Festival Wedding of the Year

Welcome to Ogstock 2022

Well, what can I say… Two incredible humans, Amy & Ollie had a vision. That vision came to life in magnificent style with the help of an abundance of love & dedication from their family, friends & some incredible suppliers to create an unforgettable Festival Wedding.

04:06:2022

Hair - @flamingoAmyHair

Photographer - @liamhind.92

cake - @the_Fat_Fairy_

Dress - @purebrides @essenseofAustralia

Flowers - @pickalilyflowershop

Bunting - @boomtingbunting

Food - @squilland.and.squidge

Pizza - @vinesfresh

Band - @Skabucksofficial

Venue - @happyvalleynorfolk

Festival WEdding in North Norfolk
festival wedding flowers norfolk
Festival Wedding - Nightclub in the barn

4 Benefits Nature Has On Children & Their Development

Most parents would likely agree that they want their kids to be well-rounded and compassionate people, as they grow into their own. Children’s physical health, as well as their emotional and intellectual health, can be improved by encouraging them to spend more time outside amongst nature. A new environment, unfamiliar sights, sounds and a sense of adventure, all help to open a child's spirit and mind.

1) Confidence Building

Spending time in the outdoors can build their confidence. There are fewer limits than most types of indoor play and they can choose how they interact with the world around them. This gives them practice in managing their own actions and encourages creativity and imagination. In turn, this will also give them a boost of confidence when interacting with other children.

2) Appreciation Towards Our Environment

As they develop a connection to nature, they will become more conscious of the need to protect our planet.  Even at home, you may start this by encouraging them to garden, etc. Teach kids how to take care of plants while also discussing the importance of nature to human life and the necessity to protect the environment. An excellent habit that they will keep throughout their life is teaching them how to safeguard our planet while they are small.

3) Improved Overall Health

Everyone benefits from exposure to sunlight and fresh air, which has soothing effects as well as immune system-boosting effects. By giving them enjoyable activities like cycling, swimming in the sea, and woodland walks, you can stimulate your child's imagination. Fun activities will encourage them to want to be outdoors more and explore the world around them, building their muscles and mindset as they go.

4) Memorable Days Out

The back garden is a great place to start although taking them on trips can be more memorable and expand your child’s mind even further. This could also be a great opportunity for them to meet other children and help build their social skills. Norfolk is full of free things to do, with its abundance of coastline to explore, tons of woodland and fantastic nature reserves. These make for great days out for the full family to enjoy, bond with each other and also as adults, bring out our very own inner child.

Glamping at Happy Valley provides your child and your family with an array of options to enjoy a taste of outdoor living, from our gorgeous bell tents to our luxury cabins that include hot tubs to relax in after a day of adventures. All of our cabins and bell tents also come with fire pit barbeques, so you can even show your kids how to cook tasty treats over the fire. While you stay, there are so many great places to visit, only a short drive from us. Sandringham Estate, Norfolk’s coastline and BeWILDerwood which is a huge, award-winning forest of family fun and outdoor adventure, are all favourites which our guests have loved to visit.

We have limited availability this summer, so to book your stay, head over to the “Glamping” tab.

Autumn will also be upon us soon and our retreat is as equally wonderful at this time of year too and a great time for adults to escape after social season and the school holidays. If you are interested in staying with us later this year, pop to the homepage and enter your email address, so we can send you our availability when it opens. Alternatively, if there is a specific date you’d like to book, send us an email over to glamping@happyvalleynorfolk.com

A new environment, unfamiliar sights, sounds and a sense of adventure, all help to open a child's spirit and mind.

Build great memories with them on fun nature based days out, like BeWILDerwood.

Let them explore and bond with nature at Happy Valley Norfolk. With our range of bell tents and cabins, there is something for everyone.

Magical May Wedding in the Woods

We’re Incredibly grateful to be able to share this very special Woodland Wedding in May.

