Trend Setter Alert

September 12, 2023 katy coe

If we had any advice for couples on how to create the day of their dreams it would be to go with your heart, choose what you love and do what makes you happy and everyone will feel it.

From the moment we met R & A we knew this was going to be a mega Wedding for all the right reasons, beautiful souls creating their own vision & as it unfolded the happiness oozed through the venue from start to end.

Wedding Review -

Magical forest wedding venue in Norfolk

We had our wedding celebration at Happy Valley in July 2023 and it was the best weekend of our lives. The happy memories will last us a lifetime. We truly believe that this is a magical place, you can feel the love that has been channelled into the site. From our first visit in November 2021, we knew this was the place we wanted to get married. The venue has everything you need and more for the perfect wedding!

Our priorities were - a venue where our wedding party could stay on site, so we could spend as much time as possible with them, and a venue where we were surrounded by nature. Happy Valley gave us both of these in abundance. When you quietly walk around the site you can hear the trees gently creak as they sway in the wind, and it feels like they are offering blessings, it's pure wedding magic.

Led by Katy, the staff are super kind and helpful, and communication is always clear and friendly. They have worked with many local suppliers and we really felt the sense of community that has been built here as a business. Marie at The Cattle Yard bar put together the perfect drinks package for us, complete with local wines & bespoke cocktails. All the bar staff were so lovely to all our guests and instantly understood the vibe of our day. Our coordinator Alex was super calm and friendly and was always on hand with encouragement and support. We noticed every single kind word and gesture from the Happy Valley staff and we will always be grateful. If we haven't made it clear enough already - this is the dream team you want on your wedding day.

The venue has so many gorgeous spaces to chose from, both indoor and outdoor so you are covered whatever the weather. It looked like it might rain on our wedding day (it didn't in the end) but we can honestly say that wherever you have your ceremony on the Happy Valley site, there will be a beautiful backdrop.

The accommodation is beautifully put together and it really felt like the best possible (luxury!) festival with our nearest and dearest. The time you are allowed on site is really generous, so we never felt rushed and we felt like we had plenty of time to settle in and then to clear up. Checking all our friends into their accommodation was so much fun! Whether we were having breakfast together in Keeper's Cabin or a post-disco hot tub at Toad Hall, the accommodation was a huge part of the magic of our wedding weekend spent at Happy Valley.

If you are looking for a versatile wedding venue, full of magic and beauty, and run by the coolest, kindest people - look no further, this is it. Have your wedding at Happy Valley and the special memories will last a lifetime. A&R x

It is our honour to be able to host these incredible ceremonies of love, and we are so grateful to have worked with some of the best Wedding Suppliers
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A Summers Escape For Couples

May 26, 2022 Happy Valley

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.

Christmas & New Year Availability

December 16, 2020 katy coe

A New Year, a new start, a new wave of hope. Never has the countdown to end one era and begin another been so welcome or so needed. CS Lewis said, “There are far, far better things ahead than any we will leave behind” and boy, do we need to leave Covid behind in 2020.

For every goodbye, there’s a shiny hello into something new and we now have 365 fresh chances ahead of us. When we say goodbye to 2020, let us say goodbye to loneliness, to separation, to anxiety about the unknown and when we say hello to 2021, let us remember what a global pandemic has taught us about the importance of togetherness.

At Happy Valley, while the world sat still, we watched nature blossom and would love nothing more than to welcome you to the landscape that kept us safe and sane this year. Heated and insulated cabins, surrounded by the magic of whispering trees, there’s no better place to reflect and feel renewed than Happy Valley.

Choice of bespoke heated cabins -

Toad Hall Treehouse - (Private Hot Tub) – king bed, double bed + 2 kids sleeping options, ensuite wet room, fully functional kitchen, open plan living and balconies

Xmas Week 23-27/28th = £1495

*NYE 30th December - 3/4th Jan = £1495

Keeper’s Cabin - (Private Hot Tub) – fully functional kitchen, living space, log burner, 2 king beds, single bed, ensuite shower room.

