Halloween at Happy Valley

Follow us behind the scenes to a Halloween Week at Happy Valley. As Hallows’ Eve falls on the week of October Half Term, it is no surprise that our mini mascots are employed to take part in the mischief and mayhem.

The sun has dawned on Summer and now the moon, wide eyed in wonder, looks down at the scene unfolding. Tiny dew drops of rain can be seen building up on cobwebs of woven silk; nature plays its part as spiders and bats are ready to take their role in this spooky festival.

As the cold air lingers and a foggy mist descends, Annie and Barnaby step into their positions magnificently by brewing the potions (tea and hot chocolate!) and preparing the cauldron for a family feast (pumpkin cookies!). With no cat or ghost in sight, Timber the dog is roped into the day’s ritual and as pumpkin is going spare, he is happy to oblige.

Our first call to arms, is to find our coats, wrap up in a layer of protection from the howling winds, and step into the woodland of whispering trees to find the perfect chestnuts and conkers for our collection. We place these and the acorn leaves into the magician’s hat and utter a chant or two.

With spoons and (adult-supervised) knives at the ready, we carve out some fun by etching into the round, plump, pumpkins at our feet. Scraping out the fluffy, orange innards, we scoop this into our pot and place to one side (this will be noted on our post-Halloween-pumpkin-blog). Our future architect and nine-year-old carpenter, picks up his drill and creates a fiery sky of stars by drilling holes into the pumpkin’s thick skin.

Adorned with a witch’s hat and magic at her fingers tips, Annie brings a glimmer of sparkle to nature as leaves and conkers are coated in gold. The shimmery glow coming from the puddle below hints at the evening to come and a cackle echoes in the air, reverberating throughout the land. It’s almost time.

The candles are lit, sparklers ignite, pumpkins are placed, with fairies and sprite. Our two, adorable children transform into Witch and Magician. Skulls’ eyes are aglow and to the new, log cabin we go. Come friend, come foe, come ghost, come all, this year’s Halloween will be the best of them all!

If you would like to join us for a weekend of magic and fun, we have some last minute availability due to a local lockdown for our unfortunate guests:

Availability: Friday 30th October – Monday 2nd November 2020

Cabins: Woodpecker (£395) or Denver Rest and Tawny Hut (£320) - NOW FULLY BOOKED

To book, please contact hello@happyvalleynorfolk.co.uk / 01485600719

With love,

Katy and Kirsty xx

Autumn Equinox

Today is the Autumn Equinox, aka Mabon, a powerful time of the year where day and night dance in perfect balance, where the sun and moon equally share the sky. We open the doors to Autumn and give thanks and honour the harvest just gone. Even when the harvest wasn’t quite what was expected there’s always something to be grateful for.

A time of balance between the seasons. Holding this transitional space without fear is on our Happy Valley affirmations list and not always easy in the current climate. But we all know that fears makes the wolf look bigger & we turn to Mother Nature for a word of wisdom.

The Equinox is a time honoured by many cultures including us here at Happy Valley. The nights become chillier and before we even see the change in the landscape our senses notice the changing seasons. We can marvel at how Mother Earth shows us that nothing is constant and how this is reflected in our world.
This too shall pass.

We celebrate the land and its history for it has seen this all before and we celebrate all of you who’ve shared this crazy journey which is 2020. We’ve made it to Autumn & that is worth celebrating.

Location Location Location

In this season of uncertainty, there is an opportunity for growth and creativity. If a picture says a thousand words, then an entire photoshoot can give you a story, and people are looking for this now more than ever before.

While the world is kept inside, we look out towards the light and long to chase the clouds and catch the sun as it sets. We want to see rainbows, vast landscapes, and everything in between. In our enforced bubbles, we turn to family albums, postcards, magazine clippings and the endless reel on Instagram for comfort and for the hope of a better future.

We invite location scouts and managers, photographers, creatives and designers to Happy Valley where the options are endless. Whether you’re looking for a woodland wilderness, a little lake, rustic lodges, vintage barns, industrial spaces or an open field in the middle of nowhere then look no further. There’s an exciting portfolio of unique locations available for film and photographic shoots within this one Norfolk Venue.

