Autumn Equinox

Today is the Autumn Equinox, aka Mabon, a powerful time of the year where day and night dance in perfect balance, where the sun and moon equally share the sky. We open the doors to Autumn and give thanks and honour the harvest just gone. Even when the harvest wasn’t quite what was expected there’s always something to be grateful for.

A time of balance between the seasons. Holding this transitional space without fear is on our Happy Valley affirmations list and not always easy in the current climate. But we all know that fears makes the wolf look bigger & we turn to Mother Nature for a word of wisdom.

Autumn Glamping Equinox Norfolk
Autumn Equinox
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The Equinox is a time honoured by many cultures including us here at Happy Valley. The nights become chillier and before we even see the change in the landscape our senses notice the changing seasons. We can marvel at how Mother Earth shows us that nothing is constant and how this is reflected in our world.
This too shall pass.

We celebrate the land and its history for it has seen this all before and we celebrate all of you who’ve shared this crazy journey which is 2020. We’ve made it to Autumn & that is worth celebrating.

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Autumn Equinox Vibes

Turning Over a New Leaf at Happy Valley

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

~ Jane Hirshfield


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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.

Finding the Silver Lining in this Covid Cloud and changing our “What ifs?” to “Even ifs”…

At Happy Valley, we’ve always been firm believers in the health benefits of the great outdoors and have promoted the healing powers of nature when offering couples our woodland wedding packages. Unfortunately, the consequences of Government enforcements can’t be cured by fresh air alone and some of you may be facing tough decisions with regards to potentially postponing your big day.

It’s certainly unchartered territory for families and businesses alike and while we face this storm together, through understanding, patience and kindness, there will be moments we can all learn to dance in the rain. 

Before we cover the more practical points, we want to send you some positive thoughts to hold on to. Despite everything, there is the hope and optimism of a brighter future. Come rain or shine, Summer or Winter, we’re with you and if you’ll let us, we’ll stay with you all the way until “I do”. 

The Gorgeous Tom & Fiona at Happy Valley - Ben Chapman Photography

The Gorgeous Tom & Fiona at Happy Valley - Ben Chapman Photography

An outdoor ceremony on the willow Island

An outdoor ceremony on the willow Island

Changing my “What ifs? to “Even ifs” 

Instead of asking “What if I have to postpone my dream, summer wedding?” hold onto the thought that even if you decide to change your date, you still have each other and you will be able to celebrate, surrounded by your loved ones at some point in the future. No matter what happens, we will make your day beautiful. Here at Happy Valley, we promise you that regardless of any decisions made or plans altered, we will do everything in our power to create a magical, once-in-a-lifetime memory that you can treasure forever. We are currently offering all of our early 2020 couples the opportunity to keep their actual date in case Covid-19 has been defeated by then but we are also pencilling in a “back-up date” so we can manoeuvre from plan A to plan B without any problems. Please look out for our upcoming blog on Autumn and Winter alternatives. One way or another, love conquers all and trust us when we say we want nothing more than for you to marry the love of your life. 

We’ve heard your concerns and to alleviate the stress and worry of “what if my suppliers can’t make it to our new date?”, we’re working on a plan that even if one supplier can’t attend, we will be able to work some magic. Happy Valley has the good fortune to be surrounded by incredibly innovative, flexible and passionate suppliers who are doing their utmost behind the scenes to work around your schedules and accommodate last-minute changes. For our couples, we are in the process of contacting all of their suppliers and are collating a list of their availability. We are trying to coordinate a mutually convenient date for both you, your suppliers and the venue so you can sit back and relax (preferably with a glass of wine or G&T). If, for any reason, a supplier can no longer provide you with a service, we have a team of legendary people who are all bending over backwards to fulfil your dreams and we will help you find suitable alternatives. 

