A weekend by the lake
AKA Nicola and Jude's Wedding
Join us for a long, unhurried weekend of glamping, connection, and celebration. A three-day gathering with a ceremony nestled in the middle. Dancing and fires at night, slow mornings, plenty of games, and space to simply be together. The site is ours from Friday 7th August to Monday 10th, with accommodation available on site. Come for as much as you can, and bring whatever you feel adds to the magic.
Travel
Secret Valley, Cobbs Cross Farm, Goathurst, Bridgwater TA5 2DNGoogle Maps | Apple Maps
what3words /// standing.barefoot.sparrowsNearest Train Station: Taunton - 1h 40m direct from London, 30 min non-stop from Bristol or Bridgwater - 45 min, direct from BristolParking: Available on site. We will look to link up any people wanting to car share.Campervans: You can park on-site - please be sure to book your spot using the Secret Valley siteTaxis If you aren't staying on site or need a lift from the station and Uber isn't working, please see some taxi options below:Charlie Cabs Taunton
Taunton Taxi Services
All 7 Taxis: 01823 777777
Tony's Taxis Bridgwater: 07768 668585
Nick's Taxi Service Bridgwater: 07721 607250
Accommodation
The magic of Secret Valley is that everyone (who wants to) can stay on site, allowing for a fully immersive weekend in our temporary slice of paradise.Your accommodation options are:Book a wigwam on site using the code we emailed to you. There are 20 of these on site and they can take 2-4 people.Book a yurt already on site. There are 4 on site and they can take 2-4 people.Book in your camper van or personal tent on site.Hire a Luxury Belle Tent with [Devon Belle Tents](insert PDF link). These can also take 2-4 people and will be alongside the existing yurts on site.Not stay on site at all - Bridgwater (16 min drive) or Taunton (20 min drive) have plenty of options. We've listed some in the FAQ for you.If you aren't staying on site, we recommend booking your taxi in advance. Taxi service numbers are available under 'Travel'
RSVP
Our RSVP is a bit more involved and so you might need 5-10 minutes to go through!
FAQ
GeneralWhere is everything on site?
Great question, here is a map we've made.What should I wear?
Bold colours and things you feel good in. For the ceremony, Nicola is going for ivory and Jude has no idea what he'll wear! It's a festival after all, so please wear what you feel fabulous in. Expect more bare feet than black tie!But what about shoes?
We'll be on grass a lot a lot of the Saturday and there is a grit path connecting areas. We recommend flat shoes or wedges or those heel stoppers if you fancy height. Nicola is on the hunt for sparkly trainers and Jude will likely be bare foot. Follow your nose and match your outfits!Can my child come?
We love your children but unfortunately this is an adult only event and adult glamping only. Babes in arms welcome (that's you, Mabel!).Can I bring someone?
Unfortunately, invitations are only for those addressed on your invitation. We're sorry as we really wish we could invite everyone and so thank you for understanding.Can I bring my dog?
No, sorry, this is a dog-free event!Can I park onsite?
Yes - there are spaces by the barn and also outside the accommodation pods.
Timings FAQWhen should I arrive?
- If you’re coming to help on the Friday please come anytime from midday, please bring or have eaten lunch - dinner and happy hour will be provided.
- If you’re coming Friday evening we’re aiming to serve dinner at 7pm.
- If you’re coming on Saturday, please arrive absolute latest by 1pm for the ceremony starting at 1:30 (it's a 10 min walk away).I'm not staying on site, when should I book my Saturday taxi?
We have to reduce noise levels by midnight at which point the silent disco will kick in - there'll also be a campfire going from mid-evening for a more chilled vibe. So it's really up to you. What's most important is that you stay for as long (and no longer) than works for you :-)When can I stay on site until?
We have the site until Monday 12pm and so you’re welcome to stay until then (and help us pack up) or to leave whenever you’ve stopped having fun.
What to bring FAQHelp, I can’t remember what I said I’d contribute
No fear, we will share an updated list of offers. Please get in touch with us if there’s anything you need to change.Can you give me a pack list?
