Feeling the Love at Happy Valley

So, a few Sundays ago I awake with a message from a friend to say we've been featured in the Mail Travel Section. Heart palpitations the lot - initially i thought it was online only but then heard we were in the Sunday newspaper on a double page spread. #hysteria 

We've been so overwhelmed with the feedback we've had from our new little site in rural Norfolk. 

Happy Valley holds so much magic that we feel totally blessed that we can share this with everyone else. 

It has been a long old slog with planning permissions and the great Scottie (my husband) building everything you see. Yes, he's the clever clogs with incredible vision and I often play devils advocate & look for possible criticisms that guests may have so it's not been plain sailing for him either.  It's so heart warming to hear the incredible feedback and I have learnt a few things along the way. Everyones ideals are all different. I can't react to every suggestion by redesigning the site & it's contents!

Then to the discover we were in the Telegraph Travel pages last Saturday was the absolute cherry on top. You may have noticed I do bang on a little about Forest Bathing (shinrin-Yoku) - it means taking in the Forest atmosphere and was developed in Japan during the 80s. It has become a cornerstone of preventive health care and healing in Japanese Medicine.  There is lots of evidence showing how it can benefit your health (see previous blog) and Happy Valley is the perfect environment for this. 

So, next news is that our Woodpecker Cabin is complete - I went in today & was blown away. I hope you are to. Here's a little sneak peak - Accepting bookings NOW email hello@happyvalleynorfolk.co.uk or call Katy on 07739892144

Taking Bookings Now - 0773989214 or 01485 600719 email hello@happyvalleynorfolk.co.uk

Bedroom with a view in the Woodpecker

The Woodpecker has more living space in a beautiful round home with bedroom extensions. A wood burner stove, hot plate, hob, toaster, kettle. BBQ, fiepit, outdoor seating, woodland garden. There's lovely waterfall showers and toilets close by. 

BTW - The hot tubs are on hold as a new idea has taken over.... more on that soon.

The Woodpecker has both woodland and open views, a wood burner, king size bed, bunk beds, hob etc

Bedroom View from the Woodpecker

Below are our other units thus far................. we've also added a childrens play area :)

our Spacious King Bell Tent is an under canvas experience for the whole family. Beautiful dappled light shines throughout and you're surrounded by nature.

no pics today Mum! couldn't leave this one out though. The lights are constantly changing #NaturalLight  

We are lovers of Instagram and you can see all our progress at Happy Valley on there - @HappyVNorfolk our hastag is the same #HappyVNorfolk

Twitter - @HappyVNorfolk @NorfolkGlamping & @NorfolkVenue

Facebook - Happy Valley Norfolk - Venue & Glamping Retreat

A Taste of Summer

Glamping at Happy Valley

We've been getting a little excited this past week as the temperatures have reached 23 and the holidays have hit our household. Grateful for the longer days and warm sunshine.

Happy Valley is evolving as we add family glamping units. Scott has been busy building some very smart deckings for the bell tents this year. We've invested in a new 6m Bell Tent and added a King size bed & 2 singles. The next Tree Cabin is in progress and the Treehouse build soon to start! 

Our Brand New 6m Queenie Bell is up and raring to go. We thought we'd add another King Size Bed as I know we love a big bed and the occasions when the bambinos creep in means you won't be so tight on room. We also added 2 single beds which can be used alone or pushed together.  Camping Plates, bowls, cups, cutlery are included - BBQ, Washing up bowl & Gas camping stove. All with a Beautiful Woodland Garden to immerse yourselves in.

Email hello@happyvalleynorfolk.co.uk or call Katy on 01485 600719

We've been eager to open up our site to more families in the holidays as it's a great environment to be in with your children. Raising our family at Happy Valley we spend endless hours in the woods. Creating our own mini adventures at the faraway tree and signature oak. Climbing fallen trunks and absorbing nature has definitely improved our lives. The forest is a magical place and with children it really does come alive with magic.

We also rear our own Short Horn cows on the farm so you can go a visit the cows and will often see the sheep on the surrounding fields. There's some fab off road trails to bike down with rolling routes through idyllic woodland.