Even if you postpone – please don’t cancel. Pause but don’t give up. Reflect but don’t retreat. Delay but don’t be defeated – you get where we’re going with this! We’re here for you and if you’re here for us too, we’ll all meet on the other side and celebrate the love and awesomeness of humanity, hopefully with a glass of bubbly and a beaming smile. Sending you all of the virtual love in the world from our anti-bacterial sprayed screens. 

With love, Katy, Kirsty and The Happy Valley Team xx

hello@happyvalleynorfolk.co.uk

01485 600719

Instagram - @HappyValleyNorfolk

outdoor wedding venue norfolk



Facebook - Happy Valley Norfolk

Autumnal Woodland Weddings in Norfolk

The season of Autumn at Happy Valley Norfolk is a truly magical one.  With dappled sun lighting up the turning leaves in the ancient woodland and a natural canopy of confetti on the forest floor.  We are set up to host 150 wedding guests and more! A transitional time which marks the end of the Summer Season as we ready ourselves for Winter. October is seasonally temperate with a backdrop of golden leaves, oranges and ever greens – creating a breath-taking palette for your photography scenes.

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Reinvent and revolutionise the traditional barn venue at Happy Valley Norfolk. We have two stripped back barns, for those who appreciate a more natural vibe. The rustic nature of the Hay barn, is the perfect setting for your ceremony. Yes… you can legally say ‘we do’ on site too! The wood burner will keep your guests cosy and comfortable, whilst candlelight will complement your deeper, richer florals. The Dutch barn is a boho-inspired space, with panoramic views of the mystical lake and meadowland. The larger of the two, our Dutch barn has hosted many a wedding party, creating the celebratory feels for flavoursome feasts, bands and beats, ensuring all guests find their dancing feet!

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The nature-inspired Glamping at Happy Valley, brings your nearest and dearest together in a relaxed Norfolk way.  With an eclectic choice of Handmade Cabins, Shepherds Huts and Bell tents to kick back in.  Each with their own colourful character and stylish comfort. We have taken care of your every need, leaving you and your Wedding party to make the most of your time together.  We love to see our guests connecting with nature in the Whimsical Woodland sheltered by the canopy of pine trees.  The Wood Fired Hot tub is a peacefully picturesque spot to take a dip and drink in the changing hues of the season.

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If you would like to luxuriate further as Mr & Mrs, Toad Hall is the intimate yet spacious lodge you will never want to check out of.  Sleeping up to 6 people, with its own Hot Tub and absolutely every detail covered, we ensure your wedding is the kind that dreams are made of.  What’s more?  The entire site is exclusively yours to unravel and re-wild in during your stay.

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We still have some limited availability for Wedding Bookings this October, 2019.  If you would like to say ‘I Do’ and make your Wedding wishes come true, we have a super friendly team to support you every step of the way… ensuring your Wedding Party is the one that everyone remembers as the most naturally dazzling day!

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E: hello@happyvalleynorfolk.co.uk

T: 01485 600719

Instagram: @happyvalleynorfolk

Facebook: www.facebook.com/NorfolkWeddingVenue/

We look forward to co-creating the most magical Norfolk Wedding imaginable with you!

Tribe Norfolk Weekend 2019

The gorgeous family festival that is Tribe Norfolk weekend returns to Happy Valley for the second year on the 13 & 14th July. The perfect day out in Norfolk or make a weekend of it and camp over. There’s a little glamping still available!

Celebrating all that is Norfolk. Guests will be able to enjoy the beauty of the wild, the splendour of Norfolk creatives, taste fabulous cuisine, dance to an array of Norfolk Musicians, buy local treats at the Norfolk Produce and Makers Market. Enjoy a range of workshops for all ages plus enjoy holistic therapies in the nurturing and supportive community in which Tribe Norfolk has become. 

BUY TICKETS HERE

The fab Mim Howell will be doing festival taster photoshoots for the family

The fab Mim Howell will be doing festival taster photoshoots for the family

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Santosha Yoga

Emily will be returning to Tribe Norfolk Weekend 2019 with her hip hop and reggae yoga for all ages. Pre-booking will be available soon and we recommend securing your space (classes are free but spaces limited) and there may be opportunity for drop-ins on the day.