After nearly three years of sheer determination, patience, kindness, compromise & compassion from all involved, J & J finally got their moment.

The love at this wedding was overwhelming, magnified by the journey we had all been on from 2019 to the 7/5/22.

We will miss you.x

The amazing suppliers we had the pleasure of working with -

Photographer - Aurora Grey Photography
Flowers - @wildfolkflowers
Catering @funnellskitchen
Film - @shutterboxfilms
Music @boujeemusiclive

From our little Team at HV x
Venue - @happyvalleynorfolk

We’ve been incredibly blessed this Spring with some amazing weather and the beauty of Happy Valley is that there are so many options to create the Wedding you want.

Outdoor Ceremony spaces include the Fir Forest, Willow Island, the Wizard tree, Troys Hill or open glades, the options are endless. If the wind is blowing from the East you can find a Ceremony space in the woods, from the west you can keep calm on Willow Island. If the heavens open there’s 3 options for a dry ceremony with Wilderness views so you can still embrace the surroundings.

Whether it’s a woodland wedding, festival wedding, barn wedding, a unique Wedding venue like no other. Happy Valley will embrace your vision and bring your ideas to life.

To find out more please email us weddings@happyvalleynorfolk.co.uk or give us a call 01485 600719 and we’d love to help you create your perfect day.

A Summers Escape For Couples

Norfolk is a fantastic place to get the first taste of summer, and it's even better for couples at this time of year. June and July make great months for romantic getaways because it’s the time of year you can escape before school holidays and before a season of social events go into full swing. In this tranquillity, you can disconnect from the outside world and reconnect with each other. Happy Valley Norfolk could be your answer for a unique first getaway for you and your loved one or a spontaneous change from jetting abroad for those looking for something different. Premarital couples can strengthen their foundation as they prepare for marriage, and long-term couples take their relationship to the next level - all with the help of a little nature.

Our gorgeous bell tents are now available to book. Great for couples looking for a luxe glamping experience in a whimsical woodland.

The great thing about nature is that it’s more than what meets the eye, especially when it comes to couples. By unplugging ourselves from our daily lifestyles, stresses and technology and immersing ourselves in nature, we have precious time to focus one on one - mind, body, and spirit. No distractions, just peace, bonding and strengthening. Studies have shown over the years that time spent in nature reduces anxiety, blood flow improves and also your mood improves. This being said, it’s not only good for bringing us closer it’s also vital for our health. It's almost magical how a couple can become closer and enjoy each other's company more with a little help from Mother Nature.

Woodland and wildlife greet you just outside each cabin and bell tent door. Three of our cabins also have their own private luxury hot tubs, making your stay at our retreat even more special. We are set in 9 acres of woodland and there are an extra 200 acres of woodland adjoining Happy Valley, meaning that there is plenty to explore with your partner without even leaving our retreat. In addition to all of our romantic getaway guests, we have witnessed so many gorgeous marital proposals and woodland weddings throughout the years. We are truly blessed with a retreat constantly filled with love. To book your romantic getaway at Happy Valley Norfolk, head over to the “Glamping” section of our website.

How You Can Be A Wardrobe Warrior & Help Save Our Planet

Did you know that the fashion industry and production make up around 10% of humanity's carbon emissions? Sustainable fashion refers to clothing and textiles that have been created in a way that is mindful of the vast environmental issues the fashion industry touches on. The good news is, by working together we can lower these effects, by making simple changes to the way we shop and what we wear.

You don't need to throw everything out of your wardrobe and replace it with a full sustainable line. It isn't as difficult as you may think to get started on a sustainable wardrobe and it's worth it for the future of our planet. Here are some key factors we can be mindful of is;

  • Take care of your clothes and the world at the same time - By buying higher quality items, our brains automatically want to look after them better. Buying less but better quality is much better than buying hauls of cheap items. With the warmer and sunnier days, we can hang washing out instead of tumbler drying, this will prolong the life of your clothes and reduce energy usage from indoors. At Happy Valley, we also love to use the brand Ecover in our laundry room. This is an eco-friendly cleaning brand, made from plant and mineral-based ingredients.

