Are You Ready For The Most Astrologically Powerful Day Of 2022?

As much as we love the natural world around us at Happy Valley Norfolk, we also absolutely love everything about our universe and astrology, because it has such an impact on our lives on Earth. Every year on the 8th of August, the sun in Leo, the star Sirius, Orion's Belt, and the Earth all align to form what is widely known as The Lion’s Gate Portal. It's a hugely significant astrological phenomenon that provides an opportunity to manifest more abundance than you could ever imagine. Are you curious to learn more about what this means for you? Here's an insight into the Lion's Gate portal and how to use its powerful energy.

The Power Of The Number 8

In numerology and astrology, the number 8 is a powerhouse. It stands out most in terms of the houses and signs of the zodiac and it acts as a bridge between the material and spiritual realms. There is no wonder why the 8th day of the 8th month is so super powerful. The date opens up an enchanting spiritual window for all zodiac signs to set intentions, embrace abundance, and create new beginnings. Just imagine all you’ve been manifesting put under a magnifying glass by the universe… prepare yourself for a bit of a blastoff. So what could you do to make the most of it?

Lean Into Your Inner Leo (Whatever Your Sign May Be)

This fire-ruled sign is known for confidence and courage just like a lion. Leo season allows us to feed our passions, live loudly and unapologetically, and fan the flame of our desires. It's also the season of celebration, so do things that make you feel your best and celebrate yourself! Whether in self-care, dancing around, meditating or exercising; whatever makes you feel good about yourself, do it! In order for you to get the most out of this divine time, feeling good and letting go of your doubts are key.

Remind Yourself You Deserve Your Desires & Let Go Of Your Doubts

A massive factor in manifesting and spiritual growth is having faith in yourself and having faith in what is on its way to you. We all deserve abundance and the universe is brimming with it for absolutely everyone, it just needs you to open your door and welcome that abundance into your life. For you to get the most out of this divine time, feeling good and letting go of your doubts are key. Because when we feel good, we let out high vibrational vibes and guess what - the universe returns us with more situations to feel great about and during The Lions Gate Portal - those vibes are multiplied even more so.

Set The Bar High For Your Intentions & Prepare For Big Shifts

Sirius is well known for being the brightest star in the night sky (twice the size of our sun) and is considered to be the sun of the spiritual world. It will be at its most powerful this Monday, with its highest vibrational energy pushing on our manifestations, awakenings and growth. Take a moment alone when you are relaxed to write down your manifestations; I like to do this after a relaxing bath or a long walk, so that I have refreshed mindset. As you jot down your desires for what you want to bring into your life, try to visualise them. Visualisation can be a great tool to get over your manifesting blocks and can help us focus on positive things. What is your reaction when your intention manifests? With Leo's sun amplifying our passionate side and Sirius representing wealth and abundance, now is the time to dream BIG. Set your intentions high and prepare for some absolute magic in your life.

Practice Your Gratitude

Lastly but certainly still one of the most important; be filled with gratitude. Even if it’s the smallest thing you can find each day to be grateful for, focus on that feeling of appreciation and it will grow daily. The more we are thankful for the more the universe will give us to be thankful for. This practice is fantastic for our mental and physical health, it can also help us sleep better and improve our self-esteem. Do the things that make you happy to help your heart open and expand to a world of possibilities.

There is never a wrong time to practise appreciation, lean into love or focus on anything you want to manifest. However, in the instance of the August 8 Lion's Gate portal, it's possible that your endeavours may be enhanced beyond your wildest expectations.

At Happy Valley Norfolk we love to welcome those into our whimsical woodland looking for a space for yoga retreats, forest bathing and spiritual groups. The woodland is full of energy throughout the year whatever the season may be, each brings its own divine forces, moon phases and uniqueness. To get in touch please email us via the contact information on this website.

Our whimsical woodland and Willow Island are a dreamland, for harnessing the powers of the Earth and the universe

Something wonderful and magical is about to happen - are you ready?

