Rewild your inner child

It's safe to say we're out of hibernation and the buzz has been growing at a rate of knots. I'm not just talking about the bees either! We've been planning Tribe Norfolk Weekend, hosting photo shoots, Wedding planning & welcoming lots of gorgeous guests.

Here's a quick whizz through of the past few weeks where we have been igniting our inner child.

First port of call for almost Spring was picnics!. Gosh, does Annie love a picnic. Morning, noon or night, whatever the weather. "Can we have a picnic Mummy?", Luckily  I love a picnic to. "Of course my darling, let's get outdoors"

We feel so blessed to be close to the North Norfolk Coastline. In 20 minutes you can be lying on the beach making sand angels. Here at Holme Beach it felt like a Mid Summers day in April. 

We also nipped to Brancaster Beach, another favourite.

One of my besties has just launched her own line of clothing & got me in front of the camera. This is a rarity these days but I absolutely adore these dresses and couldn't say no. I've lived in this one since the day I got it. Mustard lounge dress is a variety of beautiful colours. Available from Wildling Woman

Must be Hot Tub Time by now!

OH and the New Lodge is almost finished.

Toad Hall sits on it's own with beautiful views across to the village. You can see as far as Kings Lynn on a clear day. It's part disable friendly and pram friendly for that matter. Will have its own Kitchen, living area, wet room, king size sleeping downstairs and upstairs. Tree top balcony. BBQ etc

We are taking bookings for the Summer Holidays directly so please email hello@happyvalleynorfolk.co.uk for more information. 

The lovely Kelly @ Mother of Golfers came to stay and took these beautiful pics for us. 2 working mums with their beautiful girls. Denver Rest works perfectly for this and also for 2 couples wanting to escape.

When the kiddies are tucked up why not relax and unwind immersed in nature. Experience the health benefit of forest bathing.

Hot Tub Time - The girls Loved their time in the Hot Tub.

Who doesn't like a toasted Marshmallow? They are heaven on earth. 

The beauty of Happy Valley is that you can see your children playing in the distance, freedom of space, everyone is happy.

King Nutkin in the distance and sundown at Denver Rest. 

Embellish Face & Body Art get sparkly with a Festival Photo Shoot at Happy Valley

This was a great day. The Lovely Dionne from Embellish getting creative with colours in the barn. The team from Studio 19 in Kings Lynn were the models/dancers. Lacy from Slingshots, the photographer.

Embellish will be at Tribe Norfolk Weekend using Eco Glitter and unleashing many an inner child throughout the weekend. 

Love both of these looks. Taken by Louis from Studio 19

Louis and Jonathan looking Festival ready.

King Bell is up!

Our King Bell Tent sleeps 4 in a king size bed, 2 single beds, bbq, camping stove, fire pit. Pots, pans etc.

King Nutkin terrace. Cabin in the Woods

We've erected the King Bell Tent and she was enjoyed by her first guests of the season. I've just added us to Trip Advisor. If you have stayed at Happy Valley before and enjoyed your stay please do write us a review on there. If you have any feedback we'd love to hear from you. We are constantly adapting the site to meet expectations and really appreciate all feedback. If you think of any improvements please email us directly hello@happyvalleynorfolk.co.uk

The cowslip is out and daisy's a plenty. Amongst all the activity we thought we'd get some family yoga practice in to recenter ourselves! Practice makes perfect! 

I saw this quote and remembered. Put it into practice and the changes happen. 

It works.

As the sun goes down.

Signing off from Happy Valley

Lots of Love

Katy, Scott, Barnaby & Annie.

xxx

Tribe Norfolk Weekend

Save the date!

22 - 23rd September 2018

So excited to announce that the first Tribe Norfolk Weekend will take place at Happy Valley

Inspired by Norfolk for people who Love Norfolk

#TRIBENORFOLK 

Tribe Norfolk was created in December 2016 to connect individuals, businesses and all who love Norfolk, a county in which we are all spread out but have an abundance of wonderful producers, makers, musicians, crafters, growers.... right on our doorstep that we may not even know about.