*XMAS - 23rd - 27/28th December = £999

*NYE - 30th December - 3/4th Jan = £999

Woodpecker Tree Temple (Private Hot Tub) – king bed, built-in bunkbed, kitchenette, ensuite shower room and log burner

*XMAS - 23 – 27th/28th December - £750

*NYE - 30th – 3/4th January - £750

King Nutkin Shepherd Hut – Kitchenette, log burner, breakfast bar, king bed, heated shower room/toilet a short walk away. Outdoor bbq/firepit. Balcony.

18-21st December - £225

21st – 23rd December - £185

*XMAS - 23 – 27th/28th December - £395

*NYE - 30th – 3/4th January - £550

Denver Rest – real double bed, outdoor undercover kitchenette, bbq/firepit, heated toilet/shower room a short walk away

18 - 21st December - £175

21st – 23rd December - £135

*XMAS - 23 – 27th/28th December - £325

*NYE - 30th – 3/4th January - £449

With nine acres for socially distanced walks, hand sanitiser dotted around the trees and a certification as a Covid-secure venue, we want you to have fun and feel safe. As you start the first page of a brand-new story, let Happy Valley create an opening chapter you’ll always remember.

Here’s to the beginning of the end of Covid and the start of a happier, healthier future for us all.

Location Location Location

September 18, 2020 katy coe

Happy Valley in the Autumn - Photography @torihancock_photography - Flowers @hannah.hunnam

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

Turning Over a New Leaf at Happy Valley

September 1, 2020 katy coe

“The heat of autumn is different from the heat of summer. One ripens the apples, the other turns them to cider”.

~ Jane Hirshfield

The heavy heat of summer is giving way to a gentle breeze, pushing us onwards, towards cosier nights and the flicker of candlelight. There is comfort to be had when the feeling of sunlight on your skin, is then layered with the protective hug of a cashmere jumper or woollen shawl. It is as if Nature knows this is its swan song, its final chance to take flight and display its brilliance, for one last time.

Dancing like flames in the sky, the burnt oranges, and hues of yellow and brown offer up a firework display of leaves. The trees shake off their old coats and stretch out their branches to welcome a new season and with it, new adventures.

At Happy Valley, though the landscape changes, its beauty remains. Ripples in the lake and beads of sweat on your brow is being replaced with images of wellies splashing in puddles and fresh dew drops forming on blades of grass. Though darkness closes in, there is a sense of togetherness as we huddle for warmth and head towards the woods, to lose ourselves in the magic of an everchanging canvas of colour.

Your soul, as light as a feather, may be carried in the wind and with it, all your cares give way, to a beautiful, autumnal dream. The air crackles with anticipation, the leaves crunch underfoot, and conkers are ready for the taking. There is no feeling of sadness or loss, only the spirit of curiosity and yearning for a new journey into the unknown.

Here at Happy Valley, we invite you to come Autumn Glamping in the goldilocks of seasons - not too hot, not too cold but exactly right for some fun and creativity. With pencils sharpened, uninform pressed and blank exercise books waiting to be inked with inspiration, parents can escape for a term-time get away with individual glamping available during the week. Exclusive hire of the grounds, facilities, hot tubs, hay barn and all accommodation is available at the weekends, so you can capture the magic of this place with others or keep it all to yourself.

Happy Valley cannot wait to celebrate the highlights of the Autumn season with you and raise a glass to friendships and fresh starts. Bottoms Up!

Happy Valley’s Twist on a Marylebone Halloween Marvel

35ml Vanilla Flavoured Vodka
12.5ml Pear Flavoured or Pumpkin Flavoured Liqueur
10ml Pumpkin syrup
25ml Pumpkin purée
Pinch of ground nutmeg and cinnamon
Top with Champagne (or prosecco, we won’t judge!)
3 ice cubes
Slice of dried pear

With love,

Katy, Kirsty and the team at Happy Valley xx

Explore the different cabins in the woods for some North Norfolk Glamping this Autumn.

A Disabled access Treehouse in Norfolk

December 4, 2018 katy coe

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.

