Norfolk In November

With October coming to a close, November is slowly seeping in. There is plenty to see and do in Norfolk this November to keep you feeling invigorated or maybe you would like to visit some of the local festive events. What ever your preference, staying at Happy Valley Norfolk is the perfect location to be amidst it all. November is an amazing time of the year to get away, especially on a staycation.

Just a short 7 minute drive from us, Sandringham Estate this November that we highly recommend Luminate Sandringham (12th November - 19th December) Sandringham Estate also hosts their annual Christmas Craft, Food and Gift Event on the 19th, 20th and 21st November.

Pensthorpe Natural Park

The Woodpecker

Luminate Sandringham

If you would like to visit the coast, mussels are in season at Brancaster Staithe Harbour.

The Norfolk coastline is also fantastic for those looking for crisp beach walks or rural cycling. Pensthorpe Natural Park is the former home of BBC Springwatch, is open all year round with 700 acres of park to explore, indoor and outdoor soft play areas and events.

If you like a bit of culture, Houghton Hall country house is filled to the brim with masterpieces and is currently showcasing British artist, Chris Levine. “Houghton Hall in Norfolk is set to be transformed by a major solo exhibition of contemporary British artist, Chris Levine, 528 Hz Love Frequency. Marking the inaugural winter show in the historic grounds of this prestigious art venue, this exhibition running between 22 October and 23 December 2021 - Molecule of Light”

If you are feeling like driving a little further out into Norfolk, Thursford Christmas Spectacular - 9th November - 23rd December is highly recommended. Norfolk is bursting with things to do, events and local attractions, to suit everyone and anyone.



Cycling Into Autumn

 Cycling is a great way to destress and clear the mind. It will give you an immense sense of freedom. After a day of biking you can head back to us to unwind, enjoy cooking on the fire pit under the trees and have a tranquil night's sleep in the heart of nature in your cosy cabin. You will leave Happy Valley feeling refreshed, relaxed and ready to book your next cycling break. 

Whether an avid cyclist or a complete novice, cycling holidays are absolutely perfect for exploring. Often with today's lifestyle if we take a break away, we tend to travel from attraction to attraction without delving into the inbetween. We are the perfect location for your cycling holiday as we are amidst a range of on road and off road tracks and a short trip to an array of Norfolk’s greatest routes. 

Photo credits to Wheel Travel, Sandringham Estate and Wells Next The Sea Life.

There is an abundance of areas to explore right on our doorstep, depending on your comfortability and your terrain of choice. Sandringham for example is not only fantastic for miles of wooded routes but also for the attraction of seeing the 155 year old Sandringham Estate, which has been the private home of four generations of British monarchs. Other great areas for exploring include Houghton, Dersingham and Heacham. For cycling routes we highly suggest the website Route You. Further afield you could also try cycling along our beautiful Norfolk coastline, full of scenery, bursting with wildlife and rural villages. If you can’t bring your own bicycle, local company Wheel Travel can rent and deliver bikes to Happy Valley Norfolk making your stay that little bit more simple.

Natures Medicine

Heavenly Autumn has arrived. A Chance to slow down & reflect on the madness the world has endured. What a journey it has been and with every storm there are plenty of silver linings. As an industry, it’s taken it’s toll but we have adapted and grown just like the trees that immerse us.

A Summer of Love so overdue. An Autumn of hope as we move forward. Each day as it comes. Together.

Spoilt with majestic sunrises, crisp autumn walks and cosy nights finding your hygge in a cabin by the log burner or steaming spa hot tub.

John Muir -

“in every walk with nature, one receives far more than he seeks”.

Joshua Patrick Photography

Joshua Patrick Photography

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A Great British Summer of Weddings

The leaves are on the turn and the smell of Autumn in the air, so we decided it's the perfect time to reminisce about the beautiful summer weddings we’ve had...

Our hearts have been full this summer watching the venue come alive once again! After so much uncertainty in the wedding industry, I know not only for us but for all of the wonderful suppliers we work with - it has been a pleasure and relief to get back to doing what we do best! 

