Winter Weddings the Hygge Way

Hygge (pronounced hue-gah) means different things things to different folks.  To us at Happy Valley, it is taking pleasure in comfort, joy in cosiness and celebrating the winter warmers that nurture our spirit.

Winter at Happy Valley Norfolk is an enchanting time of year to celebrate your wedding under the cover of pine trees. With blankets of white frost, crisp leaves underfoot and log burners keeping you cosy in the woodland cabins... it’s of no surprise to us that intimate Winter Weddings are fast becoming a popular time to say “we do”. The nights will be darker but the sparkles are always brighter, the atmosphere merrier with the whole day leaving you starry-eyed.

Our rural Hay Barn is cosy and inviting with the perfect hygge vibe to take your vows too.  You’ll be able to create that warming feeling both inside and out with blankets on hand for your guests while you tie the knot. Use chunky knits and faux furs to decorate hang out areas and make them truly enticing.

Wooden decorations and a natural theme are the ideal way to bring the outside in and embrace your Norfolk wildlife trust surroundings. Wooden candle holders and centrepieces bring hygge charm with rich, deep florals to compliment the organic tones.  We are able to offer a stylish selection of furniture and props to help co-create an authentically hygge backdrop to your wedding.

There's something nostalgic about vintage, so it makes perfect sense to include a vintage theme in your hygge winter wedding. Katy Coe, Founder of Happy Valley Norfolk has a creative eye for all things vintage having run her own successful vintage boutique on the North Norfolk Coast.

Comfort food will be heartily appreciated by all at the wedding banquet.  Think of soul warming pie dishes in different flavours or nourishing casseroles with traditional desserts to follow.  If your wedding takes place during December you’ll be able to treat your wedding guests to a full festive feast! Is there any better way to toast your marriage than a mulled wine or two?  A hot chocolate station with marshmallows would bring even more hygge feels to the party.

Our Woodland Cabins are the epitome of hyggekrog (that's a nook or snug to you and me) in their very design.  Lovingly hand-built hideaways with each home comfort looked after.  Perhaps the most important aspect of a hygge wedding is making time to enjoy the simple pleasures, like a cup of tea from your own handcrafted kitchen and breakfast cooked on your open fire. 

Did we almost forget to mention we have a wood fired hot tub? We can’t think of a better way to chill out with Team Wedding the following day!

To start planning your Wintry Woodland Wedding the hygge way, call to arrange a viewing today.  We have some bespoke offers available from November 2019 – February 2020 with the opportunity to make the most of out of season packages.  

E: hello@happyvalleynorfolk.co.uk

T: 01485 600719

Instagram: @happyvalleynorfolk

Facebook: www.facebook.com/NorfolkWeddingVenue/

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!

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

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.

Misty Blues

Indulge in a walk in nature and beat those Winter blues. Even on a grey, wet autumn day you’ll tend to return with more then you’d hoped for.

Nature Meditation in the forest which felt like a little bit of Norfolk Narnia   

Find Happy Valley on Instagram - @happyvnorfolk

Toad Hall in the morning mist stands quietly  

Happy Valley on Twitter - @norfolkvenue

The infamous Black Shuck

Winter walks bring on a different kind of magic. Natures palette never fails to inspire. We are now going into our third winter here as Happy Valley & one thing I’ve learnt is to allow myself to slow down through the winter months just like the landscape that surrounds. This is a contrast to the rest of the year when it seems to never stop. Adapting to this change can be tricky but required for growth.

🎄Christmas Vouchers available 🎄

hello@happyvalleynorfolk.co.uk

Words that came to mind after this walk -

Reflection

contemplation

mindfulness  

gratitude

XXX

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.  

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

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/

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