At Happy Valley, buds are starting to open and reveal shoots of new growth of leaves, the pond is glistening with the light from the sun, daffodils are spread amongst the grass and the birds are tweeting a new spring chorus.
To me, that sounds like a slice of heaven on earth. A trip to remember and the lucky guests who have booked with us for the Easter weekend will be able to experience all of that and more.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
How You Can Be A Wardrobe Warrior & Help Save Our Planet
Did you know that the fashion industry and production make up around 10% of humanity's carbon emissions? Sustainable fashion refers to clothing and textiles that have been created in a way that is mindful of the vast environmental issues the fashion industry touches on. The good news is, by working together we can lower these effects, by making simple changes to the way we shop and what we wear.
You don't need to throw everything out of your wardrobe and replace it with a full sustainable line. It isn't as difficult as you may think to get started on a sustainable wardrobe and it's worth it for the future of our planet. Here are some key factors we can be mindful of is;
Take care of your clothes and the world at the same time - By buying higher quality items, our brains automatically want to look after them better. Buying less but better quality is much better than buying hauls of cheap items. With the warmer and sunnier days, we can hang washing out instead of tumbler drying, this will prolong the life of your clothes and reduce energy usage from indoors. At Happy Valley, we also love to use the brand Ecover in our laundry room. This is an eco-friendly cleaning brand, made from plant and mineral-based ingredients.
If you can choose a more ethical brand, why not try it? - When buying online apart from looking at reviews, do you ever really take note about where those clothes are made? What are the working conditions like? Is it a brand hoping for a more sustainable future or are they just greenwashing?
What to do with them when we no longer want them? - Instead of a trip to the bin, how about a trip to the local charity shop? And who knows while your there what you may find for yourself! Personally I love charity shops, I have found so many great items in them and lots of things that were new or nearly new, even designer items.
Trans-seasonal items are the way forward- The problem isn’t exactly fast fashion, it’s also down to how much your going to use that item. When shopping think about how much use you will get out of it. Instead of shelling out on the latest trends, opt for timeless pieces that can work in any season.
In the current climate of the world, more and more brands are recognising the importance of looking after our environment. Luxury brand Chloé plans on increasing its lower impact materials and fair trade sourcing across all categories by 2025. In their 2021 AW collection, more than 80% of the collection's cashmere yarn was recycled and over 50% of silk was derived from organic agriculture.
We at Happy Valley love educating ourselves on ways to be more environmentally friendly because there is always something new to learn and something we can improve on. We also like to influence our guests and social media followers with useful tips, so if you have any, please share them in the comments section below.
5 Ways To Welcome Spring Into Your Home
Finally, we are in March which means one thing - first day of Spring is this month! We are on the cusp of nature being reborn, with all its glorious blooms and greenery. The sunshine is that little bit warmer, the days get longer and we get to do all those things we have waited so long for. Spring makes us feel inspired and invigorated, so there is no wonder that we all feel so excited. Now is a great time to put those feelings into action and get our homes ready to welcome in the season.
1.) Have a big spring clean
Make room for all that’s new and have a good old traditional spring clean, to get us motivated and organised. Cleaning doesn’t need to be boring at all, open those windows for some fresh air and put on your favourite playlist. You can make a checklist, get the family involved in a friendly competition and even set rewards for the evening when it’s all done.
2.) Freshen up your style
Whether home or wardrobe, the wait is over for re-introducing those gorgeous floral prints and brighter colours. We are seeing the very fashionable olive green this winter being replaced with lime greens already, from the catwalk to home decor. Spiritually, this colour signifies creativity and luck, making it a great colour for this spring.
3.) Bring on the botanics
Speaking of green hues, it’s possibly the best time of the year for gardening. Now is a good time to get your shrubs pruned and the garden cleaned, ready for planting for when Spring officially arrives. If you are looking to bring Mother Nature indoors, peace lilies and orchids are both beautiful, low maintenance additions, that will bring to your home.
4.) Switch up the scents
Those wondrous musky toned candles were perfect for the winter months, but now it’s time to invigorate the senses with fresh florals and zesty fragrances. Did you know that a fresh cut lemon placed next to your bed has been proven to help improve your stress levels, air quality and sleep? And all while making your room smell deliciously clean.
5.) Bring life back to meal times
After months of hearty meals and hot beverages, Springtide welcomes back its tasty seasonal ingredients like asparagus, courgettes and radishes. We love the sound of the mouthwatering recipe we’ve found ‘One Pan Salmon with Roast Asparagus” and can’t wait to try it out. What are your favourite meals in Spring? Let us know down below in the comments.
