The 10 Best Beach Chairs UK 2024
It's a gorgeous summer's day at the beach, and you're soaking up a priceless moment of relaxation. Or you would be, if there wasn't a chunk of metal digging into your back.
Choosing the right beach chair isn't just about having somewhere to plonk when you've dragged all your stuff to the sand, or pebbles! It's about having the ability to make the absolute most of a rare moment of time out, to fully enjoy a quiet moment in the sun or relaxed beach drinks with friends.
We've taken an in-depth look at what we think are the ten best beach chairs available around the world to help you make the most of your down time by the water.
Note: some camp chairs have made our list, because people are after different things at the beach. If you find it hard to get down low, a camp chair may suit you better than a traditional beach chair.
Know what you’re looking for? Get straight to it:
Best Overall: Tommy Bahama Beach Chair
Best Value: Coleman Oversized Quad Chair with Cooler
Most Fashionable: RIO BEACH Folding Beach Chair
Most Portable: Helinox Savanna Chair
Prefer to sit on the ground? Our Top 5 Picnic Blankets of 2024 are perfect for a day out.
Beach Chair Comparison
Compare the specs or jump straight down to the beach chair reviews UK.
Score
7.2
Open Size
24" x 32" x 28"/61 x 81 x 71cm
Weight
7lbs/3.18kg
Capacity
250lbs/113kg
Price
$$
Score
7
Open Size
31" x 25" x 30"/79 x 64 x 76cm
Weight
9lbs/4kg
Capacity
300lbs/136kg
Price
$$
Score
6.6
Open Size
29.9" x 36.3" x 25.1"/75.9 X 92.1 X 63.8cm
Weight
13.3lbs/6kg
Capacity
500lbs/226kg
Price
$$$
Score
6.4
Open Size
44” x 25.5” x 31.5”/112 x 65 x 80cm
Weight
4lbs 3 oz/1.79kg
Capacity
320lbs/145kg
Price
$$$
Score
6.2
Open Size
37” x 24” x 40”/94 x 61 x 101cm
Weight
8lbs/3.63kg
Capacity
325lbs/147kg
Price
$
Score
6
Open Size
33.5” x 27.6” x 23”/85 x 70 x 58cm
Weight
7lbs/3.18kg
Capacity
300lbs/136kg
Price
$$
Score
5.6
Open Size
approx 20” x 20” x 23”/50 x 50 x 58cm
Weight
1.2lbs/0.55kg
Capacity
N/A
Price
$
Score
5.4
Open Size
23" x 21" x 23"/58 x 53 x 58cm
Weight
6.2lbs/2.8kg
Capacity
300lbs/136kg
Price
$
Score
5
Open Size
18” x 11” x 13”/46 x 27 x 33cm
Weight
11lbs/4.8kg
Capacity
325lbs/145kg
Price
$$
Score
4.2
Open Size
21” x 20” x 20"/53 x 51 x 51cm
Weight
7lbs/3.1kg
Capacity
250lbs/110kg
Price
$$
Beach Chair Reviews
You can sit on it.
This chair scraped onto our list as a simpler option that's not too heavy, fairly sturdy, fairly comfortable, and all round a fairly decent chair. Is it going to win any awards? No. But if you just want something to sit on that works equally well at the beach, park or campground, this could be your guy.
Summary
Pros: Sturdy steel and aluminium frame, mesh back to keep you cool.
Cons: For heavier users, the seat will come to close to the frame below your legs and it digs in.
Verdict: A compact and durable chair - but there are probably similar options at a cheaper price out there if you’re less concerned about quality.
A five-position chair with somewhere to stick your face.
There's definitely a sense of attempted innovation with the Ostrich OYB-1003S Back Chair (not to mention a catchy name... try saying that ten times fast). We're not 100% sure where we land on the face and arm cavities in this design that make tanning your back slightly easier, but not necessarily 100% comfortable... but it gets points for trying, as well as its solid construction.
Summary
Pros: The only chair we reviewed that offers a level of comfort for lying on your front, folds up neatly.
Cons: The angle when lying on your front isn't quite right, not super comfortable when sitting, heavy.
Verdict: The top pick for the very specific crowd who mainly want a beach chair for lying on their front.
Cute and convenient.
Nice C's offering is a surprisingly comfortable, lightweight simple chair. The crossbar design means its open-close setup is extremely logical, the feet nice and sturdy on sand and grass and mesh back was very welcome to keep us cool on a hot day. The drink holder, hanging as it does off the armrest, wobbles around a little bit but is a nice touch.
Summary
Pros: Lightweight, quality materials, comes in fun eye-popping orange or blue.
Cons: No ability to recline, low back.
Verdict: A simple and portable option, but without the relaxing reclining qualities of other designs.
An innovative option if weight is important.
This chair rolls up and has no legs. That's right - no legs. It's so lightweight that it's the perfect option for trekking, but also great for beach outings where you have ten kids, five dogs and a million beach toys in tow. Being super lightweight it's a no-frills option, but if you need some back support or padding while you take a nap and weight's your key concern, the Forclaz 500 Desert Adjustable Trekking Chair is your boy.
Summary
Pros: Rolls up, surprisingly comfortable, super light.
Cons: Limited ability to recline, sits right on the ground so some people may find it hard to get up from - and isn’t water resistant.
Verdict: A comfortable and compact chair where weight is an issue, but not suitable for everyone's beach chair needs.
Where to get it:
Cool and comfortable.
We were fans of the KingCamp High Mesh Back Beach Folding Chair because, well, it says it all in the name. The high back means you have support up to your neck, and the mesh keeps you cool. It's a simple design and a good nexus of quality and price.
Summary
Pros: Comfortable, easy to set up and pack down, high back and headrest.
