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FAQs

If the FAQs don’t help, contact us. There’s no such thing as a stupid question so don’t be shy!

Couples

Guests

Glampers

Couples
You say we have complete freedom and control. What does that mean?
We want you to be able to do whatever you want, but within reason. If you want to arrive by helicopter, or dance until the sun comes up we would love to help you achieve that, but there may be legal or environmental rules or restrictions. We will consider anything, but we must make sure your ideas are safe, legal, practical and possible and that they do not harm the environment or community. We are confident that we can find a solution to accommodate most ideas and desires so contact us to discuss them!
How many guests can I have?
As few as you like, but no more than 150 to protect the land and ensure there is enough room to park.
What sort of marquee or tent can I have?
That’s up to you! You can choose from a traditional pole and line marquee, sail cloth marquee or tipis to really show the venue off! We do ask you to book your marquee or tipis from one of our two recommended suppliers, Magical Events or County Marquees East Anglia. These are companies we have worked with for several years and we know they are reliable, high quality and competitively priced. Both companies are extremely professional family businesses, so hiring from these suppliers ensures you are supporting our community as well as getting an excellent service. If you would like a style of tent that these suppliers do not offer, we are happy to work with you to find an alternative.
Can I use candles?
We love candles and have lots of glass jars, lanterns and LED tealights you can use as part of your hire. We recommend battery candles or solar lamps to ensure the land, wildlife and hire equipment are always safe. Most marquee and tipi companies will not permit candles inside so check the Ts and Cs on the hire agreements (or ask us to do it for you)
Who is responsible for clearing up?
It’s a team effort! You are responsible for leaving the meadow in a good, clean condition, but we will help you! Clearing up is a team effort but we will do as much as possible for you on the night of your wedding. This generally includes clearing away linens, glasses, crockery and cutlery, removing debris from the floor and stacking waste. As you hire from companies directly it is best for you to know what condition everything is in before you hand it back, so if we notice any missing or damaged items, we will let you know as soon as possible. The main ‘clean up job’ is a litter pick. We suggest you get a little working party together. As you have exclusive hire of the meadow there is no hurry – so you still get a lie-in the morning after! We are happy to store any of your gifts or decorations if you are off on honeymoon too. If you have a large amount of waste, including bottles and cans, we may ask you to take some away after the event. Campers are expected to take all their waste away with them.
Will you be on site to offer help and support?
Our service comes with the hire price so we will always be on site to check that all is ok and generally making sure all runs smoothly. We will create a day plan for you and co-ordinate activities on the day, and for set up and break down. We live on site so you will have privacy at night, but we are always on hand if you need us. We will provide a team of at least three people for the duration of the event.
Do you have toilets on site?
You will need to hire toilet facilities. Our recommended supplier is Elite Toilet Hire. We can liaise with the supplier to arrange the delivery and collection for you. Luxury loos are the best option and cost around £650. We have a flushable toilet available for the couple to use if you wish to glamp. From 2023, luxury toilets are included in the hire price.
What about electricity?
We are a blank canvas venue so do not have access to mains electricity. You will need a generator to provide power – we include this in the hire price and will set it all up for you so you do not need to worry.
Do you have preferred caterers?
Not at all, we think you should have whatever nosh you want. We have some great suppliers that we can recommend if you would like us to, but we are happy for you to have whoever you like to cater for your event – or do it yourself! We would always recommend selecting a caterer with a food hygiene standard of 4 starts or higher and ensure they have adequate liability insurance. We can help gain the relevant certificates and quotes.
Are there any restrictions about parking or transport for arrival?
Parking is free and we have ample room for cars, minibuses or busses to park or drop-off guests. Parking is I a separate meadow or in the farmyard depending on the weather and time of year. Cars can be left overnight at the owner’s risk. We allow the bridal party and anyone with accessibility needs to drive into the meadow to drop off and pick up provided drivers keep to the outer track. Taxi collection points will be marked in the farm yard.
What time does the music stop?
Live music must end at 11.30pm. Most bands like to finish at 11pm so we suggest they end their set and then low-level music (e.g. playlist) can continue to be played whilst the band pack down. We have to be mindful of our neighbours and the environment, so volume may depend on the direction of the wind. Low-level music can be played until midnight (e.g. iPod via a PA). We reserve the right to use a decibel metre and/or turn music down at our discretion.
Can we have a fire?
