Glamping at Quarry Walk Park: Our Family-Friendly Forest Escape
Dreaming of a weekend getaway that combines the beauty of nature with the comforts of a cosy cabin? We've just returned from a fantastic weekend glamping trip at Quarry Walk Park in Staffordshire, this was our third visit and we're already planning our next! We went with some of our closest friends and all the kids, and it was a weekend packed with forest adventures, campfire stories, and making unforgettable memories. We have previously stayed in the Daisy plus glamping pods and this time we decided to try the Bluebell Plus glamping pods. If you’re looking for a perfect spot for a family-friendly glamping trip, keep reading for all the details!
First Impressions: Finding Our Forest Sanctuary
The Bluebell Plus pods at Quarry Walk Park, offering a similar spacious layout to the Daisy Plus pods but with a unique twist in their location. Instead of facing each other, the Bluebell pods are thoughtfully positioned to face out into the stunning forest, giving each pod its own private, picturesque view. We booked pods 8, 9, and 10 close together, which was perfect for our group.
We quickly designated pod number 8 as our main hub. It was ideally situated next to one of the communal firepits and had a large, open space at the front that was perfect for the kids to play. As soon as we arrived, we got to work setting up our "camp." We moved the picnic benches from each of our verandas and arranged them together outside pod 8, creating a communal dining area right by the firepit – perfect for our evening meals. The kids' football nets were up in a flash, along with other outdoor games, and the weekend was officially underway!
Campfire Feasts & Cosy Evenings
One of our biggest concerns was storing enough food for everyone for three days, as the fridges in the pods, while handy, are on the smaller side. Thankfully, we had a brilliant solution: our new Ninja Frostvault! This thing was an absolute game-changer. It's a wheeled coolbox with a huge capacity and acted like an extra fridge for the entire weekend, keeping all our food and drinks perfectly chilled.
Our first evening was all about good food and great company. We prepped our BBQ feast and cooked it over the huge communal firepit. The kids' eyes lit up as we toasted marshmallows for s'mores and lit sparklers after dark. The evening ended with the adults relaxing around the campfire, sharing stories and a few drinks under the starry Staffordshire sky.
Dimmingsdale Adventures: Streams, Rope Swings, and Lots of Laughter
On Saturday, after a leisurely breakfast cooked for the whole group, we headed out for an adventure to nearby Dimmingsdale. This beautiful area is a haven for families, with woodland trails and a meandering stream that the kids couldn't resist. They absolutely loved paddling in the stream, climbing trees, and swinging on a few rope swings we discovered. The older boys managed to stay dry, but the younger ones, well... let's just say we had some soggy, but very happy, kids on our hands! It was a blast watching them, and the laughter was infectious. You can get a glimpse of our Dimmingsdale fun by watching our TikTok video here.
After our walk, we headed back to the Ramblers Retreat, a charming tearoom located right at the entrance to Dimmingsdale where we had parked. We grabbed a table outside and sat in the sun with delicious coffees, milkshakes, and some mouth-watering cakes. It was the perfect stop before heading back to Quarry Walk.
Afternoon Fun and Campfire Ghost Stories
Back at our pods, the afternoon was all about relaxing and simple pleasures. The kids painted rocks they had collected and played checkers, while the adults chatted and enjoyed the peaceful surroundings. We finished the day with another BBQ, and as the sun set, we gathered around the campfire again. The evening's entertainment? Ghost stories! The kids loved the spooky tales (some more than others!), and we all had a good laugh before a final night's sleep in our cosy pods.
Monkeying Around at Trentham: A Perfect End to Our Trip
Sunday morning came a little too quickly. We woke up early to cook a final group breakfast and pack up all our things. Once the car was packed and we had checked out, we weren't ready to go home just yet! We decided to make one last stop at Trentham Monkey Forest.
Top Tip: We booked our tickets online and saved 25% on the price by signing up to Kids Pass for just £1! A great way to save a bit of money on your day out.
The kids were absolutely captivated at the Monkey Forest. They loved looking out for the new baby monkeys and watching them wander freely around us, eating, swinging in the trees, and generally being adorable. After our walk, the kids burned off some energy at the play area while we enjoyed a picnic. We finished our visit with some well-deserved ice creams and a quick stop at the gift shop before hitting the road home.
Conclusion
Our glamping weekend at Quarry Walk Park was everything we had hoped for and more. It was a wonderful opportunity to disconnect from the daily grind and reconnect with nature, friends, and family. From campfire feasts to forest adventures, and even a final visit to see the monkeys, every moment was filled with joy and laughter. If you're looking for a weekend away that offers both relaxation and adventure, we can't recommend Quarry Walk Park enough. We've made some incredible memories, and we're already looking forward to our next glamping getaway!
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