101 places to go – Mother’s Day in the UK

We’re taking a slightly different approach to this week’s entry. Since Mother’s Day is approaching – and at cottages4you there’s nothing we like doing more than spoiling our mums – we thought we’d take this post to highlight some unique ways to enjoy a truly memorable day.

Now, we’re sure we don’t need to remind you that all mums are different, so we’ve tried to offer a variety of activities in a number of different locations. If we’ve missed any then please leave a suggestion in the comments below.

•  If your mums are anything like ours there’s nothing they like more than a cup of tea and a natter. In fact the only thing they might like more is tea and a chinwag somewhere unique and enchanting. So we’re recommending a tree house restaurant at one of the UK’s most beautiful house and gardens. Despite Alnwick Castle’s appearance in the Harry Potter films this is more than just a fantasy; in The Treehouse you can dine in magical surroundings while admiring trees growing through the floor. Though we’d have to say “pre-booking recommendus”!

•  Our next suggestion may be less magical but it’s no less appealing – if an impromptu poll in the cottages4you office is anything to go by. The Ideal Home Show (formerly called The Ideal Home Exhibition – we presume the new name is to give it a less stuffy, more participatory feel!) takes place at Earl’s Court in London and features a host of exhibitors, retailers and biggest and best of TV talent. How big? Well let’s just say most have ‘one name’ recognition: Titchmarsh, Lorraine and that famous rule breaker, Llewelyn Bowen.

•  If you fancy a knees-up, or fancy the Buy One Get One Free aesthetic of celebrating St Patrick’s Day at the same time as Mother’s Day, then you might want to take your mum to the Manchester Irish Festival. 2012’s event started on 2nd March but it runs until the 18th and we imagine there’s going to be plenty of gas left in the tank to make it end with a bang. There’s comedy, live music, dance, sports, culture and more, which should be more than enough to put a smile on your mum’s face.

•  The Brighton Chocolate Festival offers a reliable Mother’s Day staple with a slight twist. Not only can you sample deliciously sweet wares from the world’s finest chocolatiers: William Curley, Damian Allsop and Paul Wayne Gregory, amongst others, but you can do so in a delightful seaside location. So if two days of chocolate tasting takes its toll then at least you have a wonderful beach to work it off on!

Find a cottage for Mother’s Day on cottages4you.