12 Things Americans Have in Their Backyards That Would Take Up an Entire British Garden
When you think about a typical American backyard, you might picture a lot of space with several fun and relaxing features. From swimming pools to vegetable gardens, these areas are often packed with items that bring joy and utility to everyday life. For someone from the UK, where gardens are usually much smaller, the scale of American backyards can be quite surprising. Let’s explore what makes these spaces so special and why they might take up an entire British garden.
1. A Full-Size Swimming Pool
A full-size swimming pool is a common sight in many American backyards. This isn’t just a small paddling pool but a large area where you can actually swim laps. Having a pool like this at home is perfect for hot summer days when all you want to do is cool off and have some fun in the water. It’s a spot for family and friends to gather, splash around, and create memories. In contrast, such a pool would typically take up most of the space in a British garden, leaving little room for much else.
2. A Huge Trampoline
Huge trampolines are fantastic for kids and adults alike, offering a fun way to exercise and play outside. In the US, it’s not uncommon to find a trampoline taking center stage in the backyard. They provide hours of bouncing fun and can be a good workout too! In a British garden, however, a trampoline of this size might leave only a tiny space around the edges.
3. A Hot Tub
Imagine winding down your day soaking in a hot tub in the privacy of your own backyard. It’s a relaxing way to ease muscle tension and gather socially in a warm, comforting setting. In America, hot tubs are a popular backyard feature. But in a smaller British garden, a hot tub would take up a significant portion of the space, limiting what else could be accommodated.
4. A Large Deck
A large deck serves as an extension of the living area, providing a perfect spot for grilling, relaxing, and enjoying the outdoors. It’s like having an extra room that’s open to the sky. Decks are popular in American homes where people often host gatherings or simply spend time outside. In a British context, a deck this size might span nearly the entire garden area.
5. A Basketball Hoop and Playing Area
For sports enthusiasts, having a basketball hoop and playing area in the backyard is a dream come true. This setup allows for impromptu games or serious practice time, promoting physical activity and family fun. In a UK garden, fitting in a full playing area with a basketball hoop would be a squeeze, likely taking up the greatest part of the garden.
6. A Children’s Playset
A children’s playset with swings, slides, and climbing areas can turn any backyard into a personal playground. These structures encourage kids to play actively and imaginatively outdoors. While common in American backyards, a playset of this size in a British garden would be imposing, occupying a considerable amount of outdoor space.
7. A Dedicated Barbecue Station
No American backyard is complete without a dedicated area for grilling and barbecues. This station often includes high-tech grills, ample counter space, and even fridges and sinks. It’s perfect for hosting summer cookouts. In a smaller UK garden, such a setup could easily dominate the area, leaving less room for other features.
8. A Fire-Pit Seating Area
Gathering around a fire pit during cooler evenings or roasting marshmallows adds a cozy element to any backyard. It’s a great way to create a warm, inviting outdoor living space. However, in a British garden, a fire-pit area with seating would take up valuable space that could otherwise be used for different garden elements.
9. A Large Vegetable Garden
Many Americans love growing their own food, and a large vegetable garden is a testament to this passion. It’s both rewarding and practical, as it provides fresh produce right at your doorstep. But in a British garden, dedicating enough space for a substantial vegetable plot could mean compromising on other garden desires.
10. An Outdoor Dining Area
An outdoor dining area is essential for enjoying meals alfresco and entertaining guests. In the US, these areas are often spacious enough to accommodate large dining tables and chairs. In contrast, fitting such a space into a British garden would require careful planning to ensure everything else fits.
11. A Substantial Storage Shed
Storage sheds are crucial for keeping garden tools, bicycles, and other outdoor gear organized and out of sight. In American backyards, these sheds can be quite large, tailored to a family’s storage needs. A shed of this scale in a British garden would take a significant chunk of the available space.
12. Enough Lawn Left Over After All of That for the Dog to Run Around
Even with all these features, many American backyards still have enough lawn space for pets to run around and play. This is quite a luxury in terms of space. In the UK, after fitting in even a few of the above features, there might be little to no room left for open lawn space.
We are Mary and Eric, the founders of Be Right Back, a blog dedicated to romance around the globe and at home.
We are Mary and Eric, the founders of Be Right Back, a blog dedicated to romance around the globe and at home. With over 10 years of experience in dating and traveling to romantic places, we share our favorite date ideas and romantic destinations to help couples level up their relationships. Having lived in and traveled through the USA, we also share our favourite things to do in the States.
With 70,000 monthly readers and 16,000 followers on social media, Be Right Back is your go-to resource for romantic trip ideas and couple activities at home and abroad.