4 Benefits Nature Has On Children & Their Development

Most parents would likely agree that they want their kids to be well-rounded and compassionate people, as they grow into their own. Children’s physical health, as well as their emotional and intellectual health, can be improved by encouraging them to spend more time outside amongst nature. A new environment, unfamiliar sights, sounds and a sense of adventure, all help to open a child's spirit and mind.

1) Confidence Building

Spending time in the outdoors can build their confidence. There are fewer limits than most types of indoor play and they can choose how they interact with the world around them. This gives them practice in managing their own actions and encourages creativity and imagination. In turn, this will also give them a boost of confidence when interacting with other children.

2) Appreciation Towards Our Environment

As they develop a connection to nature, they will become more conscious of the need to protect our planet.  Even at home, you may start this by encouraging them to garden, etc. Teach kids how to take care of plants while also discussing the importance of nature to human life and the necessity to protect the environment. An excellent habit that they will keep throughout their life is teaching them how to safeguard our planet while they are small.

3) Improved Overall Health

Everyone benefits from exposure to sunlight and fresh air, which has soothing effects as well as immune system-boosting effects. By giving them enjoyable activities like cycling, swimming in the sea, and woodland walks, you can stimulate your child's imagination. Fun activities will encourage them to want to be outdoors more and explore the world around them, building their muscles and mindset as they go.

4) Memorable Days Out

The back garden is a great place to start although taking them on trips can be more memorable and expand your child’s mind even further. This could also be a great opportunity for them to meet other children and help build their social skills. Norfolk is full of free things to do, with its abundance of coastline to explore, tons of woodland and fantastic nature reserves. These make for great days out for the full family to enjoy, bond with each other and also as adults, bring out our very own inner child.

Glamping at Happy Valley provides your child and your family with an array of options to enjoy a taste of outdoor living, from our gorgeous bell tents to our luxury cabins that include hot tubs to relax in after a day of adventures. All of our cabins and bell tents also come with fire pit barbeques, so you can even show your kids how to cook tasty treats over the fire. While you stay, there are so many great places to visit, only a short drive from us. Sandringham Estate, Norfolk’s coastline and BeWILDerwood which is a huge, award-winning forest of family fun and outdoor adventure, are all favourites which our guests have loved to visit.

We have limited availability this summer, so to book your stay, head over to the “Glamping” tab.

Autumn will also be upon us soon and our retreat is as equally wonderful at this time of year too and a great time for adults to escape after social season and the school holidays. If you are interested in staying with us later this year, pop to the homepage and enter your email address, so we can send you our availability when it opens. Alternatively, if there is a specific date you’d like to book, send us an email over to glamping@happyvalleynorfolk.com

A new environment, unfamiliar sights, sounds and a sense of adventure, all help to open a child's spirit and mind.

Build great memories with them on fun nature based days out, like BeWILDerwood.

Let them explore and bond with nature at Happy Valley Norfolk. With our range of bell tents and cabins, there is something for everyone.

What Is Forest Bathing & Why It Can Help Improve Your Life

Crystals can play a big part in meditation, it can deepen your meditation process and raise your consciousness & awareness.

'Forest Bathing' is an English translation of the Japanese phrase shinrin-yoku, however the name may fool you, you won't need a take a dip in your bathtub to have a go. Developed in Japan, 'Shinrin' means forest and 'Yoku' stands for bathing. This simple practice of being calm and quiet amongst the trees, immersing yourself in nature in a mindful way, using your senses to acquire a whole range of benefits for not just your physical but your mental and emotional health.

You can forest-bathe anywhere on the planet, wherever there are trees. You can sit, stand or walk - just disconnect from daily life and connect to nature. Clear your mind and observe your surroundings.

Toad Hall at Happy Valley Norfolk

Take long breaths deep into the abdomen. Extending the exhalation of air to twice the length of the inhalation sends a message to the body that it can relax. Look at the colour palette Mother Nature has created, listen to the sound of the breeze and the song of the wilderness, breath in the earthy scents. Use all your senses to fully immerse yourself in the experience. You can even take your shoes and socks off and walk barefoot as it helps with feeling grounded and present in the moment by connecting with the natural world.

We have had many guests in the past that have enjoyed our woodland retreat for forest bathing and meditation. To book your relaxing glamping experience, head over to the glamping section of our website.

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.

