satisfaction of flames flickering in the darkness. But with so many options, finding the right fire pit design for your space and style takes some inspiration.
Here are 20 fire pit ideas that work beautifully in UK gardens, from traditional wood-burners to contemporary gas features.
Rustic and Traditional Ideas
1. The Sunken Fire Pit
A fire pit set into the ground creates a natural gathering space with built-in seating around the rim. Dig a circular pit, line with fireproof bricks, and surround with flagstone seating. This ancient design feels permanent and intentional - like your garden was always meant to have fire at its heart.
Best for: Large gardens with space to dedicate to a permanent feature Budget: £500-2,000 (DIY) or £2,000-5,000 (professional)
2. Stone Circle Fire Ring
Stack natural stone or reclaimed bricks into a simple circular wall. No mortar needed - just careful stacking. The rustic aesthetic suits cottage gardens and rural properties. Use local stone to blend with regional character.
Best for: Traditional gardens, period properties Budget: £100-400 (stone cost varies by type)
3. Cast Iron Fire Bowl on Tripod
The classic look: a cast iron bowl suspended on wrought iron legs. These traditional designs age beautifully, developing character over years of use. The elevation keeps fire away from ground and creates a striking silhouette.
Best for: Traditional gardens, those who appreciate heritage aesthetics Budget: £150-400
4. Chiminea Corner
A chiminea (enclosed fire pit with chimney) directs smoke upward and away, making it more neighbour-friendly than open fire pits. Position in a garden corner with gravel beneath. The Mexican-inspired design adds architectural interest even when not in use.
Best for: Gardens with close neighbours, smaller spaces Budget: £80-300 (clay) or £200-500 (cast iron)
5. Log Store Fire Pit Station
Combine a fire pit with built-in log storage - a wooden structure housing the fire bowl with space below for kindling and logs. Creates a functional focal point and keeps fuel dry and accessible.
Best for: Regular wood fire users, organised garden layouts Budget: £300-800 (DIY) or £800-2,000 (bespoke)
Contemporary and Modern Ideas
6. Linear Gas Fire Table
A rectangular fire table with a linear burner creates a dramatic contemporary centrepiece. Glass wind guards protect the flame while maintaining visibility. Choose from ceramic logs, glass crystals, or river stones for the burner bed.
Best for: Modern gardens, outdoor dining areas Budget: £800-3,000
7. Corten Steel Fire Pit
Corten steel develops a beautiful rust patina over time - a deliberate weathering that gives character without structural compromise. Square, rectangular, or circular designs suit contemporary and industrial aesthetics.
Best for: Modern gardens, architectural settings Budget: £300-1,000
8. Smokeless Fire Pit
Engineered for secondary combustion, smokeless fire pits (like Solo Stove) burn wood with minimal smoke output. Perfect for UK gardens where neighbours are close. The stainless steel construction looks sleek and modern.
Best for: Suburban gardens, design-conscious buyers Budget: £250-600
9. Recessed Deck Fire
A fire pit integrated into decking creates a seamless contemporary look. Requires fire-safe framing and proper ventilation. Gas burners are safest for this application - wood burning in decking is risky.
Best for: Modern deck areas, seamless design integration Budget: £1,500-4,000 (including deck modification)
10. Minimalist Fire Bowl on Plinth
A simple fire bowl elevated on a concrete or stone plinth. The clean lines and elevated position create modern sculpture when not in use. Matt black or rusted steel bowls work best for this minimal aesthetic.
Best for: Architectural gardens, design-led spaces Budget: £200-600
Space-Saving Ideas
11. Tabletop Bioethanol Fire
A portable bioethanol burner that sits on any outdoor table. No smoke, no installation, no gas connection - just clean flames wherever you want them. Perfect for balconies, small patios, and rental properties where permanent fixtures aren’t possible.
Best for: Balconies, small gardens, renters Budget: £80-300
12. Wall-Mounted Gas Fire
Mount a linear gas burner on a garden wall to create fire without using floor space. Ideal for narrow courtyards and small patios. Creates dramatic shadow play on surrounding surfaces after dark.
