23 brilliant Mother's Day activities, events and days out 2024
Zoe Craig
Associate Editor (Local)1. Enjoy a Mother's Day Afternoon Tea on the Thames with City Cruises
Take your mum on a cruise in the capital. On this Thames cruise, mums are treated to a glass of bubbly on arrival, before enjoying a wonderful afternoon journey down the Thames past London's most iconic views with mouth-watering sandwiches, delicious cakes, scones with jam and clotted cream with unlimited tea or coffee.
When: 10 March 2024
Where: Mother's Day Afternoon Tea, City Cruises, Tower Pier, EC3N 4DT
2. Do some Mother's Day Crafts at Avebury in Wiltshire
Children can have fun making their mum a really special gift in the study centre in the Old Farmyard at Avebury in Wiltshire this Mother's Day. This paper and card crafty activity is perfect for kids aged between 4 and 8.
When: 11am-3pm; 16-17 March 2024
Where: Avebury, near Marlborough, Wiltshire, SN8 1RD
Enjoy visiting National Trust properties? Here's our pick of the most family-friendly National Trust sites.
3. Dance your day away at the Big Fish Little Fish Mother's Day Rave
Get down as a family at one of the award-winning Big Fish Little Fish Raves taking place on Mother's Day. They're a winning combo of adult dance music, bubbles, balloons, confetti cannons and snow foam – sure to get everyone dancing! Then the kids can play in the ball pit or at various craft tables.
When: 2-4pm; 10 March 2024
Where: Big Fish Little Fish Mother's Day Rave, in London, Kingston-upon-Hull and Edinburgh.
4. Spend Mother's Day weekend at Hever Castle, Kent
Show your mum just how much you love her with a family day out at Hever Castle, the romantic double-moated castle that was once home to Anne Boleyn. Little ones can have their faces painted and play in the Tudor Towers adventure playground. For an extra special day, celebrate with a delicious afternoon tea in the elegant Guthrie Pavilion Restaurant or a Luxury Afternoon Tea (on Mothering Sunday) in the beautiful wood-panelled Tudor Suite.
When: 9-10 March 2024
Where: Hever Castle, Hever Road, Hever, Edenbridge TN8 7NG
Love the idea of afternoon tea? Here are some more brilliant family-friendly afternoon teas on offer in the UK.
5. Have Mother's Day fun at Old Macdonald's Farm and Fun Park, Essex
We dare you not to hum the song while joining Mary from Artbound to make amazing Mother's Day crafts at Old Macdonald's Farm and Fun Park this March. Children can decorate a flower pot just for mum or make a beautifully scented bath bomb! Mums can also enjoy a cup of tea and a slice of cake in the Farm Cafe. Yum.
When: 10 March 2024
Where: Old Macdonald's Farm and Fun Park, Weald Road, Brentwood CM14 5AY
6. Visit Farmer Palmer's Farm Park for half price
Mums can visit Farmer Palmer's Farm Park for half price this Mother's Day. Enjoy a fabulous day out among the friendly animals, fun tractor rides and tasty treats in the Hen House Restaurant. Look out for the deer feeding too: your chance to hand-feed red deer in the beautiful Dorset countryside.
When: 10 March 2024
Where: Farmer Palmer's Farm Park, Wareham Rd, Organford, Poole, BH16 6EU
Love visiting farms with the family? Here's our list of the best Adventure Farm Parks in the UK
7. Mother's Day at Jodrell Bank, Cheshire
Bring your ma to the incredible Jodrell Bank Observatory in Cheshire this Mother's Day. Relax with a proper brew and a range of cakes and bakes in one of Jodrell Bank's two cafés (the Planet Cafe has the best view in Cheshire!).
When: 10 March 2024
Where: Jodrell Bank Observatory, Bomish Lane, Macclesfield SK11 9DW
8. Step back in time for Mothering Sunday at Beamish, County Durham
Treat your mum to a special day out at Beamish, the Living Museum of the North this Mothering Sunday. Head to the fantastic, 300-acre site and discover the traditions of Mother's Day with fun-filled, interactive family activities.
When: 10 March 2024
Where: Beamish Museum, Beamish, County Durham DH9 0RG
9. Try some Mother's Day treats on the Embsay and Bolton Abbey Steam Railway
Steam through the rolling hills of the Yorkshire countryside on a fantastic steam railway journey. You can make Mother's Day even more special with First Class service, and a very special Mother's Day breakfast or Afternoon Tea, topped off with either Prosecco or Champagne. Choose between First Class dining in the historic Mark 1 carriages or the very special Queen Victoria Golden Jubilee Royal Saloon.
When: 10 March 2024
Where: depart from Embsay or Bolton Abbey
Love trains? Here are our top family days out for kids who love trains in the UK.