Here we highlight the Hay Barn which is a great year round historic barn with a wood burner, bar area and chill out. It’s licensed for Weddings and perfect for a Micro Wedding.

Why not shoot and stay on site. Take a look at our Shepherds Huts, Tree temple and Treehouse HERE

By hiring Happy Valley for the day or week, you can paint people’s screens with positivity and fun with the following photoshoot options:

·       Film location

·       Engagement shoots

·       Commercial photoshoots – Fashion, Wedding, product shoots etc

Set in a rural backdrop of quintessentially English countryside, Happy Valley is a woodland venue like no other. Its nine acres of land offers the perfect chance to capture nature at its best. What’s more, our on-site, luxury glamping accommodation, barn and hot tubs can host your team should you wish to work on a longer project.

We could not wait to get back to being creative and shot a little Autumn shoot in the Hay Barn with some incredibly talented local creatives last week.

Hannah Hunnam is a sustainable florist based in Castle Acre and has a natural eye for creating incredible flower arrangements. Check out her instagram @Hannah.Hunnam to see how she works with colour, movement and flair in a sustainable manner. Here’s a bit more from Hannah -

“I’m an independent florist based in Castle Acre, West Norfolk. I specialise in seasonal, wild and naturalistic floral arrangements - all of which celebrate colour, movement and flair! I’m passionate about sourcing locally grown and British blooms wherever possible, and have built some great relationships with incredible local growers here in Norfolk (I'm also growing what I can in my very small garden!). I take great pride in using sustainable design methods in my work, and avoid using floral foam in all of my arrangements and installations. There are plenty of alternative and creative design solutions available with the aim of lowering our carbon footprint, without having to make any compromises on the quality and style”

Tori Hancock is a UK based wedding and commercial photographer - A little bit from Tori -

“My style focuses on humour, emotion and beauty and is a blend of documentary, fine art photography and photojournalism. I love to get those unique portraits, teary eyes, and fun candid moments. If you're getting married and think you might be interested in me discreetly documenting your special day, why not get in touch. Likewise, if you want to capture some memories of you and your loved one(s), or have a business that you want to be photographed, feel free to drop me a line.” Check out Toris Instagram HERE

For more information or to receive a bespoke quote, please contact: hello@happyvalleynorfolk.co.uk  

INSTAGRAM - @HappyValleyNorfolk

TWITTER - @NorfolkVenue

Halloween Shoot in The Hay Barn at Happy Valley - Photography @torihancock_photography - Flowers @hannah.hunnam

The Gift that keeps on Giving

If you’re searching for a little inspiration this Festive Season our Gift Vouchers will make the perfect addition to the neatly or not so neatly wrapped presents under your tree! Nothing quite says ‘surprise’ like being treated to a romantic retreat in nature after the hustle and bustle of Christmas.

We have a magical mix of characterful cabins to stay in this Winter, ranging from snuggly Shepherds huts for two to lodges with King Sized accommodation. We’re tucked away in the Norfolk countryside with the cosiest hand crafted cabins, locally sourced produce right on your doorstep and the North Norfolk Coast a short drive away. Blow away the Christmas cobwebs with a brisk walk in the woodland or on one of Norfolk’s beautiful beaches. We highly recommend Thornham, Brancaster and Holkham if you’re looking for coastal stretches to explore. With some of the County’s finest restaurants, coffee shops and delicatessens dotted all along the coastline.

Making the most of precious time together at Happy Valley is the gift that will keep on giving this Christmas as you’ll have something to look forward to in the New Year and memories to treasure for years to come! Did we mention we also have a wood fired hot tub tucked away in one of our Forest Glades.. offering the most beautiful spot for star gazing!

With gift vouchers available for any value - don’t get caught up in the Christmas queues… give the gift of comfort and joy! Gift vouchers are valid for 12 months following purchase date allowing plenty of opportunity to be enjoyed.

Our team of Forest Elves will ensure your gift is gratefully received. Please get in touch and we will tailor a voucher just for you!

