Premium Polytunnels Made in Britain Since 1969

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:

• Protect crops from wind, rain, frost and sudden weather changes
• Extend the growing season at both ends of the year
• Allow growers to manage temperature and airflow more easily
• Adapt to a wide range of sites, uses and growing styles

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:

• Preparing and levelling the site
• Installing the polytunnel foundations or anchors
• Assembling the steel frame
• Fitting and tensioning the polythene cover
• Fitting doors and accessories

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.