TOP 10 Mother’s Day treats
Forget garage flowers and unoriginal cards – Mum deserves the very best, so take her on a proper break
1 WESTON PARK, TELFORD, SHROPSHIRE From €32pp Indulge Mum in the fine British tradition of afternoon tea in a Victorian Orangery at this 17th century stately home on the border of Staffordshire and Shropshire. Set in 1,000 acres of parkland designed by Capability Brown, she can drink in the views looking out across the Italian Gardens and the rolling countryside beyond, while sipping tea from fine china and nibbling dainty finger sandwiches of cucumber with cheese, smoked salmon and roast beef. There are sweet treats too, from scones with clotted cream and jam to jasmine tea custard tarts and lemon drizzle cake. Then walk it off with a stroll round the gardens, which are just starting to bloom for spring. THE DEAL: Mother’s Day Afternoon Tea costs €32 or €38 if you want to splash out on a glass of prosecco or a Gin Fizz. Price includes admission to the grounds. mirror.co.uk/traveltop10
2 THE TORRIDON, HIGHLANDS From €220pp If your mum is the adventurous type, take her to the Scottish Highlands and bag a Munro (a mountain over 3,000ft). Liathach, one of 16 Munros in the Torridon Hills, is rated one of the country’s finest mountains. You can always set your sights lower and tackle a Corbett, Graham, Donald or a Marilyn (with heights ranging from 500ft up to 3,000ft). The Torridon, a turreted retreat on the edge of a sea loch surrounded by forest, is an ideal base. It has an activities team to tailormake a day to remember for you and your mum. Back down to earth you can reward yourself with a splendid afternoon tea in the drawing room and toast your achievement with a glass of bubbly. THE DEAL: One night’s B&B at the Torrridon starts at €220pp including afternoon tea and the full day guided climb with guide and equipment. mirror.co.uk/traveltop10
3 LUTON HOO, BEDS From €55pp Jazz-loving mums are sure to get into the swing of it at the special Sunday lunch in the atmospheric Adam’s Brasserie, dining to live music. The Mothering Sunday menu hits all the right notes, with mouthwatering mains including ribeye of Scottish beef and whole lemon sole, and delectable desserts such as dark chocolate fondant or raspberry and vanilla cheesecake. Just 10 minutes’ drive from Luton, the Grade I listed mansion house is on a 1,065-acre
estate, with plenty of walking trails and a 50-acre lake, a luxurious spa and a golf course. THE DEAL: The Mothering Sunday Jazz Lunch costs €55pp for three courses, half-price for children (under 14). mirror.co.uk/traveltop10
4 SEAHAM HALL, DURHAM From €102pp A double treat is in store for mother and daughter at this five-star spa hotel. Set in 37 acres of landscaped gardens, the 18th century property has stunning views over Durham’s Heritage coastline and is just 14 miles from the historic city. Make the most of the facilities in the award-winning Serenity Spa (1pm to 5pm) with a pool, a hammam and outdoor hot tubs. Included is a 45-minute massage or facial. By then you’ll be ready to enjoy afternoon tea in the Ozone – with a glass of fizz. THE DEAL: The Mum and Me Afternoon Tea package costs from €102pp including a drink and a spa treatment. mirror.co.uk/traveltop10
5 BATSFORD ARBORETUM, GLOS Free for Mum The whole family can celebrate at Batsford Arboretum, where you’ll find Britain’s biggest private collection of trees and shrubs. In the heart of the Cotswolds, near the charming town of Moreton-in-marsh, the 56-acre garden is home to magnolias and giant redwoods. And this is the time to go to catch the Japanese flowering cherries in spring bloom. On March 26, entry is free for mums. Treat her to lunch or tea in the Garden Terrace Café or a gift from the garden shop.
THE DEAL: Admission to Batsford Arboretum from €8.20 adults, kids €4. Free for mums on Mother’s Day (when accompanied by a paying child).
6 mirror.co.uk/traveltop10 BELMOND BRITISH PULLMAN TRAIN From €280pp For a memorable Mother’s Day this train trip on board a luxury Belmond train, sister train to the Venice Simplon-orient-express, is just the ticket. Stepping into one of the exquisite vintage Art Deco carriages will transport her back to the golden age of train travel. After being shown to your own table, set out with starched white linen, sparkling glassware and fine china, sit back and let this historic train take the strain over a sumptuous lunch. THE
DEAL: Round trip from Chester, Crewe, Liverpool or London on March 26 starts at €280pp including three-course lunch, half a bottle of wine, coffee or tea and petits fours, through Superbreak. mirror.co.uk/traveltop10
7 MERCURE CARDIFF HOLLAND HOUSE HOTEL & SPA From €79pp Whisk mum away to the Welsh capital for a day of indulgence in the spa of this four-star hotel in the city centre. Take your pick of two soothing treatments included in the special spa package for mother and daughter. Make the most of the relaxation lounge or ease muscles in the hydrotherapy pool. And you can celebrate over a delicious lunch with a glass of vino. THE DEAL: Mother and Daughter Day costs from €79pp including two 25-minute treatments each, lunch and glass of wine until March 31. mirror.co.uk/traveltop10
8 PICTURE PERFECT PRESENT From €28 for two A voucher for a mother and daughter makeover and photoshoot means you can promise to make
a date to spend quality time together being spoilt and pampered. Enjoy a hair and make-up session, before your photoshoot. THE DEAL: Voucher is offered by Great Little Breaks at 50 per cent discount of €28 (includes a photo) with locations across the UK. mirror.co.uk/traveltop10
9 WICKEN FEN, CAMBS From €16pp Get mum on board a gentle boat ride through the National Trust’s oldest nature reserve and England’s most famous fen. As you glide along Wicken Lode be sure to keep an eye out for wildlife – springtime is when you might see cuckoos and hear booming bitterns. THE DEAL: The hourlong trip on March 26 at 11.30am or 2pm costs €8.25 with a glass of bubbly for adults and €5 for kids. Booking essential. Admission to Wicken Fen from €19.70 family ticket. Car parking €3. mirror.co.uk/traveltop10
10 STON EASTON PARK, SOMERSET From €45pp When a last-minute bunch of the service station’s floral offerings won’t cut it, book yourself into The Mother’s Day Flower Workshop at this country house hotel set in spectacular parkland. After demos from resident florists Elly Blane and Jude White, you get to have a go. There’s a two-course lunch served in the Georgian oak panelled Sorrel Restaurant too. THE DEAL: The Mother’s Day Flower Workshop on March 23 costs €45pp with lunch and flowers. mirror.co.uk/traveltop10