Yes! We recommend you bring: camping chair(s), swim stuff (there’s two lakes and a sauna on site), walking things (we’re in the Quantock hills), a bottle for water (we’re on a farm and things can start to feel far away), an umbrella (you never know), sunglasses, warm things for the evening, a head torch (especially if staying on site), your favourite pillow, a battery pack, a bottle of something yummy, garden games and any instrument you'd like.Do I need to bring any food?
Across the three days, there will always be food available on site. This is all provided for you by either ourselves or people who have offered to contribute. The only exception is the breakfast van on Saturday and Sunday which you will need to pay for yourself.What about bringing anything to drink?
We will be providing kegs, wine, bubbly (and cocktails tbc). There is no corkage on site and so if there is a particular drink you would like to sip on over the weekend, please feel free to bring it (or even a few to share!)
Accommodation FAQHow do I book on site accommodation?
You can do this directly with Secret Valley, you will need the secret code sent to you by us via email.I’ve booked on site accommodation, what amenities does it have?
Important! This venue is a glamping site and so, unless you want to bring your own bedding, you will need to add on bedding onto your booking when you book your accommodation. Wigwams have electricity and basic kitchen facilities provided. Lotus Belle Tents do not have electricity, leaving you to soak up the nature.Why is the Secret Valley site not showing availability?
You will need to select the date (Friday 7th) and a minimum of two nights (this is part of their terms of booking with them!). Underneath there is a box asking for a 'secret code' please enter the code you received in your email to see available accommodation.What's the difference between the Secret Valley Wigwams (Hill, Vineyard, Quantock)?
Unless you have booked for a group of you (more than two people), the main difference that matters is their location around the site as they are in four different clusters. They all have the same amenities. We will look to match up clusters of people with the best matched clusters of wigwams.Do I have to stay on site?
Not at all. We would love everyone to stay on site but if it's not your thing, here's some nearby alternatives.
Mercure Bridgwater Hotel
The Old Vicarage Hotel & Restaurant
Ibis Bridgwater
Premier Inn Bridgwater Gateway
The Travel Lodge M5
The Tynte Arms
The Great Western Hotel Taunton
Premier Inn Taunton Central (North) hotel
Royal Ashton Town House TauntonThese are by no means exhaustive!
FAQ
GeneralWhere is everything on site?
Great question, here is a map we've made.What should I wear?
Bold colours and things you feel good in. For the ceremony, Nicola is going for ivory and Jude has no idea what he'll wear! It's a festival after all, so please wear what you feel fabulous in. Expect more bare feet than black tie!But what about shoes?
We'll be on grass a lot a lot of the Saturday and there is a grit path connecting areas. We recommend flat shoes or wedges or those heel stoppers if you fancy height. Nicola is on the hunt for sparkly trainers and Jude will likely be bare foot. Follow your nose and match your outfits!Can my child come?
We love your children but unfortunately this is an adult only event and adult glamping only. Babes in arms welcome (that's you Mabel!).Can I bring someone?
Unfortunately, invitations are only for those addressed on your invitation. We're sorry as we really wish we could invite everyone and so thank you for understanding.Can I bring my dog?
No, this is a dog-free event!Can I park onsite?
Yes - there are spaces by the barn and also outside the accommodation pods.
TimingsWhen should I arrive?
- If you’re coming to help on the Friday please come anytime from midday, please bring or have eaten lunch - dinner and happy hour will be provided.
- If you’re coming Friday evening we’re aiming to serve dinner at 7pm.
- If you’re coming on Saturday, please arrive absolute latest by 1pm for the ceremony starting at 1:30 (it's a 10 min walk away).I'm not staying on site, when should I book my Saturday taxi?
We have to reduce noise levels by midnight at which point the silent disco will kick in! So it's really up to you. What's most important is that you stay for as long (and no longer) than works for you :-)When can I stay on site until?
We have the site until Monday 12pm and so you’re welcome to stay until then (and help us pack up) or to leave whenever you’ve stopped having fun.
What to bringHelp, I can’t remember what I said I’d contribute
No fear, we will share an updated list of offers. Please get in touch with us if there’s anything you need to change.Can you give me a pack list?
