Marvellous Mother's Day trips in the UK

Rather than (or as well as) give your mum the standard flowers and chocolates this year, why not set aside some precious family time and take her to one of the National Trust's beautiful locations. From lavender parterres and calm lakes to exquisite painted ceilings and restaurants serving delicious seasonal treats, there's something for everyone at a location near you.

Blickling Hall, Norfolk

This breathtaking Jacobean mansion continues to attract visitors with its spectacular long gallery, period furniture, tapestries and a stunning painted ceiling now returned to its former glory.

For outdoor mums, its beautiful gardens look superb in spring. Yet, its main claim to fame is more otherworldly; legend says that the ghost of the headless Anne Boleyn appears on the date of her execution every year.

For more information and opening times, visit: www.nationaltrust.org.uk

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Bodiam Castle, East Sussex

Built in 1385, this castle is magical inside and out. On approach, it seems to float on the moat and reflect in the mirror-like surface.

Within those stone walls, climb the spiral staircases to the battlements and discover the views to the Rother valley stretching out for miles below. Better still, on certain days guests can try on its suits of armour.

For more information and opening times, visit: www.nationaltrust.org.uk

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Buckland Abbey, Devon

Drop in for hot drinks or lunch at the home of legendary explorer, Sir Francis Drake, where many say his ghost still remains.

Once a small monastery, the 700-year old abbey church is now part of the house, surrounded by beautiful orchards and meadows of the Tavy Valley. Families may also wish to try out the letterbox trail, which is a cross between orienteering and a treasure hunt.

For more information and opening times, visit: www.nationaltrust.org.uk

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Cotehele, Cornwall

Set in a lovely valley, this Tudor house is a treasure trove of weapons, armour and tapestries, and is even said to be haunted.

A wander through its terraced gardens may lead guests to the dovecote, or deeper into the woods to the watermill where flour is made to this day.

After the adventures, sip tea beside the River Tamar, near the beautifully restored Tamar sailing barrage Shamrock, which is moored at Cotehele Quay.

For more information and opening times, visit: www.nationaltrust.org.uk

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Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Water Garden, North Yorkshire

It’s like stepping back in time at the vast ruins of this 12th-century Cistercian abbey, listed as a World Heritage Site.

It is the start of a wonderful stroll through one of the country’s finest Georgian water gardens of calm lakes, canals, temples and towers. Cross the rustic bridge, walk through the Serpentine tunnel and discover the ‘surprise view’, also know as Anne Boleyn’s seat.

For more information and opening times, visit: www.nationaltrust.org.uk

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Ham House & Gardens, Surrey

Said to be haunted by its charismatic owner, the Duchess of Lauderdale, this riverside mansion offers a snapshot of Stuart fashions and styles.

Its collections of art, textiles and furniture are virtually second to none, lavender parterres and outbuildings dot the gardens, while the story of the Civil War and the restoration of the monarchy always seem close to the surface.

For more information and opening times, visit: www.nationaltrust.org.uk

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Little Moreton Hall, Cheshire

This quirky timber framed manor house has all the Tudor ingredients: patterned beams, a cobbled courtyard and long gallery.

If it looks uneven from the outside, the slopping floors and walls inside are a real joy and slightly at odds with the well-ordered knot garden. Delicious cakes and scones are made in the tiny kitchen.

For more information and opening times, visit: www.nationaltrust.org.uk

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Plas Newydd, Anglesey

The stunning ivy-clad house has it all: breathtaking views stretch across the Menai Strait to Snowdonia on the mainland; the military museum contains exhibits from the battle of Waterloo in 1815, and many paintings by the world-famous Rex Whistler hang here, including his renowned largest painting.

And, of course, its charming tea room cooks up tasty treats.

For more information and opening times, visit: www.nationaltrust.org.uk

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Sizergh Castle & Garden, Cumbria

Taste fresh local produce in the home of the Strickland family, which is mostly hidden by trees beside a lovely lake.

The exterior has been restored to its former glory, and inside there is a magnificent furniture collection along with family photographs and portraits. Outside, explore the rock garden and then head out across the estate on a walk with fabulous views to the Lakeland fells and Morecambe Bay.

For more information and opening times, visit: www.nationaltrust.org.uk

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Sutton Hoo, Suffolk

In Anglo-Saxon times here at Sutton Hoo, a king was buried in a ship grave along with a helmet, shield and gold treasure.

In the exhibition hall today, there is a life-size model of the tomb showing exactly how the scene looked when it was discovered in 1939, and revealing what life might have been like in Britain 1,300 years ago.

For more information and opening times, visit: www.nationaltrust.org.uk

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Tyntesfield, North Somerset

See this spectacular Victorian Gothic Revival house without its scaffolding after an incredible restoration project to save it for the nation.

Admire the new roof and spot the bell tower that’s been reinstated too. Try delicious local, seasonal food in the restaurant, indulge with tea and cakes in the café or browse the shop for home-time treats and great gift ideas.

For more information and opening times, visit: www.nationaltrust.org.uk

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Upton House, Warwickshire

Besides the terraced gardens and astonishing red and silver Art Deco bathroom, this mansion has many collections to admire.

Downstairs are Old Master paintings by Hogarth, Canaletto, El Greco and others; on the top floor, Shell Oil memorabilia tells of the family links with the company, while Derby and China figurines, and Sevres china, are part of a superb porcelain display.

For more information and opening times, visit: www.nationaltrust.org.uk

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Mother's Day magic

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