Ways to mark Mother’s Day on March 10
Every mother deserves to be spoiled on Mother’s Day – luckily, some amazing events are taking place across Essex, so you can do that. Visit Essex, the county’s tourism body, has put together its top 10 things to do with loved ones this Mother’s Day…
A unique experience by candlelight
Looking for a unique experience to share with your Mum? Why not join the brilliant Eden Falconry for a magical candlelit owl encounter at Hedingham Castle? The evening will begin just after sunset for a breathtaking atmosphere – and the perfect time to enter the nocturnal world of owls. Meet the feathered members of the flying team and be given the rare opportunity to hold and fly the owls yourself, with guidance from expert falconers. Enjoy learning about each bird’s habitat, prey, and survival in the wild, together with their characters. This exclusive experience can only accommodate a few guests, so make sure you don’t miss out
(Sunday March 10 , £30pp).
Spring walks with the family
As we welcome the warmer weather, take your loved ones to Warley Place Nature Reserve in Brentwood. Set on 25 acres, the reserve is maintained by Essex Wildlife Trust and is home to one of Essex’s best spring spectacles. Enjoy a stroll around the reserve and let your senses do the rest – admire the wonderful daffodils, crocuses, snowdrops, and bluebells in bloom, and hear birds singing and bees buzzing around pollinating flowers. Their café is a great spot for afternoon tea after enjoying what the gardens offer
(Feb–June, suggested admission donation is £3pp).
For the super mum…
Forget the regular spa and luxury days this year and gift your mum the present of Go Ape Adventure at Hylands Park in Chelmsford. This is the perfect day out for those looking for a challenging adrenaline rush, featuring three high rope experiences, including high-speed ziplines and a host of tricky tree-to-tree crossings. Watch your mother jump off a high platform, swing into a Tarzan net, and leap through the trees. There’ll be laughter and shouts of joy, and woodchip-stained trousers are guaranteed
(from £20pp).
A steam-ingly good day out
Celebrate Mother’s Day with a visit to the East Anglian Railway Museum. Enjoy unlimited trips on a train hauled by a real-life steam engine, ride their miniature railway, and don’t forget to explore their museum. Your little ones can let off some steam at the train-themed playground, giving you time to enjoy a delicious undisturbed refreshment from their Platform 2 café or miniature pub. There will also be free vintage bus rides available for that extra special treat
(Sunday March 10 , from £8.50pp, book online for a 5% discount).
Curate and create
Treat Mum to a workshop you can enjoy together at Firstsite Gallery in Colchester. Explore observational drawing and create beautiful studies of natural objects and plants in this relaxed class with local artist Lisa Temple-Cox – a lovely way to enjoy quality time together
(Sunday March 10 , from £20pp).
Afterward, why not visit their free exhibitions featuring diverse artworks and local collections or catch a screening of the award-winning ‘Titanic the Musical,’ based on the real people aboard the most legendary ship in the world
(Sunday March 10 , from £8pp).
Some healthy family competition
Take on an award-winning muddy obstacle course this Mother’s Day. Wild Forest Activity Centre, based in Brentwood, makes for a fun, unique, and active family day out. Set in 20 acres of mature woodlands and based on the Nuclear Races site, they offer many activities for all ages and abilities. With 25 full-sized obstacles to choose from, both on land and in water, there’s sure to be something for the whole family. Or maybe axe throwing is more Mum’s thing? Embrace the mud, take on the challenge, and make memories that last a lifetime
(from £11.50pp, mum goes free on Sunday, March 10 )
Sail away together
Step aboard a vintage sailing barge for a memorable river cruise with the special ladies in your life. Enjoy the quiet beauty of the early spring river for a two-hour cruise with Topsail Charters in Maldon. Head down past the Victorian Promenade Park, past the statue of Byrhtnoth guarding Maldon against marauding Vikings; Northey Island, which is a bird reserve owned by the National Trust; Heybridge Basin, the entrance to the Chelmer & Blackwater Canal; Mill Beach with its colourful beach huts on legs; and on to Osea Island before returning. Once back at the Quay, sit in the saloon for a delicious, freshly cooked two-course Sunday Roast lunch with all the trimmings. The perfect way to spend Mother’s Day
(Sunday, March 10 , from £45pp).
Indulge and spoil your favourites
Show the mother of your family how special they truly are to you, and treat them to an exclusive 3-course lunch at the popular Brentwood restaurant Alec’s. As one of Essex’s leading fish restaurants, Alec’s attracts customers from near and far and prides itself on quality ingredients and exceptional service. The perfectly curated Mother’s Day menu will feature some firm favourites and exciting new additions, all set to wow. A local singer will provide the perfect ambiance during your visit, and Mum will receive a special box of chocolates to take home with her
(Sunday, March 10 , from £85pp).
We bet this one’s a winner
Treat the special woman in your life to an exquisite dining experience at Chelmsford City Racecourse this Mother’s Day weekend. Nestled within the thrilling atmosphere of the racecourse, the Fairwood Brasserie restaurant is the perfect blend of sophistication and excitement. Indulge in an unlimited gourmet carvery, complimentary prosecco on arrival, and enjoy exceptional views of the exhilarating racing from the restaurant’s prime position on the finish line – a truly phenomenal way to spend your Saturday with loved ones
(from £85pp, which includes your table for the whole day, a four-course buffet, and viewing access from the Grandstand and Parade Ring, Saturday March 9 ).
Culture and cake
Treat Mum to a delicious afternoon tea at Braintree Town Hall and enjoy a welcome cocktail, homemade finger sandwiches, indulgent cakes, and unlimited tea and coffee. You’re guaranteed a wonderful afternoon spending quality time with the mother figure in your life. Or why not visit Braintree Museum and their newest exhibition, Potty About Our Pottery. A colourful and interactive showcase about the weird, wonderful, and creative world of Victorian potter Edward Bingham of Castle Hedingham. The exhibition also features pieces hand-picked by Sir Grayson Perry. Pop into the vibrant museum shop filled with unique and local produce, and finish your visit with lunch in their café, Something Scrummy.
(from £28pp, Saturday March 9 )
For more Mother’s Day inspiration, head to visitessex.co.uk