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

Find Happy Valley on Instagram - @happyvnorfolk

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Toad Hall in the morning mist stands quietly  

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Happy Valley on Twitter - @norfolkvenue

Happy Valley on Twitter - @norfolkvenue

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The infamous Black Shuck

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

🎄Christmas Vouchers available 🎄

hello@happyvalleynorfolk.co.uk

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Words that came to mind after this walk -

Reflection

contemplation

mindfulness  

gratitude

XXX

Rewild your inner child

It's safe to say we're out of hibernation and the buzz has been growing at a rate of knots. I'm not just talking about the bees either! We've been planning Tribe Norfolk Weekend, hosting photo shoots, Wedding planning & welcoming lots of gorgeous guests.

Here's a quick whizz through of the past few weeks where we have been igniting our inner child.

First port of call for almost Spring was picnics!. Gosh, does Annie love a picnic. Morning, noon or night, whatever the weather. "Can we have a picnic Mummy?", Luckily  I love a picnic to. "Of course my darling, let's get outdoors"

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We feel so blessed to be close to the North Norfolk Coastline. In 20 minutes you can be lying on the beach making sand angels. Here at Holme Beach it felt like a Mid Summers day in April. 

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We also nipped to Brancaster Beach, another favourite.

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One of my besties has just launched her own line of clothing & got me in front of the camera. This is a rarity these days but I absolutely adore these dresses and couldn't say no. I've lived in this one since the day I got it. Mustard lounge dress is a variety of beautiful colours. Available from Wildling Woman

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Must be Hot Tub Time by now!

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OH and the New Lodge is almost finished.

Toad Hall sits on it's own with beautiful views across to the village. You can see as far as Kings Lynn on a clear day. It's part disable friendly and pram friendly for that matter. Will have its own Kitchen, living area, wet room, king size sleeping downstairs and upstairs. Tree top balcony. BBQ etc

We are taking bookings for the Summer Holidays directly so please email hello@happyvalleynorfolk.co.uk for more information. 

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The lovely Kelly @ Mother of Golfers came to stay and took these beautiful pics for us. 2 working mums with their beautiful girls. Denver Rest works perfectly for this and also for 2 couples wanting to escape.

When the kiddies are tucked up why not relax and unwind immersed in nature. Experience the health benefit of forest bathing.

When the kiddies are tucked up why not relax and unwind immersed in nature. Experience the health benefit of forest bathing.

Hot Tub Time - The girls Loved their time in the Hot Tub.

Hot Tub Time - The girls Loved their time in the Hot Tub.

family glamping in Norfolk toasted marshmallows
Who doesn't like a toasted Marshmallow? They are heaven on earth. 

Who doesn't like a toasted Marshmallow? They are heaven on earth. 

The beauty of Happy Valley is that you can see your children playing in the distance, freedom of space, everyone is happy.

The beauty of Happy Valley is that you can see your children playing in the distance, freedom of space, everyone is happy.

King Nutkin in the distance and sundown at Denver Rest. 

King Nutkin in the distance and sundown at Denver Rest. 

Embellish Face & Body Art get sparkly with a Festival Photo Shoot at Happy Valley

This was a great day. The Lovely Dionne from Embellish getting creative with colours in the barn. The team from Studio 19 in Kings Lynn were the models/dancers. Lacy from Slingshots, the photographer.

Embellish will be at Tribe Norfolk Weekend using Eco Glitter and unleashing many an inner child throughout the weekend. 

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Love both of these looks. Taken by Louis from Studio 19

Louis and Jonathan looking Festival ready.

Louis and Jonathan looking Festival ready.

King Bell is up!

Our King Bell Tent sleeps 4 in a king size bed, 2 single beds, bbq, camping stove, fire pit. Pots, pans etc.

Our King Bell Tent sleeps 4 in a king size bed, 2 single beds, bbq, camping stove, fire pit. Pots, pans etc.

King Nutkin terrace. Cabin in the Woods

King Nutkin terrace. Cabin in the Woods

We've erected the King Bell Tent and she was enjoyed by her first guests of the season. I've just added us to Trip Advisor. If you have stayed at Happy Valley before and enjoyed your stay please do write us a review on there. If you have any feedback we'd love to hear from you. We are constantly adapting the site to meet expectations and really appreciate all feedback. If you think of any improvements please email us directly hello@happyvalleynorfolk.co.uk

Trip Advisor Happy Valley Norfolk
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The cowslip is out and daisy's a plenty. Amongst all the activity we thought we'd get some family yoga practice in to recenter ourselves! Practice makes perfect! 

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I saw this quote and remembered. Put it into practice and the changes happen. 

I saw this quote and remembered. Put it into practice and the changes happen. 

It works.

It works.

As the sun goes down.

As the sun goes down.

Signing off from Happy Valley

Lots of Love

Katy, Scott, Barnaby & Annie.

xxx