Wishing you a glorious Easter

Easter Table Set-Up in Woodpecker Cabin @ Happy Valley Norfolk

Easter is a beautiful holiday, it’s a time to celebrate the Spring, rebirth, a new awakening and endless opportunity as the sun rays stay out a little longer warming the earth.

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. 

Hot Cross Buns & Hot Chocolate in the cosy Keepers Cabin @ Happy Valley Norfolk

Imagine setting up an Easter egg hunt for your little family throughout the woodland surrounding your private cabin, tucking into hot cross buns on the wrap around porch surrounding Keepers Cabin, preparing an Easter feast while looking out of the framed picture windows onto a woodland landscape watching the squirrels play mischievously together up and down the trees. Imagine watching the sunset from the west of the site, breathing deeply, immersed in nature, inhaling the forest with the possibility of an even better day tomorrow. Taking a well deserved dip in the bubbling hot tub, underneath the trees looking up at a sky full of stars thanks to Happy Valley being a dark sky site. 

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.

Toad Hall @ Happy Valley Norfolk

We have availability in Keepers Cabin and Toad Hall from the 8th to the 12th April, if you too want to carve out your own piece of Easter Holiday heaven. You can book now by clicking here. 

From all of us at Happy Valley Norfolk, we want to wish you all a happy Easter and a glorious break - Oh and don‘t forget our Spring Rising Day Festival on the 11th May, from 1pm you can join us for a family-friendly day festival with market stalls, craft workshops, delicious food, cocktails and mocktails from the Cattle Yard Bar and a fantastic DJ so you can dance the night away! £3 entry and Free parking on site. We are pulling out all the stops to ensure a lively and exciting event. 

We can’t wait to see you there!x

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;

Made with plant-based, biodegradable and other consciously chosen ingredients.

• 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.

Chloé's Fall 2021 collection could be considered "four times more sustainable compared to last year."

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.

Days Out In Norfolk That Won't Break The Bank

The warmer weather is right on our doorstep and as much as it can be wonderful to spend some extra time with your loved ones, it can also feel stressful trying to plan things to do. Not to fear, because we have put together a list of budget family days out in Norfolk, that will help you keep the full family entertained and make some marvellous memories, whilst sticking to a budget. We are so lucky to be so rich in history, nature and culture and lots of it are free to visit. For nature lovers, there are miles upon miles of beaches, woodland and wildlife sites. The county is bursting with things to do, that you won’t find in other places.

1) Be A Royal For The Day At Sandringham Estate Walk the woodlands - Free / Sandringham House & Gardens - £13 just for the Gardens or £23 for both

The Queen's Country Retreat and the Royal Family’s only private home and estate in England. “Explore Sandringham Royal Parkland this spring, by foot or by bike. The 600 acre Royal Park has two way-marked trails winding through woodlands & parkland with further unmarked paths for you to explore.” Alongside the vast woodland and grounds to explore, there is also The Sandringham House and gardens to soak up some history in. Take a break at in the courtyard for some refreshments and browse the estates favourite produce in the gift shop. A great event coming up is Sandringham’s Food, Craft, and Wood Festival which will be taking place on April 30th, 1st & 2nd of May.

2) Explore The Unknown With Norfolk Hidden Gems From just £22 for the whole group

“As you travel you earn points by visiting destinations, solving clues & completing challenges. The Travel League lets you compete with fellow explorers! Each season win amazing prizes & become the UK’s Greatest Explorer!” Norfolk Hidden Gems is a self-guided tour and treasure hunt travel experience and all you need is a mobile phone, to use the smartphone travel tool. You can explore over 100 destinations and challenges, avoid the crowds and it’s flexible to start at anytime. Just pack your sense of adventure and get ready to discover hidden gems & incredible places you may never find alone.