Tribe Norfolk Instagram, Facebook & Twitter were created to provide a platform for people to connect, unite, discover, collaborate and celebrate everything about Norfolk. 

A positive vibes only platform welcome to all who want to bring back some community spirit.

Guests will be able to enjoy - 

The Beauty of the Wild, the Splendour of Norfolk creatives, taste fabulous cuisine, dance to an array of Norfolk Musicians, buy local treats at the Norfolk Produce and Makers Market. Enjoy a range of activities for all ages plus enjoy holistic therapies in the nurturing and supportive community in which Tribe Norfolk has become. 

Pic up some beautiful Vintage one offs.

Pic By Emily Jane - Vintage Deli Dress

There will be a fabulous Makers, Vintage and Produce Market at Tribe Norfolk Weekend where you can pick up some local one offs and discover the fab independants on offer in Norfolk. Can't wait to tell you who else we've got coming. 

Enjoy Tribe Norfolk Weekend in laid back luxury with a Weekend Glamping Ticket.

*TICKETS will be released at the end of April*

Glamping & camping at Happy Valley - 

A mix of Shepherds Huts, Tree temple, New Woodland Lodge and Bell Tents. Happy Valley sits on a Norfolk Wildlife Trust site in rural North West Norfolk. Immersed in nature with incredible woodland walks and close to the Norfolk Coast. The perfect place to switch off from the world and to start making memories. Reap the benefits of Forest Therapy. 

There will also be camping options so you can bring your own tents & campervans.

Enjoy Glamping at Tribe Norfolk Weekend - Pic taken from a photoshoot which included 2 posh 2 pitch and Wedding Wheels next to the Sea. Photo Credit - Rebel Heart Team

A chance to make some priceless memories with the whole family. Try Woodcombing, Nature Photography, family yoga, Dance like nobody is watching, sing along if you fancy it. This is a festival where inhibitions are left at the door. Get dressed up and come and have some fun in the wild.

A Wild Woodland Venue in unspoilt Norfolk Countryside. Close to Massingham, Sandringham, Houghton and the North Norfolk Coastline. 

If you'd like to get involved as a trader, musician, producer, performer, caterer etc then please go to the landing page of the website and follow the link.

www.TribeNorfolk.com

If you LOVE instagram, Twitter or Facebook  then you can find Tribe Norfolk - @TribeNorfolk 

Please use the Hashtag #TribeNorfolk so you can be discovered.

We can't wait to celebrate with you all in September

From all of us at Happy Valley,  Tribe Norfolk and Creative Orchard

xxxx

Connecting in Nature

A couple weeks later than planned but here's a wee blog I did on our Nature Walk around Happy Valley.

Today reminded me how beautiful Autumn is at Happy Valley. Annie and I went on a mini adventure complete with minion backpack to collect our treasures from which we were to create a masterpiece. Feelers out! Whats about!

It wasn't long before we stopped to take a picture of the hedge. Yes the hedge, bursting with beauty. The wild berries and ivy waterfalls. Purples, pinks, yellows, who knew hedges could be so beautiful and fruitful. The bracken showing us that Autumn is here and blackberries providing a welcome snack..

We thought this looked like an Ivy Waterfall.

I couldn't tell you what this wonderful pink sea urchin looking plant is. Can you?  Nature therapy worked it's magic and we were in a little heaven of our own. 

Tire swings, hammocks and Den building throughout the woods at Happy Valley.

Awesome Earth

So we sat down and created this for Nanas Birthday Present. 

Sometimes it can be a struggle to get out of the house, especially if the weather isn't ideal or spirits are low. But i've come to realise that as soon as we're out exploring then the therapy starts. It's incredible how just being outside, beauty is everywhere. In abundance. It almost instantly makes me feel better and the benefits are huge for all the family. It's free and it's accessible. 

Very Grateful for this day. 

X

Feeling the Love at Happy Valley

So, a few Sundays ago I awake with a message from a friend to say we've been featured in the Mail Travel Section. Heart palpitations the lot - initially i thought it was online only but then heard we were in the Sunday newspaper on a double page spread. #hysteria 

We've been so overwhelmed with the feedback we've had from our new little site in rural Norfolk. 