It’s been a particularly special season as not only have we had some magical weddings - we have been the destination that these families reunite. It has been so lovely to witness the joy on each couples face as their dream wedding comes together and to see the love on the faces of families who have spent 18 months apart. 

And with the Great British Summer comes the array of Great British weather. One word of advice when planning your wedding day is to have every weather eventuality covered. Here at Happy Valley there’s a beautiful space come rain or shine for every aspect of your day. This year we’ve seen it all but in true HV style the sun has shone down for all the outdoor “I dos”.

We want to share with you our favourite moments so far…

The Courtyard

Alfresco dining in the most colourful setting you can imagine, the barns as the backdrop and the sun shining down. This really is the spot for outdoor lovers - there is no better way to appreciate the outdoors than to sit, eat and revel in its’ greatness.

The Dutch Barn

It was so refreshing to see the Dutch Barn full to the brim with love and laughter on this special day!

The Dutch Barn is the ideal place to gather and watch the sun go down…the golden haze captured here encapsulates the warmth we hope every couple experiences on their big day.

With space to seat 175 people, it’s a great spot to escape the weather and admire the panoramic views of Happy Valley.

The Hay Barn

The snug ambience of the Hay Barn is the perfect place for intimate weddings! We were and still are completely in awe of the Hay Barn set up for this micro-wedding. The walls have such character that only minimal decor is needed to make it a really special place.

Throw open the doors and dance until your heart in content no matter the weather! The cosy atmosphere of the Hay Barn is perfect for when the nights draw in and the air becomes frosty.

Photo Credits - Aurora Grey Photography, Tori Hancock Photography, Sam Gee Photography, Killer Filler Workshop

Suppliers - Wildfolk Flowers, Hannah Hunnam, Charlotte Rowland,

A Huge Welcome Back

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

We cannot express how much we are looking forward to opening our proverbial doors again on the 12th April!

Can’t wait any longer to say, ‘I do’? We have limited availability for intimate elopements and micro-weddings! After a year of uncertainty, there is one thing we can guarantee you – a magical ceremony surrounded by serene woodlands, setting the perfect scene for your special day.

We currently have Micro-Wedding packages available for up to 15 guests from the 12th April, 30 people from the 17th May until the 21st June – the ideal intimate gathering of family and friends that we have so missed over the past months.

Thereafter we have a few dates for a larger gathering this Summer.

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 What can a wedding at Happy Valley offer you?

-      A blank canvas, a space for you to make your wedding yours! There are no limits, let your creativity flow freely and create the wedding you’ve always dreamed of.

-      Space to explore – let your senses run wild whilst roaming the acres of land at Happy Valley! Stroll hand in hand through the countryside and bask in the glory of nature.

-      Medicine for the soul – in addition to the happiness and joy of marrying your other half, being in the woodland is proven to help reduce stress, strengthen the immune system, and improve your mood!

-      Live in the moment! There is no better way to disconnect from the outside world and live in the moment than to surround yourself by nature, ground yourself at Happy Valley, relax and enjoy the experience.

 

If this has sparked your curiosity, email us at weddings@happyvalleynorfolk.co.uk and let us know how we can help!

Holiday at Happy Valley

After what feels like a year of emotional and psychological Winter, we tiptoe to the edge of a new, more hopeful season.  The Wildflower Meadow across from Toad Hall reminds us that though we have no control over the harsh elements of life, still we rise and still we must grow. With a boundless energy and free spirit, we roam into Nature but this time, not to seek solace but to embrace the trees as old friends and cautiously celebrate our impending freedom.

Our souls are as wild as the birds overhead, and our imagination soars with all the places we can go, the people we can visit, the friends we can hold. As we get ready to discard our chilly cloak of sadness and envelop the warmth from the Sun, let’s look forward to making plans and sticking to them. Let’s make time for those we haven’t seen for so long. Let’s have a hungry heart for adventure.

