A Wedding Day which is Wild & Free, as timeless and eternal as the trees, here, in the heart of nature’s embrace creating the perfect backdrop for this Winter wedding inspired by Stevie Nicks.
Read moreWishing you a glorious Easter
Easter Table Set-Up in Woodpecker Cabin @ Happy Valley Norfolk
Easter is a beautiful holiday, it’s a time to celebrate the Spring, rebirth, a new awakening and endless opportunity as the sun rays stay out a little longer warming the earth.
At Happy Valley, buds are starting to open and reveal shoots of new growth of leaves, the pond is glistening with the light from the sun, daffodils are spread amongst the grass and the birds are tweeting a new spring chorus.
Hot Cross Buns & Hot Chocolate in the cosy Keepers Cabin @ Happy Valley Norfolk
Imagine setting up an Easter egg hunt for your little family throughout the woodland surrounding your private cabin, tucking into hot cross buns on the wrap around porch surrounding Keepers Cabin, preparing an Easter feast while looking out of the framed picture windows onto a woodland landscape watching the squirrels play mischievously together up and down the trees. Imagine watching the sunset from the west of the site, breathing deeply, immersed in nature, inhaling the forest with the possibility of an even better day tomorrow. Taking a well deserved dip in the bubbling hot tub, underneath the trees looking up at a sky full of stars thanks to Happy Valley being a dark sky site.
To me, that sounds like a slice of heaven on earth. A trip to remember and the lucky guests who have booked with us for the Easter weekend will be able to experience all of that and more.
Toad Hall @ Happy Valley Norfolk
We have availability in Keepers Cabin and Toad Hall from the 8th to the 12th April, if you too want to carve out your own piece of Easter Holiday heaven. You can book now by clicking here.
From all of us at Happy Valley Norfolk, we want to wish you all a happy Easter and a glorious break - Oh and don‘t forget our Spring Rising Day Festival on the 11th May, from 1pm you can join us for a family-friendly day festival with market stalls, craft workshops, delicious food, cocktails and mocktails from the Cattle Yard Bar and a fantastic DJ so you can dance the night away! £3 entry and Free parking on site. We are pulling out all the stops to ensure a lively and exciting event.
We can’t wait to see you there!x
A Sensationally Stylish Woodland Wedding at Happy Valley
Louise and James are right up there with some of the most stylish Weddings we’ve witnessed here at Happy Valley.
James & his groomsmen looking incredibly dapper in their bond style black tie suits and Louise and her Bridesmaids all looking timeless in ivory silk.
The Dream Team of Suppliers -
Wade Austin Entertainment
Endless 2024 Inspiration from this festival style Woodland Wedding?
If you’re looking for 2024 Wedding inspiration then look no further! Catherine & George absolutely rocked it with their Glastonbury themed festival Wedding in September. At every corner there were beautiful personalised details which just took this wedding to the next level and oozes inspiration for anyone looking at getting married this year.
Catherine and George created a Wedding like no other, offering a charming and adventurous twist on the traditional wedding, creating an atmosphere that is equal parts romantic, unique, and with fun at the very heart of it all.
Exchanging vows, with the back drop of weeping willows, water and towering fir trees. The wilderness setting here at Happy Valley sets the tone for an intimate and enchanting celebration no matter how many guests you have.
We always ask that you use petals or bio degradable confetti
The unique atmosphere, the chance to connect with nature, and the opportunity to unplug from the outside world all contribute to an unforgettable celebration. Plus, guests get to enjoy the beauty of the outdoors while still having access to the creature comforts of luxury glamping and hot tubs. Providing the perfect venue for your Destination Wedding.
Enjoy glamping at your Wedding in rustic luxury, complete with private air source heated hot tub so you don’t have to lift a finger.
One of the benefits of a Happy Valley wedding is its versatility. Whether you're going for a festival wedding, bohemian vibe, a rustic-chic style, or a whimsical fairytale aesthetic, and the barns provide a canvas for your creative freedom to run wild.
It was an absolute honour to be a small part of this incredible day and be able to witness the love, creativity & support encompassing this gorgeous pair.
Some of the Dream Team involved -
Photographer - Emma Shaw Photography
Catering: Gingerlilly catering
Florist:King witham
Band:Colonel Spanky’s Love Ensemble
Props: Happy Valley Rugs & Array prop hire
Makeup:Leanna Stibbon
Hair: Ashley Kay @AshleyKaybeauty
Dress - Angelica Bridal
Feel like a local, no matter how far you’ve come #HappyValleyNorfolk
Market Trader Application Forms for Happy Valley Events
If you’re interested in doing the Cattle Yard Community here at Happy Valley and trading at one of our Events the we’d love to hear from you.
