Five great last-minute Mother's Day travel gifts
Well, you’ve left it a bit late for Mother’s Day gifts, haven’t you? Still, all is not lost. Rather than picking up a bunch of tulips at Tesco this year, why not say “I love you” with the gift of travel?
Whether your interests – and budget – lead you to a day out or a luxury weekend away, our experts have contributed some great last-minute options below. Do keep in mind that, whatever you decide to buy (and Britons are expected to spend more than £928m on gifts for mothers for this weekend), according to research from Dacia, the car brand, what mothers most want this Sunday is to spend time with their families.
How sweet. And it almost seems plausible – but a bit of time at the spa or an indulgent meal wouldn’t hurt. Here are our experts’ picks of the best offers for this Mother’s Day.
1. London daredevils
For intrepid mums, sons and daughters can book a tour of London – from 1,000ft up. The London Helicopter’s Buzz experience takes six passengers at a time on a zippy and enthralling trip, going as far west as Richmond, and as far east as Greenwich. Stare down at London’s monuments from the air, marvel at the twisty Thames and the extraordinary amount of green space from above. This is one of the most unusual – and exhilarating – ways to see the capital.
Note: while the London Helicopter is happy to take children aged 5 and older, the price may require a bit of financial aid from a grown-up. The 12-minute London Buzz ride is £150 per person on a shared flight. For Mother’s Day, the London Helicopter will treat every Mum who takes a flight to a complimentary glass of champagne at the chic bar at neighbouring Crowne Plaza London Battersea.
Flights take off daily from the London Heliport in Battersea (SW11 3BE; thelondonhelicopter.com; 020 7887 2626).
2. Rural day out
The National Trust offers many quintessentially British ways to celebrate your mother. Watch one of its living history presentations and discover parenting practices and mothers’ cures from times past. For example, at Tyntesfield, the Victorian estate in Somerset, musicians will play in the formal gardens during the Mothering Sunday weekend. Check here for an event near you. After taking in the building and parkland, repair to one of the Trust’s tea rooms for scones and cakes in a leisurely afternoon tea.
A National Trust membership, which grants access to more than 500 properties, would also be a nice gift. £63 a year for adults, or £111 a year for a family (two adult) membership. (nationaltrust.org.uk)
3. Family weekend away
If the mother you’re buying for would like some family time and a bit of relaxation, book in to The Elms, a Queen Anne style manor house set in rolling, wooded grounds, within easy reach of Worcester and Kidderminster. A key feature is the hotel’s contemporary spa complex – and also its nighttime listening service, baby monitors which allow parents to put their children to bed in their room and then enjoy a leisurely adults dinner downstairs. Mums staying at The Elms for Mothering Sunday can take advantage of the Sunday morning lie-ins (in which trained nursery workers take your children to breakfast while you do… nothing) before indulging in Sunday lunch for the family or afternoon tea which includes a glass of bubbly.
This weekend, The Elms has rooms available for two adults and one child for dinner, bed and breakfast, at £330 per night.
4. London feast
Book a Sunday lunch or afternoon tea at Duke’s, in London. For Mother’s Day, the hotel’s restaurant, Thirty-six, will be serving up a special Sunday roast (£26.00 per person for two courses and £29.00 per person for three courses including a glass of wine and tea or coffee), or opt for finger sandwiches, freshly baked scones and patisserie for a traditional afternoon tea (from £29.50 per person). Perrier-Jouet Champagne, a choice of teas or a gin and tea infusion make the perfect accompaniment to afternoon tea served in the hotel’s elegant drawing room and conservatory, overlooking a peaceful courtyard in the heart of London’s Mayfair.
5. Spa voucher
For a spot of indulgence, why not send the mother in your life on a spa break? It needn’t be this weekend, but book ahead at one of our favourite spa hotels. Nothing says “I love you” like Gilpin Hotel’slakeside suite, where luxury meets stress-busting seclusion. Don’t bring the kids. Spa Lodges from £595. Check here for availability. The Scarlet Spa, in Cornwall, specialises in “deep relaxation” – had has double rooms from £155. And Calcot Manor, in Gloucestershire, has a heated outdoor hot tub and indoor slate-lined pool (with separate swimming times for children). Bliss!