Manifesting and cleansing our crystals with the power of nature at Happy Valley

5 Reasons To Take A Family Glamping Trip This August

Whether it was a single trip as a child or regular weekend getaways, chances are you've been camping at least once. But have you ever thought about or tried glamping? The opportunity to spend time in nature is frequently the most compelling reason to choose a glamping getaway. With so much technology in our lives, from smartphones to smart homes, many travellers are choosing to reconnect with nature and escape the chaos of modern-day life. Whether a totally new experience for everyone or a chance to rekindle those childhood memories with your loved ones, here are our top five reason’s to love glamping this August.

1. It’s The Best Of Both Worlds

   Because glamping is derived from camping, it means that you get all the best parts - but way less stress and way more luxuries. At Happy Valley, we have real beds, home comforts, fire pits and hot tubs… all are set in the heart of 9 acres of woodland to explore. With fire pits for marshmallow toasting, barbecuing and storytelling around the fire in the evenings, you still get to grab the best parts of a fun camping trip, just with the added luxuries.

2. It’s An Affordable Family Break Away

   It’s so easy to plan a last-minute glamping trip with your family, without the stress of flights, passports and all the extra added stress (and costs) that jetting abroad brings. Staycations offer you a viable alternative to travelling abroad with less travel time, reduced travel fees and often cheaper activities whilst you are there. In Norfolk this season, there is lots going on from carnivals and festivals to family attractions such as BeWilderwood, Sandringham Estate and exploring the Norfolk coastline.

3. Make New Memories & Traditions

   Just like we all have birthday or Christmas traditions for example, why not start a glamping tradition with your kids this summer? It will be something that the whole family can enjoy, you can explore new areas and it will be something that they will remember for life. It’s also fabulous for a couple of families looking to get away and enjoy a new experience together, so you can all stay in the same place and share all of the fun.

4. A Natural Experience

   There is no comparison between staying in a resort or hotel and experiencing nature in the wild. Being in the great outdoors provides us with a sense of freedom that other vacations do not provide. It can also make us truly appreciate the natural world we live in and make us think more consciously about how to be more sustainable when we get home. This is also a great learning curve for your children, implementing an eco-friendly mindset from an early age.

5. Recharge Everyone’s Batteries Before Autumn

Taking yourself off the grid is a great way to rejuvenate yourself before the school holidays end. Nature is good for your emotional, physical, and spiritual batteries. It offers a sense of calm and peace. In these moments, you become conscious and gain a new perspective on whatever is going on in your life. You’ll return home with a fresh headspace and feel revived from your trip away. As we love to say; disconnect to reconnect, and being in nature with your family is the perfect place to do so.

To book your last-minute getaway, click the ‘Glamping” tab at the top of our website. We also now have our books open for bookings from September - early January 2023.

Toad Hall - Only available for one 3 night stay this month Monday 29th August - Thursday 1st September

Explore the wildlife and the woodland at Happy Valley Norfolk

Our gorgeous Keepers Cabin nestled in the pine trees

A Summers Escape For Couples

Norfolk is a fantastic place to get the first taste of summer, and it's even better for couples at this time of year. June and July make great months for romantic getaways because it’s the time of year you can escape before school holidays and before a season of social events go into full swing. In this tranquillity, you can disconnect from the outside world and reconnect with each other. Happy Valley Norfolk could be your answer for a unique first getaway for you and your loved one or a spontaneous change from jetting abroad for those looking for something different. Premarital couples can strengthen their foundation as they prepare for marriage, and long-term couples take their relationship to the next level - all with the help of a little nature.

Our gorgeous bell tents are now available to book. Great for couples looking for a luxe glamping experience in a whimsical woodland.

The great thing about nature is that it’s more than what meets the eye, especially when it comes to couples. By unplugging ourselves from our daily lifestyles, stresses and technology and immersing ourselves in nature, we have precious time to focus one on one - mind, body, and spirit. No distractions, just peace, bonding and strengthening. Studies have shown over the years that time spent in nature reduces anxiety, blood flow improves and also your mood improves. This being said, it’s not only good for bringing us closer it’s also vital for our health. It's almost magical how a couple can become closer and enjoy each other's company more with a little help from Mother Nature.