Happy Valley holds so much magic that we feel totally blessed that we can share this with everyone else. 

It has been a long old slog with planning permissions and the great Scottie (my husband) building everything you see. Yes, he's the clever clogs with incredible vision and I often play devils advocate & look for possible criticisms that guests may have so it's not been plain sailing for him either.  It's so heart warming to hear the incredible feedback and I have learnt a few things along the way. Everyones ideals are all different. I can't react to every suggestion by redesigning the site & it's contents!

Then to the discover we were in the Telegraph Travel pages last Saturday was the absolute cherry on top. You may have noticed I do bang on a little about Forest Bathing (shinrin-Yoku) - it means taking in the Forest atmosphere and was developed in Japan during the 80s. It has become a cornerstone of preventive health care and healing in Japanese Medicine.  There is lots of evidence showing how it can benefit your health (see previous blog) and Happy Valley is the perfect environment for this. 

So, next news is that our Woodpecker Cabin is complete - I went in today & was blown away. I hope you are to. Here's a little sneak peak - Accepting bookings NOW email hello@happyvalleynorfolk.co.uk or call Katy on 07739892144

Taking Bookings Now - 0773989214 or 01485 600719 email hello@happyvalleynorfolk.co.uk

Bedroom with a view in the Woodpecker

The Woodpecker has more living space in a beautiful round home with bedroom extensions. A wood burner stove, hot plate, hob, toaster, kettle. BBQ, fiepit, outdoor seating, woodland garden. There's lovely waterfall showers and toilets close by. 

BTW - The hot tubs are on hold as a new idea has taken over.... more on that soon.

The Woodpecker has both woodland and open views, a wood burner, king size bed, bunk beds, hob etc

Bedroom View from the Woodpecker

Below are our other units thus far................. we've also added a childrens play area :)

our Spacious King Bell Tent is an under canvas experience for the whole family. Beautiful dappled light shines throughout and you're surrounded by nature.

no pics today Mum! couldn't leave this one out though. The lights are constantly changing #NaturalLight  

We are lovers of Instagram and you can see all our progress at Happy Valley on there - @HappyVNorfolk our hastag is the same #HappyVNorfolk

Twitter - @HappyVNorfolk @NorfolkGlamping & @NorfolkVenue

Facebook - Happy Valley Norfolk - Venue & Glamping Retreat

Embracing the Seasons

Ever fancied Glamping in Norfolk during Winter? Well We've had some wonderful guests this year who've totally embraced the seasons and visited Happy Valley so I thought i'd share some of their fabulous captures and thoughts. Winter at Happy Valley is just as magical as summer with every day changing. The Wildlife in abundance living in harmony with our little woodland cabins.  

 This blog - dedicated to Budding photographer Corinne Hills  who Captured Happy Valley so well this Winter. 

Here's King Nutkin, Wood burner chuffing away on a cold winters day. We often get comments on how warm the huts are. All our woodland cabins are heated so there's no need to worry about the cold. You can explore the woodland garden and 250 acres of Congham Heath Woods and know you're coming back to a toasty retreat.

The Kitchenette houses a fridge, hob, plates, cups, cuttlery, cooking utensils, tea, coffee, sugar, cafetiere, toaster, kettle etc. 

There's a breakfast bar where you can relax on the old tractor seat stools or you can enjoy your meal outside on the decking surrounded by your woodland garden. 

A pocket sprung mattress sits on the king size bed and has been highly reviewed by all of our guests. 

No Need to Bring cooking equipment and crockery. All provided with King Nutkin.

Pop the kettle on and prepare dinner or there's a large BBQ outside if you'd rather.

Our beautiful Shepherds Huts are made on site by Mr Happy Valley (Scottie). All the little details carefully thought of and they just keep getting better and better. Our Treehouse build is about to commence in the next couple of weeks. We can't wait to get our teeth into that one. Situated with open and woodland views you'lll be spoilt for choice of which way to look. Embracing the beautiful Norfolk skies or enjoying some forest bathing. Natures Medicine to nourish the soul. 