"The views are out of this world" A fantastic review for Toad Hall
We are so grateful for this review that came in from our recent guests Carmen & Ben.
“Where do i start! What an amazing place! My fiancé and I just got home from a well needed couple of days away for some pure relaxation and this is the place! If you are pondering on whether to book, ponder no more! Do it! You won’t regret it! beautiful surroundings, definitely recommend the 200 acre wood trail, such a beautiful walk and if you keep going it takes you to a lovely little village. Toad Hall was immaculate, beds and pillows sooo comfy we had the best nights sleep. The views are out of this world, everywhere you look when inside the lodge you are greeted with a stunning view, even in the shower! If you are looking for silence, peace and tranquility this is the place. Nothing beats drinking your morning coffee whilst gazing out of a window with endless trees and views, We are already looking online to book for summer but unfortunately it’s all booked up. The communication was five star with Katy, prompt replies and we even had a box of choccies left on arrival. Thankyou :) A lovely little perk of this stay, if you are unorganised like me, was the kitchen amenities, oil, herbs and spices and everything you would need to cook with, also a lovely array of books and games, perfect for a cozy night in whilst watching the sunset through the main window. It really was a breath taking experience. I cannot fault toad hall in any way I only wish we could book again now for the summer! :( The hot tub was all up to temperature and ready to go as soon as we arrived, was very easy to use and hot tubbing surrounded by trees was a whole new experience for us! It was wonderful! We used it so many times. We went in February 2022 and the temperature in the lodge was so lovely and warm and comfortable. Thank you Katy for making it such a memorable stay Carmen and Ben X”
A Wonderful Review For Toad Hall From Our Christmas Guests.
“We spent Christmas at Toad Hall and Oh my Goodness, what a treat. As soon as we walked in and saw it all dressed Christmassy we said it has the wow factor. That gable is absolutely stunning. Surrounded by fields and trees and only the sound of the owls at night. It was perfect. Toad Hall has everything you could need and everything is finished to a high spec. The beds are sooo comfy, especially the downstairs king. You can really tell the quality of the bedding and mattress - superb! The shower was amazing and it was so nice even having a view from the bathroom window while you washed in the morning. The hot tub is probably the best I’ve ever used. It was glorious. So relaxing. Katy was always on hand if we needed her, but luckily we didn’t have any problems or need to. As it was Christmas we were probably super lazy and just enjoyed being in the treehouse so we didn’t get to explore much, but it looks like there would be plenty to do and see locally.”
To book glamping getaway, head over to the glamping section on our website.
A Review From Our Recent Guest
“This place is 10 out of 10. It deserves every penny. Highly recommend you to visit. No phones, no internet, peaceful woodland, cosy cabin with wonderful log burner and great hot tub. I have not seen so many stars in years. It is out of the world sitting in a hot tub in a woodland and watching the stars. If you are after romantic place to spend time with your other half - this wood do it. It is luxurious place with everything you need and spotless clean. You will get the most of your money. We would definitely visit again.”
To book your unique glamping experience, head over to the glamping section of our website.
Why You Should Go Glamping This Christmas
During the colder months and around Christmas, glamping is a fabulous idea. It can be even more magical and completely different than in the warmer seasons.
Imagine waking up on Christmas morning in one of our cosy cabins, looking out into the frosty woodland, log burner blazing inside and a steamy hot tub waiting for you - an experience you will never forget.
With an array of eatery options in the area, you could either book a table letting someone else do all the hard work or you could cook up a tasty Christmas dinner in your cabin. Spend the evenings around the outside fire pit, relaxing with a glass of red wine and delve into the bubbling water of your private wood-fired hot tub.
Christmas traditions get passed down through generations - what time you are allowed to tear the wrapping off your presents, who gets to light up the Christmas pudding or a certain festive movie you watch every year like clockwork. However, there is nothing stopping you from creating new traditions, so why not spend your Christmas tucked up with your loved ones in one of our cosy cabins at Happy Valley Norfolk?
To book your festive staycation, check out the glamping section of our website, where you will find all the details of each of our cabins and availability.
Happy Valley Believes
We’ve watched the world from our window seat. Seasons have rolled in and out, like waves lapping against the shore. Time has played tricks on our mind, with long stretches of inactivity laid out before us and then a whirlwind of chaos flurrying in. With the uncertainty we all face, Happy Valley is hanging onto the hope of Christmas.
The warmth of hot chocolates and mulled wine by the fire, the enchantment of hearing sleigh bells jangle overhead and the sparkle of lights on in windows, brings this winter season to life. Looking out into the abyss of darkness, the vast landscape rolling out in front of the night sky – just when you think you’re all alone, you see a candle come on, a lantern light up and a fire glow in the distance.
