"The views are out of this world" A fantastic review for Toad Hall

We are so grateful for this review that came in from our recent guests Carmen & Ben.

“Where do i start! What an amazing place! My fiancé and I just got home from a well needed couple of days away for some pure relaxation and this is the place! If you are pondering on whether to book, ponder no more! Do it! You won’t regret it! beautiful surroundings, definitely recommend the 200 acre wood trail, such a beautiful walk and if you keep going it takes you to a lovely little village. Toad Hall was immaculate, beds and pillows sooo comfy we had the best nights sleep. The views are out of this world, everywhere you look when inside the lodge you are greeted with a stunning view, even in the shower! If you are looking for silence, peace and tranquility this is the place. Nothing beats drinking your morning coffee whilst gazing out of a window with endless trees and views, We are already looking online to book for summer but unfortunately it’s all booked up. The communication was five star with Katy, prompt replies and we even had a box of choccies left on arrival. Thankyou :) A lovely little perk of this stay, if you are unorganised like me, was the kitchen amenities, oil, herbs and spices and everything you would need to cook with, also a lovely array of books and games, perfect for a cozy night in whilst watching the sunset through the main window. It really was a breath taking experience. I cannot fault toad hall in any way I only wish we could book again now for the summer! :( The hot tub was all up to temperature and ready to go as soon as we arrived, was very easy to use and hot tubbing surrounded by trees was a whole new experience for us! It was wonderful! We used it so many times. We went in February 2022 and the temperature in the lodge was so lovely and warm and comfortable. Thank you Katy for making it such a memorable stay Carmen and Ben X”

5 Ways To Practice Gratitude

Practicing gratitude is so important for the soul, for an abundance of reasons. It improves our mental health, helps us heal and assists us in building a positive personality.

Living your life with gratitude helps you notice the little wins—waking up to find you have more time sleep before your alarm goes off, receiving an unexpected compliment or those trainers you’ve swooned over going on sale. Each of these small moments strings together to create a web of well-being that, over time, strengthens your ability to notice the good in life.

Here are our top five ways to practice gratitude;

Keep a gratitude journal beside your bed.

Before you go to bed each night, think of even the smallest wins of the day; write it down. In time, the more you write, the more you’ll start to notice things that you are grateful for. When the pages start filling, reading them back will fill you with gratitude. Spending just 15 minutes before bed noting down a few grateful sentiments, can also support you to have a much better nights shuteye.

Watch inspiring videos that will remind you of the good in the world.

We are what we surround ourselves with. By watching inspiring content online, the internet puts more inspirational content in front of you. Search hashtags on social media such as #gratitude to see what other people are grateful for to help with ideas if you’re stuck.

Surround yourself with people who make you feel good.

Surrounding ourselves with people who we love and who make us feel good, has a shared effect because positivity and happiness are contagious. So not only does it make you feel on top of the world, but you are also boosting the moods of those around you. “Gratitude helps you to grow and expand; gratitude brings joy and laughter into your life and into the lives of all those around you.” – Eileen Caddy

Say thank you for the little things people do for you, things you normally take for granted.

Sometimes we forget to be appreciative of the small things others do for us. Even things as small as someone making us a cup of tea, holding the door, letting us out in traffic - be thankful for the small gestures. Take a moment to not only thank them but think of how they just made your day that little bit easier.

Make a gratitude collage, cut out pictures of all the things that you are grateful for.

Creating collages is a great way to practice gratitude. Looking over photographs that make you smile as you stick them down, will flood you with great memories and will influence you to make more. Vision or dream boards are also fantastic for those who want to manifest a sounder lifestyle. These boards are assembled similarly to gratitude collages, you just need to use pictures and word clippings of things you would love in your life. The more you envision or see your dreams coming true, the more you’ll gravitate towards it naturally. Gratefulness is a footing for manifesting.

We are grateful every day for our wonderful guests that truly make Happy Valley Norfolk

The mindset of gratitude is a regular habit to express thankfulness for all various parts of life, no matter how small. If you focus on what you have, you'll always have more.

Head over to our Instagram account’s @happyvalleynorfolk and @norfolkglamping for daily gratitude posts and stories, for the rest of this week.

