Whether you’re looking to treat yourself with some special “me time” or looking for somewhere fun to take the whole family, we’ve got plenty of ideas for 30th March…
See beautiful flowers in bloom
You don’t need to receive flowers to enjoy them! Visit Kew Gardens to see their Orchid Display, the Camellias at Chiswick House or Florimania 2014 is on at Hampton Court Palace for one weekend only. Or head down to The Savill Garden, near Egham where it’s free for all Mums on Mother’s Day.
Enjoy the Chocolate
Chocolate is a traditional gift for mums and you can see how it’s made at the Royal Chocolate Kitchen in Hampton Court Palace.
Enjoy some fresh air with the family
Both Claremont Landscape Gardens, Esher and Painshill Park, Cobham are free to mums so you can enjoy the fresh air while the kids run around the woodlands and gardens or follow the trails. Closer to home, enjoy a walk along the river (stopping off at a family friendly pub for lunch), or have a family cycle along the River Crane to the Shot Tower.
Enjoy the activities at Ham House House and Gardens
Mums go free at Ham House and Gardens, so you can enjoy a quiet cup of coffee while someone else takes your children to the arts sessions in the dairy where they can make a special gift for you to take home.
Create your family tree
Get the kids involved in creating your own family tree at Osterley Park and House on Mother’s Day, plus there will be fun activities to take part in.
Visit the theatre
Take the whole family along to Watermans, Brentford to see The Freedom Bird (8+yrs), a true story of courage, determination, compassion and hope on a small tropical island. Or head into town to see Billy Elliot, Matilda, The Lion king - or The Sleeping Beauty at The Royal Opera House. If you fancy a trip without the kids, fans of comedy due Morecombe and Wise will enjoy Morecombe at Richmond Theatre or see From Here to Eternity, The X Factor Musical , or Once which are all on in central London.
Sunday lunch
Mother’s Day lunches are hugely popular, so it’s always advisable to book ahead at one the great family friendly pubs and restaurants in the Borough. Petersham Nurseries is tempting mums with the promise of a box of three delicious Macaroons with every lunch.
Catch a Music performances
If you’re a music lover, you can enjoy some classical performances that are running as part of Barnes Music Festival. In celebration of Mothering Sunday, join soloists, the choir of St Mary’s Barnes and the Langton Ensemble for this festal morning eucharist service which will be set to Mozart’s uplifting Coronation Mass.
Take afternoon Tea
Take part in ladylike pursuits and enjoy a Georgian Tea Party at Kensington Palace this Mother’s Day. Along with a range of themed activities, the palace’s Orangery café will be serving an afternoon tea with a twist (at an additional cost), providing the perfect stop-off when exploring the palace and its grounds. Or more locally, Bingham Hotel and Hilton London Syon Park are amongst those offering an Afternoon Tea Menu, mums get a free sample of luxury tea to take home from The Tea Box in Richmond.
Spa treats and treatments
Lots of local therapists and treatment rooms have offers for Mother’s Day - great opportunity to switch off and relax - even for half an hour.
Head into town and visit a museum or gallery
To celebrate Mother’s Day, the V&A Museum is holding a ‘Queen-for-a-Day” Art Smarts drop-in workshops where children can design a beautiful, curly swirly crown. The National Gallery is running a series of workshops for kids, or try out the new children’s sort play area at the National Army Museum in Chelsea which which gives kids the chance to explore aspects of army life from camping to clothing, art and crafts and dressing-up costumes.
Create & Grow for Mother’s Day at Squire’s Garden Centre, Twickenham
Running from Thursday 27th to Sunday 30 March, these drop-in sessions allow kids to plant a beautiful basket for their mum - choosing from three colourful plants, a basket and a decorative bow.
See the little pigs
Children can pop along to Kew little pigs on Saturday 29th March where they are holding hour visits for those who want to surprise their mother with a crazy and fun gift. Tea and cake will be served as a special treat.
For Sanity’s Sake is an award-winning local not-for-profit providing an up-to-date online calendar of activities, events and information for parents of pre-schoolers in Richmond Borough.