Happy Valley has cabins, bell tents, lodges, and treehouses to connect you to the outside this season. As we step, or skip, into Spring, we welcome you to join us and celebrate your newfound freedom. From the beach, the rolling hills to the stretches of woodland, the birds ring out the sound of the new season and we are ready to welcome you to all that is beautiful about Norfolk. Escape the everyday at home. At Happy Valley we are good to go and have social distancing sorted. Gather your loves ones and take them on a holiday at home as soon as restrictions allow.

For more information about our cabins, please contact glamping@happyvalleynorfolk.co.uk

With love,

The Little Team at Happy Valley

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A Wedding Less Ordinary

Living in todays world where communication has become virtual and we’re spinning multiples plates, you would not be alone if you felt somewhat overwhelmed. As our wise friend Austen once said “Life is but a quick succession of busy nothings” and though we embrace the wonders of technology and love the chaos of family life, there are times when we’d all like to press pause and get lost in the moment.

As a wilderness retreat, Happy Valley promotes the health benefits of a woodland wedding and we love nothing more than to transform those “busy nothings” into one, special something: a-once-in-a-lifetime memory.

Undoubtedly our nature backdrop is beautiful and the wedding photos will be stunning but there is now scientific evidence to suggest that hanging up your stilettos and opting to be a Barefoot Bride/Groom will lead to a happier, healthier you.

Even if the great British weather decides to interrupt your outdoor plans then there’s not one but the choice of two barns to take cover in. The Hay barn is the perfect mix of history and character with a roaring great wood burner, bar area and chill out. The acoustics are magical and it can be easily remodel into a night club. Alternatively the Dutch Barn is a large industrial space which can be transformed into anything your heart desires. With panoramic views of the little lake and willow island there’s nothing stopping you from enjoying the most magical day of your lives immersed in Nature.

Forest Bathing

At Happy Valley, guests are encouraged to swap a soak in the bath for a bathe in the forest. Taken from the Japanese name, Shinrin Yoku, forest bathing encourages you to dip your toes into nature’s surroundings and appreciate life’s precious moments unplugged: phone-free, tablet-free but most importantly, stress-free. Or you can have the best of both worlds bathing in the wood fired hot tub in the forest

Simply put, it’s about slowing down the pace. Walking barefoot through the woods permits you to feel empowered, knowing there are no rules to follow, no deadlines to meet and no expectations to fulfil. You take off your shoes and then breathe deeply, laugh loudly and live freely.

The Benefits For Your Wedding Party

  1. Just what the doctor ordered - walking through woodlands is proven to lower stress levels, strengthen the immune system and improve your mood. If you want your guests to be happy, healthy and full of party energy, this is the venue for you.

  2. A spa for the senses - there’s no better way to feel grounded and present in the moment than discovering all that Happy Valley has to see, smell, hear and touch. Even the taste of the air is crisp and pure.

  3. Space to explore - embrace the freedom that comes with roaming acres of land. Couples can stroll hand-in-hand, parents can wander aimlessly and children can hurtle at top speed. With nine acres there’s plenty of room for everyone.

  4. Space to create - there are no limits to your imagination with a barn or outdoor, woodland wedding. There are several locations for your ceremony and every colour in nature to inspire you. An added bonus, according to the University of Utah, is being in the forest helps your problem-solving part of the brain increase by 50%. Your guests can go away feeling both relaxed and ready to take on a new challenge (Bill Gates watch this space!).

So take off your heels and leave the weight of the world behind you. Shoeless but still full of soul, we offer our Barefoot Brides/Grooms a carefree wedding to remember forever.

With love,

Katy, Scott and our Little Team at Happy Valley

xxx

Pic by Darina Stoda

Pic by Darina Stoda

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Gratitude in Abundance - Best of Britain Award - Outstanding Venue

After what has been one of the most challenging years in the industry, to receive a Best of Britain award from Bride Book for being an outstanding Wedding Venue has been a wonderful surprise.

We can not thank our couples, past and present, enough for how they have supported us throughout.

We love to be able to share this little part of ancient Britain with you all & can not wait to open our doors again.

If you’re thinking of an intimate Elopement or Micro Wedding in 2021 then we have some late availability due to Wedding moves so please do get in touch weddings@happyvalleynorfolk.co.uk

All our Love

The Little Team at Happy Valley

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