What Is Forest Bathing & Why It Can Help Improve Your Life

Crystals can play a big part in meditation, it can deepen your meditation process and raise your consciousness & awareness.

'Forest Bathing' is an English translation of the Japanese phrase shinrin-yoku, however the name may fool you, you won't need a take a dip in your bathtub to have a go. Developed in Japan, 'Shinrin' means forest and 'Yoku' stands for bathing. This simple practice of being calm and quiet amongst the trees, immersing yourself in nature in a mindful way, using your senses to acquire a whole range of benefits for not just your physical but your mental and emotional health.

You can forest-bathe anywhere on the planet, wherever there are trees. You can sit, stand or walk - just disconnect from daily life and connect to nature. Clear your mind and observe your surroundings.

Toad Hall at Happy Valley Norfolk

Take long breaths deep into the abdomen. Extending the exhalation of air to twice the length of the inhalation sends a message to the body that it can relax. Look at the colour palette Mother Nature has created, listen to the sound of the breeze and the song of the wilderness, breath in the earthy scents. Use all your senses to fully immerse yourself in the experience. You can even take your shoes and socks off and walk barefoot as it helps with feeling grounded and present in the moment by connecting with the natural world.

We have had many guests in the past that have enjoyed our woodland retreat for forest bathing and meditation. To book your relaxing glamping experience, head over to the glamping section of our website.

Sustainable Wedding Trends

Planning a wedding can seem like a million tasks thrown into one day and when you add making your event as eco- friendly and sustainable as possible… it can seem like a whole other world!

We’ve put together some top tips on making your day as eco as possible while keeping it as easy for you (and cost effective!) as possible…

Rent your wedding dress!

Not only does this save a on your budget - it is an excellent way to stay sustainable. Now, I know many of you will have your heart set on a dress already - so how about selling it on to someone else once you have made your memories? Wedding dresses are such beautiful and intricate pieces of design that it seems a shame that they get worn once! Why not share the joy your dress has brought to you and your wedding and give someone else the chance to have a beautiful dress on their big day! It is such a good way to reduce your weddings footprint.

 

Photo by Megan Duffield

 

Confetti…

This is always a controversial discussion, there are so many different views out there. One idea that I have seen and LOVE is ‘Leaf Confetti’ - we already know that they are biodegradable, they won’t harm the environment and there is no need for extra resources as leaves are readily available! That raked up pile of leaves is suddenly looking quite inviting, right?

The Theme

Millions of outfits are bought every year for weddings, some that are never worn again. Challenge your guests to reuse clothes they already have, only buy from charity shops or up-cycle! Up-cycled fashion can be great fun and a reason to get out and do some stress free shopping with your ‘I do’ crew!

 

Photo by Sam Gee

Photo by Jarek Lepak

 

Decor

It is very easy to be hooked into the single use wedding market but there are some great sustainable options out there! Hiring props is a great place to start, you get to create the wedding of your dreams without having to start from scratch! Prop companies are such a great resource and can offer lots of styling advice. Another great option is buying items which you can reuse or sell on, houseplants for table decor that guests can take with them as a memento of the day, or perhaps raid your local charity shop for decor items that you can either sell on or donate after the big day!

"It’s like something out of a fairytale" A Recent Guest Review

“We stayed in Keepers Cabin, we picked this lodge because we wanted to get away from everything and disconnect from the outside world so when we found this cabin in the woods it was perfect. The farm where the cabin was located was lovely and peaceful, the cabin was up in the woods where it was extremely quiet. The cabin is beautifully built, the attention to detail in the build, layout and quirkiness of it all is some of the best I’ve ever seen. It’s like something out of a fairytale I was blown away by how beautiful it was. The cabin is isolated, we booked it, for this reason, no phone data, no internet and barely any reception it was LOVELY to get away from normality. We really enjoyed the log burner fire in the evenings and sitting out looking at the stars. Our hosts were amazing, very welcoming and polite they left us to enjoy ourselves without intruding at all but were also always on hand if we needed help. Thank you for a lovely stay we will definitely be booking with you again.”