3) Visit The South Asia Collection For A Dose Of History & Culture Admission - Free

If you like a dash of city life and love discovering culture, in the heart of Norfolk the city of Norwich, there is plenty to do and see for free such as visiting The South Asia Collection. Housed in a restored Victorian roller skating rink in the centre of Norwich, just a short walk from the market place. “A Grade II listed architectural gem, with a dramatic arched wooden roof, the Old Skating Rink was first opened on the 19th September 1876. Over a hundred years later in 1993 Philip and Jeannie Millward, the founders of The South Asia Collection, purchased the building and embarked on a major refurbishment. Today, exhibition displays and large carved architectural pieces from South Asia can be seen beside the galleries where admiring Victorians once looked out across the skaters beneath the impressive arched roof.”

4) The Norfolk Coastline Free To Explore

There's plenty to see and do along Norfolk's 90-mile coastline, from beautiful beaches with salt marshes to shingle spits, fine sand and estuaries. There are tons of coastal villages and towns to visit including Sheringham which is well-known for its beautiful beaches and cliffs, Wells-Next-The-Sea where families enjoy crabbing and multiple events during the year and of course, Heacham and Hunstanton, which are practically on our doorstep.

We are very fortunate to be located near a variety of activities to do and places to visit for free. We have the highest concentration of mediaeval churches in the world, with 659. North Norfolk is one of the few sites in the UK where you can view the northern lights, and the vast beach at Holkham and Wells-next-the-Sea is routinely rated the best beach in the country.

To book your stay at Happy Valley for a truly unique glamping experience, click on the “Glamping” tab at the top of this website.

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.

We are so excited to see our retreat in full bloom once again

The reopening of our Bell Tents will be here before we know it and we cannot wait

BBC GoodFood’s One Pan Salmon with Roast Asparagus has really kick started our tastebuds

Forget “Orange is the New Black” … Wednesday Weddings are about to start trending in 2020.

During our work-from-home staycation, we’re keeping in touch with our sister venues and suppliers and the whole wedding industry knows we’re in for a busy few months ahead.

As we batten down the hatches and weather the storm, we wonder if we could turn this tragedy into a new trend and plant mid-week weddings on the map. David Beahm, Harper Bazaar’s Event Designer, says “Perhaps Wednesday weddings are going to be the new thing for a while, and there’s nothing wrong with that”.

As many weekend dates are already booked in 2020 & choosing a weekend in 2021 could leave a venue or supplier’s business unable to sustain events next year, what if we took that off the table and got #wednesdayweddings #WW20 #wednesdaysforthewin #WW21 trending?

Why should I become a mid-week trend setter?

• Availability - practically speaking, most venues are booked up 1-2 years in advance and suppliers now have the huge task of re-arranging their whole calendar. Realistically, there will be much more availability mid-week now than at any weekend.

• Ease of travel - trains will be quieter, flights will be cheaper, traffic will be lighter and extra, local accommodation will be on offer. This actually makes it a lot easier for your guests to get to your wedding. Yes, they’ll need to take a day off but bosses will be aware of the situation and everyone needs an excuse to party after this.

• Social act of kindness - tourism, hospitality and leisure industries are on a knife-edge. To prevent them from falling into the abyss, postponing to a mid-week wedding could save their business and protect job security for their staff. Remember the words “In a world where we can be anything, be kind”?

What would my mid-week wedding look like?

This is the fun part and where our Pinterest addiction is put to good use!

• Themes - why not be creative and come dressed for an après-ski wedding? Or, in true Autumn style, adorn the barns in pumpkins and lanterns? Lots of bohemian and festival weddings are held in the autumn and the photos are breath-taking, as is the backdrop at Happy Valley this time of year.

• Treats - we love the idea of having a hot drinks bar. If that doesn’t do the trick, a whiskey bar will always be welcome and children will queue up for a s’more session, roasting marshmallows over the fire pit. At Happy Valley, to allow you and your gets to save money, we will permit guests to bring their own drink of choice to the venue so they can stock up on the bubbly en route. Don’t forget, with our luxurious hot tubs, you can keep warm whilst gazing at the stars which is the best treat your guests can have.

• Accessories - what woman doesn’t love to accessorise and this is where we can have some fun with umbrellas, wellies, blankets, hand warmers or ear muffs. Consider using this as an excuse to indulge yourself with a hand-painted, custom leather jacket for the bride, a hand-crocheted shawl or a beautiful, faux-fur statement piece.

