The Design Process
Created by us to be perfect for you
Our seats have been ergonomically designed and thoroughly tested to ensure optimum levels of comfort and stability. The fixings we use allow the chair to subtly adjust as it swings, creating a supremely smooth and balanced experience. After all, to be Sitting Spiritually you must be sitting comfortably.
Many Sitting Spiritually designs draw influence from the spectacular Dorset coast and countryside, inspiring distinctive touches like intricate carvings, exquisite ammonites inlaid into the wood, or your very own wording – unique to every commission.
We carefully select each piece of timber to ensure the colour, wood grain and finished shape all work in harmony.
All our products come with a 5 Year Guarantee
Visit our website to see full details
“ The craftsmanship and design is superb, resulting in a work of art and a fabulously comfortable seat. Master craftsmen in these days of mass production are a joy to find. William Morris’s wish was that the contents of our homes (and of course our gardens!) should be either beautiful or useful.
Well, with our Sitting Spiritually commission, we have both!”
Every Sitting Spiritually seat is unique, once you have selected your seat shape (as seen above) it is time to select your timber.
Choose from the natural finish of sturdy FSC Oak, the warm and durable Western Red Cedar or Accoya that can be painted in the colour of your choice. Call us to discuss your design requirements on 01297 443084.
Curve Back Seat
Celia and Martin Young
Alex De Bono
Scott McCarthy
James Amato
Greg Shannon
Steve Woods Philly English
Maisie Shannon
Try our seats in an inspirational garden setting
Visit The Sitting Spiritually Garden
Our feng shui-inspired show garden is home to a number of our swing seats, benches and swinging day bed, showcased in the harmonious and tranquil setting of the Founders charming garden.
Set in the beautiful rolling hills of Dorset, the Sitting Spiritually garden is just 5 minutes from the coast. We welcome visitors, by appointment throughout the year. Please give us a call on 01297 443084 or email martin@sittingspiritually.co.uk or visit our website and complete a booking form on our ‘Visit Us’ page. We will then confirm your personal appointment, where you can luxuriate in our seats.
Swinging Day Bed & Pergola, Size 1
Affinity Accoya 3 Seater Slat Back
Larch Pergola with RHS Serenity 2 Seater Curve Back 3 Seater Swirl Back Rockabye Kyokusen 4 Seater Swirl Back The RHS Knole Garden Bench
Tranquillity Oak 3 Seater RHS Heart Back
The Tranquillity Oak Range
Beautifully Durable FSC Sourced Oak
Precision joinery and quality slow-grown Oak come together in the Tranquillity Swing Seat to offer a long lasting, classic, and incredibly comfortable garden swing. This range of garden swing seats encompasses the beauty and durability of FSC Oak and requires no external treatment. When you first take delivery of a
Tranquillity the wood is a warm golden colour that changes over time to a stunning soft pewter grey.
We use seasoned FSC Oak which has bags of character and means each swing seat is truly one of a kind.
The Tranquillity also looks great as a seat only option, perhaps hanging from a tree or other structure, see page 27.
“Beautiful craftsmanship, pleasure to deal with. From order to delivery the process was seamless. These swings are beautiful, expensive, but definitely a lovely investment. We bought ours for our 20th wedding anniversary and it sits in the garden under our willow tree. The personal touches, such as carving an inscription of your choice, are delightful.”
The Tranquillity 3 Seater RHS Heart Back
Tranquillity 3 Seater Fan Back at RHS Garden Rosemoor
The Tranquillity 3 Seater Fan Back
The Kyokusen
Curves in the air created from FSC Oak
Kyokusen is Japanese for “curves in the air”. Cut from prime-grade FSC Oak, this singularly stunning seat frame draws inspiration from the Torri Gate, a traditional Japanese shrine gate, adding natural serenity to any garden.
Each seat follows the natural curves of the individual piece of timber, so each frame and seat are utterly unique. You could say it’s “contoured for comfort.” This is an incredibly special swing seat – visually distinctive, comfortable, and relaxing. Beautiful to behold and naturally long-lasting.