We LOVE instagram - please find us @HappyVNorfolk or if you visit then please tag us #HappyVNorfolk - Twitter -  Facebook

Our guests sent us this picture of their alfresco breakfast at Denver Rest

Denver Rest (below) sits with Tawny Hut and is great for 2 couples or if you have an older child that would prefer their own space. Both heated. Tawny houses a Super King Real Bed. Denver Rest has a real double bed, kitchenette, outdoor undercover kitchen. BBQ Area. To sleep 2 from £75 night - 4 from £115 night  hello@happyvalleynorfolk.co.uk 01485 600719

Shepherds Huts in woodland surrounding with sheep grazing in the fields nearby. You can take yourself back to the days when the shepherds lived in these huts and tendered their sheep.

Our King Nutkin Shepherds Hut (above) has a King Size real bed, kitchen with fridge, hob, breakfast bar, utensils etc. Decking seating. BBQ area. Fire pit. Woodland Garden. We will be adding a hot tub to this unit May 2017. New toilets & waterfall Showers. Norfolk Glamping in Laid back luxury. 

We rear our own Short Horn Cattle at Happy Valley - here they are enjoying some R&R on the hills. Short Horn are a very docile breed of cows. They produce marbled beef with a great texture. It's nice to know they have a very happy life with little stress. 

i've always found it hard to practice mindfullness and meditate but surrounded by the forest with open views it is starting to get a lot easier. 

Embracing the Seasons

Ever fancied Glamping in Norfolk during Winter? Well We've had some wonderful guests this year who've totally embraced the seasons and visited Happy Valley so I thought i'd share some of their fabulous captures and thoughts. Winter at Happy Valley is just as magical as summer with every day changing. The Wildlife in abundance living in harmony with our little woodland cabins.  

 This blog - dedicated to Budding photographer Corinne Hills  who Captured Happy Valley so well this Winter. 

Here's King Nutkin, Wood burner chuffing away on a cold winters day. We often get comments on how warm the huts are. All our woodland cabins are heated so there's no need to worry about the cold. You can explore the woodland garden and 250 acres of Congham Heath Woods and know you're coming back to a toasty retreat.

The Kitchenette houses a fridge, hob, plates, cups, cuttlery, cooking utensils, tea, coffee, sugar, cafetiere, toaster, kettle etc. 

There's a breakfast bar where you can relax on the old tractor seat stools or you can enjoy your meal outside on the decking surrounded by your woodland garden. 

A pocket sprung mattress sits on the king size bed and has been highly reviewed by all of our guests. 

No Need to Bring cooking equipment and crockery. All provided with King Nutkin.

Pop the kettle on and prepare dinner or there's a large BBQ outside if you'd rather.

Our beautiful Shepherds Huts are made on site by Mr Happy Valley (Scottie). All the little details carefully thought of and they just keep getting better and better. Our Treehouse build is about to commence in the next couple of weeks. We can't wait to get our teeth into that one. Situated with open and woodland views you'lll be spoilt for choice of which way to look. Embracing the beautiful Norfolk skies or enjoying some forest bathing. Natures Medicine to nourish the soul. 

Below is Denver Rest which sits with our Tawny Hut - Denver houses a double bed, outdoor kitchen, indoor toaster and kettle. Breakfast bar. Tawny Hut houses a Super King Bed with a small desk and lamp. Outdoor seating and BBQ. Fire pit and Woodland Garden. Sleeping 4 in total. You can call us on 01485 600719 or email hello@happyvalleynorfolk.co.uk find us on instagram or facebook & Twitter.

Thank you Corinne for your beautiful captures and really glad you enjoyed your stay at Happy Valley. Please check out Corinees Website www.corinnehillsphotography.com

Love Katy, Scott, Barnaby & Annie

xxx

We LOVE instagram - @HappyVNorfolk

Please use our Hashtag - #HappyVNorfolk

To Book or View Happy Valley - 01485 600719

Email - hello@HappyValleyNorfolk.co.uk

Vintage inspired Wedding at Happy Valley Norfolk

Tom and Fi's beautifully choreographed Vintage Wedding at Happy Valley.

Toms mother, Louise Morrissey, took the intimate service on the island.

The Photographer was Ben Chapman from Sutton Bridge with a few from Sophie Gott.

Happy Valley has some enchanting woodland and open space areas so you can choose which backdrop you like for your wedding. Perfect for creating areas for a festival wedding or you can create an area to use for a more intimate wedding. 

Tom and Fi had a blessing on the island surrounded by their gorgeous family. 

Contact Katy on 01485 600719
Email - hello@happyvalleynorfolk.co.uk

We have a number of bell tents which can be used for extra spaces, glamping accommodation, gin or Prosecco tent perhaps!

