Thousands Of Iconic Red Phone Boxes For Sale For Just 1

You can now buy an iconic red phone box for just £1, in a bid to help preserve their heritage in rural locations.

To celebrate the 100th anniversary of the phone boxes, BT is selling off thousands to communities to be used as libraries, food banks, mini museums, art galleries or even life-saving defibrillator stations.

The scheme — known as Adopt a Kiosk — is calling on local councils, parishes, town centres, registered charities and private land owners to transform the iconic boxes into spaces that will ultimately do good.

According to BT, only 20,000 working phone booths remain in operation, down from 100,000 in the 1990s.

"With the iconic red kiosk about to turn 100, it's a great opportunity to remind communities that would still like to retain their local kiosk to take it on for just £1 through our Adopt a Kiosk scheme," said Michael Smy from BT.

"We've already seen some great kiosk conversions across the UK that have become valuable community assets."

A former telephone box used as a book library in Devon

So far, more than 5,000 communities across the UK have seized the opportunity to do something wonderful with disused local phone boxes — and there's still the chance for others to get involved, too.

An old phone box has been turned into a defibrillator in the Cotswolds

Martin Fagan, national secretary of the Community Heartbeat Trust charity, which is installing defibrillators in the phone boxes, added: "BT's phone box kiosks are iconic British structures, and repurposing for this life-saving use has given them a new lease of life.

A repurposed phone box in Bath

"To date we have converted about 800 ourselves, with another 200 in the pipeline. Placing the equipment in the heart of a community is important to save on time. Kiosks are historically at the centre of the community, and thus great locations for defibrillators."

To get involved or express your interest, head over the BT's Adopt a Kiosk website. Once you have expressed your interested, BT will then review your request. If you are successful, BT will disconnect the phone and leave you in charge of its use.

11 pretty picnic blankets for outdoor dining in style

Best picnic blanket with coordinating range

M&S Summer Resort Picnic Mat

This M&S foldaway picnic rug leans into the popular 1970s interior trend with its punchy colour combination and retro-inspired chequered print.

Pair it with the matching serving tray and snack bowls for a coordinated dining scheme.

Best green picnic blanket

John Lewis & Partners Quilted Picnic Rug

This blanket’s tropical print makes it a fitting choice for summer — mainly as it’s reminiscent of sunny holidays relaxing on the beach.

Earthy tones will complement the green motif, so style it with a woven picnic basket and wooden dinnerware for a rustic look.

Best colourful picnic blanket

Dunelm Tropical Birds Picnic Blanket

This blanket, part of Dunelm’s ongoing collaboration with the National History Museum, is designed to celebrate the wonders of the natural world.

Its vibrant print will create a cheerful and inviting atmosphere for garden gatherings and family picnics. Style it with simple, minimalist tableware so that the eye-catching pattern remains the focal point.

Best monochrome picnic blanket

Orla Kiely Printed Picnic Blanket

Now 30% Off

From Irish fashion designer Orla Kiely, this blanket is typical of her signature style: striking colours and distinctive, retro-inspired prints. The monochrome palette is easy to coordinate with different colours, whether you prefer vibrant primary hues or neutral tones.

Its brushed fabric base is soft but breathable, so it won’t overheat on warm days.

Best Herringbone picnic blanket

Tweedmill Picnic Blanket

This blanket’s rainbow stripes add a modern twist to the classic Herringbone pattern, making for a stand-out piece.

Mismatched dinnerware in various colours will add to the fun, or stick to neutral accessories to make the multi-coloured print pop.

Best compact picnic blanket

Mountain Warehouse Picnic Mat

Now 42% Off

Mountain Warehouse’s patterned picnic blanket is ideal for camping or hiking — it's lightweight, easy to carry around and folds up compactly.

Its playful puppy print will appeal to dog lovers, whether you’re treating yourself or gifting a fellow pet owner.

Best Liberty print picnic blanket

Betsy and Capel Picnic Blanket

This blanket is on the more expensive side, but it’s handmade, crafted from 100% cotton and showcases a fresh take on Liberty’s classic Tana Lawn print. We'd recommend choosing cutlery and plates that are just as bright to complete the look.

Best Fortnum's picnic blanket

Fortnum & Mason Tweedmill Polo Picnic Blanket

Experts in teatime treats and alfresco dining, Fortnum & Mason knows how to make a quality picnic blanket.

In the luxury department store's signature Eau De Nil colourway, this one is crafted from pure new wool — a durable fabric that can withstand frequent use and is naturally resistant to odours, making it easy to clean and maintain.

Pair it with a famous Fortnum’s food hamper for a fancy picnic.

Best reversible picnic blanket

BukawaSwim Reversible Picnic Blanket

Beachwear brand BukawaSwim has meticulously considered every detail on this picnic blanket, from using upcycled materials and non-toxic dyes to its citrus design inspired by the French Riveria.

It's also reversible, so you can easily switch between the pretty orange design and a neutral green, while the tasselled border adds some extra texture and interest.

Best checked picnic blanket

Oliver Bonas Picnic Rug

Oliver Bonas is one of our go-to retailers for eclectic, quirky homeware — so, naturally, we can’t resist the brand’s outdoor collection. This picnic rug, complete with a playful checked pattern and contrasting colours, will add a splash of colour to any alfresco setup.

For a fresh and modern look, style it with white or grey dinnerware — or embrace the colourful aesthetic by adding pops of pink and yellow to your picnic arrangement.

Best large picnic blanket

LIVEHITOP Picnic Blanket

At two metres long, this extra large picnic blanket will allow you to spread out food, drinks and other picnic essentials without feeling cramped. Its sand-proof backing makes it suitable for beach days, making it easy to brush off excess sand once you pack up.

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