A FAMILY-RUN campsite near Coleford has been recognised as one of the best in the country after being named in Campsites.co.uk’s annual Top 150 list for 2025.

Greenacres Campsite, owned by Maureen Bessant-Brown and her husband Andrew Bessant, was included in the guide alongside some of the UK’s larger chain holiday parks, a notable achievement for a small, independent site.

The couple first moved to the site in 2007 and brought new life to what had been a closed and unused campsite. Over the years they have made steady improvements, including toilets and showers in 2017, a reception in 2020 and a modern cabin in 2022/23.

Andrew, who runs his own tree surgery business, takes charge of landscaping and grounds maintenance, while Maureen manages the day-to-day running of Greenacres, often greeting new arrivals or serving coffees and breakfast baps in the morning.

The cabin has become one of the most eye-catching features. Sleeping four, it includes a kitchen and living area, a private garden and its own hot tub, giving guests the feel of a holiday cottage within the campsite setting.

Greenacres also offers glamping pods, popular with couples, each sleeping two with electricity, heating, a fridge and a TV. For those who prefer the traditional experience, grass pitches for tents are available beside a footpath leading directly into Coleford, making the site a convenient base for walkers and families.

Sustainability is a key focus, with solar energy, metered electric hook-ups and a new water treatment plant introduced this year. New recycling centres have also been added, and local contractors are used for all building and maintenance work to support the community.

The success of a busy summer season has spurred further plans for development, with the owners looking at new ways to improve the site for all styles of camping.