Why This Year's Perseid Meteor Shower Is One You Won't Want to Miss

July 13, 2026 katy coe

Every August, something extraordinary happens above our heads.

As the Earth travels through the trail of dust left behind by Comet Swift–Tuttle, tiny particles enter our atmosphere at incredible speeds, burning up in brilliant flashes of light. We know them as the Perseid meteor shower, one of the most spectacular celestial events of the year.

Why 2026 Is So Special

While the Perseids return every summer, this year offers unusually good viewing conditions. The shower reaches its peak on the night of 12–13 August, and, importantly, it coincides with a new moon. With virtually no moonlight to brighten the sky, darker conditions mean fainter meteors become visible, making this one of the best opportunities in years to experience the Perseids at their full potential. The best time to look up is between midnight and 4am, when the meteor shower is most active and the constellation Perseus is higher in the sky.

Why Dark Skies Matter

At Happy Valley, we're proud to be a recognised Dark Skies site. In a world where artificial light is becoming ever more common, truly dark skies are increasingly rare. Light pollution doesn't just affect our view of the stars - it disconnects us from one of nature's oldest and most awe-inspiring experiences. Standing beneath a sky filled with thousands of stars has a way of slowing us down. It reminds us how vast the universe is, how fleeting some moments can be and how important it is to pause every once in a while. Protecting dark skies isn't just about astronomy, it's about preserving wonder. Remember how good it felt to look up at the stars as a kid and think, ‘there must be something out there’? This is the perfect opportunity to recapture that nostalgia.

A Moment Worth Looking Up For

Whether you're watching from Happy Valley or from your own favourite dark spot, we hope you'll take the opportunity to experience this year's Perseid meteor shower. Take a blanket outside, give your eyes twenty minutes to adjust to the darkness, and then simply look up. Some of the most beautiful things in life aren't meant to last forever. They're simply there to remind us to be present. We hope the Perseids do exactly that.

Check our autumn/winter availability at Happy Valley Norfolk by clicking here.

For more information about the meteor shower, click here.

Wild Swimming Spots Near Happy Valley Norfolk

July 6, 2026 katy coe

Wild Swimming Spots Near Happy Valley Norfolk

There’s something wonderfully freeing about swapping a swimming pool for the great outdoors. No chlorine. No lane ropes. Just fresh air, beautiful Norfolk scenery and the occasional duck.

Wild swimming has become one of the fastest-growing outdoor activities in the UK, with more people discovering the physical and mental health benefits of swimming in lakes, rivers and the sea. Whether you're looking to improve your wellbeing, reduce stress or simply reconnect with nature, cold water swimming offers a unique experience that goes beyond traditional exercise. In fact, research has found that regular wild swimming can boost happiness, reduce anxiety and improve overall wellbeing, making it an increasingly popular choice for those seeking a healthier, more active lifestyle.

Whether you’re a seasoned cold-water dipper or someone who simply fancies cooling off after a sunny walk, you’re spoilt for choice within 45 minutes of Happy Valley Norfolk. From sweeping sandy beaches to peaceful river spots, here’s our guide to some of the best places to take the plunge.

The psychological benefits of open-water (wild) swimming: Exploring a self-determination approach using a 19-country sample. Read the study.

Heacham South Beach (20 minutes)

If you’re staying with us, this is one of your closest seaside swims. Heacham South Beach is a wide, sandy stretch that’s perfect for a refreshing dip, especially around high tide. The water stays relatively shallow for quite a distance, making it a lovely spot for paddling before committing to a proper swim. Stay afterwards for one of Norfolk’s famous sunsets - they are spectacular over The Wash and make the post-swim fish and chips taste even better.

Hunstanton Beach (25 minutes)

Hunstanton isn’t just famous for its striped cliffs and ice cream. It’s also one of Norfolk’s most popular places for sea swimming, with seasonal lifeguards and plenty of facilities nearby. It’s ideal if you like your wild swimming with the option of a hot coffee 5 minutes later. Plus, if the North Sea feels a little too refreshing, you can always pretend that was your plan all along and retreat to the promenade.

Old Hunstanton Beach (30 minutes)

If you prefer your beaches a little quieter, head just around the corner to Old Hunstanton. Golden sand, grassy dunes and a more peaceful atmosphere make this one of our favourite spots for an early morning swim. The beach feels wonderfully unspoilt, and there’s plenty of space even on busy summer days. Bring a flask, watch the waves roll in and enjoy a slower pace of life.

Brancaster Beach (30 minutes)

Brancaster is one of Norfolk’s most beautiful beaches, with vast open sands and crystal-clear views stretching for miles. It’s fantastic for confident sea swimmers, although it’s worth remembering the tides here move quickly, so always check tide times before heading into the water. If you’re lucky, you might even spot seals bobbing about offshore.

Wells-next-the-Sea (35 mins)

A favourite with locals and visitors alike, Wells offers a huge sandy beach backed by pine woods and colourful beach huts. The walk from the car park is part of the adventure, and once you arrive you'll find plenty of room for a swim followed by a well-earned ice cream. The gently shelving beach makes it popular with families, but always keep an eye on the tides and swim where it's safe to do so.

River Nar at Castle Acre (20 minutes)

Fancy swapping salty sea air for peaceful riverside scenery? The River Nar near Castle Acre has long been a favourite with local wild swimmers looking for a quiet freshwater dip. Sheltered by trees and surrounded by countryside, it's a lovely spot on a warm summer's day. Do remember that rivers are very different from swimming pools. Water depth, currents and underwater obstacles can change, so it's best suited to experienced, confident swimmers.

More info here.

A Few Wild Swimming Tips

Wild swimming is magical, but Mother Nature doesn't provide lifeguards everywhere.

