If you fancy treating your mum to something special this year, try one of these unusual and fun ideas
The North
The South
The Midlands
The Daffodil Walk, The Farndale
If your mum's the outdoorsy-type, try The Farndale, in the North York Moors National Park. Spring is the best time of year to go and see the famous display of wild daffodils, thought to have been planted by the monks of nearby Rievaulx Abbey almost a millennia ago. The walk starts at the small hamlet of Low Mill and winds its way along the River Dove, where the daffodils carpet the rivers banks and the fields all around the dale, toward High Mill where the local tea rooms (known as 'Daffy Caffy') is situated. Kick back, treat you and your mum to a well-earned brew, and congratulate yourselves on the day's activity.
W: homepage.ntlworld.com/don.burluraux/040303.htm
The Turkish Baths, Harrogate
If pampering's more her thing but you're bored of the usual spas, a quirky Mother's Day experience is to try an authentic Turkish Bath. A recommended visiting time of two-and-a-half hours is advised which includes a visit to the Steam Room where high humidity with cleansing eucalyptus opens pores, penetrates the respiratory system and eases tense muscles. Then you are led to a shower before taking a bracing dip in the Plunge Pool. You then work your way up through the three inter-connecting Hot Room Chambers - Tepidarium (warm), the Calidarium (hot), and the Laconium (hottest) allowing the warmth to continue its therapeutic effect on skin and musculature. Cooling down then takes place in the Frigidarium (Relaxation Room).
T: 01423 556746
W: www.harrogate.gov.uk/turkishbaths
Mothering Sunday Lunch at Chester Zoo, Chester
If there are kids involved in your day, or if your mother's a child at heart, Chester Zoo offers a fun and stimulating day out for everyone, no matter what age. They have 500 different species of animals and award-winning gardens, and there is a wide range of shops, cafes and ice-cream kiosks located around the Zoo, which cater for all tastes and budgets. You can treat your mum to a three-course lunch served in the Oakfield Restaurant, at either 12.00 or 2.00pm. Pre-booking is essential and price includes admission into the Zoo at £24.95 per adult and £17.50 per child (under 11 years of age).
T: 01244 650209
W: www.chesterzoo.org.uk
Chocolate lessons, Manchester
You can't really go wrong where chocolate's involved. The 'Slattery School of Excellence' invites chocolate lovers to come and learn the many different skills involved in the art of chocolate work, sugar modelling, cooking and many others. Obviously you'll want to accompany your mum on this educational course, after all, chocolate's best enjoyed in company.
T: 0161 767 9303
W: www.slattery.co.uk
Shark Dives, Cheshire
If your mother's a thrill-seeker, how about shark diving? And there is no need for qualifications as complete beginners can be in amongst the sharks on their very first visit. There is also free entry for two accompanying spectators - that means you can always opt to just watch if the brave gene skipped your generation. The dive sessions take place daily at 2.30pm and 4.30pm. Entry is priced at £175 per person.
T: 0151 357 8804
W: www.blueplanetaquarium.com/shark_dives
Mother's Day weekend with De Vere Whites, Manchester
If swimming with sharks is the last thing your mother wants to do on her day, this might be more her style. Over the weekend of 24 and 25 March 2006 guests can enjoy a luxurious Mother's Day break at De Vere Whites, Greater Manchester starting from £123 per person for two nights. This offer includes, a full English breakfast both days, a three-course dinner in the Brasserie on both evenings, a gift for Mum and full use of the hotel's leisure facilities.
T: 01204 667 788
W: ww.devereonline.co.uk/hotel_whites
Farmer for a Day, Cheshire
Is your mum the mucking-in type? The Davis family at Gorstage Green Farm offers a hands-on experience with all their animals, including a chance to see the beginning of the journey that produces a typical pint of milk. People can come for a day and experience what life is like for a young dairy farmer running a one-man business of 80 milking cows. A day could include everything from milking the cows, feeding the baby calves, trimming cows' feet or mucking out the bull. The day can take any shape or form you wish, whether it's an early start for a full day or just a couple of hours in the afternoon. A full day will include lunch at the local pub down the road and everyone gets a memento of the special day to take home. The cost of a full day is £175 or £70 for half a day.
T: 01606 853193
W: www.farmer4aday.co.uk
The Big One, Blackpool Pleasure Beach
Loop the loop, and twist and shout! Dare your mother to enjoy the white knuckle rides at Blackpool's Pleasure Beach. With 145 rides to choose from, including Pepsi Max Big One, Valhalla and Infusion, you're bound to find something to enjoy. Park opening times are 11.30 to 1900.