“Sitting Spiritually has been a pleasure to deal with from start to finish. They made sure that we got the product we wanted and there was a real sense of personal service and passion for their work. The swing seat is a piece of art in itself, beautifully crafted and made with top quality materials, including the cushions. My only regret is that I did not purchase this lovely swing seat years ago.”
Kyokusen 3 Seater Curve Back
Kyokusen 3 Seater Swirl Back
The Affinity Accoya Range
Stunning Painted Finish, Unrivalled Durability
It’s all about options when it comes to the Affinity. Find the perfect colour to suit your outdoor space; be as subtle or outspoken as you wish with your paint choices!
Combining modern techniques and classic design the Affinity Swing Seat in Painted Accoya® redefines the benchmark for painted garden furniture. More and more we are seeing painted garden furniture in a variety of colour schemes, the Affinity range combines that style with the unrivalled performance of Accoya® wood – which has a 25-year warranty.
Accoya® long life treated wood is the timber industry benchmark for performance and sustainability. No other timber can offer this combination of stability, durability, and versatility.
The Affinity Accoya 2 Seater RHS Heart Back at RHS Garden Rosemoor
Popular paint colours
The RHS Four Seasons Swing Seat
One swing seat, four stunning seasonal back designs
Sitting Spiritually commemorated its 20th Anniversary in 2024 with a new swing seat. Our RHS Four Seasons Bench has been so well received since its launch that we wanted to offer these beautiful seat designs as a swing seat in a choice of frames.
Available in both Tranquillity & Kyokusen Ranges, as with the Bench version, the RHS Four Seasons Swing Seat is made from exquisite FSC Oak. Featuring four hand-carved inserts – a daffodil for Spring, a rose for Summer, oak & acorn for Autumn, and an elegant snowdrop for Winter.
The swing seat is licensed and approved by The Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) and is handcrafted by our team of master craftsmen.
The RHS Four Seasons Swing Seat Summer Rose in a Kyokusen Frame
The RHS Four Seasons Swing Seat - Winter Snowdrop in a Tranquillity Frame
Snowdrop for Winter Rose for Summer Oak for Autumn
Daffodil for Spring
The RHS Serenity Cedar Range
Hand crafted from Western Red Cedar
These timeless pieces are made using Western Red Cedar (thuja plicate), a material renowned for natural durability. This innate stability and natural oil content means it is thoroughly protected against decay, making it ideal for outdoor garden furniture.
Sourced from PEFC managed woodland, the warm ruddy apricot colour of the timber gradually mellows to a pewter grey after about a year of exposure to the elements. It blends beautifully alongside many types of garden buildings and makes an excellent back drop for plants.
Like all Sitting Spiritually garden furniture, it can be left outside all year round.
“Craftsmanship at its best. Great to meet Martin prior to deciding what seat to go for. He made us feel very welcome in his lovely garden on one of his open days. Nice to see the various seats to try. We were kept well informed by Siobhan during the whole process from ordering to delivery. Very professional and polite delivery service. We look forward to many years use from our new swing seat.”
RHS Serenity 2 Seater RHS Heart Back
RHS Serenity 3 Seater Swirl Back
The RHS Trilogy Garden Swing
One frame, three versatile seating options
Don’t be fooled by the name: this lovingly-crafted swing set is for adults, children, children-at-heart - and everyone in between!
There’s no age restrictions on the simple pleasures of a garden swing seat/swing hybrid. One frame, two seats, three options — you choose the best seating combination for your needs. Whether that is individual rope swings, single seats or combination of both, it’s your choice.
Available in Tranquillity oak, the RHS Trilogy Swing was voted as one of the 9 Best Swing Sets available in The Independent.
The RHS Trilogy is a great way to introduce a sense of wistful charm to your garden space; to revisit happy childhood memories and share wonderful outdoor experiences with family and friends.
We feel the RHS Trilogy really comes into its own as a family swing if ever there was one... many people, such as parents & grandparents, buy one with a rope swing & a single swing seat so that they can sit next to a child and swing together.
Option 1: Two Rope Swings
Option 3: Two Individual Swing Seats
Option 2: Single Swing Seat and Rope Swing
National Trust Swing Seat Collection
Oak Garden Swing Seat
Introducing the National Trust Collection: exquisite garden swing seats, handcrafted with precision and care to mark a burgeoning partnership with Europe’s largest conservation charity.
