10 of the best things to do for Mother's Day

Mother's Day ideas

Mother’s Day isn’t just about handmade cards and breakfast in bed, it’s also a chance to celebrate the mother-figure who raised you, with time carved out just for the two of you. If you’re a mum yourself, life’s busy enough already. But taking a break with your own mum and no distractions and no chores can be the best gift of all. Whether you’re planning a family weekend away, a countryside wander or just a really good catch-up over cake, here are some heart-warming ways to make it a Mother’s Day to remember.

For more inspiration, check out our UK breaks for a Mother's Day gift.

1. Indulge in a relaxing spa break 

Treat mum to a blissful spa break, where she can unwind with luxurious treatments, tranquil surroundings and some well-deserved pampering. Whether it's a full spa weekend or a rejuvenating day package, it's the perfect way to show your appreciation for her (and enjoy a little treat for yourself too).

A real treat for mum is a trip to the Yorkshire Spa Retreat near York, with a wild swimming pond, hydrotherapy pool, herbal steam room, sauna, salt chamber, and a range of organic treatments, plus the lodges are set within the stunning Yorkshire Moors.

Silverwood Resort in Perthshire is also offering mum a 10-minute taster massage, with free use of their leisure and spa facilities, plus free chocolates and flowers. Contact the park directly for more details.

2. Enjoy a historic day out 

Spend some quality time together with a charming day out exploring the UK’s most beautiful historic locations. From grand stately homes and quiet heritage villages, to centuries-old castles in Cornwall, Scotland and Wales and national trust sites in Devon, there’s something truly special about sharing stories, strolls and a slice of cake with your mum in a setting full of history (they always have a decent café in our experience).

Many of these places are at their prettiest in early spring, with landscaped gardens just starting to bloom and peaceful grounds perfect for a gentle walk. Whether you're wandering through walled gardens, marvelling at antique interiors, or soaking up the view from a hilltop ruin, it’s a wholesome, heartfelt way to spend the day together.

3. Delight in a classic afternoon tea 

If a National Trust café won't suffice, book your mum in for a quintessentially British afternoon tea! Enjoy a sumptuous spread of pastries, scones, fingers sandwiches and freshly brewed tea (or bubbly) and dine out in style. Many of our holiday parks serve afternoon tea onsite - check out our suggestions below.

• Redbrick Woodland Lodges in the Nottinghamshire countryside can arrange an afternoon tea to be delivered to your lodge 

• Caithwaite Hall Lodges near Penrith in Cumbria serves a traditional afternoon tea in the historic hall grounds or in your lodge if you prefer

4. Take mum on a girly weekend away 

Remember when you used to dress-up in mum's clothes, and try on her make-up? A weekend escape filled with shopping, spa treatments, afternoon teas and laughter is the perfect way to bond with your mum, and feel like a little girl again! Whether it’s a city getaway to Edinburgh or a countryside retreat in the Cotswolds, make it a weekend to remember with our guide to the best girls trips in the UK. 

5. Lace up for a walking weekend in the Lake District 

If your mum loves the great outdoors and you're looking for something a bit more active to do together, why not consider a scenic walking break in the Lake District? With stunning fells, lakeside strolls, and cosy country pubs, it’s the perfect balance of adventure and relaxation.  The Lake District is one of the best locations for bluebell spotting at this time of year too. It's also on the list of great places for birdwatching, an activity that can really bring the generations together.

Hartsop Fold Lodges are right in the middle of the Lake District National Park, close to multiple Wainwrights and lakes, plus they’re under an hour’s drive from Scafell Pike. Make it a Mother’s Day to remember with a hike up England’s highest peak, or book a stay for later in the year and have a challenge to look forward to!

Keswick Reach Lodge Retreat is also in a prime position for scenic rambles, with walks you can join right from your doorstep.

If that’s not quite your cup of tea, then there’s plenty of other things to do in the Lake District that don’t involve quite so much elevation.

6. Start the day right with a hearty brunch 

Maybe your mum is more into brunch than afternoon tea, or you’re wanting to kickstart the day with something special before an afternoon outing. Either way, a big Mother’s Day brunch is a lovely way to begin the celebrations. If you've got the skills yourself, you could cook up something impressive in your self-catering lodge. Find a recipe for a special omelette and gift her a new pair of cosy pyjamas to wear! The best way to celebrate your relationship is by making new memories together.

Alternatively, leave it to the professionals and head to the onsite restaurant for something tasty and perhaps more extravagant that you can pull together yourself! York Marina near York is serving up a Mother’s Day Champagne Brunch at the Waterfront Café, for more details contact the park directly.

7. Head for a historic trip to Bath 

One of the most picturesque cities in the UK, Bath is an ideal Mother’s Day destination. Wander through its Georgian streets, take a dip in the famous Roman Baths or treat your mum to a luxurious spa experience. Unwind at Bath Mill Lodge Retreat, set in its own woodland just west of Bath, providing the perfect escape from the busy city. 

Or why not stay a little further afield at Windmill Retreat? Offering luxury and countryside charm, not only is this spot perfectly placed for visits into historic Bath, but an even more ancient spot - Stonehenge! Pack up a picnic and head for a spiritual moment with mum.

8. Treat mum to a cracking Sunday lunch 

A classic British Sunday roast is all about getting together with your loved ones to enjoy a delicious feast with all the trimmings – and what better time to do that than on Mothering Sunday? Reserve a table at a stylish gastropub or a cosy countryside inn and spend an afternoon enjoying quality time together over a hearty meal. You’ll be picking up the bill, of course! 

• Shear Barn Holiday Park near Hastings in East Sussex will be hosting a special Mother’s Day Sunday Roast 

• Henlle Hall Woodland Lodges in Shropshire serves a “fantastic Sunday roast” - Debbie

• Love2Stay Mid Wales in Powys is offering a free dessert and a glass of prosecco for mums on Mother's Day - contact the park directly to find out more!

9. Visit a garden and enjoy spring blooms

Mother’s Day ties in perfectly with the start of spring, which is an ideal time to visit one of the UK’s beautiful open gardens and see the vibrant flowers start to bloom. Here in the UK, we’re lucky to have the stunning RHS Gardens, which offer a lovely setting for a relaxed Mother’s Day outing, especially if your mum is green fingered (and even better if the sun is shining!)

Here are some of our favourite RHS gardens to take mum: 

• RHS Harlow Carr in Harrogate, North Yorkshire - stay nearby at Springwood Lodges 

• RHS Hyde Hall, Chelmsford, Essex - stay nearby at Warren Lodges 

• RHS Rosemoor, Torrington, Devon - stay nearby at Bulworthy Forest Lodges 

Or why not read our handy guide of the best places to spot your favourite blooms?

10. Spoil mum with a bubbling hot tub break 

Let’s face it - Mother's Day is all about spoiling your mum and making her feel appreciated, and what better way to do that than by whisking her away on a hot tub getaway? It’s the ultimate way to show her you care whilst also giving her a much-deserved break. Well, the good news is we have more than 10,000 hot tub properties across the UK, so you’ve got plenty of choice. For something extra special, why not choose a hot tub lodge with scenic views? If you're concerned about the weather ruining your plans, fear not! We've pulled together a collection of spectacular hot tubs whatever the weather, all under cover from the elements.

Explore our full range of hot tub breaks for a dreamy gift idea!

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