To book your unique glamping experience, head over to the glamping section of our website.

The Benefits Of A Hot Tub Holiday

For a weekend of romance, a family staycation or a bridal party preparing for the big day - a hot tub is a fabulous addition to your stay.

Relaxation isn’t the only thing the water holds - what if we told you that there are many health benefits are swimming around in there too?

One of prime benefits of a hot tub is the potential to help ease the tensions of the day. The soothing effect of the warm water may help relieve emotional and mental stress, soaking away your troubles and replacing them with a relaxed state of mind.

Hydrotherapy, or therapy that utilises water, has long been known as one of the best available methods for treating insomnia. By raising and then lowering your body temperature, a hot tub puts your body in an ideal state for sleep.

Hot tubs are also known to improve your metabolism, burn calories, promote the flow of endorphins and allow the body to lose toxins through sweating.

Take a break and appreciate beautiful sunsets, starry nights and reap the benefits our hot tubs whilst relaxing. To check out our cabins with their private hot tubs, head over to the glamping section of our website.

A Review From Our Recent Guest

Our luxury glamping cabin Keepers Cabin.

“This place is 10 out of 10. It deserves every penny. Highly recommend you to visit. No phones, no internet, peaceful woodland, cosy cabin with wonderful log burner and great hot tub. I have not seen so many stars in years. It is out of the world sitting in a hot tub in a woodland and watching the stars. If you are after romantic place to spend time with your other half - this wood do it. It is luxurious place with everything you need and spotless clean. You will get the most of your money. We would definitely visit again.”

To book your unique glamping experience, head over to the glamping section of our website.

Why You Should Go Glamping This Christmas

During the colder months and around Christmas, glamping is a fabulous idea. It can be even more magical and completely different than in the warmer seasons.

Imagine waking up on Christmas morning in one of our cosy cabins, looking out into the frosty woodland, log burner blazing inside and a steamy hot tub waiting for you - an experience you will never forget.

Get toasty around the log burner in Keepers Cabin

Adorable in-built bunk beds for your little ones in The Woodpecker

Have a romantic staycation in King Nutkin

Christmas dining for the family in The Woodpecker

With an array of eatery options in the area, you could either book a table letting someone else do all the hard work or you could cook up a tasty Christmas dinner in your cabin. Spend the evenings around the outside fire pit, relaxing with a glass of red wine and delve into the bubbling water of your private wood-fired hot tub.

Christmas traditions get passed down through generations - what time you are allowed to tear the wrapping off your presents, who gets to light up the Christmas pudding or a certain festive movie you watch every year like clockwork. However, there is nothing stopping you from creating new traditions, so why not spend your Christmas tucked up with your loved ones in one of our cosy cabins at Happy Valley Norfolk?

To book your festive staycation, check out the glamping section of our website, where you will find all the details of each of our cabins and availability.

How to Make a Mid-Week Wedding Work for You!

Planning a wedding can come with many big decisions and the pressure is on especially now that availability is fading fast! Picking the perfect date can seem like it’s always an arms length away…we’re here to tell you, it’s not!

Picking up speed as a 2022 trend is the ‘Mid-Week Wedding’.

Now, I know what you’re thinking - ‘will people be able to make a Wednesday?’, ‘I’d always imagined a weekend’.

Well, mid-week IS the new weekend!

Why Mid-Week is the best option,

  1. Give friends and family an excuse to have a couple days off work! A day off for your besties wedding sure beats a day off to catch up on laundry! (The trick is - send out the ‘Save the Dates’ as soon as possible so they have a chance to get it booked).

  2. Mid-week weddings are typically lower in price, the same great venue for a smaller price tag…which leaves more budget left to spend on entertainment, food, drinks and wedding day festivities.

  3. Your ideal suppliers are more likely to be available…the post lockdown wedding boom has seen weekends snapped up. Week days give you much more flexibility to ensure your day is exactly as you want!

  4. Fancy a micro wedding? Small, intimate, just you and your nearest and dearest. Micro-weddings are more likely to be available for mid-week dates! A simple way to get out of inviting Great-Aunt Mildred…


Get in touch with Megan, our Wedding Coordinator, to discuss your options!