Best for: Courtyard gardens, small urban spaces Budget: £600-2,000 (plus installation)
13. Fire Pit Coffee Table
A fire pit integrated into a low coffee table height unit. Provides flame ambiance while functioning as usable furniture. Look for designs with lids that cover the burner when not in use, converting to a regular table.
Best for: Small gardens, multi-functional outdoor living Budget: £500-1,500
14. Corner Fire Feature
A triangular or quarter-circle fire pit designed to fit into a garden corner. Maximises usable space while creating a focal point. Works with both gas and wood-burning options.
Best for: Small gardens, making use of awkward corners Budget: £300-800
Entertainment-Focused Ideas
15. Fire Pit with Built-in Seating
Construct a circular or semi-circular bench around your fire pit - either built-in stone seating or a custom wooden surround. Creates a dedicated conversation pit that naturally encourages gathering.
Best for: Those who entertain regularly, family gardens Budget: £1,500-5,000 (complete installation)
16. Fire Pit + Outdoor Kitchen Zone
Position your fire pit within sight and reach of your outdoor kitchen. Creates a natural flow between cooking and gathering. Consider a fire table that can double as prep space when the flames are off.
Best for: Outdoor entertaining enthusiasts Budget: Varies with kitchen complexity
17. S’mores Fire Pit Station
A lower fire pit (ideal roasting height) with a surrounding shelf for ingredients and equipment. Add hooks for roasting sticks and nearby storage for marshmallows. Perfect for families with children.
Best for: Families, those who love cooking over fire Budget: £400-1,000
18. Fire + Water Feature Combination
Position a fire pit near a water feature - the contrast of elements creates compelling visual interest. Or choose a combined fire and water feature where flames appear to float on water (gas-powered).
Best for: Sensory garden design, zen-inspired spaces Budget: £2,000-8,000 for combined features
Statement Ideas
19. Sculptural Fire Feature
Treat fire as art: a custom sculptural fire feature that’s as much about the vessel as the flames. Commission a local metalworker or choose from designer ranges. These become garden art that happens to produce fire.
Best for: Design-led gardens, those wanting unique features Budget: £1,000-10,000+
20. Fire Pit Pergola Combination
Position your fire pit under a pergola structure, creating a sheltered outdoor room with fire as its heart. The overhead structure contains and reflects warmth while providing rain protection for the seating area. Louvered pergolas work particularly well - close the roof for rain, open for stargazing.
Best for: Year-round outdoor living, comprehensive garden rooms Budget: £5,000-20,000 (combined structure)
Choosing the Right Idea for Your Garden
Consider Your Space
Small gardens (under 50m²): Ideas 11-14 suit tight spaces without overwhelming Medium gardens (50-150m²): Most options work; match style to existing garden character Large gardens (150m²+): Ideas 1, 15, 20 make sense with more space to dedicate
Consider Your Style
Traditional/cottage: Ideas 1-5 complement heritage aesthetics Contemporary/modern: Ideas 6-10 suit sleek, architectural gardens Eclectic/creative: Mix elements or choose sculptural options (idea 19)
Consider Your Usage
Regular entertaining: Ideas 15-17 prioritise social function Occasional ambiance: Portable options (11, 13) offer flexibility Cooking focus: Chimineas (4) and s’mores stations (17) accommodate food Year-round use: Sheltered options (20) extend the season
Consider Your Neighbours
Close neighbours: Smokeless (8), gas (6, 7, 12), or bioethanol (11) minimise smoke issues Rural/detached: Any wood-burning option works without smoke concerns
Making It Happen
Once you’ve found inspiration, the practical steps are:
- Check regulations - Smoke control areas may restrict wood burning
- Choose fuel type - Gas, wood, bioethanol each have trade-offs
- Plan the location - 3m minimum from structures, consider wind direction
- Prepare the ground - Fire-safe surface beneath
- Budget properly - Include installation, fuel storage, seating
- Consider accessories - Covers, tools, spark guards, seating
The perfect fire pit is the one you’ll actually use. Sometimes that’s a statement piece, sometimes it’s a simple bowl. Match ambition to reality, and you’ll create a feature that brings genuine joy for years to come.
Explore our fire features collection to find the perfect fire pit for your garden.