Sensational Spring Weddings

If you’re contemplating an outdoor Spring Wedding and looking for some inspiration then you’ve come to the right place.

Not only did Morgan & Dale choose a totally unique part of the forest for their ceremony. They used all of Natures backdrops to create one of the most Romantic Spring Weddings we’ve seen at Happy Valley Norfolk this year so far.

All captured so beautifully by CeeCee Photography.

Catering - The Copper Cup, Dick Ropa Garden Games & Band - MessiJoes

It’s all in the detail and Morgan had thought of them all. The crazy golf was enjoyed by all ages throughout the day.

An idyllic woodland ceremony at the back of the woods surrounded by their loved ones.

Crazy golf from Dick Ropa events went down a storm, as did the table tennis

The perfect outdoor wedding details which make a difference

Morgan had thought of every little detail. Simple yet so effective.

The Cattle Yard Launch

The Cattle Yard, West Norfolks Newest Winter Music Venue, opened its doors to the public.

On October 3rd our spectacular launch night filled the venue with guests from all over Norfolk and beyond, hundreds of locals flocked to join us for a night filled with Cocktails & local beers galore from our eclectic house bar. Tempted with the delicious offerings of freshly caught sea food, including the most divine Local Lobster with chips from Randy’s Seafood. Pizza was also on the menu from Fanny Adams, who didn’t disappoint with flavours of Chorizo, goat’s cheese & red onion, and more. Reesey’s had everybody’s sweet tooth covered with waffles, ice creams, pancakes, and deserts like you’ve never tasted.

Positive energy radiated throughout the venue on the night, guests gathered in the courtyard around the fire-pit, enjoying the musical talents from the Two-Bit Operators in the open-sided area of the barn with dancing flowing into the courtyard, while others chilled in our hay barn that we had set out to give the ‘just popped down the local’ kind of vibe.

Pictures by Lauren Ashley

A thoroughly enjoyable night from start to finish, that lead us onto our next big event The Night ‘Out Out’ Before Christmas, a Market, Music, Feast night for the whole family we held on December 3rd.

With an extensive array of not just your average Christmas market stalls including -

Lucy love heart, All the discos, Made in snetty, Florance nora, Smudge creation, Louisa jones illustration, Vintage Deli, Littlebabybybee, Joyful deisgns by Lauren, Re.creart, Bakes by Megs, Whittlewoodco, Bloom Norfolk, My holly house, Prims Norfolk, Blush & Thistle, Norfolking around creative, Georgina massingham designs, Earthen face, Prims Norfolk, Braydeston knives, Messiah mushrooms, Floral sistas Face painting by Milsky and Papa A’s treasures.

The Dutch barn was filled with some of the most unusual and carefully crafted Christmas gifts and goodies you can imagine. We had many a guest mention how they hadn’t been to a market with such an original selection of items available to buy. Which is exactly how we aim for our vibe to be. Always different, never the same. Offering the best of Norfolk all in one place.

This time we had more food offerings than you can shake a stick at, The cabin norfolk provided guests with Asian inspired taco’s. The Bucket List brought the Christmas vibes with a festive chip bucket and all their classic loaded chips. Fanny adam’s returned with Naughty stuffed Yorkies brimming with roast dinner dreams. And Reesey’s were back with a Cattle yard crumble and custard, and all of their renowned puddings.

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

Pictures by: Smudge Creations & Jessica Pearce & Lauren Ashley

We finished the night off with an energetic performance from The Foreign Locals in our cosy Hay barn which got everybody at least tapping their feet if not dancing and singing along to the unique performance on stage.

Not only does Happy Valley do Winter Weddings but they now open for your to create your Perfect party.

The Winter Wonderland of West Norfolk

Well if there was a day to make you feel alive then the 16:12:22 was it.

The wonder of Happy Valley never ends. Stepping inside a crisp winter wonderland of magic. The light, so playful. The frozen surfaces a reminder of the power of nature.

Winter never looked so good - If you fancy a stay in a private log cabin and star gaze in a hot tub then check availability here

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.

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.

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.

Autumnal Wedding Season at Happy Valley

Every season has its own naturally rich offering and Harvest Season is no exception. Witnessing the trees turn from a uniform green to all varieties of gold, yellow and red is a spectacular scene at Happy Valley. The fiery brilliance makes for a striking backdrop when it comes to Wedding photography! During October our colourful canopy welcomed Ange and Den for their Autumnal Wedding celebrations.