From every sale in this collection, Sitting Spiritually will give back to the National Trust, to help nature and wildlife thrive into the future.
Each swing seat is characterised by a shared passion for quality, sustainability, and the enduring beauty of the outdoor experience.
Built from slow-grown, sustainably sourced FSC-certified oak –this swing seat offers that highly desirable mix of classic British craftsmanship, exceptional quality, and sustainable materials.
Available in three different sizes, and with a warm golden oak finish that gently weathers to a soft silver over time, this is an outdoor furniture piece that will bring style and comfort to any garden.
With an exclusive back style, designed especially for this new collection, this handmade swing seat is a testament to age-old woodworking techniques and classic aesthetics – destined to make your garden beautiful!
National Trust Oak 3 Seater Unique back design and National Trust logo inset
National Trust Collection: Oak Garden Swing Seat
National Trust Swing Seat Collection
Accoya Garden Swing Seat
Handmade from Accoya® wood and painted in a choice of three beautiful colours, this swing seat is the epitome of comfort, luxury and heritage aesthetics. A bold garden furniture piece that will blend naturally with both contemporary and traditional garden designs.
Trust
Accoya® is a long-lasting treated wood which has become the gold standard for performance and sustainability. Peace of mind for the environmentally conscious and those who put great value in enduring quality.
Available in three sizes, and with an exclusive back style designed especially for the National Trust Collection, this swing seat won’t fail to enhance any garden.
National
Collection Paint Colours
Lewesdon Gold Cap Pilsdon
Swing Seats
Suspended from trees and other structures
We’re often asked if we supply our Swing Seats without our A Frames, and the simple answer is yes. Many of our Swing Seats are sold to hang from trees, existing structures, and pergolas - or just your favourite place. Every garden is, after all, unique.
When hanging a Swing Seat from a tree, all we need from you are details on the height and circumference of the bough of the tree
you would like to hang your new seat from, and we will prepare the rest for you with a sturdy stainless steel chain and protection system set to attach to the tree.
When hanging from your own existing structure, we can advise and supply all you will need to do this – call us on 01297 443084 to discuss your needs.
Swing Seat Suspended From A Tree
Oak Frames for Rope Swings
An eye-catching centrepiece
If you’re looking to enjoy all the many and varied benefits of a traditional rope swing, but perhaps don’t have a suitable tree or structure to hang it from, the Oak Frame with Rope Swing could be just the thing for your garden. While away the hours, swinging majestically in the mid-afternoon sun, on this gorgeous, solid outdoor swing set built to last.
We’ve got three sizes available. At 2.7m, on our High Oak Frame there’s scope for some seriously high swinging! If that sounds a little too adventurous for you, we’ve got the mid frame at 2.35m and the standard frame is also available in a smaller 2m-high version. The decision is yours!
The Oak Frame is available for use with a single rope swing or two seat rope swing, and you can even add a custom carving or inscription for that extra touch of individual magic. And, if all that exuberant swinging works up a thirst—we can even install drink shelves!
High Oak Frame with Rope Swing
Mid Oak Frame with Rope Swing
The Swinging Day Bed
Sleep out under the stars on a FSC Oak Day Bed
Laying back on the Swinging Day Bed lends a sense of sheer relaxation and opulence – to sit or sleep, for yourself or for the family, the choice is yours. Made in Oak for longevity and strength, it will naturally fade over time to a majestic, attractive silvery grey. This is available either to hang from your own structure or from our bespoke pergola.
The Swinging Day Bed comes with lots of comfortable cushions for absolute luxury, and optional glass and bottle holders mean a glass of something is within arm’s reach. With a wide choice of weather resistant fabrics to choose from, you can style your swinging day bed to your own taste. Universally relaxing and utterly resplendent, this spectacular piece has room for everyone.
See pages 50 and 51 for all our Day Bed accessories.
The Swinging Day Bed & Pergola
The Swinging Day Bed & Pergola
The Swinging Day Bed
The Swinging Day Bed with Cedar Roof
The ultimate lounging experience, whatever the weather
Inspired by a Sitting Spiritually customer’s request, we have created the absolute pinnacle of opulence and outdoor luxury. The frame is made from sold oak and the handmade cedar shingle roof with oak underboard provides a beautifully elegant canopy for shade through the heat of the day and warmth through those long summer evenings.
