Wishing 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

Our Guide To Halloween & Guy Fawkes In Norfolk This Year

It’s most definitely worth a visit to our glorious county of Norfolk this spooky season, as we are brimming with activities and events to keep the whole family entertained. Even behind all of the festivities and fabulous attractions, stripped-back Norfolk is well known for its fabulous coastline, boutique coastal towns and plenty of nature to explore. There is something around every turn that everyone can enjoy, whether it's for a romantic trip, a family getaway filled with adventure, or for those who desire to discover historic sites and nature.

If you fancy a ghoulishly good weekend for Halloween

Your little ones will love BeWilderwood this Halloween

Be prepared to be scared at Primevil Scare

• Halloween Phantomine Monster Mayhem @ Kings Lynn Corn Exchange Friday 28th ‑ Saturday 29th October

  “A night filled with singing, laughing, cheering and booing to the very end as you help Prince Ludicrous Blackfeet find his Princess before the crazy Professor Pitfall commands her Monster Creation to steal her away for the evil Skeleton King”

• The Glorious Glowing Lantern Parade @ Bewilderwood Norfolk - Saturday 15th – Monday 31st October

  "A glorious opportunity to see BeWILDerwood by night and meet all your forest friends awaits! Start your adventure at Hazel’s Hideaway, then journey through the WILD woods as lanterns light your way through our enchanting woodland.”

• Primevil Scare @ Roarr Dinosaur Park - Friday 14th ‑ Monday 31st October

  A great event for the teens and the adults who dare to face spooks and scares this Halloween. The event is also back for its 13th year of fear! There will be five terrifying haunts full of scares and twists and turns, street performing actors, and plenty of entertainment. They will have a licensed bar and street food vendors too. Primevil Scare is not suitable for those under 12. Also note that strobe and flashing lights are used.

• Bawsey Halloween Night @ Bawsey Estate & Country Park - Sunday 30th 5pm ‑ 9pm

  “Join us on Halloween night for some spooky family fun at Bawsey Country Park from 5.00 pm to 9.00 pm. Take a walk through the woods, find all the pumpkins and claim a Halloween treat for the kids. With fun and games from BTs Roadshow you won't want to miss this fantastic evening at Bawsey Country Park.”

Where To Watch The Sky Light Up For Guy Fawkes

Enjoy not just the fireworks but the coastline at Hunstanton this November 5th

Can’t get out for Guy Fawkes? Don’t worry, Norwich Autumn Lights has you covered on Saturday 12th of November!

• Hunstanton Clifftop Fireworks Display ‑ Saturday 5th November @ 5 Lighthouse Cl, Hunstanton gates on at 5.45pm

  A great place to watch fireworks this Guy Fawkes is the Hunstanton Clifftop Fireworks Display happening on Saturday 5th November. Gates open at 5.45 pm with fireworks and a laser display to follow at 7.30 pm. Only a 20-minute drive from Happy Valley, then come back to your cabin afterwards and enjoy a bubbling hot tub or unwind around the fire pit with a glass of bubbly to complete your evening.

• Downham Market Fireworks by The Round Table - Saturday 5th November @ Stradsett Hall and Country Park, Stradsett Country Park, Stradsett, King’s Lynn, PE33 9HA Gates open @ 4.30pm
  Fireworks Extravaganza @7.30pm

  This year they have the amazing Jak Ropa Entertainments on stage, with a whole new stage, sound and lighting rig - to create the most amazing festival vibe. They have some amazing LED dancers and fire dancers performing for them
  and more food and drink vendors than ever before with something for everyones tastebuds. The fairground will be on site as always, with rides like the runaway train, dodgems, crazy house, hook a duck and much much more - why not take an aerial view from their big wheel, and really get to see whats happening..

• Norfolk Showground Autumn Lights ‑ Saturday 12th November 4:00 PM ‑ 10:00 PM @ Norfolk Showground Arena, Costessey, Norwich

  If you fancy a further drive out for the biggest fireworks event in Norfolk (and you can’t get out on Guy Fawkes weekend) on Saturday 12th November, Norfolk Showground is hosting it’s Autumn Lights Fireworks Fiesta. With children’s display alongside the main display later in the evening, glowing roaming entertainers, large street food and drink village, DJ’s, funfair and more!

This is just a small selection of the events happening in Norfolk this Halloween and Guy Fawkes, if we had decided to put them all on our blog, you would be here reading for hours! If you would like to browse more events however that are on in the area click think links below;

- Best Halloween Events In Norfolk -

- Best Bonfire Events In Norfolk -

We still have some limited glamping availability for both of these fun filled weekends, so if you fancy an escape into the woodland, click the ‘Glamping’ tab at the top of this page to browse our accommodation and book your stay.

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

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.

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.

We are so excited to see our retreat in full bloom once again

The reopening of our Bell Tents will be here before we know it and we cannot wait

BBC GoodFood’s One Pan Salmon with Roast Asparagus has really kick started our tastebuds

A Wonderful Review For Toad Hall From Our Christmas Guests.

“We spent Christmas at Toad Hall and Oh my Goodness, what a treat. As soon as we walked in and saw it all dressed Christmassy we said it has the wow factor. That gable is absolutely stunning. Surrounded by fields and trees and only the sound of the owls at night. It was perfect. Toad Hall has everything you could need and everything is finished to a high spec. The beds are sooo comfy, especially the downstairs king. You can really tell the quality of the bedding and mattress - superb! The shower was amazing and it was so nice even having a view from the bathroom window while you washed in the morning. The hot tub is probably the best I’ve ever used. It was glorious. So relaxing. Katy was always on hand if we needed her, but luckily we didn’t have any problems or need to. As it was Christmas we were probably super lazy and just enjoyed being in the treehouse so we didn’t get to explore much, but it looks like there would be plenty to do and see locally.”

