THE LOWDOWN

an arial view of Happy Valley gleaming site

There was a time when camping and going off-grid meant leaky tents, chilly outdoor loos and lukewarm beans cooked over a DIY campfire. Thank goodness for this camping phobe that those days are a thing of the past, and that Happy Valley Venue and Glamping Retreat exists. Sitting pretty on a Norfolk Wildlife Trust site, and set within nine acres of the most gorgeous, secluded woodland (seriously, even in mid-January I was blown away by how stunning it was), with a choice of super luxurious abodes to stay in – I’m talking underfloor heating, hot tubs and king size beds – Happy Valley puts some serious glam into glamping.

Found in North West Norfolk, just outside Grimston along the Massingham Road, Happy Valley is every bit the slice of peace and quiet, back-to-nature living you’d expect from a glamping retreat, without being totally cut off from society should you need to nip to the shops for essentials. There’s a number of lodgings to stay in depending on your vibe, how many of your tribe are tagging along, and the level of off-gridness you desire.

Tawny and Danvers Shepherd's Huts at Happy Valley Venue and Glamping Retreat

There’s large bell tents (available between May-September), two, cute and contained Shepherd’s Huts (above) which booked as a duo are perfect for parents and teens or a double date break for couples, and a romantic tree cabin for two. These lodgings have some 4G coverage, a private heated toilet and waterfall shower room just a short walk away as well as cooking facilities, electricity and fire pits, which I’d say are more suited if you really want to “unplug” from daily life. While the four larger cabins (Woodpecker, Moonshine Manor, Keepers Cabin and Toad Hall), which come fully-equipped with log burners, bathrooms, kitchenettes, indoor and outdoor dining areas and private hot tubs, are certainly better for the camping phobic, glamour pusses among you. Sleeping between 4-6 with king size beds and cool built-in bunks, means these are family staycay goals as well.

A labour of love, Happy Valley is family run by husband and wife dream team Scott (the maker of the cabins) and Katy. The name Happy Valley comes from Katy’s Grandfather who absolutely adored this part of their land. And, after a night spent stargazing and losing yourself in the clear, unpolluted skies, you’ll quickly understand why, and no doubt fall in love with it yourself.

a couple on their wedding day at Happy Valley Venue and Glmaping Retreat

I was already eyeing it up as a possible wedding venue because Happy Valley is not just a dreamy staycation destination, it is also a sought after spot to get hitched. There’s tons of space, two gorgeous barns to host, a pretty courtyard area for drinks or a cool street food set-up, a couple of bars and you’re spoilt for choice with where to take your wedding snaps. Plus, with that many different places to stay (and more room if people wanted to pitch their own tents) you and your guests can take over the whole site. And it is because of this, that the Happy Valley diary is only open 6-8 weeks in advance for glamping bookings, which is great news for perennial last minute bookers (guilty) and impromptu breaks. I stayed midweek and found this mini adventure really shook up my usual routine, and I highly recommend it.

THE VIBE

As the name suggests, all is well and happy in this valley! They have struck the balance perfectly between allowing guests to reconnect with nature and get some green time, without sacrificing the finer things in life. I had a nosey around most of the lodgings and the decor is chic but minimal, because let’s be honest the view is the star of the show here. They are all comfortably rustic, as any woodland cabin should be, with rich woods, and things like antlers hanging on the walls, faux fur throws and buttery leather chairs, but none are short on luxury in the slightest.

view from bedroom in Woodpecker Cabin in Happy Valley

And yet, even though luxury and comfort is the name of the game at Happy Valley, it remains as eco-friendly and sustainably conscious as possible. All drinking water is filtered from an onsite source, air source heat pumps are used for underfloor heating and a couple of hot tubs, and there’s no end of helpful reminders to turn off lights, recycle and use only what’s necessary.

Never camped or glamped before? I feel you, and all the panic of what to pack! This is where Happy Valley’s welcome pack came in super handy. Upon booking I was sent a load of essential information detailing what to expect as well as directions, where to park, access to the cabin etc, which made everything a breeze. You are given a key code to get into your accommodation on the day of arrival meaning no big checking in ordeal. If you don’t want to see another soul, you don’t have to, but there is an office and help available should you need anything. Other than that, it’s over to you to relax, reset and enjoy.

PILLOW TALK

Toad Hall, Happy Valley Venue and Glamping Retreat near Grimston in Norfolk

I stayed in Toad Hall, a stunning, six-sleeper cabin just across the road from the main Happy Valley site. Found at the top of a field and enveloped in its own thicket of pine trees with floor to ceiling windows (brides take note for make-up), decking with a sunken hot tub and views on views to die for – it is truly something spectacular. There’s space to sit outside if the weather permits, a hammock, fire pit and BBQ. While inside it’s luxury all the way, I’m talking underfloor heating, open plan living space, cute and contained kitchen, cosy lounge area and a large bathroom with wet room style shower and soft cotton robes for all that hot tub to-ing and fro-ing.