Ange and Den opted for an intimately stylish Wedding with a party of 50 closest family and friends. Making the most of our cosy Hay Barn for their on-site ceremony and dressing the Dutch Barn for their Wedding Dinner. LilWall’s Hog Roast a catering company from Norwich looked after guests appetites, ensuring they were all well fed with hearty locally reared food!

Wedding Catering by Lilwall’s Hog Roast

Flowers & foliage artfully arranged by Wild Folk

Bow ties & Button holes

The autumnal florals were artfully arranged by Norwich based Eco Florist WildFolk. Natalie from WildFolk specialises in Wild and Seasonal Wedding flowers with each bloom lovingly home grown. WildFolk’s flowers are perfect for eco-conscious couples who have an appreciation for the freshest sustainable florals that are chemical free and in season!

The Little Lending Company - a West Norfolk based alternative hire company, styled our Dutch Barn to create a rustic laid back vibe with their range of decor accessories. Penny’s background in fashion design trained her creative eye and now she lends her styling talents to anything a little bohemian, authentic and cool in the world of weddings. Here at Happy Valley we have an eclectic mix of props to co-create your dream wedding vision, from benches and barrels to wooden trestle tables and chairs for sipping and grazing.

Props by Happy Valley Norfolk // Accessories & Styling by The Little Lending Company

With so much creative talent on offer in Norfolk it’s of no surprise to see that couples of supporting local wherever possible and opting for more sustainably stylish Weddings. As a Norfolk Wildlife Trust site we are all about eco-friendly and welcome weddings for the more conscientious couple throughout the seasons. Although the Autumnal Wedding trend is very much in season!

We have some availability left for 2020 Weddings during September to December. To arrange your viewing of our unique barn venue and glamping accommodation please contact our Wedding Team:

Telephone: 01485 600719

Email: hello@happyvalleynorfolk.co.uk

Instagram: @happyvalleynorfolk

Facebook: www.facebook.com/NorfolkWeddingVenue/

Simply stylish eco-friendly florals

Caitriona & Liam's Summer Solstice Wedding

Back in June 2019 we welcomed the lovely Caitriona and Liam for an outdoor wedding set on the summer solstice weekend. Making the most of the incredible weather, their wedding service was set in the forest at Happy Valley amidst our ancient fir trees (check out the video below).

Guests stayed in a village of bell tents from Bumble Bells and the beautiful flowers from Wildflowers Norfolk took their inspiration for the surrounding forest. What a way to celebrate on the longest day of the year! To book your wedding, contact hello@happyvalleynorfolk.co.uk

Can’t wait to see the rest of the pics from Aurora Grey Photography

A Disabled access Treehouse in Norfolk

So it has arrived. Toad Hall treehouse has disabled access from the minute you arrive. Parking on hard surface. The ramp takes you into the treehouse. There’s double doors leading our from the king size bedroom. A wet room with seating. Open plan living with access out onto the private terrace where you can find a private hot tub.  

Wilderness Weddings

If you're looking for a Woodland Wedding with a bridged Island, Party Barn, Luxury Lodge, Glamping, Camping and a hot tub then Happy Valley is the Venue for you. You can create the Wedding YOU want at this hidden gem in North West Norfolk. An unspoilt part of the Norfolk countryside with magic written all over it. Natural Springs a plenty and enchanted forests engulf .

Forget the restrictions and embrace the woodland wilderness for a festival Wedding. Hired for 3 days and 2 nights you can be assured that the memories made will last you a lifetime. Here at Happy Valley taking your time is at the top of our ethos. 

There's no funny extras like Corkage fees or restrictions on caterers and bar. You really do have the blank canvas to create whatever Wedding you desire. We've seen Festival Weddings, Bohemian and Free Spirited Weddings, Traditional Style Weddings, Woodland Weddings, Vintage Weddings, Neon Weddings and everything else in between! 

Love these images of the Barn by Craig Williams for Becky & Wills special day

Here we have the band on the island, weeping willow line the island providing a secluded and intimate space.

You can't have a woodland wedding without a tree swing.

I've taken a few pics from a variety of Weddings at Happy Valley. Set in the heart of North West Norfolk this wedding venue is surrounded by Woodland and has magic written all over it. Unspoilt surrounds on a Norfolk Wildlife Trust you sure to feel super serene even on your Wedding day.

Wedding Prep

Caraz zagni photography cake Ellies Cakery

Happy Valley by night.

You can find recent pics of Happy Valley over on the instagram page - https://www.instagram.com/happyvnorfolk/