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Mumma Wolf

Mumma Wolf is a project which aims to empower families through yoga,  mindfulness and a connection with nature. Working with Tribe Norfolk, we've created a yoga experience for all little people and families: short bursts of yogic story-telling, free for all families throughout the day, surrounded by the sighing stream and whispering willows of a magical little island nestled right in the heart of Happy Valley. For calm, for fun and for connection. We want your Tribe Norfolk Weekend to be as experiential as possible - an opportunity to make memories that will last a lifetime. We have some wonderful workshops for you and your family to enjoy…. grab your tickets now!

BeWILDerwood

bewilderwood at Tribe Norfolk Weekend

The Twiggle Team from BeWILDerwood will be at Tribe Norfolk festival again with some of your favourite curious characters from the woods. Expect games, giggles, storytelling and crafting in true BeWILDerwood style! Fabulous, family fun.

Stitch Me Happy

Grown ups and children can have fun learning how to turn old clothes and fabric scraps into simple and effective jewellery. With a focus on limiting the waste involved in sewing/clothes making, all of the buttons, beads, ribbon, feathers and tassels that can be added to the handmade jewellery are remnants/second hand or made from second hand materials.

Pottery Workshops

Claire of Wayside Pottery and Alice Cary Art will be joining forces to expand on the pottery workshops we held last year. Claire’s stand was booked through Tribe Norfolk 2018 and the feedback from the children was hugely positive.

Alice’s work is inspired by her travels and the Norfolk coastal landscape. Alice creates functional ceramics, some of which are illustrated. Alice also works with various printmaking techniques onto clay using coloured slips, sponges and rollers. She creates her own work from her studio in north Norfolk. At Tribe Norfolk she will be helping with have a go at a throw as well as the primitive clay workshops. 

Pretty Cactus Plants

Donna of Pretty Cactus Plants will be offering simple macrame workshops, making plant holders and beautiful home decor. Email Donna direct to arrange your workshop, drop-in on the day may be available.

Feathers and Futures


Feathers Futures Community Interest Company was set up to empower and enable women to make positive choices about their futures. We have a base in Great Yarmouth where women over the age of 18 are welcome to come and access support, build confidence, resilience and reduce isolation. Currently there are around 50 women accessing our workshops and courses on offer, as well as our peer support groups. Our aim is to offer that safe, supportive place for women to grow.

We have some amazing musical talent in Norfolk and a stellar line-up of bands and artists appearing at Tribe Norfolk Weekend 2019. Buy your tickets before the event to avoid higher prices on the door and to the full list of artists performing, pay a visit to our Bands Page.

Last year’s performers Sam Coe & The Long Shadows will be headlining again with their blend of modern country and we’re delighted to welcome Pirate Joe / The Foreign Locals - an unmissable act with a unique cabaret of travelling stories.

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Mengelmoes will delight with a jazz-funk, alternative, indie mish-mash from the band hailing from Norwich and Front Bangs appear with an indie rock sound and energetic stage show. The Magic E’s are a melodic rock ‘n’ roll band with years of music industry experience between them whilst Backwards City are a new up-and-coming trio with an ambient, downtempo sound.

Mengelmoes will delight with a jazz-funk, alternative, indie mish-mash from the band hailing from Norwich and Front Bangs appear with an indie rock sound and energetic stage show. The Magic E’s are a melodic rock ‘n’ roll band with years of music industry experience between them whilst Backwards City are a new up-and-coming trio with an ambient, downtempo sound.

Autumn at Happy Valley

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.

Autumn Feels
Winter Glamping
Winter Glamping in Norfolk
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Norfolk Sunsets are hard rivalled and you get the very best views at Toad Hall.

Hot Tub Glamping in Norfolk
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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

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

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