Mother’s Day is an important date in our diaries and a time to remember the wonderful women in our lives.
Ask any mum about the ideal gift on Mother’s Day and she will tell you a homemade card and breakfast in bed is all she wants, but if you’d like to book something really special for your mum, or if you are a mum who would like to mark the day by planning a treat with your own children, here are some ideas to make the celebration of motherhood even more memorable this year.
BOOK Afternoon Tea
Afternoon tea is always a lovely treat and Mother’s Day is a great reason to book into one of the many hotels across London that have perfected it. Look for the style and setting that works best for you and your guests. If taking very little ones, book a child-friendly themed tea: One Aldwych has a Charlie and the Chocolate Factory tea based on the iconic Roald Dahl book, or transport yourself to Neverland with the Peter Pan tea at Aqua Shard – complete with Tinker Bell-shaped cookies and crocodile jellies served on a pirate ship-inspired tea stand. Older children and teens will love a trip to Claridge’s for their classic afternoon tea in the iconic Foyer and Reading room, or sample the legendary fashion-themed Prêt-à-Portea at the Berkeley complete with fashion trends reimagined as cakes and biscuits. Finally, why not try the Dorchester on Park Lane where afternoon tea is served alongside a glass of champagne in the hotel’s magnificent, newly-renovated Promenade Restaurant, plus they also have an adorable children’s version for little guests to order. The spoiling day out all mums deserve.
CREATE A Flower Arranging Workshop
Flowers are the classic Mother’s Day gift, but how about taking that idea to the next level with a flower arranging workshop? There are plenty to choose from, but we love the vase arranging class at The Petersham in Covent Garden. Perfect to enjoy with a creative child who is happy to concentrate on the task in hand (not one to book for little children). This masterclass will teach you how to create a Petersham Nurseries-style vase arrangement, celebrating the best garden-foraged flowers. As part of this workshop, you will be introduced to conditioning garden flowers and branches for optimum vase life and given top tips on flower care. In line with Petersham’s ethos – sustainability is a key focus – all materials will be recyclable and biodegradable. The ticket price includes all materials to take away with you, plus tea, coffee and a seasonal Bellini.
ENJOY A spa day at the Londoner
If you are reading this as a mum who (quite rightly!) thinks she deserves a little time to herself this Mother’s Day, then indulge in self-gifting and book into the five star Londoner hotel on Leicester Square for some luxurious TLC in their state of the art spa, followed by lunch at their top-notch Mediterranean restaurant Whitcombes. And the best bit? You can happily relax while your little ones are looked after by the competent and caring team from Sharky & George, the fabulous children’s entertainers, who will be onsite to offer hours of fun for youngsters aged four to 11. Happy mum and happy kids. The dream Mother’s Day treat for everyone. Get in touch with the hotel to book the perfect package.
POP IN Family Fun Day at Cloud Twelve
For a really fun day out with young children, pop along to Cloud Twelve Club in Notting Hill. The family club is celebrating Mother’s Day this year with a range of activities for everyone to enjoy, including games and special challenges plus pampering sessions for mum. Activities will run throughout the day between 10-12pm, 1-3pm and 4-6pm and there will be plenty of refreshments.
VISIT Kew Gardens
By 19 March, spring should be in the air so head to Kew Gardens to celebrate Mother’s Day with a glorious stroll through the historic botanical gardens, taking in the beautiful blossom and first flowers of the season. Kew is a wonderful place to visit with kids of all ages thanks to the many family-friendly attractions such as the magical children’s garden, adventure playground and newly opened Family Kitchen restaurant serving pizza and ice cream. A must-see is The Hive, a towering 17 metre tall installation in the heart of a wildflower meadow that recreates life inside a beehive. Kew is a truly lovely spot to enjoy nature with youngsters and the ideal Mother’s Day outing for young families.
ENJOY A day out on the British Pullman
For an absolutely first-class Mother’s Day outing, book a trip on the beautiful British Pullman train with Belmond. Starting at London Victoria Station, hop aboard one of the timeless art deco carriages then head off on a four-hour round trip through the Kent countryside, while being served an exquisite champagne afternoon tea. The service is impeccable, making this a truly memorable journey. This luxury trip isn’t suitable for very little ones, but older children and grown ups alike will adore the novelty of this wonderfully unique experience.
MAKE Cookery Course at Eatly
Perfect for mamas who love to cook with their bambinos, the Italian cookery classes at Eataly are such a fun – and delicious – way to learn new recipes. Taking place in the kitchen of the Italian food mecca next to Spitalfields Market, the classes start with a glass of prosecco for mums alongside Italian taralli and olives. Then it’s on to learning about the art of making a divine Italian pineapple sponge cake. Working in pairs with your child, you’ll create a Torta Mimosa cake. As well as baking, you’ll discover the stories behind the classic recipe and some innovative cooking techniques. Eatly’s head of pastry will walk you through the recipe step by step and you will be able to bring home the cake you made as well as detailed recipe cards and a class diploma signed by the chef. Afterwards, pop into the restaurant for some of the best Italian food in London. This class would suit teens and their parents. An adult must participate if anyone under the age of 18 is joining the class.
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