I can buy fixed bonds in my SIPP....I was looking just t'other day. Big long list varying from 25 year government ones at a couple of percent up/down (depends on your attitude
) to 1 year corporate ones at nearly 7%.
Can also buy ETFs of bonds...I.e. shares in a fund made up entirely of bonds, but all taken care of by someone else. Classic less risk but need to pay a management fee instead.
Deffo worth getting pro advice on that one! You're by no means guaranteed to get your money back on the higher rate ones. In fact if you buy them in my SIPP you have to complete a "do you really understand?" quiz first.
Might also be different for me cause I'm still in the 100% paying in mode.