Please fill in the following so we can send you over a booking form…
CHRISTMAS MARKET @ THE CATTLE YARD
An exciting collaboration event between Happy Valley, The Cattle Yard and Tribe Norfolk we are super excited about our Christmas Market, Music & Feasting Evening.
The Details…
Date & Location
2nd December 2023
The Cattle Yard, Happy Valley, Massingham Road, Grimston PE32 1DN
Opening Times
Event 5.30pm - 10.30pm
Christmas Market 5.30pm - 9.30pm
Event Includes
Find gorgeous gifts from local suppliers in the Dutch Barn Christmas Market, pick up your Christmas tree from the courtyard, feast on yummy winter food truck menus in the Cattle Yard, taste your favourite festive tipple from our Marshalls Bar & then dance the night away in the Hay Barn.
Tickets
Tickets will be £2 on the door
Parking
Ample onsite parking
Christmas Is Coming...
Christmas is coming to Happy Valley…
Christmas Market, Music & Feasting
2nd December 2023
Bring the family and join us for our Christmas Market, Music and Feasting Evening
at the Cattleyard at Happy Valley.
5.30pm - 10.30pm
Tickets £2 on the door
Christmas Wreath Workshop
10th December 2023
Gather your friends and family for a luxury Christmas Workshop with The Parsons Wreath Company at Happy Valley.
10.30am - 1.00pm
£65 per person
Pre-Christmas Break Away
Monday, Wednesday and Friday bookings through November and December
Embrace the calm and tranquillity amid all the seasonal hustle and bustle.
Whether you choose to spend your time curled up with a book and hot chocolate in front of the wood burner, star gazing from your own private hot tub or visiting all the local festive events in Norfolk.
Relax and enjoy your Happy Valley break.
We can’t wait to welcome you to Happy Valley.
Happy Valley Christmas Market, Music and Feasting.
Bring the family and join us for our Christmas Market, Music and Feasting Evening.
We welcome you to come and join us at The Cattle Yard on the 2nd of December to get into the festive spirit with the Happy Valley Christmas Market, Music and Feasting Evening.
Peruse the undercover market in the Dutch Barn for unique gifts for friends and family (or to treat yourself!) before picking up your Christmas tree from the courtyard.
Feast on the yummy food truck selections, enjoy your favourite festive tipple from our in-house bar and then dance the night away to the fabulous Hank and Earl.
A great way to kick off the festive season!
About The Event
Date & Location
2nd December 2023
The Cattle Yard, Happy Valley, Massingham Road, Grimston PE32 1DN
Opening Times
Event 5.30pm - 10.30pm
Christmas Market 5.30pm - 9.30pm
Shopping Market
Do check back nearer the day to see who will be joining us, or follow us on Instagram and Facebook for all the news and announcements.
Christmas Trees
The scent of a real Christmas tree in the home is definitely one of those magical smells of the festive period, select your perfect tree from John Sutton who will be with us in the Courtyard. ( Pre-order your tree and collect on the night by calling 07788539353 )
Tickets
Tickets will be £2 on the door
Parking
Ample onsite parking
Accessibility
The market is fully accessible, sorry, no dogs except service dogs.
We can’t wait to see you … festive jumpers/hats are actively encouraged! Let the fun begin!
Wedding Trends for 2024! Our Favourite Top 6 Trends for 2024
Here at Happy Valley, we’re all about making your special day uniquely yours!
We also love to see what’s happening within the industry, see what key trends are creating waves, proving popular and will provide that little something extra for your wedding.
We are delighted to see that in 2024 the wedding landscape is looking less traditional, and is all about breaking away from the norm and creating weddings, which are exceptional and distinctive.
We are seeing more couples making choices, which have a personal significance to create unique and memorable days – and we are definitely down for that!
Photography by Aurora Grey
So let us jump into the top 6 wedding trends of 2024 that have captured our hearts.
1. Natural Venues
For us, there is no better place to start than with what seems to be one of the most significant trends taking centre stage in 2024 – the rise of Outdoor Wedding Venues.
The growing popularity of non-traditional weddings has been a noticeable trend in recent years, none more so than outdoor, natural wedding locations. Originally boosted by the pandemic, where couples were forced to look at alternative options and move their ceremony outside, thereby embracing nature and it’s spectacular backdrop. Outdoor weddings are now making a movement of their own.
At Happy Valley, this resonates deeply with us and we completely agree there is something magical about the changing seasons. The natural world offers us a breathtaking canvas allowing couples to paint their unique wedding day.
With the increase in popularity of outdoor wedding venues, the styling is also following suit, with couples embracing nature and the inherent beauty of your surroundings. Picture raw wood tables, seasonal flowers and greenery, and organic fabrics and drapes, everything is inspired by the gifts that nature bestows upon us.