Before you dive in:

Check tide times before swimming in the sea.
Never swim alone.
Enter the water slowly. It'll feel colder than you think, even in August.
Wear a bright swim hat if possible so you're easy to spot.
Leave the place exactly as you found it.
If water quality has been affected by heavy rain or pollution, save your swim for another day.

Back to the Hot Tub?

Of course, if you've had quite enough "invigorating" water for one day, Happy Valley has a rather warmer alternative waiting for you. After your beach adventure, there's nothing quite like slipping into your own private hot tub with a drink in hand while planning tomorrow's Norfolk adventure. We can't promise you'll spot seals... but we can promise the water will be considerably warmer.

Happy dipping!

Browse the very last of our summer availability by clicking here.

From: Monday 13th July, Monday 27th July, Monday 10th August, Monday 17th August, Monday 24th August. Click here to book.

Luke & Tamara’s Relaxed, Love-Filled Celebration at Happy Valley Norfolk

June 15, 2026 katy coe

Some weddings have a certain magic from the moment guests arrive - and Luke and Tamara’s March celebration at Happy Valley Norfolk was exactly that.

Their day was effortlessly cool, deeply personal and filled with the kind of warmth that comes from bringing together the people who matter most. From heartfelt moments with family flying in from Germany to an unforgettable evening of music and dancing, every part of their wedding felt authentic to them.

Luke and Tamara created a celebration that was not only beautiful, but completely centred around connection, joy and shared memories.

A Warm Norfolk Welcome

Guests were welcomed in true Happy Valley style, gathering by Willow Island before the ceremony with mugs of warming Glühwein in hand. (That’s a German mulled wine for those who don’t speak German!)

It set the tone perfectly for the day ahead - relaxed, intimate and full of conversation. Friends and family mingled and embraced, with many meeting for the first time, others reuniting after years apart.

With Tamara’s family travelling from Germany to be part of the celebrations, the day felt especially meaningful. There was something incredibly special about watching two families and two worlds come together in one special place.

A Ceremony Surrounded by Love

As the ceremony began, the atmosphere shifted into something beautifully emotional.

Luke and Tamara’s connection was obvious to everyone in the room. There was a calmness between them, the kind that comes from deep friendship as much as love. Every glance, smile and quiet moment reflected just how in sync they are.

Their celebrant-led ceremony felt intimate and genuine, with every guest fully present to witness the start of this new chapter.

Transforming the Hay Barn

One of the most memorable parts of the day was the incredible transformation of our Hay Barn.

Luke and Tamara completely reimagined the space, turning it into an enchanting forest-inspired setting using dramatic tree branch installations and natural textures put together by the super talented Hannah Hunnum Flowers. The result was breathtaking - organic, atmospheric and unlike anything we’d seen before.

The styling brought the outdoors in, creating a space that felt immersive and magical while still retaining the rustic charm of our beautiful flint and brick barn at Happy Valley.

It was a perfect example of how couples can truly make our spaces their own.

Celebrating with Friends Who Create Magic

This wedding felt especially personal because so many of the talented suppliers involved were close friends of the couple.

Having friends contribute their creative talents added another layer of meaning to the day. Every detail felt thoughtful and collaborative, shaped by the people who know Luke and Tamara best.

That sense of community ran through the entire celebration. This wasn’t just a wedding - it was a gathering of a deeply connected group of people, all there to celebrate two people they love.

Dancing Until the Early Hours

When evening arrived, the energy shifted from emotional to electric.

Luke and Tamara’s friends took over the music, with an incredible DJ lineup made up entirely of people from their own circle. The dance floor stayed full as guests partied late into the night, creating the kind of atmosphere that can’t be manufactured!

The music, the lights, the laughter! Everything came together to create a night no one will forget. This was a crowd that knew how to celebrate, and they absolutely did.

Ending the Weekend Slowly at Toad Hall

One of our favourite parts of Luke and Tamara’s wedding story came after the celebration had ended.

Instead of rushing away the next morning, they chose to extend their stay with an extra night in Toad Hall, an optional post-wedding accommodation for couples.

After the music fades and guests head home, that extra time together can feel incredibly special.

It offers newlyweds a chance to slow down and simply enjoy being married without needing to immediately return to reality.

For Luke and Tamara, it was the perfect ending to an unforgettable weekend.

Planning Your Own Happy Valley Wedding

Luke and Tamara’s wedding beautifully captured what we love most about weddings at Happy Valley Norfolk: personality, creativity and genuine connection.

Whether you’re dreaming of a heartfelt ceremony on Willow Island, an otherworldly decor narrative or just a weekend-long celebration with your favourite people, Happy Valley offers the freedom to create a wedding that feels unmistakably yours.

We loved being part of Luke and Tamara’s story and wish them all the best on their journey together.

Email us at weddings@happyvalleynorfolk.co.uk for our brochures.

Suppliers Caterer and Cake - Marianna Leivaditaki * Catering Staff - @forage.and.graze * Pizza Van - @sammywood2971 * Equipment/glass hire - @banquetinghire_official * Flowers - @hannah.hunnam * Photographer - @torihancock_photography

What's On Near Happy Valley Norfolk This June?

June 5, 2026 katy coe

June is one of the most beautiful times to visit Norfolk. The countryside is in full bloom, the coastline is buzzing with activity and West Norfolk's events calendar is packed with family-friendly festivals, live music, water-sports, markets and outdoor entertainment.

If you're staying at Happy Valley Norfolk this month, you're perfectly placed to explore some of the area's best events, all within around 30 minutes of our luxury glamping cabins.

Here are 12 events worth adding to your June itinerary.

1. Lions Family Fun Day – King's Lynn

Sunday 7 June 2026

A brilliant day out for families in The Walks, King's Lynn. Expect games, entertainment, stalls, activities for children and plenty of community spirit.