Loved the beautiful made photo booth for all the guests to enjoy.

Garden games a plenty were enjoyed by their guests

The bridesmaids looked sensational. We loved this flirty Vintage pose.

Scientific Proof that Woodland Glamping can improve your Health!

Why Glamping at Happy Valley Norfolk can improve your health and nourish your soul.

Most people believe that the outdoors is good for us. Now there’s a ton of research proving that time out in nature is essential to our physical, psychological health and well-being.

Reduce Stress

Immersing ourselves in the Forest aka “Forest Bathing” refers to time spent amongst the trees. This has now been scientifically proven as having a positive impact on reducing stress levels and lowering blood pressure. Forest Bathing is a long valued preventative medicine in cultures such as Japan but we’re only just cottoning on here in the West.

King Nutkin – King Size Bed, Wood Burner, Kitchenette, BBQ, Firepit, Private Heated Toilet & Shower. Woodland Garden. 

The road into Happy Valley is just as idyllic

Lift your Mood

One reason Mother Nature may work as such a great stress-buster is through scent. The scent of fresh pine has even been shown to lower depression and anxiety. In addition to helping decrease stress levels, spending more time with nature shows a shift toward a more positive mood says Judith Heerwagon, a Seattle based environmental psychologist.

Have Better Sleep ZZZZZzzzzzzzz

 Evidence suggest that being amongst forests may pay a pivotal role in the sleep you get at night. The study found that being in nature improves physical activity levels, which in turn promote sound sleep at night. A new study shows exposure to a natural environment may help people get the sleep they need said lead author Diana Grisby – Toussaint.

With a Super King Bed, Woodburner, Kitchenette, Breakfast Bar, Private Heated Toilet and Shower Room and woodland garden. Not hard to get a good night sleeps. Glamping in laid back luxury.

Be More Creative

If you’re feeling  a little uninspired or lacking creativity then a break in the forest is the best remedy. According to David Strayer P.H.D a Professor of cognition and neural science at the university of Utah, modern multitasking overtakes brain areas that are involved in supressing distracting thinking creatively, and developing a sense of identity. David Stayer discovered that four days backpacking in nature improved peoples creativity by 50%.

Heal your Body as Well as your Mind

Nature doesn’t just have an effect on the mind. Roger S. Ulrich, PhD, director of the Center for Health Systems and Design at Texas A&M University, has found that nature can help the body heal, too.

In his most well-known study, Ulrich investigated the effect that views from windows had on patients recovering from abdominal surgery. He discovered that patients whose hospital rooms overlooked trees had an easier time recovering than those whose rooms overlooked brick walls. Patients able to see nature got out of the hospital faster, had fewer complications and required less pain medication than those forced to stare at a wall.

Like other researchers, Ulrich has found that simply viewing representations of nature can help. In a study at a Swedish hospital, for instance, he found that heart surgery patients in intensive care units could reduce their anxiety and need for pain medication by looking at pictures depicting trees and water.

Pic taken - January 2017

If you’re interested in booking a stay at Happy Valley then please call Katy on 01485 600719 or email –  hello@HappyValleyNorfolk.co.uk

Use discount code – JanDeal to receive 5% off your booking – Valid from Dec 16 – Feb 17

Don’t worry about the cold. All our units are heated. You will have your own private heated shower & toilet to.

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We start our Treehouse Build late Feb 17 – Follow us on Social Media to see our progress

xxx

Christmas Glamping at Happy Valley

Winter at Happy Valley is always pretty magical and this year has been no exception. Guests have enjoyed cosying up by the woodburner and exploring our little bit of Norfolk heaven glamping in the woods. The Winter sun has been abundant enabling some vital forest bathing to nourish the soul.  Woodland walks surrounded by wildlife and the fresh scent of pine does wonders for your well being. 

Excited was an understatement when it was time for our first Winter Glamping Season to commence at Happy Valley. The whole family got involved with getting the huts Christmas ready and the bookings came in.

King Nutkin (below) always a favourite with our guests. It's not hard to see why with it's King Size super comfy bed and Wood Burner . Indoor Kitchenette and beautiful woodland views. She's also got a private heated shower and toilet room.

We went searching for forest finds to decorate the huts and Christmas started to come alive with magic. Protected by the woodland canopy with the sweet smell of Pine, Happy Valley is a great place for a rural escape over the Winter Months.

