Crave a change of scenery? Work alfresco with fellow freelancers at these unique spots across the UK

If you’re craving a change of home office scenery this summer, but the local beer garden or your weed-infested garden are proving too distracting, here are some unique places to take your work outdoors.

Plus, we explore laptop sunshade designs for 2025, so you can enjoy the outdoors without that annoying screen glare. These styles offer enhanced protection and portability.

Alfresco office inspiration for summer 2025

Working from outdoors (WFO) should help bring your cortisol levels down while also boosting your creativity and problem-solving abilities. Creating an alfresco working lunch spot with fellow freelancers or friends is an excellent way to network and enjoy the great outdoors. It’s also something to look forward to.

Gardens & libraries

Botanical Garden nook: Many botanical gardens offer quiet benches or hidden alcoves, perfect for focused work amidst beautiful flora. The gentle rustle of leaves and fragrant blooms can be surprisingly calming. List of Botanical Gardens in England, Scotland, and Wales

Libraries and museums with gardens: Many museums and libraries have gardens ideal for a quiet spot to work in nature. Consider these options:

• National Art Library (V&A Museum), which has beautiful reading rooms overlooking the John Madejski Garden. 
• Tate Britain: Tom Stuart-Smith Studio, in collaboration with architects Feilden Fowles, has been selected to transform the landscape in front of the gallery. This new garden, to be named the Clore Garden, has been made possible by a generous donation from the Clore Duffield Foundation.
• The Royal Horticultural Society has libraries at several of its gardens, including RHS Garden Harlow Carr, RHS Garden Wisley, and the RHS Lindley Library in London. These libraries are surrounded by the beautiful gardens of each location. 
• Leigh Library Gardens is considered a hidden gem in Leigh-on-Sea, offering a tranquil and charming space for relaxation. 

Lakeside

If you’re near a calm lake or pond, finding a spot with a gentle breeze and scenic views can be idyllic. Just remember to keep your tech safe from splashes and consider the wind. Here are some London lakes to consider visiting:

• Richmond Park: Includes Pen Pond
• Royal Parks such as St. James’s Park features a lake with an island and various birdlife
• Hampstead Heath has several swimming ponds and Kenwood Lake
• Serpentine Lake located in Hyde Park is a sociable place ideal for meeting fellow freelancers
• Victoria Park features a large lake with an island

Rooftop terraces

If you’re lucky enough to have access to a rooftop terrace, either at home, a nearby hotel, restaurant, or through a co-working space, you’ll get unparalleled views and often a lovely breeze. You can book via Hubble On-Demand to rooftop terraces such as Clockwise in Wood Green, Second Home in Spitalfields (see image below) and Mindspace in Shoreditch .

Community allotment or urban farm: Ever thought about working amongst the veggies? Some community gardens have shared spaces or picnic tables that offer a unique, grounding environment. Bring along a portable charger to power your laptop and mobile phone for a Wi-Fi hotspot.

Tips for a successful alfresco working lunch

• Communicate with your fellow freelancers: Discuss expectations for work v. social time, food arrangements, and any specific needs
• Check the weather forecast: Be prepared for sun, wind, or even a light shower
• Choose a suitable location: Look for a park, garden, or outdoor space with comfortable seating options, good light, and minimal distractions
• Consider accessibility: Ensure the location is easy for everyone to get to
• Be mindful of others: Keep noise levels down and pack out all your rubbish

Avoid screen glare: laptop sunshades for outdoor work

The secret to unlocking the ultimate al fresco workspace lies in one often overlooked accessory: the laptop sunshade. It’s not just about beating the glare, although that’s a huge benefit.

No more squinting or trying to find that perfect, fleeting patch of shade. A sunshade creates a private, shaded environment for your screen, making it as clear as if you were indoors. If you need to make video calls, a clear screen will also prevent you from having to search for an indoor space, extending your work-from-outdoor options.