Woodland and wildlife greet you just outside each cabin and bell tent door. Three of our cabins also have their own private luxury hot tubs, making your stay at our retreat even more special. We are set in 9 acres of woodland and there are an extra 200 acres of woodland adjoining Happy Valley, meaning that there is plenty to explore with your partner without even leaving our retreat. In addition to all of our romantic getaway guests, we have witnessed so many gorgeous marital proposals and woodland weddings throughout the years. We are truly blessed with a retreat constantly filled with love. To book your romantic getaway at Happy Valley Norfolk, head over to the “Glamping” section of our website.

A Lovely Review For Our Woodpecker Tree Temple

“A beautiful place to stay. So cosy and relaxing. We had lashing rain when we arrived and then bright sun the day after, and The Woodpecker was a lovely place to stay for both. If the weather is rubbish then cosy up with a book and get the wood burner going, and if you get sun then head out on one of the local walks or heat up the hot tub and enjoy the beautiful view. Thank you for a lovely couple of days. We loved staying in The Woodpecker and hope to come back again.”

A huge thank you to Nicola for staying with us and leaving us such a lovely review! Woodpecker is a great cabin for a family of four looking for a woodland escape or even a couple wanting a luxury glamping experience. With a wood fired hot tub to soak the day away in and a sumptuous kingsize bed, you can leave Happy Valley feeling relaxed and refreshed.

Enjoy relaxing in the heart of nature in the wood fired hot tub. To view our other cabins with hot tubs included, click the glamping tab at the top of the page.

The Woodpecker Tree Temple in all it’s woodland glory.

Bring your walking boots and reap the benefits of all the great local area to explore. Picture here is our Willow Island, a renowned wedding ceremony spot.

To book your stay in The Woodpecker Tree Temple or to view what else we have to offer, head over to the glamping section of our website.

Halloween at Happy Valley

Follow us behind the scenes to a Halloween Week at Happy Valley. As Hallows’ Eve falls on the week of October Half Term, it is no surprise that our mini mascots are employed to take part in the mischief and mayhem.

The sun has dawned on Summer and now the moon, wide eyed in wonder, looks down at the scene unfolding. Tiny dew drops of rain can be seen building up on cobwebs of woven silk; nature plays its part as spiders and bats are ready to take their role in this spooky festival.

As the cold air lingers and a foggy mist descends, Annie and Barnaby step into their positions magnificently by brewing the potions (tea and hot chocolate!) and preparing the cauldron for a family feast (pumpkin cookies!). With no cat or ghost in sight, Timber the dog is roped into the day’s ritual and as pumpkin is going spare, he is happy to oblige.

Our first call to arms, is to find our coats, wrap up in a layer of protection from the howling winds, and step into the woodland of whispering trees to find the perfect chestnuts and conkers for our collection. We place these and the acorn leaves into the magician’s hat and utter a chant or two.

With spoons and (adult-supervised) knives at the ready, we carve out some fun by etching into the round, plump, pumpkins at our feet. Scraping out the fluffy, orange innards, we scoop this into our pot and place to one side (this will be noted on our post-Halloween-pumpkin-blog). Our future architect and nine-year-old carpenter, picks up his drill and creates a fiery sky of stars by drilling holes into the pumpkin’s thick skin.

Adorned with a witch’s hat and magic at her fingers tips, Annie brings a glimmer of sparkle to nature as leaves and conkers are coated in gold. The shimmery glow coming from the puddle below hints at the evening to come and a cackle echoes in the air, reverberating throughout the land. It’s almost time.

The candles are lit, sparklers ignite, pumpkins are placed, with fairies and sprite. Our two, adorable children transform into Witch and Magician. Skulls’ eyes are aglow and to the new, log cabin we go. Come friend, come foe, come ghost, come all, this year’s Halloween will be the best of them all!

If you would like to join us for a weekend of magic and fun, we have some last minute availability due to a local lockdown for our unfortunate guests:

Availability: Friday 30th October – Monday 2nd November 2020

Cabins: Woodpecker (£395) or Denver Rest and Tawny Hut (£320) - NOW FULLY BOOKED

To book, please contact hello@happyvalleynorfolk.co.uk / 01485600719

With love,

Katy and Kirsty xx

Autumn Equinox

Today is the Autumn Equinox, aka Mabon, a powerful time of the year where day and night dance in perfect balance, where the sun and moon equally share the sky. We open the doors to Autumn and give thanks and honour the harvest just gone. Even when the harvest wasn’t quite what was expected there’s always something to be grateful for.

