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

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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!

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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

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

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"

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.

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.

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

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. 

It works.

As the sun goes down.

Signing off from Happy Valley

Lots of Love

Katy, Scott, Barnaby & Annie.

xxx

Tribe Norfolk Weekend

Save the date!

22 - 23rd September 2018

So excited to announce that the first Tribe Norfolk Weekend will take place at Happy Valley

Inspired by Norfolk for people who Love Norfolk

#TRIBENORFOLK 

Tribe Norfolk was created in December 2016 to connect individuals, businesses and all who love Norfolk, a county in which we are all spread out but have an abundance of wonderful producers, makers, musicians, crafters, growers.... right on our doorstep that we may not even know about.

Tribe Norfolk Instagram, Facebook & Twitter were created to provide a platform for people to connect, unite, discover, collaborate and celebrate everything about Norfolk. 

A positive vibes only platform welcome to all who want to bring back some community spirit.

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 activities for all ages plus enjoy holistic therapies in the nurturing and supportive community in which Tribe Norfolk has become. 

Pic up some beautiful Vintage one offs.

Pic By Emily Jane - Vintage Deli Dress

There will be a fabulous Makers, Vintage and Produce Market at Tribe Norfolk Weekend where you can pick up some local one offs and discover the fab independants on offer in Norfolk. Can't wait to tell you who else we've got coming. 

Enjoy Tribe Norfolk Weekend in laid back luxury with a Weekend Glamping Ticket.

*TICKETS will be released at the end of April*

Glamping & camping at Happy Valley - 

A mix of Shepherds Huts, Tree temple, New Woodland Lodge and Bell Tents. Happy Valley sits on a Norfolk Wildlife Trust site in rural North West Norfolk. Immersed in nature with incredible woodland walks and close to the Norfolk Coast. The perfect place to switch off from the world and to start making memories. Reap the benefits of Forest Therapy. 

There will also be camping options so you can bring your own tents & campervans.

Enjoy Glamping at Tribe Norfolk Weekend - Pic taken from a photoshoot which included 2 posh 2 pitch and Wedding Wheels next to the Sea. Photo Credit - Rebel Heart Team

A chance to make some priceless memories with the whole family. Try Woodcombing, Nature Photography, family yoga, Dance like nobody is watching, sing along if you fancy it. This is a festival where inhibitions are left at the door. Get dressed up and come and have some fun in the wild.

A Wild Woodland Venue in unspoilt Norfolk Countryside. Close to Massingham, Sandringham, Houghton and the North Norfolk Coastline. 

If you'd like to get involved as a trader, musician, producer, performer, caterer etc then please go to the landing page of the website and follow the link.

www.TribeNorfolk.com

If you LOVE instagram, Twitter or Facebook  then you can find Tribe Norfolk - @TribeNorfolk 

Please use the Hashtag #TribeNorfolk so you can be discovered.

We can't wait to celebrate with you all in September

From all of us at Happy Valley,  Tribe Norfolk and Creative Orchard

xxxx