2. Celebrant – Led Weddings
This past year has seen a remarkable 49% surge in search volumes for “Celebrant Weddings” (as reported by Hitched.co.uk) and this increase doesn’t surprise us at all here at Happy Valley – we love a celebrant led wedding.
Celebrant led weddings have captured our hearts and many of our couples too, for a multitude of compelling reasons.
First and foremost, the appeal lies in the incredible flexibility and freedom they offer. With a Celebrant, the script is entirely customised to you, reflecting your unique loves, passions and joys. This means that your wedding can be a true reflection of your individual journey as a couple.
A rising trend we’ve observed is couples choosing to formalise their legal marriage at their local registry office ahead of the big day, or even onsite at Happy Valley the day before. This enables the day of the wedding service, led by a Celebrant, to become an exclusive reflection of your relationship, creating an experience that is authentic and meaningful to you both.
3. Bold and Bright Colour Schemes
2024 is going to be about embracing colour and pattern… if you love bold and bright then this is the year for you.
Bold and Bright Decor
Vibrant shades of pink, orange, purple, or red infusing life into your tables, cake and drapes. Seasonal bouquets and flower arrangements becoming canvases for splashes of brilliant colour and personality.
And, its not just the décor that is getting an injection of colour in 2024! New York Bridal Fashion Week bore witness to colour playing a significant sight on the runway, with pastel pinks, soft blues and floral patterns creating a magical and whimsical addition to many collections. (ref: Vogue)
Pic Credit Above - Photographer @salsabilmorrisonphotogaphy Right - Photographer - @Lisaandneil Florals @Floralsistas.
This truly is the year to celebrate and embrace your personal style. It is time to showcase your individuality and personality, turning your wedding into a vibrant canvas of colours and patterns that reflect your inner spirit.
4. Wedding Weekends and Extended Celebrations
Why limit your celebrations to a single day when you can extend your wedding festivities over several glorious days? At Happy Valley we wholeheartedly embrace this trend, as standard!
Most of our weddings are thoughtfully planned either mid-week Tuesday-Thursday, or as Weekend Weddings. This choice offers couples that invaluable gift of more time to bask in the warmth of their loved ones and extend that ‘best day ever’ feeling, for just a little bit longer.
The day before arrival isn’t just practical; it’s a chance to take a deep breath and unwind, especially after a long journey. All the worries about making it on time, finding a spot to change or freshen up simply disappear.
The evening before the big day is a golden opportunity for guests to meet and get to know each other. At Happy Valley the night prior often involves relaxed drinks and food around the courtyard fire pit. It is a time for your loved ones to bond, share stories and establish connections that will make the wedding even more memorable.
As the sun rises on the day after the day before, it’s the perfect moment to gather together over morning brews, reliving the beautiful stories from the day before.
Your journey with us at Happy Valley isn’t confined to just one day, it’s an enchanting voyage which extends your celebrations over several days, creating unforgettable memories.
5. Relaxed Wedding Photography
The era of the entire wedding party standing in perfect formation for extensive periods, waiting for the photographer to capture countless iterations of the ‘group shot’, is now a thing of the past.
Relaxed Photography
2024 is all about embracing the relaxed, candid, and social approach.
A wonderful opportunity for your photographer to artfully capture all those spontaneous, heartfelt moments that naturally unfold throughout the day. These photographs will not only look beautiful but will also capture genuine emotions, making your wedding unique.
Additionally, there is an increase in the popularity of Wedding Content Creators. These skilled individuals are dedicated to producing real-time content to be shared to your socials. They capture unscripted moments that unfold, allowing your friends and family to join the excitement, even if they cannot be there in person.
Your wedding photos should be a reflection of your love story, your personality and your style as a couple. In 2024 it is all about celebrating the real moments, the laughter, the tears and the connections that make your wedding day truly special.
6. Bespoke Cocktail Toasts
Keeping up with the theme for 2024 of creating personalised weddings, the same is being reflected across food and drink.
This year has witnessed a notable surge in the creation of signature cocktails for weddings, and this trend is set to continue into 2024. Couples are taking inspiration from the drinks they hold dear and crafting cocktails that truly resonate with their tastes and preferences. This is particularly the case for the post-ceremony tipple of choice.
Amongst the top cocktail choices gaining popularity for 2024, Espresso Martini and the Paloma are set to be favorites.
These signature drinks add a touch of individuality to your celebration, allowing you to share your love for specific flavours with your guests and create a memorable and personalised experience.
Jeremy James Photography
Cheers to a wedding day that’s truly unique and reflects your one-of-a-kind love story!
The overall takeaway trend for 2024 is definitely looking like it’s going to be the year for weddings to be unique, unconventional and personal. We can’t wait!