Yes! We recommend you bring: camping chair(s), swim stuff (there’s two lakes and a sauna on site), walking things (we’re in the Quantock hills), a bottle for water (we’re on a farm and things can start to feel far away), an umbrella (you never know), sunglasses, warm things for the evening, a head torch (especially if staying on site), your favourite pillow, a battery pack, a bottle of something yummy, garden games and any instruments you'd like.Do I need to bring any food?
Across the three days, there will always be food available on site. This is all provided for you by either ourselves or people who have offered to contribute. The only exception is the breakfast van on Saturday and Sunday which you will need to pay for yourself.What about bringing anything to drink?
We will be providing kegs, wine, bubbly (and cocktails tbc). There is no corkage on site and so if there is a particular drink you would like to sip on over the weekend, please feel free to bring it (or even a few to share!)
AccommodationHow do I book on site accommodation?
You can do this directly with Secret Valley, you will need the secret code sent to you by us via email.I’ve booked on site accommodation, what amenities does it have?
Important! This venue is a glamping site and so, unless you want to bring your own bedding, you will need to add on bedding onto your booking when you book your accommodation. Wigwams have electricity and basic kitchen facilities provided. Lotus Belle Tents do not have electricity, leaving you to soak up the stars.Why is the Secret Valley site not showing availability?
You will need to select the date (Friday 7th) and a minimum of two nights (this is part of their terms of booking with them!). Underneath there is a box asking for a 'secret code' please enter the code you received in your email to see available accommodation.What's the difference between the Secret Valley Wigwams (Hill, Vineyard, Quantock)?
Unless you have booked for a group of you (more than two people), the main difference that matters is their location around the site as they are in four different clusters. They all have the same amenities. We will look to match up clusters of people with the best matched clusters of wigwams.Do I have to stay on site?
Not at all. We would love everyone to stay on site but if it's not your thing, here's some nearby alternatives.
Mercure Bridgwater Hotel
The Old Vicarage Hotel & Restaurant
Ibis Bridgwater
Premier Inn Bridgwater Gateway
The Travel Lodge M5
The Tynte Arms
The Great Western Hotel Taunton
Premier Inn Taunton Central (North) hotel
Royal Ashton Town House TauntonThese are by no means exhaustive!
Programme
The below is an approximate outline to give you a feel for the weekend. A full, confirmed timetable will be updated and shared in late spring. Where timings are provided below, they are unlikely to change by more than an hour, so if you need to, you can plan accordingly. All activities are entirely optional, you're welcome to enjoy the spaces as you please.
For those able to, we would love you to join us from Friday onwards to create a familiar atmosphere come Saturday!
Friday 7th August
12pm - 5:30pm
Build - for those who’d enjoy, cider in hand, helping us set up the site and create a magical atmosphere for the weekend.5:30pm
A Weekend by the Lake opens its doors.Friday evening
Find your yurt, relaxed mingling, games, food (around 7pm), live music, campfire and open mic etc.
Saturday 8th August
Saturday Morning
Breakfast van, sauna and lake swimming, organised trail run, walks and yoga.Saturday arrivals who are staying on-site please come at your leisure and familiarise yourself with the farm.13:00
Latest arrival for those arriving Saturday please, to allow time to settle in and make your way to the ceremony area (it's a 10 min walk).13:30
Ceremony (the ceremony lake is a bit of a walk from the main site)Saturday Afternoon
Afternoon by the lake: informal lunch, kegs and cocktails, poetry, performances, music, swims, picnic vibes, badminton and boules tournamentsSaturday Evening
Dinner and speeches, followed by dancing, silent disco, and alternative chill spaces too
Sunday 9th August
Sunday Morning
Breakfast van, sauna and lake swimming, walks, yoga, however you like to chill in a beautiful glamping siteSunday Lunch
Pizza Van Party!Sunday Afternoon
The Silly Olympic Games, swims, do-as-you-please festival vibes with music and games dotted aroundSunday Evening
Campfire Gathering: An intimate evening of songs, stories and poetry around the fire and a group BBQ.
Monday 10th August
For those who are able to stay until the Monday morning, it would be a total delight to spend the full weekend with you. If you need to head on the Sunday, that is of course totally fine.
Anyone wanting to help us pack down on Monday for a couple of hours will be rewarded with hugs and food!
Offsite by lunch