T: 0870 444 5566
W: www.blackpoolpleasurebeach.com/
Shadow a keeper, Bedfordshire
For animal-loving mums there is a chance to shadow a keeper for a day at Woburn Safari Park. You'll enjoy first-hand experiences behind the scenes as you help feed, muck out and generally look after the animals. You'll also get some hands-on experience feeding lemurs. Participants must be over 18 years old.
T: 01525 290407
W: www.woburnsafari.co.uk
Port Lympne Wild Animal Park and Gardens, Near Hythe
Port Lympne Wild Animal Park and Gardens is celebrating a safari-special Mother's Day on Sunday 2 March. Families can enjoy a Mother's Day three-course lunch, served in the Port Lympne Mansion before strolling through its 600 acres of wild animal park and gardens. If walking proves too much after a large lunch, you can hop in one of the special safari trucks and be chauffeured around the park. Lunch and admission costs £27.50 per person, and is free for children under four.
W: www.totallywild.net/portlympne
Blooming marvelous, Maidstone
For a treat in the spring countryside, take your mum to the Museum of Kent Life, Maidstone. Entry is free for all mothers and they're promised a yummy treat too. There's a traditional tearoom serving snacks and cakes - perfect for when you've walked up an appetite! Admission coast £7 for adults and £5 for children aged 3-15. Family tickets are available for two adults and two children at £20.
W: www.museum-kentlife.co.uk
Country Pursuits, Paddock Wood
The Hop Farm Country Park is an award-winning attraction offering a memorable day out for all the family with food and fun activities. On Sunday 2 March, there is a three-course Mother's Day lunch on offer including coffee prepared on site by the resident chef and served in Whites Banqueting Suite, a converted Oast Barn. Included in the cost of a meal is a free gift for mums and free entrance to the attractions. Lunch and admission costs are £24 for adults, £14 for under 12s and £6 for children under 3.
W: www.thehopfarm.co.uk
Jumeirah Carlton Tower, London
If your mum likes to shop til she drops, head to the Jumeirah Carlton Tower, a luxury London hotel, situated in the heart of Knightsbridge. Conveniently close to Harvey Nicols, Harrods and Sloane Street, you'll benefit from a complimentary shopping guide, £50 Harvey Nicols gift voucher and personal shopper service. Then head back to the hotel and revive your aching feet with a luxurious foot care pack. The Shopper's Paradise offer includes full English breakfast for two and complimentary access to The Peak Health Club & Spa. The package costs from £369 per room per night.
T: 020 7235 1234
W: www.jumeirah.com
Mother's Day Family Lunch, Norwich
Norwich City Football Club has two options for Mother's Day, which are the Mother's Day Family Lunch in the Top of the Terrace Restaurant and a 'Lunch for Grown Up Families' in Delia's Restaurant & Bar. Mum can relax while the children are kept busy with a team of entertainers. She'll receive a gift and after lunch she can either take advantage of complimentary tours of the stadium, or just sit and relax and admire the view of the pitch. Lunches can be booked from 12pm and cost £25 for adults, £10 for under 12s, while under 3s are free with an accompanying adult. The Lunch for Grown-Up families costs #
T: 01603 218705.
W:www.deliascanarycatering.com/
Best Western George, Norwich
If you're going for the old-fashioned Mother's Day lunch, the Best Western George Hotel on Newmarket Road will present your mum with a small gift and free advice from a make-up and colour analysis expert. The restaurant will be serving a three-course menu at £17.95 per person and half price for children.
T: 01603 617841
Country Rides, Wold View House, Lincolnshire
Families can take their mothers for a country horse ride in Lincolnshire, whatever the previous experience levels. Mums can enjoy the delightful countryside on their own horse or hire one of the resident seven horses. Designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty the area offers day rides, evening rides and picnic, pub and tea rides available. Riding breaks are also available, which include riding from Tealby to Belchford.
T: 01673 838226
W: www.lincolnshirecountryrides.co.uk
Coton Manor Garden School, The Garden School, Northamptonshire
This is a perfect gift for keen amateurs interested in extending their gardening skills. Vouchers are available as a gift for your green-fingered mum to attend one of many specialised classes including how to prune with confidence, and how to plant and plant a border. A programme of other full and half-day courses are offered and take place in the attractive gardens.
W: www.cotonmanor.co.uk
Llama Trekking, Catanger Llamas, Northamptonshire
For one the most unusual Mother's Day gifts you could present to your mum, take her llama trekking in the beautiful countryside of Northamptonshire. Go for a gentle stroll with your furry friend while taking in the sights of the undiscovered scenic countryside routes. A number of experiences are available for booking from a half-day experience to private party trekking.
W: www.llamatrekking.co.uk
For more Mother's Day inspired events and activities, please visit www.enjoyengland.com