  • If you can choose a more ethical brand, why not try it? - When buying online apart from looking at reviews, do you ever really take note about where those clothes are made? What are the working conditions like? Is it a brand hoping for a more sustainable future or are they just greenwashing?

  • What to do with them when we no longer want them? - Instead of a trip to the bin, how about a trip to the local charity shop? And who knows while your there what you may find for yourself! Personally I love charity shops, I have found so many great items in them and lots of things that were new or nearly new, even designer items.

  • Trans-seasonal items are the way forward- The problem isn’t exactly fast fashion, it’s also down to how much your going to use that item. When shopping think about how much use you will get out of it. Instead of shelling out on the latest trends, opt for timeless pieces that can work in any season.

In the current climate of the world, more and more brands are recognising the importance of looking after our environment. Luxury brand Chloé plans on increasing its lower impact materials and fair trade sourcing across all categories by 2025.​ In their 2021 AW collection, more than 80% of the collection's cashmere yarn was recycled and over 50% of silk was derived from organic agriculture.

We at Happy Valley love educating ourselves on ways to be more environmentally friendly because there is always something new to learn and something we can improve on. We also like to influence our guests and social media followers with useful tips, so if you have any, please share them in the comments section below.

Another Glowing Review For Our Toad Hall

Spend Night’s In The Hot Tub, Secluded and Surrounded By Nature

A huge thank you to Ashleigh for her fabulous review of her recent stay in Toad Hall at Happy Valley.

Our Toad Hall Is Well Known As Our Wedding Suite. Perfect For Getting Ready, Perfect Backdrops For Photographs & For The Happy Couple On The Night Of Their Wedding

We loved this beautiful, wooden lodge that was nestled between the trees. From the moment we entered it felt like home. So peaceful and pristine. The effort from the hosts was much appreciated - the little notes and chocolate and the great communication prior to our stay. The evenings gave us the exquisite sunsets which we enjoyed from the comfort of the already preheated hot tub (thank you) which had impeccable jets and the mornings the gorgeous golden sunrise shone beautifully through the large glass doors and windows.

Even on on the gloomy days, the lodge gave us sufficient entertainment from the DVDs, board games and tv. We were able to enjoy the wet weather all cosied up as the lodge has indoor heating, so we spent those few hours snuggled up with a cuppa watching the rain fall. When it came to cooking- the lodge had everything we needed in terms of cutlery, basic necessities like oil, spices, teas, coffees. We honestly LOVED every second and look so forward to returning. We HIGHLY recommend this lodge for a relaxing , beautiful getaway.

If you would like to experience a relaxing getaway at our woodland retreat, click on the glamping tab to book your stay.


Days Out In Norfolk That Won't Break The Bank

The warmer weather is right on our doorstep and as much as it can be wonderful to spend some extra time with your loved ones, it can also feel stressful trying to plan things to do. Not to fear, because we have put together a list of budget family days out in Norfolk, that will help you keep the full family entertained and make some marvellous memories, whilst sticking to a budget. We are so lucky to be so rich in history, nature and culture and lots of it are free to visit. For nature lovers, there are miles upon miles of beaches, woodland and wildlife sites. The county is bursting with things to do, that you won’t find in other places.

1) Be A Royal For The Day At Sandringham Estate Walk the woodlands - Free / Sandringham House & Gardens - £13 just for the Gardens or £23 for both

The Queen's Country Retreat and the Royal Family’s only private home and estate in England. “Explore Sandringham Royal Parkland this spring, by foot or by bike. The 600 acre Royal Park has two way-marked trails winding through woodlands & parkland with further unmarked paths for you to explore.” Alongside the vast woodland and grounds to explore, there is also The Sandringham House and gardens to soak up some history in. Take a break at in the courtyard for some refreshments and browse the estates favourite produce in the gift shop. A great event coming up is Sandringham’s Food, Craft, and Wood Festival which will be taking place on April 30th, 1st & 2nd of May.

