Five ideas for Mothering Sunday

Mothering Sunday falls on the 22nd of March this year and it's always a lovely time of year to get together with the family to celebrate. The weather will be warming up (if we are lucky!), flowers will be blooming and spring will have arrived.

We have come up with five ideas for ways to spend Mothering Sunday in Suffolk, and even if you are not able to celebrate with family, we think these are still really nice things to do!

If the weather is particularly fine, a sumptuous picnic might be in order, preferably using lots of Suffolk produce.

A sourdough loaf and pastries from Pump Street Bakery, some locally smoked meat from Emmett's of Peasenhall, or what about some Suffolk Blue cheese, made in Stowmarket? Top this off with a glass or two of refreshing Suffolk beer, cyder or sparkling wine.

If you are heading to the coast, you can't beat fish and chips on the beach (or if the weather is not quite up to that, then find a cosy pub that serves local produce)

Sometimes the best gift for mum is a day of rest and relaxation; a day when she can put her feet up and be pampered, from head to toe. Book a spa day at Hintlesham Hall near Ipswich, Ufford Park Hotel and Spa near Woodbridge or at the family-focused hotel The Ickworth, near Bury St Edmunds.

Weavers' House Spa in Lavenham

A day out visiting one of the county's many visitor attractions would be a lovely treat for the whole family, especially so, if it's somewhere with a lovely cafe or restaurant attached. Try Jimmy's Farm near Ipswich. Their restaurant is in a restored 200 year old barn and they offer an extensive, locally sourced menu.

Ickworth House (National Trust) near Bury St Edmunds is not only an unusual historic house, but there is also the extensive parkland to explore, a beautiful Italianate garden (don't miss the stumpery) and a restaurant for lunch or afternoon tea.

The National Heritage Centre for Horseracing and Sporting Art in Newmarket is a five acre site with the National Horseracing Museum (including a racehorse simulator, if you are feeling brave); the Rothschild Yard, which stables up to eight former racehorses; and the Fred Packard Galleries with paintings by George Stubbs and Sir Alfred Munnings among others. The on-site restaurant and bakery serves meals all day, using local produce.

Mum's go free at Africa Alive! on 20th-23rd March and Easton Farm Park on 22nd March.  Enjoy a day in the fresh air, even go on a mini safari with mum and the children at Africa Alive! At Easton Farm Park see all the other animal mothers with their newborn kids, lambs and piglets. 

Instead of giving your mother a bunch of flowers, why not take her out to see some of the lovely spring floral displays around the county? Take a look at our handy guide for the top spots to see Suffolk in bloom.

Mother's Day is a celebration honouring the mother of the family.  Enjoy the day together strolling around the gardens, wandering along the woodland paths and watching the newborn lambs at Kentwell Hall.

Relaxing for a few hours over a luxury afternoon tea is decadent and great fun. The perfect Mothering Sunday treat, especially if you add a glass of champagne! Many hotels in Suffolk including The Swan at Lavenham and Milsom's Kesgrave Hall, nr Ipswich all offer afternoon tea and most offer gift vouchers too.

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