Experience a Nature and Birdwatching Break at Happy Valley Norfolk

Witness one of nature’s greatest shows just 20 minutes from Happy Valley Norfolk!

Imagine standing on the edge of the Wash as the sun begins to rise. The air is still, the light golden…and then it happens. Tens of thousands of wading birds (Knot, Dunlin and Oystercatchers) lift into the sky at once, swirling and sweeping in a spectacle not to be missed. This is the Wader Spectacular at Snettisham RSPB - one of the most unforgettable wildlife experiences in the UK. People travel from all over to witness it, but for you, it could be a short journey from your cosy and peaceful retreat at Happy Valley Norfolk.

2025 Wader Spectacular Dates

September

Wednesday 10th September - 6:00am

Thursday 11th September - 6:45am

Friday 12th September - 7:30am

Tuesday 23rd September -5:45am

Wednesday 24th September -6:15am

October

Friday 10th October - 6:15am

Saturday 11th October - 7:30am

Top Tip: Arrive at the Snettisham car park at least 30 minutes before the listed time, so you can make your way to the viewing areas and settle in before the birds take flight. More info on the Snettisham Nature Reserve website here.

Combine your unforgettable birdwatching break with a mid-week glamping stay at Happy Valley Norfolk - just a 20 minute drive from Snettisham and a perfect place to revel in that slower pace of life. Our luxury lodges with private hot tubs and fire pits offer a sanctuary like no other to return to after a day of birdwatching. The Wader Spectacular is a must-see for both lifelong birdwatchers and those who simply crave “wow” moments in life. This natural event doesn’t happen every day and will leave you feeling connected to nature in a way that’s grounding and awe-inspiring.

Stay with us in Keeper’s Cabin this Wednesday 10th September until Friday 12th September and get the chance to witness the spectacle not once but twice! Your early morning start will be easy after a night spent under the stars. Keeper’s Cabin is equipped with a private hot tub, wood burner, fire pit, king-size bed and wraparound deck - the perfect picturesque spot for sitting amongst the towering trees alongside nature.

Other availability to catch the Wader Spectacular dates:

The Tin Tent, our newest lodge, sleeps 2, available Wednesday 10th September and Friday 12th September

The Woodpecker, sleeps 4, available from Wednesday 10th September

Moonshine Manor, sleeps 4, available from Friday 12th September

King Nutkin, sleeps 2, available from Wednesday 10th September

Denver Rest & Tawny Hut, sleeps 4, available from Wednesday 10th September

And it’s not just September that plays host to this performance. During the winter months, up to 40,000 Pink-footed Geese make their way from Iceland and Greenland to gather on the The Wash. Their V-shaped formations across the pale Norfolk dawn sky is a sight you’ll never forget. Pair your nature reserve visit with a glamping stay like no other at Happy Valley - enchanting woodland surroundings, comfortable king-size beds, fully-equipped kitchens, luxury en-suites and home-away-from-home comforts.

Ready to experience the magic?

Don’t miss the chance to combine one of Norfolk’s greatest natural events with a luxuriously slow getaway. Book your stay at Happy Valley Norfolk and let the beauty of the Wash, the thrill of the bird show and the comfort of your luxury glamping lodge rejuvenate you.

Book your 2025 Wader Spectacular and Happy Valley Norfolk break now by heading here. Your life-changing Norfolk adventure is waiting!

Why choose Happy Valley Norfolk for your January getaway?

The warm summer months are known for being the busiest time of the year for UK staycations and lots of individuals, couples and families alike enjoy exploring different parts of the country when the sun is shining. However, the winter months are also a great time to book a getaway, especially one in Norfolk. 

Once you’ve taken down your Christmas decorations and the festivities have come to an end, you should think about booking your next getaway. There are so many benefits to spending a short break away in January to kick off 2025. 

Below we have listed some of the main reasons why you should book a getaway in Norfolk this January. 

Beat the January blues

January is known for being one of the most uninteresting months of the year and once the festive season is over, lots of people feel quite lethargic. Going on holiday is one of the best ways to beat the January blues and a staycation in the Norfolk countryside can lift your spirits and recharge your soul. A weekend away surrounded by nature will give you some time to reflect on the festive period and set some goals or resolutions for the new year, providing all the inspiration you need to kick-start 2025. 

Toad Hall

Sleeps 4 + 2 children

Luxury Lodge - underfloor air source heating, kitchen, king size accommodation, ensuite, treetop balcony, outdoor dining on the sunset decking - Television - Private Wifi - Part disable Friendly/Pram Friendly

Private Electric Hot-Tub

European Leader Grant contributed to some of the building materials for this lodge.

Relax and recharge after the festive period

It’s fair to say that December is an intense month, the majority of people will be very busy at work and also have several social events to attend, giving them no time to relax. If you have been entertaining family and friends over the festive period too, you will likely need a break and booking a January getaway is a great way to recharge your batteries. Spending some time walking through areas of outstanding natural beauty and reading a book by the log burner in our Woodpecker or Keepers Cabin will help you to de-stress so you can tackle whatever the new year brings. 

Keeper’s Cabin

Sleeps 2 + 2 + 1

Hand crafted log cabin in the woods. King Size beds, fully functional Kitchen, indoor dining, log burner, heating, en-suite. Dvd Player. Wrap around veranda, outdoor seating and fire pit. Private Hot-Tub.

Some 4G coverage outside

Enjoy the peace and quiet

January is in the off-peak season in the travel industry and therefore, popular holiday destinations will be much quieter. It will be easier to book tickets for tourist attractions and tables at restaurants at this time of the year, and you won’t have to contend with lots of other holidaymakers. When you book a stay at Happy Valley Norfolk we provide various recommendations of areas to visit and places to dine that we have tried and tested. You can embrace the peace and quiet of the countryside, and enjoy the tranquillity of your surroundings without bumping into crowds of people. 

King Nutkin

Sleeps 2 - Real King Size Bed

Cosy tree cabin

Kitchenette, King bed & wood burner. Indoor and outdoor dining options. Fire Pit. Private, heated, toilet/shower a short walk away

Some 4G coverage.

Explore new parts of the UK 

Lots of people have a holiday bucket list and booking a January getaway provides you with the opportunity to tick a location off your list. Going on holiday at a quieter time of the year will enable you to explore places you would usually avoid because they’re very busy or expensive in the warmer months. This time of the year is perfect to travel to new places in the UK and stay in areas you wouldn’t usually be able to visit. So why Norfolk? Norfolk is a diverse county with fantastic unspoilt coast and countryside, with great sights, visitor attractions and things to do. There’s also always plenty of events going on. With so much to do it’s hard to narrow down the long list of reasons to visit, so come and see for yourself!