About Our Garden Arches
Every arch in this collection is solid metal — iron or steel, not hollow aluminium tubing. That distinction matters when a mature climbing rose or wisteria is pulling 30-40kg of wet foliage through a winter storm. We source exclusively from Ascalon, a British supplier whose arches are designed for UK gardens and UK weather. The range spans simple rusted arches from £119 to a 3-metre bronze gothic tunnel at £1,145, with most pieces between £129 and £379.
If you need a wider garden structure, browse our metal gazebos for open-sided shelters. For matching entrance hardware, see our ornamental metal gates. To anchor the base of your arch visually, position a pair of stone garden statues or garden planters either side.
Why We Chose This Range
"I've seen too many cheap tubular arches buckle after one season with a climbing rose on them. The weight of wet foliage after rain is something people massively underestimate. Every arch we stock is solid bar iron or heavy-gauge steel — the kind of structure you bolt down once and forget about for 20 years. The Ascalon range gives us arches that actually match the weight of British garden plants, not lightweight imports designed for dry climates." — Matt, Garden Ornaments
Types of Garden Arches We Offer
Gothic & Classical Arches
Pointed-apex gothic arches and ornate scrollwork designs that suit period properties and cottage gardens. The gothic silhouette adds vertical drama and draws the eye upward. Available in antiqued metal, rusted iron, and bronze finishes from £129.
Round Top & Modern Arches
Softer curved profiles in contemporary finishes — cream, sage green, and umber. These suit modern gardens, new-builds, and open lawn settings where a pointed arch would look out of place. The Streamline Moderne range offers Art Deco-inspired geometry from £135.
Arches with Gates & Side Panels
Functional arches that double as garden boundaries. The gate arches provide a lockable entrance between garden zones, while the lattice side panel arch offers extra trellis climbing surface for plants. Ideal for walled gardens and allotment entrances from £219.
Garden Tunnels & Walkways
Extended arch structures that create covered walkways and dramatic planted corridors. The Parisienne tunnels come in cream, lead grey, and rusted iron finishes, while the Bronze Gothic tunnel at over 3 metres creates a statement piece. From £279 to £1,145.
Expert Tip: Securing Your Arch
Always concrete the legs in or use bolt-down plates on hard standing. Ground spikes alone are not enough for a metal arch carrying a mature climber. Wind load on a fully planted arch is significant — we recommend setting each leg at least 300mm deep in postcrete. On patios or paved areas, bolt-down base plates (included with most arches) give you a permanent, stable fixing without digging.
Garden Arch Comparison
| Arch | Style | Finish | Features | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dandelion Rusted Arch | Round top | Natural rust | Decorative dandelion motif | £119 |
| Gothic Antiqued Arch | Gothic pointed | Antiqued metal | Classic pointed apex | £129 |
| Hawkeshead Arch | Round top | Metal | Clean simple lines | £129 |
| Cream Iron Arch | Round top | Cream | Cottage garden style | £135 |
| Lattice Arch with Side Panels ★ | Round top | Metal | Side trellis panels for climbers | £219 |
| Avebury Ornate Archway | Round top | Ornate scrollwork | Decorative ironwork detail | £379 |
| Antiqued Green Arch with Gates | Gothic pointed | Antiqued green | Lockable double gates | £459 |
| Bronze Gothic Tunnel | Gothic tunnel | Bronze | 3m+ extended walkway | £1,145 |
★ Matt's Pick — best all-round garden arch for climbing plants
|
Matt's Pick: Best All-Round Garden ArchBest For: Climbing roses, clematis, and jasmine — the side panels triple the available climbing surface Why I Recommend It: "The side trellis panels make all the difference. A standard arch gives plants two uprights and a curve to grip — this one gives them an entire wall of lattice either side. You get a fuller, denser display in half the time. It's also the most stable design we sell because the panels act as wind bracing." Price: £219 |
Frequently asked questions
Solid bar iron arches are the strongest option for UK gardens. Hollow tubular arches bend under the weight of mature climbers, especially when foliage is wet after rain. All our arches use solid iron or heavy-gauge steel construction. The lattice arch with side panels is the most rigid design because the panels act as structural bracing against wind loads.
Yes — every arch in our range supports wisteria and other heavy climbers. Wisteria is one of the heaviest garden climbers, with mature stems reaching 30kg or more. The solid metal construction of our arches handles this load without bowing. We recommend concreting the legs 300mm deep for wisteria, as the twisting growth puts lateral stress on the uprights.
Use bolt-down base plates fixed directly to the paving slabs. Most of our arches include bolt-down plates for hard-standing installation. Drill into the slab with a masonry bit, insert rawl plugs, and bolt down each leg. This gives a permanent, stable fixing that handles wind load without any digging. On loose gravel or decking, you may need to concrete a sub-base first.
A tunnel is an extended arch that creates a covered walkway. A standard arch is a single frame you walk through, typically 40-60cm deep. A tunnel extends that depth to 2-3 metres, creating a planted corridor effect. Our Parisienne tunnels are ideal for rose walks and covered paths, while the Bronze Gothic tunnel at over 3 metres creates a dramatic garden feature.
The rust finish is a controlled patina, not active corrosion. Our rusted arches are treated to develop a stable oxide layer that protects the underlying steel. This natural rust finish actually slows further corrosion — the same principle as corten steel used in architecture. The colour deepens slightly over the first year, then stabilises. No treatment or painting is required.
Allow at least 1.2 metres internal width for a walkable path arch. Climbing plants reduce usable space by 15-25cm each side once established, so a 1.2m arch gives roughly 70-90cm of clear passage. For wheelchair or mower access, choose an arch over 1.5m wide. Our arches with gates range from 1.2m to 1.5m internal width.
No — garden arches fall under permitted development rights. Freestanding garden structures under 2.5m tall (within 2m of a boundary) or 4m tall (further from boundaries) do not require planning permission. All our arches fall within these limits. The only exception is if you live in a conservation area or listed building — check with your local planning authority in those cases.
Need help choosing the right arch?
Our team can advise on sizing, plant support, and installation.