Radford Quarry Glamping: Plymouth’s Wild Hidden Gem
A Secret Sanctuary Right on Plymouth’s Doorstep
Tucked away behind residential streets in Radford, a disused limestone quarry that stopped operating back in the 1960s has quietly become one of the city’s most surprising escapes. Stones and Stars Boutique Glamping took over the site last year, and locals who’ve visited say it feels a world away from the usual Plymouth staycation options. The quarry’s steep limestone walls create a natural sun-trap that’s shielded from wind and noise, and over sixty years it’s become a haven for tawny owls, badgers, foxes and rare plant life, including the critically endangered horrid ground weaver spider. It’s no surprise the site now holds County Wildlife Site status alongside neighbouring Hooe Lake, Radford Lake and Radford Woods. For city dwellers who fancy a taste of wilderness without leaving Plymouth, this is about as close as it gets. Guests can now choose between the site’s original luxury tepees or newly introduced shepherds huts, both fitted out with quality linen, characterful furniture and genuine comfort. Whether you’re after a quiet weekend recharge or a chance to hear foxes calling after dark, Radford Quarry offers something increasingly rare — proper peace, minutes from the city centre.
Local Businesses Bringing the Site to Life
Behind the glamping venture are two familiar faces in Plymouth’s food and hospitality scene. Mr Radmore, who also owns nearby Radford Castle, has worked alongside Mr Sprigg, of Spriggy’s Seafood, to turn the quarry entrance into a small but thriving food hub. Spriggy’s Street Food van serves up paninis — with both meat and vegetarian options — while Pete’s Pizzeria dishes out freshly made burgers and pizzas from an on-site kitchen. There’s ample outdoor seating, including covered spots for when Plymouth’s weather does what it does best. It’s a genuinely local setup, supporting small operators rather than big chains, and it gives day visitors a reason to stop by even if they’re not staying overnight. Dogs on leads are welcome in this entrance area, though the quarry itself remains dog-free to protect the wildlife inside — worth noting for owners used to taking dogs on beaches elsewhere in the region. The site occasionally hosts a bar during scheduled events and craft fairs, with updates shared via the Stones and Stars Boutique Glamping Facebook page, so it’s worth keeping an eye out if you fancy combining food, drink and a countryside setting.
What Residents and Visitors Should Know
Because Stones and Stars borders residential properties along the quarry’s upper edge, guests are asked to be considerate of neighbours, particularly with noise in the evenings. Families are welcome, but children must be supervised given the quarry’s rocky ledges and steep drops. From Hooe Lake, walkers can follow a pleasant thirty-minute woodland trail through residential streets down to Jenny Cliff, making it easy to combine a glamping stay with a proper coastal walk. It’s a helpful reminder that Plymouth’s own coastline offers just as much charm as spots further afield — though for those craving surf and sand, places like Fistral Beach and the wider Newquay coastline remain popular alternatives when planning a bigger getaway. Still, if you’re looking to visit Newquay-style scenery without the travel, or simply want a taste of Cornwall’s wild character closer to home, Radford Quarry delivers something similar on a smaller scale. With craft fairs, seasonal events and dog-friendly accommodation options nearby, plus the site’s ongoing commitment to conservation, this is one local spot well worth watching. Anyone planning to go to Newquay this summer might consider a weekend at Radford Quarry first — it’s proof that wild, memorable escapes don’t always require a long drive.
Source: I stayed at a unique glamping site – and the wildlife blew me away
