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

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.

"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”

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.

A Review From Our Recent Guest

Our luxury glamping cabin Keepers Cabin.

“This place is 10 out of 10. It deserves every penny. Highly recommend you to visit. No phones, no internet, peaceful woodland, cosy cabin with wonderful log burner and great hot tub. I have not seen so many stars in years. It is out of the world sitting in a hot tub in a woodland and watching the stars. If you are after romantic place to spend time with your other half - this wood do it. It is luxurious place with everything you need and spotless clean. You will get the most of your money. We would definitely visit again.”

To book your unique glamping experience, head over to the glamping section of our website.

Holiday at Happy Valley

After what feels like a year of emotional and psychological Winter, we tiptoe to the edge of a new, more hopeful season.  The Wildflower Meadow across from Toad Hall reminds us that though we have no control over the harsh elements of life, still we rise and still we must grow. With a boundless energy and free spirit, we roam into Nature but this time, not to seek solace but to embrace the trees as old friends and cautiously celebrate our impending freedom.

Our souls are as wild as the birds overhead, and our imagination soars with all the places we can go, the people we can visit, the friends we can hold. As we get ready to discard our chilly cloak of sadness and envelop the warmth from the Sun, let’s look forward to making plans and sticking to them. Let’s make time for those we haven’t seen for so long. Let’s have a hungry heart for adventure.

Happy Valley has cabins, bell tents, lodges, and treehouses to connect you to the outside this season. As we step, or skip, into Spring, we welcome you to join us and celebrate your newfound freedom. From the beach, the rolling hills to the stretches of woodland, the birds ring out the sound of the new season and we are ready to welcome you to all that is beautiful about Norfolk. Escape the everyday at home. At Happy Valley we are good to go and have social distancing sorted. Gather your loves ones and take them on a holiday at home as soon as restrictions allow.

For more information about our cabins, please contact glamping@happyvalleynorfolk.co.uk

With love,

The Little Team at Happy Valley

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Into the Wild

“It seems to me that the natural world is the greatest source of excitement; the greatest source of visual beauty; the greatest source of intellectual interest. It is the greatest source of so much in life that makes life worth living.” 
― David Attenborough

Stepping into the Wild from our King Bell Tent

Stepping into the Wild from our King Bell Tent

Happy Valley Norfolk is home to a wilderness of natural habitats.  We’re proud to be a Norfolk Wildlife Trust site and play an important role in protecting our natural heritage.  All of our builds are sympathetic to the surrounding habitats.  We hand dig all foundations and create space under each cabin for wildlife to flourish. The wild grounds here are an abundant life source of excitement for us too, which is why we’re eager to share their beauty with you.

Lake life at Happy Valley

Lake life at Happy Valley

Happy Valley Norfolk is set in 9 acres of ancient woodland and meadowland where nature quietly thrives.  Our tranquil site is wildlife rich and home to many species including song birds and owls; bats taking flight with the rare long eared bat spotted hanging out here, squirrels scaling sky high pines, rabbits, hare, munt jack and deer hopping and skipping through whilst nestled in the safe space of our forest are hedgehogs, badgers, stoats and foxes taking sanctuary.  Butterflies, Dragon Flies, Bees and Moths weave in and out of the flora whilst our lake of whispering Willows overlooks plentiful pond-life. During the summer of 2019 we’ve planted acres of wildflower and our Sainfoin field at the family farm produces pink blooms which are a magnet to insects.

A safe space for children & wildlife

A safe space for children & wildlife

As a family we’ve immersed our children in nature with the forest floor as their playground.  We’ve created a Glamping site in harmony with wild inhabitants to encourage other families to harness an appreciation of wildlife and how we can all relate positively to the natural world that unconditionally sustains us.

The more we enrich our bond with Mother Nature, the more likely we are to conserve her future. Spending time outdoors in nature each day is the healthiest way to strengthen our connection with our natural roots. Encouraging our children to form respectful connections with our natural neighbours is perhaps the most precious way to keep our wild heritage alive!

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We’ve illustrated our natural habitat for all who come to stay and developed activity sheets to encourage families to explore their wild surroundings together.

How can you connect with nature at Happy Valley? Let us name just a few naturally healing things to do… from forest bathing to star gazing, hunting for bugs, foraging for fruits and making mindfully natural mandalas, taking time out for wildlife spotting from the comfort of your hammock and for the more adventurous walking deep into the woods to discover natures treasures.

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Sir David Attenborough, Stephen Fry, Catherine Tate, Alison Steadman and Asim Chaudhry have backed a new campaign from The Wildlife Trusts that calls for a wilder future and for nature’s recovery in the UK.
 
The conservationist and actors have starring roles in a new Wind in the Willows film trailer which brings to life the 21st century threats facing the much-loved characters from Kenneth Grahame’s children’s classic. The animated trailer calls on everyone to help bring our wildlife back before it’s too late, so that we can all enjoy a wilder future.
 
At Happy Valley we named our naturally built treehouse ‘Toad Hall’ after being inspired by the Wind in the Willows tale as children.  We hope that a stay here with your offspring inspires you and your wildlings to deepen your connection with nature and ignite your passion for a wilder future!

Toad Hall at Happy Valley

Toad Hall at Happy Valley

To re-wild yourself and experience all of the natural wonders at Happy Valley, contact one of our forest friendly team today.

Keep it Wild Norfolk!

E: hello@happyvalleynorfolk.co.uk

T: 01485 600719

Instagram: @Happyvalleynorfolk