Garden games: the ones worth buying

Standing to attention

These hand-turned solid wood skittles are aesthetically lovely, as well as fun to play with. The set (size approx 290mm or 11 ½ inches) is modelled on the British Royal Guard. Jaques of London also does sets of giant fireman skittles and enormous sailors. Each set contains six wooden skittles and three balls all made from hardwood to endure garden play. Skittles has existed in various forms in Europe since the 14th century and is the forerunner to Ten Pin Bowling (but without the dodgy shoes). Available at www.jaqueslondon.com priced at £52.

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