This lovingly handcrafted piece has been made entirely at our Devon workshop, using the finest materials available. The sturdy structure is built to last and will sit happily in your garden space for years to come. Just sit back, stretch your legs out, and enjoy your new favourite place to relax throughout the seasons.
The Swinging Day Bed with Cedar Roof
Experience the very best in alfresco comfort and relaxation
The durable handmade cedar shingle roof offers character and charm
Weather-resistant cushions, and drinks holders at your fingertips
Oak underboard ensures a beautiful finish from all angles
The Pergola
FSC Sourced Oak or Larch
Each Sitting Spiritually Pergola is handcrafted from scratch by expert joiners in our workshops, using only FSC certified Oak or Larch. They are designed for robustness and durability, using extra large timbers to add strength and stability.
Each Pergola is delivered as a kit that has been pre-built in our workshop, ensuring the bespoke timbers slot neatly and simply into the joints when constructed on site. They can be secured into the ground with concrete or fixed to a suitable solid surface.
Our Pergolas can be used to hang two, three or four seater swing seats. We are also happy to discuss your own bespoke pergola design, whether specified by your garden designer or yourself.
Oak Pergola & Tranquillity 3 Seater Swirl Back, at RHS Garden Rosemoor
Oak Pergola & Tranquillity 2 Seater Curve Back at Forde Abbey
Oak Pergola & Tranquillity
Bespoke Pergolas
Created by craftsmen for your exacting standards
In addition to our usual pergola, we offer larger, bespoke built pergolas to suit any area. Pergolas can be a stunning addition to any garden; an impressive, eye-catching feature that creates a room-like outdoor space, a perfect spot for al fresco dining and barbecues, or just a place to retreat to and unwind after a hard day’s work.
We can design and build a pergola just from the dimensions of the space, or we can work from basic line drawings supplied to us by yourself or your garden designer. While our expert team of joiners use FSC certified oak or larch to build our pergolas, other woods and finishes are readily available.
Bespoke Pergola with Tranquillity 4 Seater Fan Back
Bespoke Pergola
Add a swing seat to your Bespoke Pergola to relax and enjoy your garden view
Bespoke Pergola in Douglas Fir
Pergola Arches
FSC Sourced Oak, Larch or Douglas Fir
Whether you live in the city or the country, our goal post or singlerow pergolas are a wonderful addition to gardens with limited space. A simpler, subtle version of the traditional pergola, with two posts and a ‘cross bar’. They can act as dividing points in your garden design, either as a stand-alone structure or with a beautiful, handcrafted swing seat.
All our pergolas are built to last. Using premium joinery-grade oak, larch, or Douglas Fir, with no sapwood or knots, these stunning garden features will not succumb to rot or twisting.
So, if you’re looking for that statement piece to fit your exact requirements, get in touch. Let us help you build the perfect pergola for your garden space.
A pair of Pergola Arches with Slat Back swing seats
Pergola Arch with Curve Back swing seat
Pergola Arches
The RHS Four Seasons Bench
One bench, four stunning seasonal back designs
Inspired by our much-loved RHS Centenary Bench, the RHS Four Seasons Bench is an exquisite British-made FSC Oak Garden Bench lovingly created by our team of master craftsmen.
As the name suggests, each beautiful carving is made to reflect the unique natural characteristics of the four seasons: a daffodil for spring, a rose for summer, oak for autumn and, finally, a delightful snowdrop for winter.
The RHS Four Seasons Bench is strongly influenced by the Arts & Crafts Movement and the core ideals of craftsmanship, highquality materials, nature as inspiration—and the value of simplicity, utility, and aesthetics. With this garden bench, we believe we have encapsulated these keystone principles.