2) Explore The Unknown With Norfolk Hidden Gems From just £22 for the whole group

“As you travel you earn points by visiting destinations, solving clues & completing challenges. The Travel League lets you compete with fellow explorers! Each season win amazing prizes & become the UK’s Greatest Explorer!” Norfolk Hidden Gems is a self-guided tour and treasure hunt travel experience and all you need is a mobile phone, to use the smartphone travel tool. You can explore over 100 destinations and challenges, avoid the crowds and it’s flexible to start at anytime. Just pack your sense of adventure and get ready to discover hidden gems & incredible places you may never find alone.

3) Visit The South Asia Collection For A Dose Of History & Culture Admission - Free

If you like a dash of city life and love discovering culture, in the heart of Norfolk the city of Norwich, there is plenty to do and see for free such as visiting The South Asia Collection. Housed in a restored Victorian roller skating rink in the centre of Norwich, just a short walk from the market place. “A Grade II listed architectural gem, with a dramatic arched wooden roof, the Old Skating Rink was first opened on the 19th September 1876. Over a hundred years later in 1993 Philip and Jeannie Millward, the founders of The South Asia Collection, purchased the building and embarked on a major refurbishment. Today, exhibition displays and large carved architectural pieces from South Asia can be seen beside the galleries where admiring Victorians once looked out across the skaters beneath the impressive arched roof.”

4) The Norfolk Coastline Free To Explore

There's plenty to see and do along Norfolk's 90-mile coastline, from beautiful beaches with salt marshes to shingle spits, fine sand and estuaries. There are tons of coastal villages and towns to visit including Sheringham which is well-known for its beautiful beaches and cliffs, Wells-Next-The-Sea where families enjoy crabbing and multiple events during the year and of course, Heacham and Hunstanton, which are practically on our doorstep.

We are very fortunate to be located near a variety of activities to do and places to visit for free. We have the highest concentration of mediaeval churches in the world, with 659. North Norfolk is one of the few sites in the UK where you can view the northern lights, and the vast beach at Holkham and Wells-next-the-Sea is routinely rated the best beach in the country.

To book your stay at Happy Valley for a truly unique glamping experience, click on the “Glamping” tab at the top of this website.

A Lovely Review For Our Woodpecker Tree Temple

“A beautiful place to stay. So cosy and relaxing. We had lashing rain when we arrived and then bright sun the day after, and The Woodpecker was a lovely place to stay for both. If the weather is rubbish then cosy up with a book and get the wood burner going, and if you get sun then head out on one of the local walks or heat up the hot tub and enjoy the beautiful view. Thank you for a lovely couple of days. We loved staying in The Woodpecker and hope to come back again.”

A huge thank you to Nicola for staying with us and leaving us such a lovely review! Woodpecker is a great cabin for a family of four looking for a woodland escape or even a couple wanting a luxury glamping experience. With a wood fired hot tub to soak the day away in and a sumptuous kingsize bed, you can leave Happy Valley feeling relaxed and refreshed.

Enjoy relaxing in the heart of nature in the wood fired hot tub. To view our other cabins with hot tubs included, click the glamping tab at the top of the page.

The Woodpecker Tree Temple in all it’s woodland glory.

Bring your walking boots and reap the benefits of all the great local area to explore. Picture here is our Willow Island, a renowned wedding ceremony spot.

To book your stay in The Woodpecker Tree Temple or to view what else we have to offer, head over to the glamping section of our website.

What's On In Norfolk This Easter

For the first time in a few years, we can finally have a restriction-free Easter break! We are so looking forward to welcoming our guests this Spring to our woodland retreat, for a well-needed staycation.

