Just to say thanks…
Afternoon tea
Dudmaston Estate In ShropshireThe National Trust is offering a special afternoon tea at a number of properties with some exciting add-on activities. We love the idea of posy-making using spring flowers at Dudmaston Estate, for example. Posymaking is £1 per person, plus £8.50 entrance fee into the house and grounds.
01746-78086, www.nationaltrust.org.uk/dudmaston-estate
Mother’s Day High Tea
The Spinnaker Tower in Portsmouth is serving a high tea at its Café In The Clouds. Mouth-watering cakes, pastries, sandwiches and scones are on offer with an unlimited supply of tea or coffee. The floor-to-ceiling windows offer guests a fantastic view of the harbour below. £50 for two people.
02392-857520, www.spinnakertower.co.uk
St Pancras Renaissance Hotel
This Mother’s Day, the historic London hotel is putting on a special afternoon tea in their Ladies’ Smoking Room (so named because it was the first place in Europe where women were allowed to smoke in public – although it’s banned now, of course). In a great location, it gives you the chance to explore the city and go for a spot of shopping. Classic afternoon tea, £35, or £45 for the St Pancras afternoon tea with champagne or a cocktail.
020-7841 3540, www.marriott.co.uk/St.Pancras
Something a little different
A Floral Weekend BreakTake your mum away for a weekend break to see the City of Flowers, Haarlem in the Netherlands. DFDS Seaways offers a mini-cruise package, travelling from North Shields, which includes two nights’ accommodation on board and coach transfers to and from Haarlem, allowing you to explore this colourful city. From £53 per person.
www.dfdsseaways.co.uk
A Special Tipple
If your mother’s choice is gin, take her along to the Adnams distillery in Suffolk to create a blend of her very own. There will be a gin expert on hand to help and you can choose from a blend of botanicals. £70 per person.
01502-727200, www.adnams.co.uk
All Aboard
Hire a canal boat – Drifters Waterways Holidays offers day hire from less than £12 per person and boats have cutlery, crockery, a kettle and a cooker. There are nine bases: the Llangollen Canal in North Wales; Monmouth and Brecon Canal near Abergavenny; Wootton Wawen on the Stratford Canal; Sydney Wharf in the World Heritage City of Bath; Hilperton Marina in Wiltshire; Stretton-under-Fosse near Rugby; Great Haywood on the Staffordshire and Worcestershire Canal; Bunbury on the Shropshire Union, and Tardebigge on the Worcester and Birmingham Canal.
0844-984 0322, www.drifters.co.uk
Be Active
Celtic Manor Resort Hotel in South Wales offers a number of quirky gift ideas. Choose from activities including laser combat, archery, fishing, adventure golf, or even a high rope trail through the forest, culminating in a whizz down a zip line. Prices for activities range from £7.50 to £304.
01633-41300, www.recommendedfamilyholidays.com/holidays-in-wales/luxuryceltic-manor-resort-hotel-golf
Pampering trips
Seaside And ManicureThe Olde House, Wadebridge, North Cornwall has teamed up with three local salons to offer mums staying over the Mother’s Day weekend (27 to 30 March), a free manicure. There are more than 30 selfcatering cottages, and an indoor leisure centre, on the 500-acre working farm, which is just a short drive from the beach. £180 for two nights in a two-bedroom cottage.
01208-813219, www.theoldehouse.co.uk
What A Spa
Eden Hall Day Spa, Nottinghamshire, is offering a new spa package, Mum & Me, just in time for Mother’s Day. Available from 22 March to 6 April, it includes a 40-minute Beauty Secrets Facial, full use of the saltwater vitality pool, spa pools, outdoor hot tubs, water therapies, heated rooms, gymnasium, exercise and relaxation class, comfy lounges and chill-out areas. A robe, towels and a delicious three-course lunch are also laid on. There is also the option for a cream tea. The Mum & Me day package costs £120 per person.
01636-525555, www.edenspa.co.uk