10. Free entry for mums at Hartlebury Castle in Worcestershire
Treat your mum to a special day out exploring the stunning State rooms, talking portraits, hands-on artefacts and wonderful collections of Hartlebury Castle and Worcestershire County Museum. You'll also want to take time to wander the beautiful, historic grounds in the sunshine. Then stop off at Hayley’s Café for a special lunch or bring a picnic. There's enough to keep everyone in the family enthralled for the day. Plus, mums go free!
When: 11am-5pm; 10 March 2024
Where: Hartlebury Castle, Kidderminster DY11 7XZ
11. Go back in time at Weald and Downland Living Museum, West Sussex
Step back in time at the Weald and Downland Living Museum on Mother's Day. Explore this wonderful corner of the South Downs National Park, and discover the stories of the people who lived and worked in them from Anglo-Saxon to Edwardian times. The site will be bursting with the colours and sights of spring this March.
When: 10.30am-4pm; 10 March 2024
Where: Weald and Downland Living Museum, Town Lane, Singleton, Chichester, West Sussex PO18 0EU
Love museums? These are the best museums for kids in the UK
12. Enjoy a Mother’s Day Punting Tour in Cambridge
Punting is a traditional Cambridge activity, making it the perfect Mother's Day outing. Take a special 45-minute punting tour this Mother’s Day, 19 March. Your guide will take you along the river on an upgraded traditional punt, with raised seats and little tables, with cushions and fleecy blankets to keep you comfortable. You'll be treated to historical facts and the finest and most entertaining stories behind the city of Cambridge that we see today. Your Mother's Day Punting Tour includes a sensational, seasonal bouquet.
When: 10 March 2024
Where: Rutherford's Punting, Jesus Green Moorings, Quayside Boardwalk, Cambridge CB5 8AQ
13. Adults go free this Mother's Day weekend at Gulliver's Theme Parks
With free adult tickets throughout Mother's Day weekend, enjoying the rides and shows at Gulliver's Theme Parks across the UK is more affordable than ever. Gully and the gang will help you create some magical memories that mum can treasure. It's sure to be one the whole family will enjoy.
When: 9-10 March 2024
Where: Gulliver's World Resort, Cheshire; Gulliver's Kingdom Resort, Derbyshire; Gulliver's Dinosaur and Farm Park, Buckinghamshire; Gulliver's Land Resort, Buckinghamshire; Gulliver's Valley Resort, South Yorkshire
Love theme parks? These are the best theme parks for toddlers in the UK.
14. Take a Mother's Day walk at RSPB Rainham Marshes in Purfleet
Mother's Day is the perfect excuse to explore RSPB Rainham Marshes and take in the sights, sounds and smells of early spring. Surround yourselves in nature and head to the café for a tasty Mother's Day treat afterwards.
When: 10 March 2024
Where: RSPB Rainham Marshes, New Tank Hill Road, Purfleet RM19 1SZ
15. Enjoy a Mother's Day Treat at Oxburgh National Trust estate in Norfolk
On the edge of the Norfolk Brecks, this delightful National Trust property has a moated medieval manor house with Victorian Gothic interiors to explore as well as a Victorian garden, orchard and the parkland at Oxburgh National Trust property. You can treat your mum (or spoil someone special in your life) to a free fruit or cheese scone with cream, jam or butter from the Servants Hall tearoom. Delicious!
When: 10.30am-3.30pm; 10 March 2024
Where: Oxburgh Estate, Oxborough, King's Lynn PE33 9PS
16. Mother's Day Paddle to the Pub, New Forest
Treat Mum to a wonderful paddle to the pub on the Beaulieu River with New Forest Activities. You'll enjoy a gentle guided tour through the idyllic Beaulieu River Nature Reserve, ending at the Master Builder's pub to enjoy a glass of bubbly by the riverside to celebrate your Mum! So you or your mum can relax, feel spectacular and take in the views while enjoying some boating and bubbles on the Beaulieu River – she deserves it!
When: 10 March 2024
Where: New Forest Activities, Bailey's Hard, Bailey's Hard Lane, Beaulieu, Hampshire, SO42 7YF
17. Make a Mother's Day bouquet at Stourhead in Wiltshire
Head to the Discovery Centre in the Stableyard at Stourhead National Trust property and make a handmade bouquet with fresh spring flowers and foliage. Enjoy this peaceful activity as a family, and make a gift for someone special. There's a charge of £10 per bouquet
When: 9-10 March 2024
Where: Stourhead, Stourton, Warminster BA12 6QF
18. Mums go free on Mother's Day at Eden Project, Cornwall
Mums will be the stars of the show at the Eden Project this Mothering Sunday 2024 as the garden bursts into vivid colour for Mother’s Day. To mark the special day, mums and/or grans get free entry to the Eden Project on 10 March, when accompanied by their child or children.