Below is Denver Rest which sits with our Tawny Hut - Denver houses a double bed, outdoor kitchen, indoor toaster and kettle. Breakfast bar. Tawny Hut houses a Super King Bed with a small desk and lamp. Outdoor seating and BBQ. Fire pit and Woodland Garden. Sleeping 4 in total. You can call us on 01485 600719 or email hello@happyvalleynorfolk.co.uk find us on instagram or facebook & Twitter.

Thank you Corinne for your beautiful captures and really glad you enjoyed your stay at Happy Valley. Please check out Corinees Website www.corinnehillsphotography.com

Love Katy, Scott, Barnaby & Annie

xxx

We LOVE instagram - @HappyVNorfolk

Please use our Hashtag - #HappyVNorfolk

To Book or View Happy Valley - 01485 600719

Email - hello@HappyValleyNorfolk.co.uk

Scientific Proof that Woodland Glamping can improve your Health!

Why Glamping at Happy Valley Norfolk can improve your health and nourish your soul.

Most people believe that the outdoors is good for us. Now there’s a ton of research proving that time out in nature is essential to our physical, psychological health and well-being.

Reduce Stress

Immersing ourselves in the Forest aka “Forest Bathing” refers to time spent amongst the trees. This has now been scientifically proven as having a positive impact on reducing stress levels and lowering blood pressure. Forest Bathing is a long valued preventative medicine in cultures such as Japan but we’re only just cottoning on here in the West.

King Nutkin – King Size Bed, Wood Burner, Kitchenette, BBQ, Firepit, Private Heated Toilet & Shower. Woodland Garden. 

The road into Happy Valley is just as idyllic

Lift your Mood

One reason Mother Nature may work as such a great stress-buster is through scent. The scent of fresh pine has even been shown to lower depression and anxiety. In addition to helping decrease stress levels, spending more time with nature shows a shift toward a more positive mood says Judith Heerwagon, a Seattle based environmental psychologist.

Have Better Sleep ZZZZZzzzzzzzz

 Evidence suggest that being amongst forests may pay a pivotal role in the sleep you get at night. The study found that being in nature improves physical activity levels, which in turn promote sound sleep at night. A new study shows exposure to a natural environment may help people get the sleep they need said lead author Diana Grisby – Toussaint.

With a Super King Bed, Woodburner, Kitchenette, Breakfast Bar, Private Heated Toilet and Shower Room and woodland garden. Not hard to get a good night sleeps. Glamping in laid back luxury.

Be More Creative

If you’re feeling  a little uninspired or lacking creativity then a break in the forest is the best remedy. According to David Strayer P.H.D a Professor of cognition and neural science at the university of Utah, modern multitasking overtakes brain areas that are involved in supressing distracting thinking creatively, and developing a sense of identity. David Stayer discovered that four days backpacking in nature improved peoples creativity by 50%.

Heal your Body as Well as your Mind

Nature doesn’t just have an effect on the mind. Roger S. Ulrich, PhD, director of the Center for Health Systems and Design at Texas A&M University, has found that nature can help the body heal, too.

In his most well-known study, Ulrich investigated the effect that views from windows had on patients recovering from abdominal surgery. He discovered that patients whose hospital rooms overlooked trees had an easier time recovering than those whose rooms overlooked brick walls. Patients able to see nature got out of the hospital faster, had fewer complications and required less pain medication than those forced to stare at a wall.

Like other researchers, Ulrich has found that simply viewing representations of nature can help. In a study at a Swedish hospital, for instance, he found that heart surgery patients in intensive care units could reduce their anxiety and need for pain medication by looking at pictures depicting trees and water.

Pic taken - January 2017

If you’re interested in booking a stay at Happy Valley then please call Katy on 01485 600719 or email –  hello@HappyValleyNorfolk.co.uk

Use discount code – JanDeal to receive 5% off your booking – Valid from Dec 16 – Feb 17

Don’t worry about the cold. All our units are heated. You will have your own private heated shower & toilet to.

