A family-run glamping business near Bury St Edmunds has been named a finalist in the Suffolk and Norfolk Tourism Awards, organized by Visit East of England, placing it among a small number of shortlisted tourism enterprises from the area.
Four Bells Glamping, located in Hawstead, was confirmed earlier this month as a finalist in the New Tourism Business of the Year category. The site was established in 2023 by Alex Brewis, 34, and his wife Lucy Brewis, 31, and represents a relatively new entrant to the regional outdoor hospitality market.
Reflecting on the announcement, Alex Brewis said: “It was a nice boost to start the year.” He added: “It felt amazing, we are really fortunate we’ve had some wonderful guests who have come and stayed with us. Starting a business, you second-guess yourself, and we were worried if we did the right thing, taking the plunge. Getting this recognition from guests and professionals shows us we did.”
The couple operate the business alongside raising their two daughters, Issy, aged six, and Felicity, aged three, who they say are actively involved in day-to-day life on the site.
Alex Brewis said the business is closely tied to family goals, stating: “For any family business, it is what it is all about. They love it and are really excited we are finalists; they are involved in everything.”
According to Suffolk News, Four Bells Glamping is one of the few finalists representing the Bury St Edmunds area. The couple said: “We’re really quite proud to be flying the flag not just for Bury but for Suffolk as well.” Since opening, the site has attracted a mix of domestic and international visitors, including guests from the United States as well as nearby villages.
As the 2026 glamping season approaches, the operators report a steady, phased approach to growth. They say improvements have been made incrementally, with some development progressing more slowly in response to wider economic conditions. Despite this, they have expressed confidence that the business model and long-term direction remain sound.
In October, the site expanded its accommodation offering with the addition of Hundred Acre View, a geodome designed to operate year-round.
The remaining glamping units are open seasonally between April and September, while a field spa featuring hot tubs and access to the site’s luxury bathroom facilities remains available throughout the winter months. The couple has indicated that further unique accommodation structures may be introduced in the future.
For outdoor hospitality professionals, the business’s trajectory highlights the role of gradual investment, diversification through all-season units, and the potential commercial value of regional tourism awards in building visibility and credibility with new markets.
Recognition from industry-led programmes can support marketing efforts and reinforce guest confidence, particularly for newer operators navigating uncertain economic conditions.
The Suffolk and Norfolk Tourism Awards ceremony is scheduled to take place on March 12, where category winners will be announced.