Telephone: 01485 600719

Email: hello@happyvalleynorfolk.co.uk

Instagram: @happyvalleynorfolk

Facebook: www.facebook.com/NorfolkWeddingVenue/

The Gift of Togetherness this Christmas

We still have some Christmas availability to book your stay together at Happy Valley Norfolk… all dates now online. Set in 9 acres of undisturbed Winter Wonderland you’ll have an abundance of precious time to reconnect with yourselves, each other and nature!

The Woodpecker now comes with the luxury of an en-suite bathroom… perfect for a family of 4 looking to snuggle up together by the fire this Christmas with all of your home comforts taken care of. Woodpecker has a thoughtfully designed wooden kitchenette (fridge, hob, kettle, toaster, utensils, cafetiere… there are always marshmallows for winter warming hot chocolates and toasting by the fire!) dining table, wood burner, and king sized sleeping for adults with separate hand crafted child-friendly bunk beds. Outdoor BBQ and fire-pit, hammock, rope swing, woodland garden, outdoor bbq area. Feel free to give us a call if you'd like anymore info - 01485 600719 (9am - 6pm) or email us hello@happyvalleynorfolk.co.uk

https://www.happyvalleynorfolk.co.uk/woodpecker

Layer up this Christmas and take a stroll through the woodland to experience forest therapy as a family. The Japanese practice Forest Bathing as a healing and preventive health care. It's not hard to see why. Then you can literally bathe in the forest in the wood fired Hot Tub whilst enjoying a spot of star gazing!

Create your family Christmas at Happy Valley to experience uninterrupted woodland magic, comfort and joy!

“Well maintained, every detail carefully presented...a venue where the little things count...
Excellent facilities and nothing too much trouble.
A place you love spending time, rain or shine. Whatever the weather, Happy Valley is the cosiest, most welcoming home from home.” ~ Daisy Line

Get Cosy this Christmas at Happy Valley

Are you looking for somewhere cosy and comfortable for your family to stay this Christmas? Look no further than the pine tree canopy at Happy Valley Norfolk. Wake up on Christmas Day to the sound of bird song and crackling logs on the fire in your hand crafted woodland cabin.

Winter is the snuggest season of all at Happy Valley.  We’re nestled away in the Norfolk countryside with an eclectic mix of the cosiest cabins, a wood fired hot tub for forest bathing and some of the most wonderful woodland walks.

Festive Woodland Walks

Wood Fired Hot Tub

We’re offering a Winter Woodland Exclusive Hire Deal for Christmas 2019. Spend a magical Christmas in the wilderness with your loved ones. 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.

For a little bit of luxury this Christmas Stay in Toad Hall our Luxury Tree House Lodge with under floor heating for that snuggle value, king size accommodation and its own private hot tub. Comfortably sleeps a family of 4-6!

We have gift vouchers available if you’d like to treat someone dear to a stay here in the heart of nature.

To book your cosy Christmas with us please contact one of our friendly forest elves:

Telephone: 01485 600719

Email: hello@happyvalleynorfolk.co.uk

Instagram: @happyvalleynorfolk

Facebook: www.facebook.com/NorfolkWeddingVenue/

WIN your Happy Valley Stay

To celebrate all things naturally Norfolk we’re gifting one lucky winner a 2 night stay in our cosy Woodpecker Cabin.

Set in ancient woodland under the protective canopy of trees… Woodpecker is a characterful spacious cabin with access to a wood fired Hot Tub for a spot of forest bathing and every home comfort covered. This Glamping getaway nestled in the Norfolk countryside is the kind that will leave you feeling rested and reconnected.

-      Hand-crafted King-size bed

-      Bunk beds (adult size and child friendly)

-      Log burner

-      Round house living room with dining table and games

-      Kitchenette with cooking utensils, cafetiere, plates and cutlery

-      Outdoor area with BBQ, fire pit, hammock, rope swing, seating and woodland garden

To unravel and re-wild with us visit Happy Valley’s Facebook and Instagram pages and ensure you’re following us. Like this post via Facebook / Instagram and tag 3 friends who would love to stay here too.

Instagram: @happyvalleynorfolk

Facebook: www.facebook.com/NorfolkWeddingVenue/

One lucky winner to be announced on Friday 20th December 2019.

Best of Luck!

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