• Making a statement - imagine faux-fur draping over haystacks, vintage rugs taking centre stage in the barn, fairy lights wrapped around the trees, lanterns in every nook and cranny and fire pits and log burners providing that cosy, warm feeling. You could even add a touch of magic with some hand-held sparklers.

Look through our vision board to inspire you (thank you to our talented photographers for permission to use your work) and use this time at home to let your imagination run wild. We’re up for the mid-week mayhem if you are!

With love,

Katy, Kirsty and the team at Happy Valley xx

hello@happyvalleynorfolk.co.uk

01485 600 719

Instagram - @HappyValleyNorfolk

Facebook - Happy Valley Norfolk

Darina Stoda Photography

Paper Antler Photography

@matildasodphotography

Shanon Rosan Photography

@liveviewstudios

@brandwold

The Road to Happy Valley x

Happy Valley Norfolk

Autumn at Happy Valley is breath taking.

Hand-painted, leather jacket for the bride @wolfandrosie

The Wedding Wolves

There’s no better time to grab your attention than when we’re on an enforced, three week lock-down and in need of distraction so we felt it was high time to tell you a story:

A grandfather sat his grandson down and decided to impart some words of wisdom.

“A fight is going on inside of me,” he said to the boy. “It is a terrible fight and it is between two wolves. One wolf represents darkness - he is regret, anger, sorrow, selfishness and self-pity and everything negative in the world.”

The grandfather looked at his captivated grandson, took a breath and continued, “The other wolf represents the light - he is peace, hope, understanding, compassion and faith and everything positive in the world. We all have the same two wolves fighting within us.”

The grandson, a fan of everything to do with war and battles turns to his grandfather and says, “which wolf will win?”.

The wise, old man simply replied, “The one you feed.”

What do wolves have to do with weddings?

During this time of uncertainty, there are understandably a lot of emotions running high and these are valid and necessary feelings for us all to be having.

Each of us is fighting an internal battle between wanting to help our neighbours, friends, family and local businesses and at the same time worrying about what it might mean for our own finances, health or future happiness. We all want to be kind and understanding but we also all have fear and frustration.

Is our advice to feed the positive wolf and let the negative wolf starve? No, it would be an impossibility. They’re both there and they both have to eat. What we can do, is acknowledge that whilst we are having to face great disappointments and insecurity, we can also show the capacity for compassion and forbearance. The beauty of humanity is often found in the grey areas where despite the doubt and fear, we surprise ourselves with our own strength and resilience.

So, if each wolf is being fed at a time where food is being rationed and supermarkets are in short supply, who gets what?

That part is down to us but how we respond and which wolf we feed the most will define how we are viewed when this chaos is over. Our time in the grey area is now and our actions will show which wolf ate all the metaphorical pies.

Even though you’re justifiably worried about your future wedding plans, there are still ways we can lift each other up. Here at Happy Valley, we invite you to look at the following acts of kindness to show your wedding suppliers some support:

• If you’re pleased with the service you’ve received during this difficult time, consider leaving a positive review on their website. If you’re not, perhaps take into account unprecedented stress?

• Like, comment and share posts. Why not shine a light on some suppliers in need of encouragement?

• Make future reservations. For most suppliers, it’s not just the next few months that are of concern but their whole calendar year - show them some light at the end of the tunnel.

At Happy Valley, we hope you feel our negative wolves have been put on a strict diet of kale and lentils (not least because stress represses the immune system and we need to stay healthy right now!) and our positive wolves have been given the full, fine-dining experience.

We would like to thank our 2020 couples for their thoughtfulness and appreciation and are excited to give you the happy ending you all so deserve.

With love,

Katy, Kirsty and the team at Happy Valley xx

hello@happyvalleynorfolk.co.uk

01485 600 719

Instagram - @HappyValleyNorfolk

Facebook - Happy Valley Norfolk

Memories of happier times. A woodland wedding photoshoot at Happy Valley.

Misty Blues

Indulge in a walk in nature and beat those Winter blues. Even on a grey, wet autumn day you’ll tend to return with more then you’d hoped for.

