5 places to take your mum for Mother’s Day

Looking for day-out ideas for Mother’s Day? We’ve picked out five UK cities to take your mum to on Mothering Sunday and beyond, including some things to do while you’re there. From walking tours that give you a chance for a catch-up, to shopping sprees you’ll both love, there’s lots going on up and down the country. Plus, you can get to all of these cities with megabus, which means you’ll spend less money getting there – and have more to spend on treating your mum.

1. Shop for one-offs at Northern Quarter Makers Market, Manchester

Manchester’s got loads to offer if your mum loves to shop, from huge malls like the Arndale to designer spots like Exchange Square. But on the second Sunday of the month – which happens to be Mother’s Day in 2024 – you can enjoy a bit of retail therapy with a difference at the Northern Quarter Makers Market on Oak Street. Shop for quirky art, one-off designs you won’t find on the high street, and artisan bakes to nibble while you peruse the stalls. There’s all sorts of street food on offer if you fancy something a bit more substantial to eat, and it's all served up with a soundtrack of live music.

2. Go for a walk and a natter with your mum in Bristol

Bristol is one of those cities that’s great to explore by foot – and even better in good company. So if you’re up for a bit of a wander to make the most of the almost-spring weather, book on to a walking tour. There are guided options available if you want to be shown around by an expert, or self-guided versions you can download to your phone if you just fancy chatting with your mum while you walk. You could follow a trail of Banksy’s artworks, for example, or do the Mythical Bristol Giants Walking Tour. Stop off at one of the city’s best bakeries – Crosstown, we’re looking at you – when you need to rest your legs.

3. See the springtime blooms at Kew Gardens, London

Prefer a more scenic walk? Kew Gardens is one of those London attractions that makes a great place to visit all year round – but there’s something really lovely about seeing the first blooms appear in early spring. You’ll need to pre-book your slot as this place is popular, but there’s plenty to see once you’re in – from gorgeous Japanese gardens to an arboretum full of 14,000 trees. You can treat your mum to lunch at the café or team your trip with a mooch around leafy Richmond and a picnic in Richmond Park.

4. Go for a slap-up Sunday lunch in Nottingham

If there’s one thing Mothering Sunday calls for, it’s a proper Sunday lunch – and Nottingham has plenty of places to pick from. Browns is one of those places you can rely on to get it right, and the Nottingham branch has a suitably upmarket set-up in the castle district. Book in for a huge roast with all the trimmings, or try the brunch menu if you fancy a cooked breakfast or a Lobster Benedict. There’s an impressive cocktail menu, too, and the afternoon tea is a real treat – with a good gluten-free option.

5. Go for ice cream on the beach in Edinburgh

That’s right. Ice creams on the beach. In Edinburgh. In March. Believe it or not, the Scottish seaside experience is possible – whatever the weather – at The Beach House Café, which thankfully has a mix of indoor and outdoor seating. That means you and your mum can swap the city streets for sea views and small-batch gelato while staying warn and toasty indoors if you need to. There’s a breakfast and lunch menu, too, and you can walk it all off with a stroll along the beach if the weather is on your side. Just be warned: this place is always busy, so it’s well worth getting here early.

Ready to book a Mother’s Day trip? Get there with megabus for less.