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Mother’s Day: Last minute days out to plan now, from afternoon teas to super car experiences

It's not too late to plan something memorable

Friday 29 March 2019 13:45 GMT

(Cloud Twelve)

Mother’s Day is fast approaching, but finding the perfect gift in time can be a tricky endeavour.

Sure, you could nip into the local supermarket for beautiful blooms or a fancy bottle of champagne, but if you want to do something really special for your mother, you might want to consider booking a day out.

From taking a ride on a steam train to swanning around one of the UK’s most beautiful private gardens, there’s plenty on offer in terms of memorable experiences this Mother’s Day.

Spa days are an all-time favourite gift, and for good reason, but this year’s package offerings come complete with additional treats, like brunch, blow-drys and prosecco.

With fun and creative activities taking place all round the UK, here’s our guide to the best last minute Mother’s Day experiences to book now.

Best Mother's Day cards

Show all 22

1/22Best Mother's Day cards

Best Mother's Day cards

If you went to watch Rami Malek's Oscar-winning performance in Bohemian Rhapsody with your mum this year, this might just be the perfect card. Just try to look at it without singing. Go on... £2.25, The Digi Sloth (Etsy)

Best Mother's Day cards

For the coolest mum 'pon road. £3.35, Papier

Best Mother's Day cards

Say it like it is with this heartwarming but not remotely cheesy card from Emily McDowell. £3.50 Emily McDowell

Best Mother's Day cards

You don't have to be a mum to qualify as a mother-figure and we think that is just as important. So here's the perfect card to celebrate your almost mum. £3.50 Emily McDowell

Best Mother's Day cards

As they say, it's the thought that counts. £5.00, Urban Outfitters

Best Mother's Day cards

Mildly harsh, but honesty is the best policy after all. £2.49, Scribbler

Best Mother's Day cards

For the Labour-voting Eurosceptic mums out there £2.25, The Digi Sloth (Etsy)

Best Mother's Day cards

Something we rarely apologise to our mums for, but perhaps should consider doing more often... £2.49, Scribbler

Best Mother's Day cards

Humility isn't important when you're being grateful for good genes. £2.50, Paperchase

Best Mother's Day cards

Short and sweet but perfectly to the point. £2.50, Paperchase

Best Mother's Day cards

For the mum who likes to think she's a little bit gangster. £2.49, Scribbler

Best Mother's Day cards

She might not be the Queen, but she sure is the queen of your heart. £2.49, Scribbler

Best Mother's Day cards

It's important not to forget the things she did for you before you could do them yourself... £2.50, Brain Box Candy

Best Mother's Day cards

The mum-envy is real. £3.35, Papier

Best Mother's Day cards

Hands up who else feels this way about their brothers and sisters? £3.15, PerraDesigns (Etsy)

Best Mother's Day cards

Sometimes the message only gets through when you say f**k several times £2.25, The Digi Sloth (Etsy)

Best Mother's Day cards

For all the child-free mums out there. £3.50, Emily McDowell

Best Mother's Day cards

This is absolutely not fake-mom news. £3.69, TopHatAndMonocle (Etsy)

Best Mother's Day cards

Deliver this card without the accompanying wine at your own peril. £2.95, Oliver Bonas

Best Mother's Day cards

Her proudest achievement, you have no doubt. £2.50. Paperchase

Best Mother's Day cards

Don't forget the step-mums on Sunday. £2.50, Paperchase

Best Mother's Day cards

This card will never get old - and the fact that it will annoy your brother gives it an even higher value. £3.29, Thortful

Visit the Christian Dior: Designer of Dreams exhibition at the Victoria & Albert Museum, London: £22

The exhibition celebrating the life and career of one of the most revered fashion designers in history has proven so popular that it’s just been given an extended run.

Make the most of this one-of-a-kind opportunity to marvel at Dior’s seminal designs this Mother’s Day, and be sure to stop off for tea and cake in the V&A cafe afterwards.

Tickets have sold out online (it really is that brilliant), but you can purchase them on the day from 10am. Get there early to avoid disappointment.

More information here

Take a picturesque stroll around one of the UK’s private gardens for a good cause, locations around the UK: Fees vary

This Mother’s Day, as part of the National Garden Scheme’s partnership with Macmillan Cancer Support, 25 garden-owners across England and Wales will be opening their private gardens to visitors.