Nature Meditation in the forest which felt like a little bit of Norfolk Narnia   

Find Happy Valley on Instagram - @happyvnorfolk

Toad Hall in the morning mist stands quietly  

Happy Valley on Twitter - @norfolkvenue

The infamous Black Shuck

Winter walks bring on a different kind of magic. Natures palette never fails to inspire. We are now going into our third winter here as Happy Valley & one thing I’ve learnt is to allow myself to slow down through the winter months just like the landscape that surrounds. This is a contrast to the rest of the year when it seems to never stop. Adapting to this change can be tricky but required for growth.

🎄Christmas Vouchers available 🎄

hello@happyvalleynorfolk.co.uk

Words that came to mind after this walk -

Reflection

contemplation

mindfulness  

gratitude

XXX

Tribe Norfolk & Friends

After months of planning, a week of weather warnings whilst setting up, Tribe Norfolk was born at the arse end of storm Ali or was it storm Bronagh or Helene! Safe to say we weren’t blessed with the weather but in true Norfolk style we soldiered on and Tribe Norfolk was definitely blessed with some of the finest folk of Nor. What a magical little event!

It was so darn good we’re going to do it again next year but possibly a bit earlier in the Summer, like right at the start! To keep up with news about Tribe Norfolk Festival 2019, follow us on Instagram or email hello@tribenorfolk.co.uk to get involved.

Tribe Norfolk 2019

13 - 14th July - Get your early bird tickets here

Created from a desire to connect Norfolk business and people, Tribe Norfolk is a platform to shout out about the incredibly talented hooomans we have in this county and its surrounds. For everyone who loves Norfolk. A community of supportive characters who see how connection can create friendships, collaborations, business and synergy. A festival for the whole family. Of involvement and interaction. Going back to basics. There was a whole lot of fun to be had and below are a few of our favourite memories and many thanks!

Abbie ready to welcome the Tribe.

Santosha Yoga Norfolk

Emilie is a bundle of fabulous energy and offered 90s Hip Hop and Reggae yoga which were thoroughly enjoyed by mums, dads, traders, children, musicians, performers, the lot. Even on the drabbest of days the spirit was so high. We are already planning next years wellness area and it’s gonna be a goodun bah!

Wayside Pottery

Providing hours and hours worth of fun, technique, creativity, support, encouragement and positivity - I can not recommend them highly enough. They’ll be returning next year with some even bigger plans. Eeeek!

Mrs Hoopah aka Suzanne Fossey

Suzanne kept families entertained for hours enchanting everyone who came near. She’s an absolute joy - full of positive energy and hugely appreciated by all. We saw so many people getting involved, grand parents included. One guest commented “I have tried for 35 years and never been able to hula hoop until this weekend. Suzanne was so empowering and after just 10 minutes I was hula hooping”. We’re not surprised and knew as soon as we saw her she was special. Suzanne is also a fabulous photographer and you can see her pics here.

Tales In Thread

Thank you so much for bringing your beautiful creations and cultural embroidery workshop to Happy Valley. Barnaby (7yrs) tore his kite the week after and said to me “Mummy, I can sew it up as the lady from Tales in Thread taught me”. And he sewed it very well. Thanks Titania, you were hugely appreciated with your stunning embroidery badges and so much more.

Titania Fisher - Cultural World Textile Teacher/Researcher/Artist Go check her out HERE

Bewilderwood

So much love for Millies team from Bewilderwood. They brought endless joy to us, braving every single weather and their spirits were always high. Mini adventures included crown making, bat bake-offs and story telling on the tree swing. They were an absolute joy to have around and they definitely managed to add even more magic to Happy Valley.

Norfolk Creative Arts

Used mix media art inspired by Happy Valley’s enchanted forest. You could create your own mask and get a selfie (just so they don’t feel too far removed from the modern world)!

A Festival for the whole family

Embellish Face & Body Art

Kings Lynn & District Astronomy Society

Fascinated us with their out of this world knowledge!! We found out what’s above the night skies and chatted about what’s beyond! The Kings Lynn and District Astronomy Society fascinated people of all ages with their interactive talk in the barn. A humbling encounter with knowledge that left hairs standing on end for quite some time. Pic from Richard Pearce on their FB Page.

