For many, the daily grind of city life stirs dreams of escape: owning a piece of land, surrounded by nature, raising animals, and living off the land. Helen Bantock and her family turned that dream into reality when they moved from Reading to the tranquil beauty of rural West Wales, Carmarthenshire during the Covid pandemic.
Now the proud owners of Frowen Fields Eco Glamping & Camping, Helen, Ashley, and their two boys have embraced a new lifestyle. Their site promotes environmental stewardship, earning the Silver Tourism Ambassador badge and certifications like the Greener Camping Club.
It’s not without its challenges
“The days are long and busy,” Helen admits. “The mornings start at 6:30 a.m., tending to their growing menagerie of animals: alpacas, goats, pigs, sheep, and dogs. After feeding and checking on them, it’s a rush to get the kids ready for school, ensuring they catch the bus from their remote home.
Once the children are off, Helen turns her attention to running the business. From maintaining communal spaces to managing bookings and marketing, the work never stops. As an independent operation, every task falls to Helen and Ashley, blending their passion for the outdoors with the demands of entrepreneurship.
Helen also collaborates with other glamping site owners, supporting the Being Green/Being British concept. With help from members like Vicky at Tractors and Cream, she now works to assist others in the glamping community.
The inspiration for Frowen Fields came from the family’s love for nature and adventure
“We’ve always enjoyed outdoor holidays,” Helen shares. After years of camping and traveling in trailer tents, campervans & motorhomes, they decided to settle in a place where they could live more sustainably. Their 28-acre property is now home to over 60 animals, including rare breeds like Royal Golden Guernsey goats, Saddleback pigs, Llanwenog sheep, and Welsh Harlequin ducks. They even offer guests the chance to walk their alpacas and meet the resident peafowl.
The glamping site’s centerpiece is a TruDomes dome, nestled on 3.5 acres of private land complete with a stream. Guests rave about the tranquil, tech-free escape it offers. For families, especially those with children who have additional needs, Frowen Fields provides an ideal getaway. “Not once in five days did we hear, ‘I’m bored’ or ‘Can I have my phone,’” one guest remarked.
Other glowing reviews highlight the unique experience
“Great place to stay! We stayed in the Dome, and it was brilliant. The facilities were excellent. The kids and I had a blast feeding the animals and exploring the fields. It was great to see them running free, just as kids should!”
“Set in a beautiful location, this oasis of tranquillity is perfect. While staying, I saw the most dramatic star shower I’ve ever seen in the UK. The dome itself was super welcoming, with everything thoughtfully provided to make our stay comfortable. Five stars!”
Helen and Ashley, who first crossed paths at Xerox’s UK training center, bring their passion for education to Frowen Fields. Their commitment to sustainability is evident through Helen’s role as a tourism ambassador and her completion of environmental certifications like IEMA.”
Despite the hard work, Helen wouldn’t trade her new life for anything
“It’s a busy life, and I can get carried away with the daily chores,” she reflects. “But waking up to beautiful views and amazing surroundings is what keeps us going.”
Frowen Fields isn’t just a glamping site; it’s a place where dreams of freedom, family, and connection with nature come true—for the Bantocks and their guests alike.
You can follow the link below to watch the episode of A Country Life for Half the Price featuring Frowen Fields and their Sandstorm dome Watch Here
Find out more about the Bantock’s story on their Website