From savouring springtime shrubs in seven-acre gardens in Sevenoaks to indulging in homemade afternoon teas while surrounded by daffodils at a farmhouse in East Sussex, this is a great gift for mothers with a love of all things horticultural.

Visitors are encouraged to leave a small donation to one of the scheme’s nursing and health charities, of which Macmillan is one of the largest beneficiaries. The scheme has donated more than £17m to Macmillan in the last 35 years.

Enjoy a floral-themed afternoon tea, London: £29.96

(Balthazar (Balthazar)

Covent Garden-based eatery Balthazar offers a floral-themed afternoon tea that is perfect for Mother's Day.

It was created in partnership with luxury florist FLOWERBX. But don't worry, you won't be eating any flowers.

Instead, the famed New York brasserie that made its way to London in 2013 will be delighting guests with an array of pastries that resemble seasonal blooms.

Think coconut and yuzu hydrangeas and blueberry ranunculus.

There are also some flowery cocktails on offer, making this the ideal Mother's Day treat for those with a penchant for pastries paired with a tipple.

Travel back in time with a steam train journey through the countryside, Essex: £90

Red Letter Days offer some of the best one-off gift experiences, and this one is perfect for Mother’s Day.

The day begins with a trip on a vintage bus from Epping station to the village of North Weald, then it’s time to hop on board an actual steam train to Ongar where you’ll enjoy a traditional cream tea for two.

Head to a blow-dry and follow it with brunch, London: £40

Luxurious blow-dry bar Duck and Dry has teamed up with Australian eatery Farm Girl for the ultimate Mother’s Day package. It includes a blow-dry of choice with a glass of prosecco on arrival followed by brunch at one of Farm Girl’s London cafes. The specially-designed menu includes avocado on toast and blue jack tacos.

Take a ride in a super car, locations around the UK: £55

Those with a need for speed might want to consider this exhilarating gift, which allows you to choose from one of 13 super cars (Ferraris, Lamborghinis and Aston Martins all included) and drive them at one 25 racetracks around the UK according to what’s nearest to you.

Book one ride for you and one for your mum so both of you get the most of the day.

Book a relaxing day of spa treatments at a plush wellness at lifestyle club, London: £250

This Mother’s Day, luxury beauty salon and spa Cloud Twelve is offering mothers a full day of treatments including a full body massage, a personalised facial and a two-course lunch with a glass of champagne.

Visitors will also get full use of the Notting Hill club’s steam, sauna and salt room in addition to its calming relaxation room.

Book a spa day complete with an Asian-inspired afternoon tea, Country Durham: £125

(Ramside Hall Hotel)

(Ramside Hall Hotel)

Ramside Hall Hotel in County Durham is offering a special "Mum’s the Word" package this year available from 29 March to 1 April.

It includes full access to the hotel spa, an hour-long personalised facial or massage and an Asian-inspired afternoon tea with a glass of prosecco.

Take a ride on a hot air balloon, locations around the UK: £179

(Getty Images/iStockphoto (Getty Images/iStockphoto)

Experience the sights of Britain from a great height with this Mother’s Day treat. Not only will you spend an hour marvelling at some pretty stellar views, but your ticket also includes a glass of champagne.

Be sure to bring a camera with you on the day to capture some of the sights. The whole experience lasts roughly three hours.

Take a botanical course at the Chelsea Physic Garden, London: £220

This is a full day of floral activities at London's oldest botanical garden. It begins with a short tour of the Chelsea Physic Garden, established in 1673, followed by a floristry design workshop with two award-winning floristry masters, Julie Collins and Tina Parks.

Then you’ll be treated to lunch in the garden cafe and a second session dedicated to helping you design your own floral creation.

Enjoy afternoon tea at the Royal Albert Hall, London, £30

For Mother’ Day, the famous Kensington concert hall is serving up a special afternoon tea complete with a takeaway bunch of daffodils and a box of chocolates as an extra treat for mums.

The fare is classically British, with finger sandwiches, freshly baked scones and, in homage to the legendary performances that take place at the venue, a mix of musically-inspired cakes.

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