Wellbeing By The Sea

Marie lovingly welcomed families into the island and gave free sessions of yoga and mindfulness. Lazy Sunday vibes included #yoganidra yogic sleep - a powerful guided meditation which had unlimited restorative and rejuvenating properties.

“Yoga can help empower children, help them handle stresses, mood and anxieties and provide the space they need to cultivate self awareness, confidence and calm amid the steam of chaos,” says Marie. She’s right!

Henna Soul - Not just your average Henna Artist.

The Fabulous Meg Matthews Jewellery

Arthur from Woodgate Forge

SHOPPING

Bohemian clothing and accessories from Wildling Woman.

The fabulous Copper Knit - incredible jewellery and beautiful figurines.

The Shopping Village included stalls such as Attik & Seller, Vintage Deli, The Salvage Seller, Fringe and Fray, Ralph and Arlo, Argentum Designs, Copper Knit and Wildling Woman.

Ollie Platt Events

Ollie provided the beautiful shopping village marquee complete with stripe lining plus their fabulous Franks cocktail and smoothie Bar which was a hit with both Mummies and Daddies! The smoothies were pretty damn fine to. I can recommend their Super Green Smoothie! It definitely gave a much needed energy boost.

Jake Morrell enjoying the scenery

FOOD

Pie Central

The Cabin Folk

HUGE SHOUT OUT to the Travelling Bluebird who provided incredible comfort food throughout the weekend.

Norfolk Charcuterie

The Food Dude

Nomadi Pizza

The Oh So Simply Cake Co, jeez these are addictive!

Music

The quality of musicians in this area is just incredible. I salute every single band that joined us at Tribe Norfolk Festival. They were true professionals and the quality of artists has been a hot topic for the past 3 weeks. Blessed to be surrounded by such incredible talent here in Norfolk & Suffolk AND… we need to shout about them. Go check out what’s right around the corner—> I’m uploading you tube videos so just search #tribenorfolkweekend - Jake Morrell, East Angles Brass, Helen Bluebelle, Sam Coe and the Long Shadows, Playhouse Music, Falling From Trees, Sam Cook, Vincent Knight Music, Jessies Ghost, Chris Pidgeon, Lea La Zelle, Two Bit Operators and Con and Milsky

Tim Murrell from TM Events sponsored Tribe Norfolk and was an absolute legend. He lit up Happy Valley to create the beautiful enchanted forest and fairy tree. He’s already planning next years light shows! We can’t bloody wait.

Norfolk raised Jake Morrell did us VERY proud at Tribe Norfolk.

East Angles Brass wowed everyone with their incredible renditions.

Helen Bluebelle. What a voice!

Sam Coe & the Long Shadows

HOOOOOGE THANKS to Castle Acre Canvas who also sponsored this event with their Capree Marquee. We love Alex and his wide range of tents, and he has a few good toons! They always look beautiful within the backdrop of Happy Valley and are some of the best weather-proof marquees around. They can adapt to the surrounds and can be positioned on uneven surfaces too.

We couldn’t have created this festival without the help of a great team. Total legends that are Scottie, Billy, Tim, Jules, Naomi, Abbie at Creative Orchard, Beccy & Katie, the fabulous supporters on Instagram & Facebook. The Norfolk Community effing Rocks.

Competition Time

Wanna win a Tribe Norfolk sweatshirt? All you have to do is go to Instagram, like @tribeNorfolk & comment with friends who you think would like to be part of this community. Each entry counts in final draw. Winner will be drawn at random on Sunday 21st October and contacted via DM. Happy tagging ✨💃🏻

If you want to see more on the first Tribe Norfolk festival then check out this blog from @dilan_andme “Is there any greater joy than the feeling of swinging through the forest on a tyre swing? Childhood bliss. In fact most of @tribenorfolk at @happyvnorfolk was full of all the stuff childhood dreams are made of. I’ve shared some more details of #tribenorfolkweekend over on my blog today, including some of the brilliant stalls that were there and all of the lovely family friendly activities, plus lots more photos from our visit. I’m already excited for next year! ❤️✨”

SO ARE WE :)

Your Loving Tribe X