Children's Garden

Come out to play

Swings, climbing frames and slides are obvious garden toys. Although expensive, the hundreds of hours of fun they provide will justify the initial outlay. This castle, slide and swing combo is made by Rainbow Toys. At £3,599 it's not cheap, but if you have several small children and enough space, it could be the perfect way to keep them all happy. Contact Rainbow Play Systems on (0845) 1300335.

TP Toys are another manufacturer with a great reputation for their durability and safety standards. They have a huge range of climbing frames, slides, swings and paddling pools.

Fairies at the bottom of the garden

The crowning glory of a child's garden has to be a child-sized house - either on the ground or up a tree. This play house, Honeysuckle Cottage, priced £225 inc. VAT and delivery, is from Outdoor Toys Direct, tel (0800) 169 6016. They have a huge range of children's garden toys such as play centres, trampolines, swings and slides.

The Children's Cottage Company are pricier but also do utterly enchanting child-sized houses - prices start at £2,425. They also produce a range of excellent tree houses. These are mainly made to order, and come complete with slides, swings and hand-painted indoor furniture.