Constantly battling glare can lead to tired eyes and headaches. A sunshade alleviates this, allowing you to work longer and more comfortably. Plus, direct sunlight can cause your laptop to overheat, potentially damaging internal components and slowing down performance. Many sunshades are designed with heat-reflective materials to keep your device cool.

Working in public? A sunshade often doubles as a privacy screen, preventing prying eyes from seeing your sensitive information. This is particularly convenient for video calls.

As much as these benefits are crucial, you will also want to consider getting a sunshade designed to be lightweight and foldable, easily slipping into your laptop bag. Look for models with pockets for your cables and chargers.

Top-selling laptop sunshades

The market for laptop sunshades has evolved, offering a range of options to suit different needs and budgets. Some freelancers might even use their laptop and sunshade to watch exercise or meditation videos outdoors. They can bring a yoga mat and find a calming spot.

Here’s a look at some popular choices and what you can expect in terms of pricing.

General price range (2025 estimates):

You can expect most quality laptop sunshades to fall within the £30 – £100 / $40 – $130 / €35 – €120 range, depending on features, size, and brand. More premium or specialised models might be slightly higher.

You’ll also find various generic or smaller brands on platforms like Amazon and other online sites. These will be competitive on price. When considering these, pay close attention to durability, effectiveness in bright sunlight, and ease of use. Ensure your shade is suitable for your laptop size and genuinely heat-reflective and durable. Plus, if you’ll be carrying it often, you’ll want one that folds down compactly and doesn’t weigh much.

While specific models and stock can fluctuate, these brands consistently offer well-regarded laptop sunshades:

SunShader

SunShader is a popular choice known for its sleek design and multi-functionality. Their SunShader Pro 5 medium-size model costs £45/ €52.95/ $49.99. Check online for their larger model prices. The new design (June 2025) features slimline, soft rubber clips that sit on the very edge of your screen, ensuring none of your valuable screen space is lost. New internal materials also ensure your SunShader retains its shape in even hotter weather.

Sizing: It’s important to measure your laptop’s width (not the diagonal screen size) and use the Size Chart Image on the supplier’s webpage to get the correct size for your laptop. They also offer a more economical version called Eco, which is made from recyclable cardboard.

Where to Buy: You can buy directly from the company website or on online shopping platforms such as Amazon.

Features: Anti-glare, heat-reflective, privacy screen, foldable, robust clips, lightweight.

Philbert Design

Hailing from Denmark, Philbert Design offers stylish and functional laptop sunshades, often featuring a 4-in-1 design (sun protection, data protection, heat protection, and contrast enhancement). They use eco-friendly materials like vegan microfibre leather. Prices vary by size, ranging from 12-inch to 16-inch screens, costing between £41 and £70.

Features: 4-in-1 functionality, integrated pocket, fold-out back for stability, eco-friendly materials, water-resistant.

Where to Buy: Philbert Design Official Website or on Amazon.

AG Aesthetic Goods / Lap Shade

Their designs are often described as having a tent-like structure for optimal shade. It fits laptops up to 17 inches. The shade measures 14 inches in diameter and 2 inches thick when folded, and 22 inches tall and 14.5 inches wide when expanded. It’s easy to fold up and weighs only 1 lb. You can easily fit it into your beach tote, backpack, or simply carry it by its handle. This will cost you just over £52 plus delivery charges.

Features: Full glare reduction, heat-reflective fabric, privacy hood attachment, waterproof, anti-slip bottom.

Where to Buy: Amazon

ReFind Computer Shade

ReFind offers a portable and foldable laptop sunshade designed to block glare and reflect heat. It’s often highlighted for its compact travel bag. It’s suitable for laptops, tablets, and phones with screen sizes up to 18 inches (45cm). This may be an option for more cost-conscious freelancers, priced at £27.99 on Amazon at the time of writing.

Features: Anti-glare, heat shield, privacy screen, highly portable, fits various tech gadgets.

This summer, don’t let the sun dictate your workspace. Grab a fantastic laptop sunshade, find your perfect outdoor spot, and enjoy the best of both worlds: newfound productivity and sunshine.