We LOVE Instagram

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We start our Treehouse Build late Feb 17 – Follow us on Social Media to see our progress

xxx

Christmas Glamping at Happy Valley

Winter at Happy Valley is always pretty magical and this year has been no exception. Guests have enjoyed cosying up by the woodburner and exploring our little bit of Norfolk heaven glamping in the woods. The Winter sun has been abundant enabling some vital forest bathing to nourish the soul.  Woodland walks surrounded by wildlife and the fresh scent of pine does wonders for your well being. 

Excited was an understatement when it was time for our first Winter Glamping Season to commence at Happy Valley. The whole family got involved with getting the huts Christmas ready and the bookings came in.

King Nutkin (below) always a favourite with our guests. It's not hard to see why with it's King Size super comfy bed and Wood Burner . Indoor Kitchenette and beautiful woodland views. She's also got a private heated shower and toilet room.

We went searching for forest finds to decorate the huts and Christmas started to come alive with magic. Protected by the woodland canopy with the sweet smell of Pine, Happy Valley is a great place for a rural escape over the Winter Months.

 There's even a squirrel who nests in the tree which runs through the decking and King Nutkin is a favourite picnic spot!

Late Deals run throughout January and February. Use discount code HVN01 and received our best offers - email hello@happyvalleynorfolk.co.uk

Below is Denver Rest basking in the Winter Sun. She houses a Real double bed, kitchenette, outdoor kitchen and sits next to our Tawny Hut which serves as a spare bedroom for guests with a super king bed it's laid back luxury at it's best. 

WATCH THIS SPACE - our Treehouse build starts Feb 2017  

Find Happy Valley on Instagram - @HappyVNorfolk use Hashtag #HappyVNorfolk

With open spaces and dense woodland there's no excuse to stay and wander to your hearts content.

Here's a review from Marie who recently came to visit us at Happy Valley - 

We had an absolutely lovely time at Happy Valley. Katy was very welcoming and the accommodation  had everything you need for a few days away in the country. The location was ideal - just a short drive from a plethora of villages and the coast, and the hut itself was beautifully decorated. All in all we had a fantastic time and can't wait to come back in the future.

We'd love to have you stay at Happy Valley or if you'd like to hire the entire site for your Wedding in Norfolk then please do get in touch.

Email - Hello@HappyValleyNorfolk.co.uk or call Katy 01485 600719

Norfolk Skies over Happy Valley

I'm literally obsessed with Winter Skycapes right now. However many incredible Norfolk Skies I witness i'm always mesmerised by their beauty. Here's a few i've taken in the past couple of weeks in and around Happy Valley.

We've had many a misty morning clearing out to breath taking sunsets. Seeing Art in Nature constantly inspiring me. Even on the drabbest of days I force myself outside and it never fails to life my mood. And the moon. The moon is something else right now.

The nights are drawing in but the sunsets make up for it. Here's the Little Massingham Road leading to Happy Valley.

We've got a couple of weekends Winter Glamping available at Happy Valley - if you'd like to book then please email - hello@happyvalleynorfolk.co.uk or call Katy on 01485 600719 - 07739892144

All our cosy huts are equipped with heaters or Wood buner, have their own private heated shower and toilet. Kitchenette, hob, Woodland Garden, Fire pit etc. Relax, Unwind, Escape for a mini break in Norfolk and soak up some forest bathing or breath taking skyscapes. 

Tribe Norfolk

Lastly, I just wanted to connect with you to let you know of an Instagram Account i've set up for ALL the fine folk of Norfolk - I've met so many amazing people through Social Media and there's an abundance of talent here so I wanted to bring everyone together to form connections and to make others aware of what could be right on your doorstep. Please get involved and use the Hashtag #TribeNorfolk in your Instagram pics or post your creations here so others can find you. Anything Norfolk based, pretty pictures, products, services, charities THE LOT - please pass the news on and recommend to any other fab Norfolk people you think need a mention. Connect, Unite, Tribe Unity, Affiliate, Collaborate, Connect Norfolk and find what's right on your doorstep. 

#TribeNorfolk