Half Term escape to the Forest at Happy Valley
As Autumn closes in we couldn’t be more excited for living in a country where there’s seasons and nothing quite beats an Autumn Escape to the forest. Our reviews speak for themselves and it is like living in a painting at this time of year. The smells of the forest, the star gazing from the hot tubs, cosying up by the log fires with a hot choc or glass of wine. Hygge at its best.
Experience a little laid back luxury in the wild.
Book your mini break staycation in the woods HERE
Autumn is the perfect season to reflect on the learnings of the year and evaluate our accomplishments however big or small.
If you’re looking to get back to nature, rediscover your inner child and need a little inspiration on finding art in nature using materials found in the forest or beach then look no further - forage along the woodland paths and you’ll find the perfect ingredients for a leaf mandala or find created cone ideas - HERE
If you’re traveling with your little ones then you can check out what’s on in Norfolk this October half term HERE
We love The Real Halloween (28th & 29th October) where you can book workshops 3- 8 yrs and under 3s enjoy Real Broomsticks, Halloween Lanterns, the Pixie Post Office, Halloween Games, Witches’ Kitchen, the Fairy King & Queen, Musical Toadstools, plus lots of walkabout entertainers, live music, storytellers, Popcorn Wizards & bonfire, The Real Halloween story plus the dusk lantern parade. Created by the Fairyland Trust this was a firm favourite of ours when the children were little and it’s just 10 minutes down the road - Find our MORE
If you’d rather soak up the forest and create your own mini adventures on site then Leaf or barking Rubbing or you can get creative Pumpkin Carving which are firm favourites on site. Marshmallows and hot chocolate by the campfire after a nice dip in the hot tub and some star gazing. Just divine.
You may just want to come solo and enjoy the simplicity, perhaps have an autumn cleanse or just cuddle up by the fire and we welcome you with open arms.
We watch and learn from nature as the trees show us how good it is to let things go.
Next to the tire swing at Happy Valley
woodland walks go on for miles around Happy Valley
forage and you’ll find the most magical of ingredients for your nature art
Road to Happy Valley - Look out for the Heart Tree
Roydon Common is just down the road from Happy Valley and has spectacular scenery in the Autumn
Trend Setter Alert
If we had any advice for couples on how to create the day of their dreams it would be to go with your heart, choose what you love and do what makes you happy and everyone will feel it.
From the moment we met R & A we knew this was going to be a mega Wedding for all the right reasons, beautiful souls creating their own vision & as it unfolded the happiness oozed through the venue from start to end.
Wedding Review -
Magical forest wedding venue in Norfolk
We had our wedding celebration at Happy Valley in July 2023 and it was the best weekend of our lives. The happy memories will last us a lifetime. We truly believe that this is a magical place, you can feel the love that has been channelled into the site. From our first visit in November 2021, we knew this was the place we wanted to get married. The venue has everything you need and more for the perfect wedding!
Our priorities were - a venue where our wedding party could stay on site, so we could spend as much time as possible with them, and a venue where we were surrounded by nature. Happy Valley gave us both of these in abundance. When you quietly walk around the site you can hear the trees gently creak as they sway in the wind, and it feels like they are offering blessings, it's pure wedding magic.
Led by Katy, the staff are super kind and helpful, and communication is always clear and friendly. They have worked with many local suppliers and we really felt the sense of community that has been built here as a business. Marie at The Cattle Yard bar put together the perfect drinks package for us, complete with local wines & bespoke cocktails. All the bar staff were so lovely to all our guests and instantly understood the vibe of our day. Our coordinator Alex was super calm and friendly and was always on hand with encouragement and support. We noticed every single kind word and gesture from the Happy Valley staff and we will always be grateful. If we haven't made it clear enough already - this is the dream team you want on your wedding day.
The venue has so many gorgeous spaces to chose from, both indoor and outdoor so you are covered whatever the weather. It looked like it might rain on our wedding day (it didn't in the end) but we can honestly say that wherever you have your ceremony on the Happy Valley site, there will be a beautiful backdrop.
The accommodation is beautifully put together and it really felt like the best possible (luxury!) festival with our nearest and dearest. The time you are allowed on site is really generous, so we never felt rushed and we felt like we had plenty of time to settle in and then to clear up. Checking all our friends into their accommodation was so much fun! Whether we were having breakfast together in Keeper's Cabin or a post-disco hot tub at Toad Hall, the accommodation was a huge part of the magic of our wedding weekend spent at Happy Valley.
If you are looking for a versatile wedding venue, full of magic and beauty, and run by the coolest, kindest people - look no further, this is it. Have your wedding at Happy Valley and the special memories will last a lifetime. A&R x
It is our honour to be able to host these incredible ceremonies of love, and we are so grateful to have worked with some of the best Wedding Suppliers
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Like something out of a fairytale