A time of balance between the seasons. Holding this transitional space without fear is on our Happy Valley affirmations list and not always easy in the current climate. But we all know that fears makes the wolf look bigger & we turn to Mother Nature for a word of wisdom.

The Equinox is a time honoured by many cultures including us here at Happy Valley. The nights become chillier and before we even see the change in the landscape our senses notice the changing seasons. We can marvel at how Mother Earth shows us that nothing is constant and how this is reflected in our world.
This too shall pass.

We celebrate the land and its history for it has seen this all before and we celebrate all of you who’ve shared this crazy journey which is 2020. We’ve made it to Autumn & that is worth celebrating.

Location Location Location

In this season of uncertainty, there is an opportunity for growth and creativity. If a picture says a thousand words, then an entire photoshoot can give you a story, and people are looking for this now more than ever before.

While the world is kept inside, we look out towards the light and long to chase the clouds and catch the sun as it sets. We want to see rainbows, vast landscapes, and everything in between. In our enforced bubbles, we turn to family albums, postcards, magazine clippings and the endless reel on Instagram for comfort and for the hope of a better future.

We invite location scouts and managers, photographers, creatives and designers to Happy Valley where the options are endless. Whether you’re looking for a woodland wilderness, a little lake, rustic lodges, vintage barns, industrial spaces or an open field in the middle of nowhere then look no further. There’s an exciting portfolio of unique locations available for film and photographic shoots within this one Norfolk Venue.

Here we highlight the Hay Barn which is a great year round historic barn with a wood burner, bar area and chill out. It’s licensed for Weddings and perfect for a Micro Wedding.

Why not shoot and stay on site. Take a look at our Shepherds Huts, Tree temple and Treehouse HERE

By hiring Happy Valley for the day or week, you can paint people’s screens with positivity and fun with the following photoshoot options:

·       Film location

·       Engagement shoots

·       Commercial photoshoots – Fashion, Wedding, product shoots etc

Set in a rural backdrop of quintessentially English countryside, Happy Valley is a woodland venue like no other. Its nine acres of land offers the perfect chance to capture nature at its best. What’s more, our on-site, luxury glamping accommodation, barn and hot tubs can host your team should you wish to work on a longer project.

We could not wait to get back to being creative and shot a little Autumn shoot in the Hay Barn with some incredibly talented local creatives last week.

Hannah Hunnam is a sustainable florist based in Castle Acre and has a natural eye for creating incredible flower arrangements. Check out her instagram @Hannah.Hunnam to see how she works with colour, movement and flair in a sustainable manner. Here’s a bit more from Hannah -

“I’m an independent florist based in Castle Acre, West Norfolk. I specialise in seasonal, wild and naturalistic floral arrangements - all of which celebrate colour, movement and flair! I’m passionate about sourcing locally grown and British blooms wherever possible, and have built some great relationships with incredible local growers here in Norfolk (I'm also growing what I can in my very small garden!). I take great pride in using sustainable design methods in my work, and avoid using floral foam in all of my arrangements and installations. There are plenty of alternative and creative design solutions available with the aim of lowering our carbon footprint, without having to make any compromises on the quality and style”

Tori Hancock is a UK based wedding and commercial photographer - A little bit from Tori -

“My style focuses on humour, emotion and beauty and is a blend of documentary, fine art photography and photojournalism. I love to get those unique portraits, teary eyes, and fun candid moments. If you're getting married and think you might be interested in me discreetly documenting your special day, why not get in touch. Likewise, if you want to capture some memories of you and your loved one(s), or have a business that you want to be photographed, feel free to drop me a line.” Check out Toris Instagram HERE

For more information or to receive a bespoke quote, please contact: hello@happyvalleynorfolk.co.uk  

INSTAGRAM - @HappyValleyNorfolk

TWITTER - @NorfolkVenue

Halloween Shoot in The Hay Barn at Happy Valley - Photography @torihancock_photography - Flowers @hannah.hunnam