A new off-grid glamping site located just 20 minutes from Cardiff is gaining attention from both local residents and visitors, following a successful launch in April 2025.
Garth Glamping, nestled at the base of Garth Hill, has combined countryside scenery with easy city access to attract a growing number of guests.
The site offers bell tents, fire pits, and communal amenities, with tent pitches starting at £30 per night and family-sized bell tents available for £90.
The timing of its launch coincided with Cardiff’s busy summer event season, including high-profile concerts that drew large crowds to the Welsh capital. Owners Jordan Lewis and Gerwyn Lewis, who also work in the building industry, say the timing was coincidental.
“We were wondering why we were getting booked out over weekends,” Jordan told WalesOnline. “Then we realised all these concerts were happening in the stadium and the castle; we couldn’t have timed it any better.” According to Jordan, the site “kept selling out” during these peak weekends.
The glamping site was developed on a long-standing family farm managed by Gerwyn’s mother and stepfather, Evelyne Blinkhorn and Clive Francis. “The farm has been in Clive’s family for 100 years,” Jordan explained, adding that Clive’s Alzheimer’s diagnosis prompted the family to diversify.
The goal was to preserve the land’s legacy while introducing a new income stream that aligned with the family’s values. “We always had this idea of building something together,” said Jordan.
“And with the love and support of our wonderful family, Evelyne, Rhian and Clive, that idea slowly became real and we stepped out of our comfort zone.”
Although the site currently maintains a small-scale operation, it is equipped with modern facilities such as a shower and toilet block, a communal kitchen, and a bottled water station.
Additional features include a nature play area, bike hire, outdoor games, and river access for swimming and paddleboarding for licensed users. A pub and village amenities are within walking distance in nearby Pentyrch.
Looking ahead, Jordan and Gerwyn plan to add three executive bell tent pods with hot tubs and eventually host wellness retreats. However, they emphasize that growth will not compromise the site’s community-driven ethos.
“We want to keep it chilled with a community feel, where you come and play with your kids and splash in the river, not have a big corporate campsite,” said Jordan.
As part of that community focus, the couple has also launched a charitable project called Wild at Garth, aimed at supporting families in need across Wales.
“We really want to give back to families and people who might not be able to afford a holiday,” Jordan said. They currently run monthly social media contests offering free two-night stays to local families who have experienced hardship or could use a break.
For business owners in the outdoor hospitality sector, Garth Glamping provides a timely case study in diversification and market responsiveness.
By adapting a family farm into a profitable and purpose-driven glamping site aligned with local event demand, the Lewises demonstrate how small-scale operators can enter the hospitality space while retaining strong values and flexibility.
Their approach highlights opportunities to cater to both leisure-seeking urban visitors and community-based initiatives—without requiring a large corporate footprint.