There’s two bedrooms; a king size on the ground floor, a double upstairs with its own treetop terrace and two built in bunks. PLUS, Toad Hall is the only cabin with wifi so this is definitely the place to stay if the idea of going off grid fills you with dread. You’ll also find a Smart TV, a recent addition I am told based on guest feedback, an assortment of books and boardgames which is a nice touch, as are the torches and fairy lights. Happy Valley is free from light pollution which means you can enjoy the starry skies and let nature do its thing, however it gets very dark after the sun sets.

Whether it was the evening hot tub, time spent in the great outdoors or the cavernous king size bed, but I slept like a log and woke up feeling refreshed and ready to take on the world.

SCOFF & QUAFF

kitchen and dining space in Woodpecker Cabin at Happy Valley

Happy Valley is completely self-catering however, as with everything else here, all your creature comforts are kept in mind. Our lodging was stocked with milk, tea, coffee as well as all manner of condiments and oils for cooking, plus a lovely welcome bar of chocolate. Appliance wise some cabins vary but in ours there was a fridge, separate wine fridge, toaster, dishwasher, and kettle. There was an electric oven for cooking inside as well as a BBQ and fire pit outside for obligatory marshmallow roasting. But alas as this is a holiday, you’ll also find a vey handy list of local restaurants and food delivery services.

CHILD FRIENDLY?

Of course! Kids will absolutely love it here and just think of all that fresh air to tire them out. The larger lodges (Toad Hall, Keepers Cabin, Moonshine Manor, Woodpecker) each have cool, built-in bunks for kids which they will love, but if you have teeny tots in tow there’s room enough for cots as well. The lodgings are far enough away from one another that everyone can keep to themselves but if there are other families on site there’s definitely enough room around the fire pit to make new friends.

DOG FRIENDLY?

No, the cabins are all allergy free so no dogs allowed I am afraid.

ACCESSIBLE?

Yes very which is surprising considering the locale. Toad Hall is the most accessible with a ramp leading up to the front door and step free access. The bathroom is spacious with a wet room style shower and the largest bedroom is downstairs too. A number of the other cabins would also be appropriate with minimal steps and though some of the terrain is rougher underfoot, you can drive straight up to your door to unpack, before parking the car in the main carpark. The team are super helpful so I recommend discussing your needs upon booking and they will advise the best accommodation for you.

ANYTHING ELSE?

I spoke about having a Happy Valley wedding at length as I could not believe the options that were available for any kind of bride (and groom). Happy Valley can cater for elopements, micro weddings of up to 50 guests, and full-on go big or go home celebrations for up to 160. Plus, you can have your ceremony literally anywhere on site whether that is inside one of the barns, in front of one of the particularly spectacular looking trees, on the pond on the bridged island, anywhere. And the same goes for wedding lunches, the reception, you name it. The team are full to bursting with ideas and recommendations and can help you plan everything. This goes for any celebration really, birthdays, anniversaries even wakes.

Due to the space, Happy Valley is also a fantastic events space hosting everything from workshops, health retreats and makers markets regularly. I particularly love the space for health and wellbeing – imagine getting your warrior one on here.

OUT & ABOUT

Though you’ll feel like you’re a million miles away from everything, there are some lovely local landmarks to explore during your stay. Sandringham Estate (above) is roughly a 10 minute drive away as is Castle Rising and Houghton Hall. While King’s Lynn and Swaffham are your closest, larger towns (roughly 20 minute drive) if you fancy hitting the shops, museums or cinema. If the coast calls, Snettisham Beach is probably the closest at just over a 20 minute drive away, with Heacham and Hunstanton reachable in half an hour. However the walks and cycle tracks around Happy Valley are more than enough to keep you occupied if you don’t want to drive anywhere.

THE MUDDY VERDICT

Call me a glamping convert! I think now more than ever breaks where you are forced to slow down, reclaim a bit of you time, literally and physically unplug from daily life and reconnect with nature are so important. And Happy Valley is certainly the place to do this, cementing the adage (if you ever needed convincing) that an escape to the forest is always a good idea.

GOOD FOR: Anyone looking for a gorgeous staycation whether this is solo, couples, friends or the whole family. Those looking to reconnect with nature, camping phobes, and thanks to the choice of accommodation first time and seasoned glampers will feel right at home. Last minute bookers and those looking for an impromptu break.

NOT FOR: Trad campers who like finding a secluded spot, pitching their own tent and rustling up a fire by rubbing two sticks together. People who are organised and really like to plan ahead may find the diary operation a bit restricting.

THE DAMAGE: Midweek breaks are more reasonable and I certainly recommend them for a break from the norm, starting from £250 for two nights.

Happy Valley Venue and Glamping Retreat, Washpit Farm, Happy Valley, Massingham Road, Norfolk, PE32 1DN, Tel: 01485 600719, Email:glamping@happyvalleynorfolk.co.uk

Words Claire Hool

A mid-week glamping retreat! Muddy goes off-grid at Happy Valley

You may also like