 There's even a squirrel who nests in the tree which runs through the decking and King Nutkin is a favourite picnic spot!

Late Deals run throughout January and February. Use discount code HVN01 and received our best offers - email hello@happyvalleynorfolk.co.uk

Below is Denver Rest basking in the Winter Sun. She houses a Real double bed, kitchenette, outdoor kitchen and sits next to our Tawny Hut which serves as a spare bedroom for guests with a super king bed it's laid back luxury at it's best. 

WATCH THIS SPACE - our Treehouse build starts Feb 2017  

Find Happy Valley on Instagram - @HappyVNorfolk use Hashtag #HappyVNorfolk

With open spaces and dense woodland there's no excuse to stay and wander to your hearts content.

Here's a review from Marie who recently came to visit us at Happy Valley - 

We had an absolutely lovely time at Happy Valley. Katy was very welcoming and the accommodation  had everything you need for a few days away in the country. The location was ideal - just a short drive from a plethora of villages and the coast, and the hut itself was beautifully decorated. All in all we had a fantastic time and can't wait to come back in the future.

We'd love to have you stay at Happy Valley or if you'd like to hire the entire site for your Wedding in Norfolk then please do get in touch.

Email - Hello@HappyValleyNorfolk.co.uk or call Katy 01485 600719

Norfolk Skies over Happy Valley

I'm literally obsessed with Winter Skycapes right now. However many incredible Norfolk Skies I witness i'm always mesmerised by their beauty. Here's a few i've taken in the past couple of weeks in and around Happy Valley.

We've had many a misty morning clearing out to breath taking sunsets. Seeing Art in Nature constantly inspiring me. Even on the drabbest of days I force myself outside and it never fails to life my mood. And the moon. The moon is something else right now.

The nights are drawing in but the sunsets make up for it. Here's the Little Massingham Road leading to Happy Valley.

We've got a couple of weekends Winter Glamping available at Happy Valley - if you'd like to book then please email - hello@happyvalleynorfolk.co.uk or call Katy on 01485 600719 - 07739892144

All our cosy huts are equipped with heaters or Wood buner, have their own private heated shower and toilet. Kitchenette, hob, Woodland Garden, Fire pit etc. Relax, Unwind, Escape for a mini break in Norfolk and soak up some forest bathing or breath taking skyscapes. 

Tribe Norfolk

Lastly, I just wanted to connect with you to let you know of an Instagram Account i've set up for ALL the fine folk of Norfolk - I've met so many amazing people through Social Media and there's an abundance of talent here so I wanted to bring everyone together to form connections and to make others aware of what could be right on your doorstep. Please get involved and use the Hashtag #TribeNorfolk in your Instagram pics or post your creations here so others can find you. Anything Norfolk based, pretty pictures, products, services, charities THE LOT - please pass the news on and recommend to any other fab Norfolk people you think need a mention. Connect, Unite, Tribe Unity, Affiliate, Collaborate, Connect Norfolk and find what's right on your doorstep. 

#TribeNorfolk

Festival Wedding at Happy Valley

This summer we welcomed Callum and Jo and their wonderful family and friends at Happy Valley for a bohemian, festival wedding. Rebekah Robert Photography captured their incredible day whilst the details were all down to Jo's creative eye. 

Happy Valley was the perfect setting with the ceremony taking place on the island in the middle of our lake and the reception on our lawns with the circus tent hired from The Magnificent Marquee Company.

In keeping with the theme, Jo and the bridesmaids arrived in a vintage VW campervan and the guests were seated on hay bails and garden pillows, handmade by her friends. The florals were created by a family friend using pretty summer flowers in milk churns and terracotta pots. To add to the vibe, the couple created a chill-out room for their guests and featured a bevy of local bands, including the groom's own group; Jessie's Ghost.

Take a look at the gorgeous video from A Beautiful Day videos.....

Filmed at the beautiful Happy Valley in Norfolk. Music by Oh Gravity: "This Could Be Love" Licensed through www.musicbed.com

Autumn at Happy Valley

Each season in our ancient valley bring a magic of it's own - emerging wildlife in Spring, dappled evening light in summer and branches heavy with snow on those occasional days that we are blessed with snowfall in Norfolk.

It has been a joy to watch Autumn unfold as the falling leaves have blanketed the woods and the squirrels have been frantically collecting nuts. If you haven't managed to stay with us over the last few months then here's a little peek at how Autumn looks at Happy Valley.