Fire pits provided by the tipi or marquee companies are welcome, but can only be lit if the land is not too dry. We will monitor the weather and let you know on the day. As we are surrounded by farmland we have to put safety first! One clever couple used LEDs under logs in shop-bought fire pits to create a fire-pit effect without the risk of flames. We will light and monitor fire pits during the event to ensure guests’ safety and the safety of the land and equipment.
Can we camp?
Yes, you can! We welcome tents, camper vans and caravans. Our bridal bell tent “Belle Leaf” is included in the hire price, as is our shower room with a hot shower and flushing toilet. We also have the new “Meadow Yurt” available for an additional price of £300. The yurt can sleep up to four people and includes a double bed. Please note for those bringing caravans and campers, we do not have an electrical hook-up or toilet waste disposal point. Campers are required to take all their waste away with them.
What happens if it rains?
We suggest you always plan for it to rain all day. That way you know that if the heavens do open, your perfect plans will not be washed away. We will help you have a plan A, and a plan B (and usually a plan C) to make sure everything runs smoothly whatever the weather. The most important thing is to have enough indoor space to house everyone if it is a bit drizzly, which means having a reasonable sized marquee or tipi for the number of guests. We can talk you through the recommended size requirements when you visit.
How do we find you?
Our postcode is IP20 0PN, however you may find the sat nav drops you in the village. If so, with the village hall on your right and the red post box and telephone box on your left, continue out of the village, passing the triangular shaped green and national speed limit signs and we are the cream farmhouse on the left opposite two cream cottages on the right. Rookery Meadow signs will be placed out on the day of the wedding but on non-event days we do not display signs as we like to stay a little bit secret!
Guests
How do we find you?
Our postcode is IP20 0PN, however you may find the sat nav drops you in the village. If so, with the village hall on your right and the red post box and telephone box on your left, continue out of the village, passing the triangular shaped green and national speed limit signs and we are the cream farmhouse on the left opposite two cream cottages on the right. Rookery Meadow signs will be placed out on the day of the wedding but on non-event days we do not display signs as we like to stay a little bit secret!
Do you have toilets on site?
Yes. A luxury toilet unit with running water and flushing toilets will be available. If you have disabled access needs or baby change requirements, please talk to the wedding couple so they can liaise with us about any additional facilities that may be needed as these are not included as standard.
Where do we park?
Parking is in a separate meadow or in the farmyard depending on the weather and time of year. Parking is free, and we have ample room for cars, minibuses or busses to park or drop-off guests. Cars can be left overnight at the owner’s risk. We allow anyone with accessibility needs to drive into the meadow to drop off and pick up provided drivers keep to the outer track. Please make the wedding couple aware of any such needs. Taxi collection points will be marked in the farmyard.
Can I get a taxi?
Of course, but you must book taxis well in advance. We are in a rural location and so getting an uber at the last minute is not an option! Taxi collection points will be marked in the farmyard.
What happens if it rains?
We work with our couples to have a rainy-day plan. We also provide umbrellas to help you get from A to B in relative dryness should the heavens open. However, we suggest you come prepared so pop a brolly and a lightweight waterproof jacket in the car. We would also recommend bringing sun cream and sunglasses, maybe even a hat, if it is hot and sunny (which we hope it will be!)
What shoes shall I wear?
It’s entirely up to you! We are an outdoor venue so you may want to consider this when choosing your attire. Kitten heels and very high heels may be a little difficult to walk in (though we have seen it be done!). Lots of guests will bring a pair of flats o flip flops to slip into for dancing and evening celebrations. You don’t need to wear wellies though the land is a grass meadow so shouldn’t be too muddy.
Can we camp?
If the wedding couple are allowing campers, then yes, you can! We welcome tents, camper vans and caravans. Please note for those bringing caravans and campers, we do not have an electrical hook-up or toilet waste disposal point. Campers are required to take all their waste away with them. Please note, not all or couples want campers on the night of their wedding, so please check with the wedding couple to see if they are accepting campers before making arrangements.
Can we have a campfire?
We are afraid not. Only fire pits provided by the tipi or marquee companies are permitted to ensure guests’ safety and the safety of the land and equipment. If the wedding couple have arranged for one of these to be located in the guest camping area that is at the discretion of the couple and Rookery Meadow. Please do not bring your own campfires.
Can we use disposable BBQs?
We are afraid not. Disposable BBQs scorch the land, impacting our beautiful environment. Some wedding couples arrange for an upright BBQ to be available for use in the morning for glamper’s breakfasts; please liaise with the couple directly so you know their wishes and plans
