Best solar water features for 2023: 16 tranquil designs for your garden

A solar water feature can bring all the sound and beauty of a flowing fountain to your garden, without the hassle of connecting to the water mains and running up extra monthly costs. It's also a more eco-friendly option and can provide a space for wild birds to hydrate.

If you’d like a sparkling statement for your garden, or want to add some calm to your decking with a smaller fountain, we’ve selected some of the best solar water features that will complement your green space.

Do solar water features work at night?

While solar water features naturally perform best when positioned in direct sunlight, there are some models that come with backup batteries. The batteries charge during the day as the sun shines, and power the water features as the weather changes and night time falls.

For more ways to decorate your outdoor area, see our favourite solar garden lights for an enchanting, cosy glow.

Best solar water features for 2023

Pizzaro Bird Bath Water Feature with Lights

Ensure the birds feel welcome in your garden with this solar powered bird bath fitted with super bright, white LEDs which means you (and your new feathered friends) can enjoy it after dusk. As soon as the battery has charged enough the fountain will begin automatically and will even function in overcast weather due to the battery backup.

The water is re-circulated within the feature itself so you won't have to buy a separate reservoir, and due to its highly durable UV and frost resistant polyresin it requires no maintenance. It has three fountain heads so you can switch between them to keep your garden looking fresh.

Scalloped Wall Mounted Solar Water Feature

Quite the focal point, add this wall mounted solar water feature to your outdoor space for a touch of elegance. Enjoy the gentle trickle of water as you relax in the garden with a good read and glass of wine. The light stone effect is a super choice for hot summery evenings.

• £195

Buy the Scalloped Wall Mounted Solar Water Feature now from Cox & Cox

Solar Vase Water Feature

Vase solar water features are a lovely choice if you're looking for a garden accessory that'll effortlessly blend into your outdoor space. This subtle yet sophisticated option offers a natural looking stone effect, and at 33 x 34cm, it's a decent size without being too obtrusive. Place amongst your favourite terracotta pots in a sunny area.

Chatsworth Water Feature

This fountain solar water feature would make an ideal perching spot for your flying garden visitors, and we love the classic design. At 70cm tall, it's the perfect way to fill an empty space in need of some attention.

Stand in direct sunlight and make sure the water is topped up when it's particularly sunny.

Solar Powered Trunk Textured Bowls Water Feature

Looking for something a little more contemporary? The textured effect of the bowls is a nice touch, and this design is a soothing choice for those looking to unwind in the garden as the water cascades over the three bowls. The addition of the ground spike is useful too - choose your preferred spot and secure the solar feature in place.

There's an integrated LED light to illuminate the water, as well as a handy backup battery for mains operation.

• £184.99

Buy the Solar Powered Trunk Textured Bowls Water Feature now from Primrose

Versailles Solar Water Feature

For a touch of royal glamour, opt for this grand Versailles solar water feature. The aged bronze finish helps this garden feature stand out, and it's sure to complete your garden's look if you're hosting a social gathering. Find a sunny spot, add some water and you're ready to go.

Barnwell Ivory 3-Tier Cascading Solar Water Feature

If you're a fan of the ivory-look, this three tier solar water feature could be just what your decking is missing. Made of a light polyresin, you can move it around the garden with ease. It's frost and UV resistant too, making it a practical and pretty choice.

Add an outdoor rug to your decking too for the dreamiest of chill out spaces.

• £209.99

Buy the Barnwell Ivory 3-Tier Cascading Solar Water Feature now from Primrose

Wishing Well Water Feature

Bring a charming countryside scene into your garden, wherever you are, with this wishing well water feature. Easy to set up, simply connect the pump to the solar panel in an area that has direct access to sunlight, and the water will begin to flow alongside the realistic bird ornament. Made from durable polyresin material it should survive outdoors for many years, enduring frost and UV without losing its colour.

Fantaghiro Acrylic Solar Fountain with Light

Set the tone of your garden with this solar powered water fountain. While it has an authentic stone look it’s really made from acrylic so it should be light enough to place anywhere in your green space that has direct sunlight, storing the energy before turning on the additional light at night.

Ocean Planet Solar Fountain with Light

Watch the water stream down the sphere in the day and listen to the fountain bubble at night, thanks to its solar power charge which creates up to eight hours of operation when the sun has set. With the addition of four LED lights you can enjoy this feature at any time, and create a relaxing atmosphere in your garden.

Acrylic Solar Fountain with Light

This versatile two-piece water fountain can be used around the clock, thanks to its solar power properties which provide up to eight hours of battery nightlife. A fitting focal point for a modern garden, the ball element can also be removed and functions separately as a water feature for a pond.

The pump capacity and fountain height are adjustable, and it comes with an LED light so you can watch the water flow at night.

Ceramic Fish Water Feature

A portable water feature, this subtle, ceramic pond can be placed wherever works for you. We love the glossy ceramic finish, and thanks to its neat size, it's a lovely choice for smaller gardens. Powered by a low voltage solar water pump it doesn’t require any mains wiring and will essentially take care of itself.

Whether it’s placed in the back garden, on a balcony or a porch, just ensure it has access to sunlight, and watch the water begin to circulate between the bowl reservoir and the fish’s mouth.

Tipping Pail Water Feature

Bring some movement into your garden with this dynamic water fountain featuring a bronze resin boy and girl, tipping water into a pail which swings as the water moves over it. Powered by a low voltage pump while in the sun, it requires no plumbing or wires. However, it does require some maintenance as it’s advised you top up the water in the warmer months and fully drain the fountain during the colder months to protect it from frost damage.

Garden Duck Family Water Feature

This solar powered display depicts a cheerful scene of brightly coloured ducks gathering as water pours over their umbrella into a birdbath below. Ideal for a garden, patio or balcony, it requires minimum maintenance, simply keep it in sunlight and top up the water when needed.

Serenity Sandstone Sphere Water Feature

A stylish, sandstone centre piece, perfect for a modern garden. Due to its solar power function this self-contained item can be moved around easily as it’s not tied down to an electricity line or water supply. Just ensure the solar panel has access to sunlight.

Once you add water to the basin it will then take care of itself, with no concerns that it will rust or crack thanks to its tough polyresin structure.

• £109.99

Buy the Serenity Sandstone Sphere Water Feature now from Thompson & Morgan

Two Tier Barrel Fountain

This two tier fountain comes with a separate solar panel that should be placed in a sunny spot nearby which, thanks to an improved performance, aims to work well even in periods of limited sunlight. The water trickles from the old-fashioned hand-pump into the barrels, creating a constant flow of water in the sun that should create a soothing atmosphere, while giving wild birds a source of hydration in your garden.

Looking for more garden features to spruce up your outdoor space? Take a look at the best cocoon chairs and the best fire pits for outdoor entertaining.