Northern Polytunnels design and manufacture premium polytunnels for gardeners, growers, and commercial producers across the UK. Since 1969, we’ve built British-made polytunnel structures known for their strength, longevity, and ease of construction, from compact garden polytunnels to large-scale commercial growing systems.
Trusted by the RHS, National Trust and professional growers across the UK.
2.5m – 4.5m polytunnels. DIY‑friendly structures for allotments and domestic use.
5m – 9m polytunnels. Ideal for market gardens, nurseries, and commercial growing.
8m – 12.5m polytunnels. Designed for optimal climate control and a scalable growing space.
Heavy-duty shelters. Engineered for industrial yards, agri storage, and commercial storage.
Clear, diffused, white, and green & white covers. Polythene or PVC for optimised growing or storage areas.
Northern Polytunnels is a UK manufacturer of premium polytunnels, supplying gardeners, allotment holders and commercial growers across the UK and beyond. Founded in 1969, we’ve spent over five decades refining the design and manufacture of polytunnel structures that are built to last.
Unlike many polytunnels on the market, our structures are engineered using heavy-gauge galvanised steel frames with no timber components, eliminating rot and significantly extending the working life of the tunnel. Every design decision is made with longevity, strength and real-world growing conditions in mind.
From compact garden polytunnels to large-scale commercial growing systems, our range is designed to give growers reliable control over their environment, season after season. All Northern Polytunnels are manufactured to meet relevant British Standards and are trusted by organisations including the RHS, the National Trust and professional growers nationwide.
Tailor your structure and internal systems to meet your exact needs.
Advanced 2D & 3D modelling, structural analysis, and full project engineering support.
Precision-built in our 2,000m² UK facility, processing 1,200 tons of steel annually.
Reliable nationwide delivery from our 10,000m² dispatch hub and dedicated fleet.
Expert on-site project management with specialised equipment for efficient installation.
Ongoing support and maintenance to ensure long-term performance.
FAQs
Whether you’re buying your first polytunnel or upgrading an existing one, it’s natural to have questions.
We’ve pulled together clear, practical answers to the questions we’re most often asked about polytunnels, including what they’re used for, how they’re built, and what you can grow inside them in the UK climate.
If you need more detail, you’ll find further guidance throughout the site, or you can get in touch with our team for friendly, no-pressure advice.
A polytunnel is a steel-framed structure covered with specialist horticultural polythene, designed for growing vegetables, fruit and flowers in a protected environment. It works in a similar way to a greenhouse, but instead of glass, a polytunnel uses a flexible polythene cover to create its own growing climate.
Polytunnels are commonly seen in gardens, allotments, plant nurseries and farms across the UK. They’re typically semi-circular in shape, with a door at one or both ends, and are available in a wide range of sizes — from compact garden polytunnels to large commercial polytunnels used for professional growing.
Polytunnels give you far greater control over temperature, airflow and moisture, allowing you to extend the growing season and grow a wider range of crops than outdoors.
With modern polytunnel covers and effective ventilation options, popular crops include tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, chillies, salads, strawberries and herbs, alongside cut flowers and young plants.
Covered growing is widely used in the UK — particularly for soft fruit — because it allows crops to establish earlier, crop for longer, and stay protected from unpredictable weather. Many growers use polytunnels year-round to improve reliability, yields and crop quality.
Polytunnels were originally developed as a more flexible and cost-effective alternative to glass greenhouses — and they’ve continued to evolve ever since.
They remain popular because they:
That combination makes polytunnels a trusted choice for home gardeners, allotment holders and commercial growers alike. Beyond food production, they’re also used for education, community growing projects, horticultural therapy, livestock shelter and multi-purpose covered spaces.
Most domestic polytunnels can be built by two people with basic tools, while larger or commercial polytunnels may need extra help — particularly when fitting and tensioning the cover.
The typical build process includes:
Clear instructions make all the difference. That’s why we provide polytunnel construction guides, step-by-step videos, and access to practical support if you need advice during the build.
A polytunnel is a long-term structure, so build quality matters. At Northern Polytunnels, we focus on strength, durability and designs that stand up to real UK conditions.
Our polytunnels are built around robust steel frames, with carefully designed fixings, ventilation systems and horticultural polythene options chosen for longevity. By avoiding unnecessary timber components where possible, we reduce long-term maintenance and help ensure a longer service life.
The result is a polytunnel you can rely on — season after season — whether you’re growing at home or on a commercial scale.
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