We are afraid not. Disposable BBQs scorch the land, impacting our beautiful environment. Some wedding couples arrange for an upright BBQ to be available for use in the morning for glamper’s breakfasts; please liaise with the couple directly so you know their wishes and plans
Glampers
How many glamping units do you have?
We currently have just one glamping unit on site, Little Island Retreat, meaning you have exclusive use of the site. For special events, such as family or friendship glamping trips we can also provide Belle Leaf, our bell tent. Belle is only available for hire as an additional glamping unit for couples staying in Little Island Retreat to enable you to share the experience with friends or family.
How many people can glamp?
Little Island Retreat can welcome two people sleeping in a king size bed. There is no room in the cabin for extra beds. Belle Leaf, our bell tent can sleep two in a double bed and two in camp beds. Your party will be the only glampers on site, ensuring your exclusive use.
Can we stay in Little Island Retreat on our wedding night?
Sadly no. Due to its location on an island we cannot allow use of Little Island Retreat on wedding nights as all glampers must be outside of the lake front by 1am. Our bell tent Belle Leaf is included in wedding venue hire though so you can still spend your wedding night under the stars.
What toilet and shower facilities do you have?
Little Island Retreat has its own eco toilet next to the accommodation. A short walk away there is a utility and shower room with hot running water, fridge, kitchen sink, flushing toilet and shower. There is a mirror and electric and USB charging points for phones and hair dryers etc. If you hire Belle Leaf our bell tent as an additional glamping unit for your party, they will use the shower and utility room for all their needs. As we only allow one group to book a stay you will only ever share these facilities with your friends or family.
Is there electricity?
Little Island Retreat is off-grid and uses solar power to provide low lighting inside and out. We also provide head torches and lanterns. The shower and utility room has mains electricity and there are electric and USB charging points for phones and hair dryers etc.
Is there heating?
No. Little Island Retreat has no heating. However the cabin is well insulated and we provide thermal blankets and hot water bottles in case it is chilly. We recommend you bring warm clothes so that you are comfortable both inside and outside the cabin.
What cooking facilities are there?
Little Island Retreat has a BBQ on the island where you can cook up some breakfast or super. The BBQ has a hob ring and cooking pans and utensils are provided. There is a kettle for the hob ring in the cabin, plus an electric kettle and a fridge in the utility room back in the farmyard.
Is glamping at Rookery Meadow suitable for children?
Little Island Retreat is an adults-only glamping experience due to its location on the lake. If you are booking our Belle Leaf our bell tent as well as Little Island Retreat, you are welcome to bring children. Belle will be located in the adjacent meadow which is separate from the lake front and is fully fenced. Please bear in mind however that we are a working farm with farm machinery, farm animals and electric fencing so children must be closely supervised at all times. Please contact us if you are planning to book Belle Leaf and camp with children.
Can I bring my dog?
Sadly not. We are not a dog friendly glamping experience due to the location of our glamping unit, so your pooch friends will need to stay at home. We can highly recommend Countryside Companions if you are looking for a dog home boarding service. They are just a few miles away making a convenient doggy care solution so you can enjoy your stay with us pet free
Can we swim in the lake?
No. The lake is a carp nursery and is full of weeds. It is not suitable for swimming or other water activities (e.g. rowing, paddle boarding). Glampers are not permitted to enter the water and we ask you to enjoy the lake from the safety of the lake front.
Can we fish the lake?
No. The lake is a carp nursery and a haven for wildlife. Fishing is strictly prohibited.
How do we find you?
Our postcode is IP20 0PN, however you may find the sat nav drops you in the village. If so, with the village hall on your right and the red post box and telephone box on your left, continue out of the village, passing the triangular shaped green and national speed limit signs and we are the cream farmhouse on the left opposite two cream cottages on the right. Rookery Meadow signs will be placed out on the day of the wedding but on non-event days we do not display signs as we like to stay a little bit secret!
Where do we park?
You will park in the farmyard near the shower and utility room. This is a short walk away from the cabin so please consider this when deciding what luggage to bring.
What is there to do nearby?
Glamping at Rookery Meadow offers you the chance to completely escape to the country and switch off from the world. Our rural locations means there are miles of walks to enjoy as well as extensive cycle routes. Or spend your days lazing around your own private lake. The nearest pub is 2.5 miles away and can be accessed by car or walking across footpaths. There are three market towns, Bungay, Harleston and Halesworth all within six miles that each have supermarkets, shops, restaurants and pubs. Details of these can be found in the house manual when you book and in the cabin.

Rookery Meadow

info@rookerymeadow.co.uk
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