Fforest Fields, a family-run campsite in Powys, has been named Best Campsite in Wales at the 2025 Welsh Hospitality Awards, held earlier this week in Cardiff. The recognition comes more than three decades after the site first opened its gates in 1989.
The campsite, located at the foot of Aberedw Hill outside Hundred House, between Builth Wells and Llandrindod Wells, has developed steadily since its founding.
While it began as a traditional camping destination established by George and Katie Barstow, it has since expanded to include walking trails, glamping, lakes, a coffee shop, and, most recently, a learning and wellness space.
Despite these additions, the Barstow family maintains that its ethos remains consistent.
“We were absolutely stunned, and deeply touched, to win Best Campsite in Wales,” said co-owner Natalie Barstow. “It’s an incredible honour to be recognised alongside so many outstanding businesses, especially those rooted here in Mid Wales.”
According to a report by Powys County Times, Natalie highlighted that the family’s involvement spans multiple generations.
“It’s a true family business in every sense. Our children help out during the holidays, and we work alongside a brilliant, close-knit team who bring so much heart to the place,” she said. “Some guests have been coming for decades, bringing their own children and grandchildren. That kind of loyalty is incredibly humbling.”
She also reflected on the broader significance of the award for the region. “To receive this award feels like more than just a nod to us. It feels like a vote of confidence in Mid Wales itself – in its beauty, its character and its power to offer something unique.”
For outdoor hospitality business owners, Fforest Fields’ recognition demonstrates the potential of balancing tradition with diversification.
The addition of glamping units, wellness programming, and on-site amenities such as a coffee shop shows how campsites can evolve to attract new demographics while retaining loyal visitors.
This adaptability, combined with strong ties to community and location, can strengthen long-term sustainability in an increasingly competitive market.
“What makes this award especially meaningful is our location,” Natalie said.
“We’re in Radnorshire, a quiet, lesser-known corner of Wales that often gets overlooked in favour of the dramatic coastline or the big national parks.”
’But there’s something truly special here: wide open skies, hidden lakes, rolling hills, and a sense of space that’s increasingly rare. Our guests come here for that. They swim in the lake, hike the trails, gather around campfires, and breathe a little deeper. It’s not flashy, but it’s real, and that’s what keeps people coming back.”