When: 10 March 2024
Where: The Eden Project, Bodelva, Par PL24 2SG
19. Mums go free at Nymans National Trust
Take your mum to Nymans National Trust property this Mother's Day, where she'll enjoy free entry. All you need to do is take along a National Lottery ticket or scratchcard – simple! You can treat your mum to an afternoon of relaxation, delicious treats and glorious views of the Weald.
When: 10am-5pm; 10 March 2024
Where: Nymans, Handcross, Haywards Heath RH17 6EB
20. Visit Knebworth House for a special lunch on Mother's Day
Head to the lavish Tudor stately home Knebworth House on Mother’s Day and celebrate with a traditional two-course roast for Sunday Lunch in Knebworth Barns, including a glass of prosecco on arrival. Tickets also include access to the beautiful Knebworth Gardens and the fab family-friendly Dinosaur Trail.
When: 10 March 2024
Where: Knebworth House, Old Knebworth Lane, Stevenage SG1 2AX
21. Visit Bodiam Castle, East Sussex
Enjoy a celebratory day out in the beautiful surroundings of Bodiam Castle in East Sussex. Marvel at medieval costumes, spot stone unicorns and enjoy a cream tea in the Wharf tea-room beside the river.
Where: Bodiam Castle, Bodiam, Robertsbridge TN32 5UA
22. Wicken Fen Boat Ride, Cambridgeshire
There aren't many things more relaxing than drifting slowly through nature. On Mother's Day, enjoy a gentle boat ride through Wicken Fen nature reserve in Ely, Cambridgeshire.
Where: Wicken Fen Nature Reserve, Lode Lane, Wicken, Ely, Cambridgeshire, CB7 5XP
23. Enjoy afternoon tea at the Birmingham Botanical Gardens
The 15-acre gardens at Edgbaston, Birmingham include glasshouses, aviary, playground, children's discovery garden and of course tea room. Treat your mum to a delicious afternoon tea set in the beautiful botanical gardens, where together you can enjoy an afternoon of serenity and floral splendour.
Where: The Birmingham Botanical Gardens, Westbourne Road, Birmingham B15 3TR
Whether you enjoy indulging in afternoon tea, spending time in nature, exploring farms and theme parks, raving(!) or doing craft activities with your kids, there's something for everyone to enjoy this Mother's Day. Here's our round-up of the best Mother's Day activities, events and days out from around the UK.
What do you usually do on Mother's Day?
Mother’s Day is that one special day of the year dedicated to showing your mom just how much she means to you. You might have a few traditions, such as cooking breakfast in bed for your mom, or maybe you love surprising her with a new activity each year. Whether it's a laid-back day at home filled with her favorite songs and relaxation or a fun outing, the best approach is to think about what makes your mom happy and go from there.
How do I make my mum feel special?
To make your mum feel special, think about what brings her joy and show appreciation in those areas. Little acts of kindness, such as helping with household chores or preparing her favourite meal, go a long way. Nothing quite says 'You're important' like going the extra mile to ensure the important woman in your life has a stress-free, blissful day.
What special thing can I do for Mother's Day experiences?
A special thing you can do for Mother’s Day is to give your mum a day filled with love and attention. This could mean crafting a homemade gift, planning a day full of activities she enjoys, or simply spending quality time together. How about a picnic in her favourite park, where you’ve planned every detail down to her best-loved snacks? Whatever you choose, an example of a great way to make the day memorable is to personalise the experience to her interests.
Where should I take my mum for Mother's Day?
Think about what your mum loves to do most, and use that as inspiration for where to take her. Is she a fan of the arts? A trip to a local gallery or museum might be a hit. Or perhaps she’s more outdoorsy – in which case, a day out in nature or a stroll through a beautifully curated garden could be just the ticket. The idea is to pick a place where your mum can feel celebrated and relaxed.
What are some places to go on Mother's Day?
Mother’s Day is the perfect time to break from the routine – go somewhere special that your mum doesn't expect but will undoubtedly enjoy. It could be as simple as visiting a café she's been eyeing, or more adventurous, like a scenic drive to an unknown destination. The key here is to consider your mum’s interests: if your mum's a fan of history, she might enjoy a historic house tour. Meanwhile, if she's a gardening enthusiast, she might prefer a trip to a botanical garden.
Where can I take my mum for a day out?
Taking your mum for a day out can range from anything like a shopping spree in her favourite boutiques to a relaxing spa day. You could also explore new activities like a cooking class or check out a craft workshop if she’s a bit of a DIY enthusiast. Remember that fun ideas can also include more laid-back options, such as watching a movie together or simply going for a walk.
