Quarry Pods

Holsworthy, Torridge, England

The foundations for this quirky campsite were laid no fewer than 300 million years ago. Well, sort of. Way back when Diplodocus was nibbling the leaves in north-west Devon, the unique geology of the Culm Measures was taking shape and today, plays host to the conservation-savvy Dunsdon Farm. Nestled against the Dunsdon Nature Reserve, the facilities at this well-tended glampsite site are far from prehistoric. Five well-insulated pods sit in an old stone quarry (now a wood-chip clearing), surrounded by trees and the rolling landscape beyond. Warm and well lit, the pod walls are clad with sheep’s wool, while windows allow ventilation and let in plenty of natural light. The real selling feature, though, is the well-furnished private bathroom that comes with each pod, a wet room style layout with a spine-tingling power shower! Covered spaces are dotted around the campsite, along with a rainy day pod, and there’s a BBQ with all the tools you’ll want to sizzle some local sausages. The 22 acre site lies on the western fringes of the Dunsdon National Nature Reserve. Both a working farm and an active conservation zone, the site seeks to to re-establish rare culm grass, a native plant that died out in the last few centuries. This, along with plantations of native trees and wildflower hay meadows, makes for a campsite bursting with wildlife. Butterflies flit through the trees in summer and there's plenty to see year-round, with bird-hut cameras spying on barn owls in the dark winter months. Helpful host Paul fields a guided farm walk every Tuesday where you can learn about the important ecological work that takes place, just don't forget those wellies! The conservation area also has a pond where you can go dipping (not the skinny variety!) and you can borrow a kit of Paul to delve around for pond-skaters or water-boatmen. When not netting in the nearby pond or visiting the Highland cows, a short drive west takes you to the gorgeous Cornish coast and the picture-postcard Bude – the perfect setting to sample some locally-caught seafood before exploring its truly breathtaking beaches. Northwards, leading back into Devon, lies the unspoilt village of Clovelly (that's 'lovely' with a capital 'c') with its cobbled streets leading to a tiny 14th century harbour. While south, Pentire Point boasts dramatic headlands jutting out into the Atlantic. The coastline here is a walker's paradise and the quiet inland lanes make for fantastic cycle routes. Amongst the greens and browns of this ancient landscape, Quarry Pods at Dunsdon Farm is a cosy hideaway. Dinosaurs may no longer plod through the culm grassland, but this is a good place to enjoy the flora and fauna of more recent millennia. A few miles from the coast and open year round, it's luxury camping in a timeless location. Facilities Each pod comes complete with heater and lighting, door and window blinds, a rug and cool-box. You need to provide your own bed roll or inflatable mattress, though for a fee it is also possible to rent most things you could need for your stay, including beds and bedding, cooking stove, pans and utensils. Each pod also has its own private washroom, with shower, sink and wash basin, situated in a block adjacent to the pods. There's free Wifi across the campsite, a washing machine and clothes dryers, secure cycle parking, a communal covered barbecue and washing up facilities.

Contact: +441288308222