Cons: Doesn't recline, not the best quality (but about right for the price).
Verdict: A lower cost option that provides comfort, convenience and portability.
Where to get it:
The ultimate lazy person's chair (in a good way).
You're so relaxed. But you're also thirsty, and those cans won't fly themselves into your hand. Enter the Coleman Oversized Quad Chair with Cooler - the cooler built into its armrest keeps 4 cans RIGHT THERE, plus a drink holder for a fifth. Extra wide and with adjustable armrest heights, this is the ultimate in comfort and convenience.
Summary
Pros: Built in cooler, nice and roomy, sturdy construction.
Cons: Heavy, doesn't recline, larger when packed down.
Verdict: It's a practical choice that truly allows you to relax.
A quality ultralight chair.
Helinox has made a name for itself as a creator of quality ultra lightweight camp gear, and the Helinox Savanna Chair is no exception. Weighing less than 1.5kg, this chair folds into an extremely neat little package for transporting to the beach or wherever you need. Owing to its design, which sees its curved armrests built into the main seat, it may not be the best choice for larger folks, but we found it plenty comfortable enough.
Summary
Pros: Ultralight and small, cool mesh fabric and a high back to rest in.
Cons: Doesn't recline, a little narrow, expensive.
Verdict: An excellent choice if weight is your primary consideration.
Where to get it:
A comfortable option for those who need good support.
The YETI Trailhead Camp Chair is a portable (albeit heavy) chair that feels like a real, solid chair. It's high off the ground and has high, comfortable back support, so is perfect for those who may have mobility issues or might need a little more support when at the beach.
Summary
Pros: Quality construction that you would expect from YETI, folds and unfolds easily, supports up to 500lbs/226kg!
Cons: No capacity to recline, expensive, heavy.
Verdict: Durable, comfortable and high quality - but it comes at a hefty price.
Where to get it:
The sexiest little number out there.
The Rio Beach Folding Chair is one of our top picks for a few reasons. We love the way the recline easily adjusts by lifting the armrests, the ease of folding and carrying it, and that it just looks so damn pretty. Some of the other chairs on our list were more comfortable, but for a beautifully crafted classic beach experience, you can't go past this guy.
Summary
Pros: Fashionable, light, and well-made.
Cons: No headrest, shallow seat and we would have liked to see a stronger fabric used for the seat.
Verdict: An attractive, easy to adjust option that's worth its reasonable price tag.
Where to get it:
Live everyone else's relaxation dreams.
When your chair comes from a brand synonymous with easy beach luxury, you know you're probably going to be ok. The Tommy Bahama backpack beach chair is a cute little option, lightweight and easy to carry. It has all the pockets you would want, and made a very comfortable chair to lounge in. The downside? There's a lower back on this than on other chairs, so if you want to sit upright at the beach (and, uh, who would?) this isn't the chair for you.
Summary
Pros: Adjustable to five positions including lay flat, thoughtfully positioned pockets, lightweight.
Cons: Slightly more effort required in setup, flimsier backpack straps, and that lower back we mentioned.
Verdict: As the name suggests, a chair suitable for lazing in a Bahaman dream.
Beach Chair FAQs
What is a beach chair?
A beach chair is a portable chair designed for use on sandy beaches. It typically features a lightweight and rust-resistant frame, along with materials suitable for outdoor use, such as mesh fabric or quick-drying materials. Many include features like pickets, drink holders and even cooler pouches. See the best beach chairs UK above!
Why are Tommy Bahama chairs so popular?
Tommy Bahama chairs are popular due to their comfort, durability and stylish designs. They often include features like adjustable reclining positions, padded headrests, insulated drink holders, and storage pouches, catering to the needs of beachgoers. See our review of the best beach chairs 2024 above!
What kind of chairs to use on the beach?
Chairs specifically designed for beach use are ideal, such as lightweight beach chairs (like the Helinox Savanna, one of the best lightweight travel beach chairs UK), beach lounge chairs and folding beach chairs (like the Tommy Bahama beach chair and RIO Beach). These chairs are made with materials resistant to rust and corrosion, so they’re suitable for sandy environments.
Is steel or aluminium better for beach chairs?
Aluminium is generally preferred for beach chairs as it is lightweight and resistant to rust. Steel chairs are generally heavier and more prone to rusting when exposed to saltwater and sand. Steel is more durable, though.
What is the best metal for beach chairs?
Aluminium is considered the best metal for beach chairs due to its lightweight, durable and corrosion-resistant properties. It withstands exposure to saltwater and sand better than steel, making it a popular choice for beach furniture. Check out which is the best lightweight beach chair above!
Why are beach chairs low to the ground?
Beach chairs are often designed to be low to the ground to provide stability and prevent tipping over on sandy surfaces. A lower profile helps to minimise wind resistance and provides a more comfortable seating position for lounging on the beach. They’re great for shorter individuals or if you have kids — so you can play close to the ground with them — but not so much for those with longer legs.
Do beach chairs rust?
Beach chairs made with rust-resistant materials like aluminium or coated steel are less likely to rust when exposed to saltwater and sand. Despite this, prolonged exposure to these elements without proper maintenance may still cause rusting over time, so make sure to hose off your beach chair after each use and store it in a dry area.
Can you use regular camping chairs at the beach?
While regular camping chairs can be used at the beach, they may not be as suitable as chairs specifically designed for beach use. Beach chairs often feature rust-resistant frames and materials designed for sandy environments, offering better durability and comfort for beachgoers.
Water & Outdoors reviews are written by our staff writers, who combined have over fifty years of experience on the water and outdoors. We may earn commissions if you choose to buy through a link you’ve clicked on our website, however this does not influence our reviews. For more information, please see our Editorial Policies.