At Happy Valley, we believe in community coming together, we believe in the hopes and dreams of others and we most definitely believe in the magic of Christmas.
Our Happy Valley elves have been busy preparing for the festivities and our cabins have been spruced up, ready to welcome you back this winter. Secret Santas have climbed up on their shelves, angels have taken position overhead, garlands have lovingly wrapped themselves around the beams and the baubles have bounced into position.
If you’re wondering where to go on holiday in the UK this Christmas then why not try beautiful North Norfolk. Surrounded by wide open spaces, beautiful off road walks, stunning award winning beaches and plenty of fresh air to keep you healthy.
What better way to celebrate each other this year than to take a staycation in the beautiful county of Norfolk.
Our cabins:
Toad Hall – a sumptuous treehouse, sleeping four adults and two children. This comes with a private hot tub, wheelchair accessible ramp, wetroom ensuite, open plan kitchenette, wine cooler, and outside decking area.
Woodpecker – a magical bell temple, sleeping either four adults or two adults and two children. This is an open plan room with king sized bed, adult-sized bunk bed, log burner, dining area, DVD player and ensuite shower room.
Denver Rest – a shepherd hut amongst the trees, sleeping two adults. This cosy hut comes with an outdoor kitchenette, a fire pit, and a shower room a short walk away.
King Nutkin – a love nest for two, sleeping two adults. This comes with a log burner, indoor kitchenette with a shower room a short walk away.
Christmas Cabin - yet to be named, our latest log cabin is coming along a treat and will make for the perfect Christmas surprise. Sleeping four adults (with the potential of two children), it comes with an ensuite shower room, open plan kitchen and living room, two bedrooms, a wrap around porch and a private woodfired hot tub.
Our current availability: availability can change quickly as we have instant booking on other sites.
Toad Hall – Monday 7th – Wednesday 9th December, Wednesday 9th – Friday 11th December, Friday 11th – Monday 14th December, Monday 14th – Wednesday 16th December, Wednesday 16th December – Friday 18th December, Friday 18th December – Monday 21st December, Monday 21st December – Monday 27th December
Woodpecker – Friday 4th December – Monday 7th December, Monday 7th – Wednesday 9th December, Wednesday 9th – Friday 11th December, Friday 11th – Monday 14th December, Monday 14th – Wednesday 16th December, Wednesday 16th December – Friday 18th December, Friday 18th December – Monday 21st December, Monday 21st December – Monday 27th December
Denver Rest – Friday 4th December – Monday 7th December, Monday 7th – Wednesday 9th December, Wednesday 9th – Friday 11th December, Friday 11th – Monday 14th December, Monday 14th – Wednesday 16th December, Wednesday 16th December – Friday 18th December, Friday 18th December – Monday 21st December, Monday 21st December – Monday 27th December
King Nutkin – Friday 4th December – Monday 7th December, Monday 7th – Wednesday 9th December, Wednesday 9th – Friday 11th December, Friday 11th – Monday 14th December, Monday 14th – Wednesday 16th December, Wednesday 16th December – Friday 18th December, Friday 18th December – Monday 21st December, Monday 21st December – Monday 27th December
Christmas Cabin - Wednesday 9th – Friday 11th December, Friday 11th – Monday 14th December, Monday 14th – Wednesday 16th December, Wednesday 16th December – Friday 18th December, Friday 18th December – Monday 21st December, Monday 21st December – Monday 27th December
Our safety measurements:
We take your safety very seriously which is why:
· Each cabin is deep cleaned before and after your stay - no late check outs or early check ins allowed.
· Christmas decorations are cleaned with covid antibacterial spray
· Hand santisers throughout the venue and in all cabins, on the Hay Barn door and dotted around on some of the trees.
· Each guest is required to fill out our Covid health questionnaire prior to arrival.
· Guests are encouraged to regularly wash hands and are asked to wear masks when out and about in the local area
· We ask every guest to scan the QR code onto their NHS app
· There are nine acres to enable successful social distancing
· Happy Valley has been a super host on Air BnB for five consecutive years due to excellent cleanliness
What 2020 guests have said about us:
“Happy Valley have gone to great lengths to follow COVID guidelines and have done a fantastic job. If you want clean accommodation and easy social distancing in these current times, this is the place for you”
For more reviews, please see:
Happy Valley believes in the magic of Christmas, do you?
With love,
Katy, Kirsty and the team at Happy Valley xx
To book our accommodation, please click here or contact hello@happyvalleynorfolk.co.uk