A daffodil carving for Spring
An oak carving for Autumn
A rose carving for Summer
A snowdrop carving for Winter
The RHS Four Seasons Bench - Snowdrop Carving
RHS Four Seasons Bench
The RHS Knole Garden Bench
Adjustable sides for flexible seating options
Inspired by the 17th century Knole Sofa, this is our modern-gardenfurniture twist on a timeless classic. The Knole Garden Bench is a statement piece that will inject a quintessentially British sense of style to your outdoor space. Using the lines and form of the Knole Sofa, with its distinctive enclosed arm and back rests.
Made from only the finest FSC-sourced oak and featuring adjustable sides for back rest adjustment, or when extended fully for holding a drink & book. With striking wooden finials at the rear corner tops and with the sides at the same height as the back, tied by means of hempex rope secured in place via the finials. The seat has good depth for extra comfort, as with the original Knole Settee.
The Rockabye
Unique seat with a built in rocking mechanism
This is a unique garden seat encompassing the peace and enjoyment of a rocking bench, but without the space requirements of an ‘A’ frame. The rocking mechanism on our Rockabye Bench is built in, so you can enjoy the gentle rocking motions without compromising on space or beauty.
The Rockabye is just the thing for your veranda or roof garden in a stunning contemporary design, incorporating all the usual high quality timber and stainless steel components of any Sitting Spiritually piece. Both the Rockabye and our bench ranges are made to match our swing seats, making for a beautiful seating collection in your garden just for you.
Affinity Accoya 2 Seater Fan Back Rockabye
The RHS Knole Garden Bench
3 Seater Swirl Back Rockabye
Striking wooden finials Choose your perfect angle to recline Fully extended provides a convenient space for drinks
Tranquillity 2 Seater Swirl Back Rockabye
Adjustable Back and sides for flexibility
Affinity Accoya Rockabye 3 Seater Fan Back
Classic Chairs & Benches
Beautiful stand alone or a matching set
There’s a wide and varied selection of garden benches in the Sitting Spiritually range—to suit any number of different tastes and outdoor environments. Available in either oak, cedar or painted Accoya, all of our benches and chairs are built to last; more than capable of withstanding even the most inclement of weather conditions.
Each bench is lovingly handcrafted by our team of expert joiners, and every individual piece is designed and fabricated with you, the customer, in mind. We want your bench to be the crowning centrepiece of your garden—a place where you can sit, relax, dine and enjoy the beauty and tranquillity of your outdoor space.
Tranquillity Slat Back Benches
RHS Heart Back Bench
Tranquillity Fan Back Chair
The Swirl Bench
The Swirl Bench at RHS Garden Wisley
RHS Single & Two Seat Rope Swings
RHS Round Oak Rope Swings
RHS endorsed, FSC sourced oak
individually unique characters. All edges are rounded to help protect from knocks, and it is braced underneath for added strength and security.
Each swing comes with hempex ropes & simple hanging kit with full, easy to follow instructions. No complicated fixings to worry about. Definitely a model for children and the young at heart!
Single Rope Swing with Inscription Round Seated Oak Rope Swing The only rope swing makers endorsed by the RHS
Drinks Shelves
With our drinks shelves fitted to your frame you won’t even have to get up from the comfort of your swing seat and won’t be left wondering where to perch your drink whilst you relax.
Accessories
Our range of accessories makes your seat unique
Ammonites
Ammonites for your Swing Seats, usually set in the arm or back (as shown) add an authentic touch of Lyme Regis to your swing seat. Ammonites are set in resin and can, of course, be left out all year round.
RHS Ammonite Tables
A drinks table that celebrates the heritage of the fossil-rich Jurassic Coast with its unique, elegant ammonite design and genuine ammonite inset.
This is a handcrafted drinks table carved from hardwearing FSC kiln-dried oak, making it perfect for both outdoor and indoor use.
Cushions
Sunbrella provides the ultimate in stain resistance and cleanability. Relax with the peace of mind that only comes with Sunbrella fabrics. They are easy to maintain and available in various colours (see website for details).
Suspension Springs
For supreme comfort, our heavy duty, stainless steel suspension springs can be added to your swing seat order to make your experience feel simply weightless.
Waterproof Pull Over Covers
Handmade here in the UK, using deluxe-quality waterproof 750 denier polyester, this is the finest outdoor weatherproof cover that complements our range of products. Offering both breathability and durability, it’s the perfect material to protect highend garden furniture.
