Are You Ready For The Most Astrologically Powerful Day Of 2022?

As much as we love the natural world around us at Happy Valley Norfolk, we also absolutely love everything about our universe and astrology, because it has such an impact on our lives on Earth. Every year on the 8th of August, the sun in Leo, the star Sirius, Orion's Belt, and the Earth all align to form what is widely known as The Lion’s Gate Portal. It's a hugely significant astrological phenomenon that provides an opportunity to manifest more abundance than you could ever imagine. Are you curious to learn more about what this means for you? Here's an insight into the Lion's Gate portal and how to use its powerful energy.

The Power Of The Number 8

In numerology and astrology, the number 8 is a powerhouse. It stands out most in terms of the houses and signs of the zodiac and it acts as a bridge between the material and spiritual realms. There is no wonder why the 8th day of the 8th month is so super powerful. The date opens up an enchanting spiritual window for all zodiac signs to set intentions, embrace abundance, and create new beginnings. Just imagine all you’ve been manifesting put under a magnifying glass by the universe… prepare yourself for a bit of a blastoff. So what could you do to make the most of it?

Lean Into Your Inner Leo (Whatever Your Sign May Be)

This fire-ruled sign is known for confidence and courage just like a lion. Leo season allows us to feed our passions, live loudly and unapologetically, and fan the flame of our desires. It's also the season of celebration, so do things that make you feel your best and celebrate yourself! Whether in self-care, dancing around, meditating or exercising; whatever makes you feel good about yourself, do it! In order for you to get the most out of this divine time, feeling good and letting go of your doubts are key.

Remind Yourself You Deserve Your Desires & Let Go Of Your Doubts

A massive factor in manifesting and spiritual growth is having faith in yourself and having faith in what is on its way to you. We all deserve abundance and the universe is brimming with it for absolutely everyone, it just needs you to open your door and welcome that abundance into your life. For you to get the most out of this divine time, feeling good and letting go of your doubts are key. Because when we feel good, we let out high vibrational vibes and guess what - the universe returns us with more situations to feel great about and during The Lions Gate Portal - those vibes are multiplied even more so.

Set The Bar High For Your Intentions & Prepare For Big Shifts

Sirius is well known for being the brightest star in the night sky (twice the size of our sun) and is considered to be the sun of the spiritual world. It will be at its most powerful this Monday, with its highest vibrational energy pushing on our manifestations, awakenings and growth. Take a moment alone when you are relaxed to write down your manifestations; I like to do this after a relaxing bath or a long walk, so that I have refreshed mindset. As you jot down your desires for what you want to bring into your life, try to visualise them. Visualisation can be a great tool to get over your manifesting blocks and can help us focus on positive things. What is your reaction when your intention manifests? With Leo's sun amplifying our passionate side and Sirius representing wealth and abundance, now is the time to dream BIG. Set your intentions high and prepare for some absolute magic in your life.

Practice Your Gratitude

Lastly but certainly still one of the most important; be filled with gratitude. Even if it’s the smallest thing you can find each day to be grateful for, focus on that feeling of appreciation and it will grow daily. The more we are thankful for the more the universe will give us to be thankful for. This practice is fantastic for our mental and physical health, it can also help us sleep better and improve our self-esteem. Do the things that make you happy to help your heart open and expand to a world of possibilities.

There is never a wrong time to practise appreciation, lean into love or focus on anything you want to manifest. However, in the instance of the August 8 Lion's Gate portal, it's possible that your endeavours may be enhanced beyond your wildest expectations.

At Happy Valley Norfolk we love to welcome those into our whimsical woodland looking for a space for yoga retreats, forest bathing and spiritual groups. The woodland is full of energy throughout the year whatever the season may be, each brings its own divine forces, moon phases and uniqueness. To get in touch please email us via the contact information on this website.

Our whimsical woodland and Willow Island are a dreamland, for harnessing the powers of the Earth and the universe

Something wonderful and magical is about to happen - are you ready?

Manifesting and cleansing our crystals with the power of nature at Happy Valley

5 Reasons To Take A Family Glamping Trip This August

Whether it was a single trip as a child or regular weekend getaways, chances are you've been camping at least once. But have you ever thought about or tried glamping? The opportunity to spend time in nature is frequently the most compelling reason to choose a glamping getaway. With so much technology in our lives, from smartphones to smart homes, many travellers are choosing to reconnect with nature and escape the chaos of modern-day life. Whether a totally new experience for everyone or a chance to rekindle those childhood memories with your loved ones, here are our top five reason’s to love glamping this August.

  1. It’s The Best Of Both Worlds

    Because glamping is derived from camping, it means that you get all the best parts - but way less stress and way more luxuries. At Happy Valley, we have real beds, home comforts, fire pits and hot tubs… all are set in the heart of 9 acres of woodland to explore. With fire pits for marshmallow toasting, barbecuing and storytelling around the fire in the evenings, you still get to grab the best parts of a fun camping trip, just with the added luxuries.

  2. It’s An Affordable Family Break Away

    It’s so easy to plan a last-minute glamping trip with your family, without the stress of flights, passports and all the extra added stress (and costs) that jetting abroad brings. Staycations offer you a viable alternative to travelling abroad with less travel time, reduced travel fees and often cheaper activities whilst you are there. In Norfolk this season, there is lots going on from carnivals and festivals to family attractions such as BeWilderwood, Sandringham Estate and exploring the Norfolk coastline.

  3. Make New Memories & Traditions

    Just like we all have birthday or Christmas traditions for example, why not start a glamping tradition with your kids this summer? It will be something that the whole family can enjoy, you can explore new areas and it will be something that they will remember for life. It’s also fabulous for a couple of families looking to get away and enjoy a new experience together, so you can all stay in the same place and share all of the fun.

  4. A Natural Experience

    There is no comparison between staying in a resort or hotel and experiencing nature in the wild. Being in the great outdoors provides us with a sense of freedom that other vacations do not provide. It can also make us truly appreciate the natural world we live in and make us think more consciously about how to be more sustainable when we get home. This is also a great learning curve for your children, implementing an eco-friendly mindset from an early age.

  5. Recharge Everyone’s Batteries Before Autumn

Taking yourself off the grid is a great way to rejuvenate yourself before the school holidays end. Nature is good for your emotional, physical, and spiritual batteries. It offers a sense of calm and peace. In these moments, you become conscious and gain a new perspective on whatever is going on in your life. You’ll return home with a fresh headspace and feel revived from your trip away. As we love to say; disconnect to reconnect, and being in nature with your family is the perfect place to do so.

To book your last-minute getaway, click the ‘Glamping” tab at the top of our website. We also now have our books open for bookings from September - early January 2023.

Toad Hall - Only available for one 3 night stay this month Monday 29th August - Thursday 1st September

Explore the wildlife and the woodland at Happy Valley Norfolk

Our gorgeous Keepers Cabin nestled in the pine trees

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.

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.

"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.