Fforest Fields, which was established more than 30 years ago, was crowned the Best Campsite in Wales at the awards, which were held in Cardiff earlier this week.
Fforest Fields, nestled in an idyllic location at the foot of Aberedw Hill, just outside Hundred House, between Builth Wells and Llandrindod Wells, opened in 1989.
And, while it has evolved into a venue that now boasts walking trails, glamping, lakes, a coffee shop, and most recently a learning and wellness space, owner Natalie Barstow insists it still retains the same ethos it had when her partner Will’s parents, George and Katie, first opened for business 36 years ago.
“We were absolutely stunned, and deeply touched, to win Best Campsite in Wales,” said Natalie.
“It’s an incredible honour to be recognised alongside so many outstanding businesses, especially those rooted here in Mid Wales.
“Our story began long before this award. Fforest Fields sits on the family farm where Will grew up. His parents, Katie and George, first opened the campsite in 1989, welcoming guests with a vision that was beautifully simple – to share this peaceful, wild part of Wales with others.
“They built the site from the ground up, always keeping the natural surroundings at the heart of it.
“When Will and I moved back to the farm in the mid-2000s, we knew we wanted to continue that legacy, but also grow it in new directions.
“Over time we’ve added walking trails, glamping, lakes to swim and enjoy, a coffee shop, and most recently a learning and wellness space.
“Yet through all of it, we’ve kept the core of Fforest Fields the same – space to unwind, simple luxuries and a warm welcome.”
Fforest Fields owners Will and Natalie Barstow at the awards in Cardiff this week. Credit Fforest Fields (Image: Fforest Fields) She added: “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.
“Some guests have been coming for decades, bringing their own children and grandchildren. That kind of loyalty is incredibly humbling.”
While Natalie admits she and the Fforest Fields team are delighted with their recognition, she feels the awards themselves feel like a “vote of confidence in Mid Wales”, with numerous other Powys businesses among the evening’s winners and notable achievements.
“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,” said Natalie.
“We’re so proud to be part of this community and to play a small role in helping people discover just how special this part of the world really is.
(Image: Newsquest)
“What makes this award especially meaningful is our location. 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.”
To find out more about Fforest Fields and what makes it so special, call 01982 570452, email stay@fforestfields.co.uk, visit the website at fforestfields.co.uk or check out the Fforest Fields Facebook page.