Cushions and Seat Pad on Kyokusen Fan Back
Blue Green Grey
The Swinging Day Bed Accessories
A selection of accessories to enhance your Day Bed
Add extra layers of comfort and practicality, whilst protecting your Swinging Day Bed from the outdoor elements.
Day Bed Mattress
Day Bed Cushions
Bottle Holder
Glasses Holder
Waterproof Cover
UV Screen
Removable Restraining Straps
Stainless Suspension Springs
Fixing Down Shoe
The Swinging Day Bed with Waterproof Cover
Inscriptions & Carvings
Personalised messages and engravings
Personalising your wooden swing seat or bespoke outdoor furniture with a thoughtful inscription or carving can turn it into a cherished and unique piece. Whether you are purchasing it for yourself or as a gift, the addition of a personal touch adds a special meaning to the piece. You can choose an inscription that resonates with you, such as a significant date, a tribute to a loved one, or a line from a favourite poem or song. This customisation allows your seat to reflect your personality, your values, or simply bring a sense of joy and individuality to your seat.
At Sitting Spiritually, we take great care to get the inscriptions and carvings just right. Our detailed approval process ensures that your personalised piece turns out exactly as you envisage it. If you have any ideas or want to chat about creating that special finishing touch for your seat, please give us a call. We can work together to make sure your seat reflects your personality and brings you joy every time you sit down.
Weeping Willow Carving
Seat Back Carving Dragonfly And Flower Seat Back Engraving
Find A Seat Near You
Visit a garden and try out our swing seats
The list below provides the locations of some of our publicly viewable swing seats around the country.
The Sitting Spiritually Garden
Lyme Regis, Dorset DT7 3RP
Abbotsbury Sub Tropical Gardens
Abbotsbury, Dorset DT3 4LA
Alexandra Hotel
Lyme Regis, Dorset DT7 3HZ
Bishop’s Palace
Wells, Somerset BA5 2PD
Burrow Farm Gardens
Dalwood, Axminster EX13 7ET
Dartington Gardens
Dartington, Totnes, Devon, TQ9 6EL
Dower House Hotel
Lyme Regis, Dorset DT7 3RB
Forde Abbey
Chard, Somerset TA20 4LU
The Lost Gardens of Heligan Pentewan, St. Austell, Cornwall PL26 6EN
Kiftsgate Court Gardens
Chipping Campden, Gloucestershire GL55 6LN
Lympstone Manor
Exmouth EX8 3NZ
Minterne House & Gardens
Dorchester DT2 7AU
National Trust Stourhead
Stourton, Warminster BA12 6QD
Peter Beales Roses Ltd
Norwich, Norfolk NR17 1AY
The Pig at Combe
Gittisham, Honiton EX14 3AD
RHS Garden Bridgewater
Salford, Greater Manchester M28 1LF
Visit our website, click “Find a seat near you” and enter your postcode to see a map with our swing seats at various locations around the country.
RHS Garden Harlow Carr
Beckwithshaw, Harrogate HG3 1QB
RHS Garden Rosemoor
Torrington, North Devon EX38 8PH
RHS Garden Wisley
Wisley, Woking GU23 6QB
Sausmarez Manor Subtropical Gardens
Guernsey GY4 6SG
The Seaside Boarding House
Burton Bradstock, Bridport DT6 4RB
Harold Hillier Gardens
Romsey, Hampshire SO51 0QA
Simply Get In Touch
Always happy to discuss your dream seat
We are a phone call away – talking to us can be the easiest way to find out more about our products. Somewhere at Sitting Spiritually there is something that’s perfect for you, whether complete with an A frame or as a seat only for your pergola, arbour or gazebo.
If you’d like a quotation, wish to visit us to see our seats in our stunning Show Garden, or simply discuss our products, please call 01297 443084. Alternatively, you can send an email to info@sittingspiritually.co.uk.
For more information and inspiration for your garden seating visit our website at sittingspiritually.co.uk. To see what our wonderful customers say about us and their Sitting Spiritually seats read our Google and Trustpilot reviews.
The Cobb, Lyme Regis - Photograph by Rob Coombe
RHS Garden Rosemoor
RHS Garden Bridgewater