To book glamping getaway, head over to the glamping section on our website.

Christmas & New Year Availability

A New Year, a new start, a new wave of hope. Never has the countdown to end one era and begin another been so welcome or so needed. CS Lewis said, “There are far, far better things ahead than any we will leave behind” and boy, do we need to leave Covid behind in 2020.

For every goodbye, there’s a shiny hello into something new and we now have 365 fresh chances ahead of us. When we say goodbye to 2020, let us say goodbye to loneliness, to separation, to anxiety about the unknown and when we say hello to 2021, let us remember what a global pandemic has taught us about the importance of togetherness.

At Happy Valley, while the world sat still, we watched nature blossom and would love nothing more than to welcome you to the landscape that kept us safe and sane this year. Heated and insulated cabins, surrounded by the magic of whispering trees, there’s no better place to reflect and feel renewed than Happy Valley.

Choice of bespoke heated cabins -

Toad Hall Treehouse - (Private Hot Tub) – king bed, double bed + 2 kids sleeping options, ensuite wet room, fully functional kitchen, open plan living and balconies

Xmas Week 23-27/28th = £1495

*NYE 30th December - 3/4th Jan = £1495

Keeper’s Cabin - (Private Hot Tub) – fully functional kitchen, living space, log burner, 2 king beds, single bed, ensuite shower room.

*XMAS - 23rd - 27/28th December = £999

*NYE - 30th December - 3/4th Jan = £999

Woodpecker Tree Temple (Private Hot Tub) – king bed, built-in bunkbed, kitchenette, ensuite shower room and log burner

*XMAS - 23 – 27th/28th December - £750

*NYE - 30th – 3/4th January - £750

King Nutkin Shepherd Hut – Kitchenette, log burner, breakfast bar, king bed, heated shower room/toilet a short walk away. Outdoor bbq/firepit. Balcony.

18-21st December - £225

21st – 23rd December - £185

*XMAS - 23 – 27th/28th December - £395

*NYE - 30th – 3/4th January - £550

Denver Rest – real double bed, outdoor undercover kitchenette, bbq/firepit, heated toilet/shower room a short walk away

18 - 21st December - £175

21st – 23rd December - £135

*XMAS - 23 – 27th/28th December - £325

*NYE - 30th – 3/4th January - £449

With nine acres for socially distanced walks, hand sanitiser dotted around the trees and a certification as a Covid-secure venue, we want you to have fun and feel safe. As you start the first page of a brand-new story, let Happy Valley create an opening chapter you’ll always remember.

Here’s to the beginning of the end of Covid and the start of a happier, healthier future for us all.

Glamping Getaways in Norfolk this Winter

Every season is Glamping season at Happy Valley with Winter being the snuggest of all.  We welcome guests to our Norfolk Wildlife Trust site all year round, with Winter by the wood burners proving ever popular.  We’re nestled away in the Norfolk countryside with an eclectic mix of the cosiest cabins, locally sourced produce nearby, plentiful public houses and nature as your landscape.

We’re offering a Winter Woodland Exclusive Hire Deal for Christmas 2019. Spend a magical Christmas in the wilderness with your nearest and dearest. Enjoying the peaceful luxury of the entire Norfolk Wildlife Trust Site to yourselves. Wrapping up warm in cosy layers taking walks through the woodland and celebrating all things festive fireside. Please call to take advantage of this Christmas Offer on 01485 600719.

Wintry Sunsets at Happy Valley Norfolk

Picture cool crisp leaves crunching under foot as they compost back to the Earth.  Clear sunny skies with darker days leaving way to the starriest nights.  Winter is an enchanting time in our Woodland cabins under the blanket of our Forest canopy.

Glamping at Happy Valley allows you to immerse yourself in accommodation and facilities that appeal to those looking to experience a more luxurious and comfort-orientated break that you simply cannot get with traditional camping. We offer an eclectic mix of naturally charming cabins, from romantic Shepherds huts to larger cabins with full kitchen facilities, wood burners and every home comfort you could need.  Toad Hall our sumptuous Tree House comes with underfloor heating to ensure maximum snuggle value and it’s own sunken hot tub overlooking the breath-taking views.

Did you know you can hire the whole site for your specials events? Weddings, Family get togethers, birthday parties, team building, the list goes on.

With glamping, it’s all about gaining enjoyment from a pure, natural and relaxing experience that other holidays just can’t provide!  Glamping is all about allowing yourself to get in touch with nature but without sacrificing that comfort and lack of facilities. Imagine yourself here in our Wood Fired Hot tub on a misty morning…

The balcony view from King Nutkin

Just consider such appeals as the locally sourced produce, nature, wildlife, forest bathing and ever-lasting memories that only glamping breaks can give you. There’s never been a better time to book your very own glamping experience!

Why we love glamping here in the Winter? It's romantic and offers an undeniable break from the norm. You can't beat the wonderful sense of escapism experienced when you wake up cosy and warm in a proper bed, rekindle the wood-burner and peep out of a frosty window to reveal a wintery wonderland beyond. Getting out in the countryside and breathing in the fresh, cool winter air is the perfect way to escape day to day life and live adventurously. Going glamping in winter is a gateway into a whole new world of holiday experiences.

We’re now taking bookings for Winter 2019.  Please contact one of our Glamping team to secure your cosy stay in one of our Woodland cabins.

E: hello@happyvalleynorfolk.co.uk

T: 01485 600719

Instagram:@happyvalleynorfolk

Facebook: www.facebook.com/NorfolkWeddingVenue/

Misty Morning Meadowlands