A GLAMPING site in a Herefordshire town has won a big award that could bring more business for its owners.

The Wales Start-Up awards showcase the best new businesses in Wales every year and this year, By the Wye in Hay-on-Wye won the Tourism and Leisure Start-Up Award.

Hereford Times: By the Wye glamping wins Wales Start-Up awardBy the Wye glamping wins Wales Start-Up award

Owners Dawn Farnworth, 56, and Stephen Salter, 62, of Hay, are the couple behind the woodland camping site.

"We went cycling around Europe and saw the structures which inspired us to build the tents," said Mrs Farnworth.

Their son Daniel Farnworth, who is in his early 30s, is site manager and handmade all structures from the wood in the woodland.

“It’s an honour to win this award and to have our achievements over the last 18 months celebrated. It’s been an unprecedented and challenging time to launch a new tourism business. Winning this prestigious award makes it feel as though our hard work and effort was worthwhile,” said Mrs Farnworth.

There are five safari tents within five acres of ancient woodland on the banks of the River Wye.

Safari tents offer roaring campfires, luxury beds, sumptuous sofas, flushing toilets and fully equipped kitchens.

“It is the ultimate luxury glamping and is enough to tempt even the most reluctant of campers out into the woods,” said social marketing manager and daughter-in-law Edith Farnworth.

Opened in August 2020, By the Wye was fully booked in-between each lockdown and has been full since they reopened at Easter.

They have had multiple enquiries and bookings since winning the award.

There is planning permission for an additional four safari tents plus a treehouse, and they have just registered their off grid converted shipping container reception to be licensed to hold weddings.

For more information about the business visit their website www.bythewye.uk or call Edith on 01497828166.