Autumn at Happy Valley

November 16, 2018 katy coe

The beauty transforms through colour and this time of year is rather special at Happy Valley. The mix of trees in the forest make for the most splendid colour display and you can experience Nature therapy at it’s best.

The evidence is forever mounting that being immersed in Nature has huge health benefits and it’s not hard to see why. Experiencing the forest, embracing the seasons and getting outside with your loved ones is why the guests at Happy Valley keep on returning.

Norfolk Sunsets are hard rivalled and you get the very best views at Toad Hall.

What our Guests Say -

Very grateful to have received this award for the 9th time in a row. Lucky to be blessed with some amazing guests who all love Happy Valley as much as we do. #HonestHosting

Rewild your inner child

May 13, 2018 katy coe

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"

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.

We also nipped to Brancaster Beach, another favourite.

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

Must be Hot Tub Time by now!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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!

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

Signing off from Happy Valley

Lots of Love

Katy, Scott, Barnaby & Annie.

xxx

Connecting in Nature

October 11, 2017 katy coe

A couple weeks later than planned but here's a wee blog I did on our Nature Walk around Happy Valley.

Today reminded me how beautiful Autumn is at Happy Valley. Annie and I went on a mini adventure complete with minion backpack to collect our treasures from which we were to create a masterpiece. Feelers out! Whats about!

It wasn't long before we stopped to take a picture of the hedge. Yes the hedge, bursting with beauty. The wild berries and ivy waterfalls. Purples, pinks, yellows, who knew hedges could be so beautiful and fruitful. The bracken showing us that Autumn is here and blackberries providing a welcome snack..

We thought this looked like an Ivy Waterfall.

I couldn't tell you what this wonderful pink sea urchin looking plant is. Can you? Nature therapy worked it's magic and we were in a little heaven of our own.

Tire swings, hammocks and Den building throughout the woods at Happy Valley.

So we sat down and created this for Nanas Birthday Present.

Sometimes it can be a struggle to get out of the house, especially if the weather isn't ideal or spirits are low. But i've come to realise that as soon as we're out exploring then the therapy starts. It's incredible how just being outside, beauty is everywhere. In abundance. It almost instantly makes me feel better and the benefits are huge for all the family. It's free and it's accessible.

Very Grateful for this day.

23-SEPTEMBER-17

August 31, 2017 katy coe

Happy Valley Wedding Festival

Wedding fever is sweeping through Happy Valley this September! So assemble your bride tribe and grab your stags - this is one for everyone!

Never one to stick to the norm we are taking the traditional wedding fair and turning it on its head & hosting our very own ‘WedFest’. With all the essential Wedding fair elements and then some not so usual! The magical surrounds of Happy Valley, will give you a taster into your special day and then there is so much more for the whole family to discover!

Please Join us for a FREE day of relaxed, enjoyable wedding planning, followed by afternoon of scrumptious food at our Street Food Supper, a chance to try the best that Norfolk caterers have to offer and then dance the night away as Twisted Melon Productions present an incredible line up of live local music. (from 5.30pm - late = tickets required)

The gates to our truly unique venue open at 11am for a magical day of wedding planning for which, Pia Plum Events have enlisted the help of over 40 of their favourite suppliers. They will be available to show you their wares and discuss how they can create a day tailored to you.

From Beard Preening to Props, Petal Confetti to Vintage Wedding Dresses. If it's a Hair Artist you need or a cake fit for the queen we have all the little extra’s you didn’t even realised you’d need.

Castle Acre Canvas will be housing the Wedding traders in their beautiful multi peak capree tents. You can peruse the fabulous Norfolk Wedding suppliers and create your bespoke happily ever after or you can discover concierge services who will do all of it for you.

As the sun starts to set over a wonderfully productive day, our venue takes on a new life, so have you dancing shoes at the ready and discover your perfect wedding entertainment as at 6pm the first band will be set to grace our stage. What better way to pick your wedding band than under our woodland canape, surrounded by friends with your favourite tipple in hand.