Sunnier days have arrived and Norfolk is fantastic for adventures. Sandringham is just a short drive away with plenty of woodland to explore and The Sandringham Estate to soak up some history and grab a tasty treat from The Courtyard. You don’t even need to leave Happy Valley Norfolk, our retreat joins 200 acres of woodland of Congham Heath. Enjoy some blissful relaxation in the hot tub under the stars at night, after a day of trekking in the wild.

The county is bursting with things to do and events this season, right on our doorstep. Join The Pesky Bunnies Easter Eggs-pedition at Bewilderwood (2nd-19th April) where your little ones will enjoy meeting the Easter bunny on the Storytelling Stage, face painting and hunting for eggs on the Puzzling Park Trail.

For a taste of Medieval Britain, the Vikings return to Sheringham on Saturday 9th April for The Viking Festival and Parade. With battles on the beach, Viking cooking and axe throwing, this will make a great family day out.

Moving into May, we will see many returning events such The Crab and Lobster Festival, bringing together Cromer & Sheringham to celebrate the world-famous seafood they produce. Across two days there will be a host of great things to participate in, including heritage demonstrations and street markets packed with local produce. Live music will be performed day and night, fantastic street performers, seafaring crafts and children’s activities.

We have some fantastic glamping cabins available this Easter Half Term, just waiting for you to complete them! Our “Tawny Hut” will also be reopening alongside its sistering Shepard’s hut “Denver Rest”, a great duo for a family of four, looking for an escape into nature. To see our full list of cabins and our availability, head over to the glamping section of this website.

To view the array of events on in Norfolk this Easter, we highly recommend visiting https://www.visitnorfolk.co.uk/whats-on

For a taste of Medieval Britain, the Vikings return to Sheringham on Saturday 9th April for The Viking Festival and Parade.

Enjoy a coastal family day out at The Crab and Lobster Festival

5 Ways To Welcome Spring Into Your Home

Finally, we are in March which means one thing - first day of Spring is this month! We are on the cusp of nature being reborn, with all its glorious blooms and greenery. The sunshine is that little bit warmer, the days get longer and we get to do all those things we have waited so long for. Spring makes us feel inspired and invigorated, so there is no wonder that we all feel so excited. Now is a great time to put those feelings into action and get our homes ready to welcome in the season.

1.) Have a big spring clean

Make room for all that’s new and have a good old traditional spring clean, to get us motivated and organised. Cleaning doesn’t need to be boring at all, open those windows for some fresh air and put on your favourite playlist. You can make a checklist, get the family involved in a friendly competition and even set rewards for the evening when it’s all done.

2.) Freshen up your style

Whether home or wardrobe, the wait is over for re-introducing those gorgeous floral prints and brighter colours. We are seeing the very fashionable olive green this winter being replaced with lime greens already, from the catwalk to home decor. Spiritually, this colour signifies creativity and luck, making it a great colour for this spring.

3.) Bring on the botanics

Speaking of green hues, it’s possibly the best time of the year for gardening. Now is a good time to get your shrubs pruned and the garden cleaned, ready for planting for when Spring officially arrives. If you are looking to bring Mother Nature indoors, peace lilies and orchids are both beautiful, low maintenance additions, that will bring to your home.

4.) Switch up the scents

Those wondrous musky toned candles were perfect for the winter months, but now it’s time to invigorate the senses with fresh florals and zesty fragrances. Did you know that a fresh cut lemon placed next to your bed has been proven to help improve your stress levels, air quality and sleep? And all while making your room smell deliciously clean.

5.) Bring life back to meal times

After months of hearty meals and hot beverages, Springtide welcomes back its tasty seasonal ingredients like asparagus, courgettes and radishes. We love the sound of the mouthwatering recipe we’ve found ‘One Pan Salmon with Roast Asparagus” and can’t wait to try it out. What are your favourite meals in Spring? Let us know down below in the comments.