...your recommendations
Fforest Fields is such a clean and well looked-after site, and a dog’s paradise; there’s even a lake for them to swim in. Beverley Jones-davidson Site essentials Arriving at Fforest Fields, you can leave your busy life behind and unwind in the wonderful countryside that surrounds the site and the 500-acre farm it sits within. This is a wonderful spot, just four miles from the historic market town of Builth Wells and the Royal Welsh Showground, and easily accessed from the A481 with a caravan in tow. Here you’ll find a relaxed, laid-back atmosphere in wonderful surroundings, with lots of wildlife and farm animals. The campsite shares the sevenacre plot with cottages and glamping yurts, so there’s somewhere for noncaravanning friends and family to stay. The pitches are mixed all-weather hardstanding and grass, and most are level. You have a choice of a large, open field, offering great views, or pitching up near streams and hedges. The decision is up to you: site staff will walk around with you to look at what’s available, so that you choose a pitch that’s just right for you. Facilities provided on site include free Wi-fi, a well-appointed washblock with family washrooms, launderette, washing-up room, fridges and a drying room. If you are bringing more than two dogs with you, call to discuss; but there’s plenty of farmland for off-lead walks. The site has two lakes where you can wild swim, fish or borrow a kayak for paddling about and, in high season, the coffee shop and bar opens with regular pizza nights. The ambience on site is very much community – an honesty shop is well stocked with food and basic kit, and you can hire a firepit for evenings outdoors. Address Llandrindod Wells, Powys LD1 5RT
Tel 01982 570 406
Web https://fforestfields.co.uk
Open All year
Pets welcome? Yes
Touring pitches 120
Pitch+2+hook-up £18.75-£25 I like Bishops Meadow Caravan and Camping Park. Lauren Proctor Site essentials Bishops Meadow boasts fantastic views of the Brecon Beacons. This five-star site is just one mile from the town of Brecon, where you’ll find pubs, eateries and shops. It’s a 20-minute walk, so you can leave your vehicle on site if you want. A 10-minute walk away is a leisure centre, where you can enjoy badminton, squash, tennis or ten-pin bowling. There’s plenty to do if you stay on site, too, with a heated outdoor swimming pool and a licensed restaurant and bar, which also offers take-away meals. For children, there’s a play area, and bags of open space to let off steam. The amenities include a bathroom and family room, indoor washing area and a laundry room with ironing facilities, plus Wi-fi. There’s also a dedicated area for walking dogs on leads. Address Hay Road, Brecon, Powys LD3 9SW
Tel 01874 610 000
Web www.bishops-meadow.co.uk
Open 1 March-31 October
Pitch+2+hook-up £25 Pencelli Castle Caravan and Camping Park. If you enjoy spending your time cycling, walking, pony-trekking, mountain biking, canoeing or birdwatching, this is the ideal campsite for you. Tony Cook Site essentials The site is in the grounds of the former Pencelli Castle, in the Brecon Beacons National Park, within walking distance of the park’s highest peaks. Its location is key. Cyclists can join the Taff Cycle Trail from the site’s entrance, while those keen to take to the water can do so via the camping field, which borders the Brecon and Monmouthshire Canal. If walking is your preference, you can follow the towpath into Pencelli village, or perhaps catch a bus outside the site that will take you to Cardiff, Abergavenny and all stops in between. Amenities include heated washblocks with family shower rooms, facilities for the disabled, launderette, dishwashing, drying room, information room and a shop. Please note that the park operates a ‘no pets’ policy, unless you are travelling with an assistance dog. Address Pencelli, Brecon, Powys LD3 7LX
Tel 01874 665 451
Web www.pencelli-castle.com
Open 15 February-1 December
Touring pitches 40
Pitch+2+hook-up £17.40-£28.80 I’d recommend Rhyd-y-groes Caravan and Camping Park, Marton, Welshpool. Jim Nicholson Site essentials This family-run campsite is in beautiful countryside, near Welshpool. It’s an adultsonly site where the accent is on peace and quiet, with landscaping providing a habitat for birds and butterflies. Easy roadside access, 30 hardstanding pitches and a modern washblock that is centrally heated year-round make this a comfortable site to visit any time. Pets are welcome and there is a dedicated dog run. This is great hiking country and the staff can provide details of local walks. If you prefer pubs, cafés and restaurants, head to Montgomery, where you’ll also find a museum, a castle and a brewery. If you’ve got your National Trust card on you, Powys Castle is just six miles away. Address Pont Rhyd-y-groes, Marton SY21 8JJ
Tel 01938 561 228
Web www.rhyd-y-groes.co.uk
Open All year
Touring pitches 30
Pitch+2+hook-up From £24