Help! How to create shade on a hot hot day in a park area?

[IlanaK]

I will be on a picnic this weekend in London and it is going to be hot hot hot. The place we are going has no shade at all (though a lovely fountain for the kids to play in). It has a grassy area, but only newly planted trees so no natural shade.

Does anyone have any idea of something I can make or buy (cheaply) to create some shade for us on the day?

I saw a beach umbrella cheap at Robert Dyas but my husband thinks it won't provide much shade in the middle of the day and we would need to dig it into the turf which the park people may not be too happy about as the turf is new.

ANy other ideas???

could you tie up a sheet to the new trees? nothing too heavy, but you might find a spot where that works?!

What about one of those things people have on a beach, they fold away very small.

How about those pop up tents for kids? People use them on the beach. They are fairly cheap too.

You read my mind waterfalls!

For you or fo kids ? The pop up tent things are quite small or a beach tent

oo spooky !!

Hmmm - don't suppose you have a beach pop-up tent or cabana IlanaK? These derision-attracting items can be used on grass too - just find or bring something heavy to put in the anchoring pockets. My tip would be frozen water bottles from home.
The other good thing about them is that they are usually guaranteed to have UV filtration in the fabric, so will provide meaningful shade and sun protection for you all.

Spooky-ooky although I seem to have wittered on for much longer than other posters

Looks like thats your answer then

I think the pop up tents would be too small. Its not for the kids that we need it really as they will be running around in the fountain. Its for the adults - me in particular as I have a sun allergy. A sheet would not work as the trees are very tiny and not close togerther. There is a fence down one side, though it is not a permanant stable one - its one of those temporary wooden fences to protect new plants on the other side. Perhaps I could use that for something?

Plant trees and wait patiently.

Ilana, you can buy family-sized ones that are big enough for two adults and two children to sit rather cosily in. If you have a sun allergy they really are the answer. John Lewis sell the larger ones.

Take a gazebo

or wear a big hat

We have an ordinary beach tent which is plenty big enough to sit in - Take a cushion or two to support your back and anchor it with your picnic and handbag.

Go somewhere else for a picnic? Drive the car on the grass and sit in that? Wear a uv suit? Put a tea towel on your head and wrap string around it? Oh and don't forget your camel....

lol...I can't change the venue and we are taking the bus, not the car. However, I love all the silly suggestions! I will look into the tent thing. We are not far from a John Lewis.

Forgot it was London - course you will take bus! Have a lovely time Don't forget your sun cream!

Tchibo had a windbreak cum sun shield on their website (link at top of page) in the beach section. It was larger than the beach tent things. Not sure if you could carry it on the bus though.

Failing that, cover up, loads of cream and a massive brimmed hat.

googling for sun shades and I found This and just had to share.

dont go.

here

Skribble...that dog has no shame.

Family Cabana should be big enough unless you are 8ft tall}
M&S for £25

Thanks everyone. I bought the family cabana from John Lewis and am now looking forward to tomorow!