Mother’s Day Out
Spread adoration and appreciation this Mothering Sunday by spending the occasion relishing all of the splendid treats that our wonderful county has to offer.
On Sunday 30 March, we will give thanks to the mums and mother figures in our lives who fill our hearts with warmth, love and support. With Mother’s Day falling perfectly within the season that Kent’s gardens start to come alive with the promising sounds of spring, there is no better place to mark the occasion with loved ones than in our blossoming Garden of England.
From outdoor adventures and indulgent afternoon teas to wholesome workshops and elegant tipples, here are some of insideKENT’s top ideas on how to make Mother’s Day 2025 a truly special celebration.
Boasting stunning surroundings and all the added extras, Port Lympne Hotel & Reserve will be welcoming families for a luxurious Mother’s Day celebration unlike any other. In the opulent setting of the hotel’s award-winning Garden Room restaurant, guests can choose to toast to the occasion with a two- or three-course Sunday lunch, complete with all the trimmings and a special gift.
For those with a sweet tooth, a delectable afternoon tea will be held in The Orangery for £80 per person that includes access to the park, a ride on the truck safari and a glass of glorious Gusbourne wine.
Treat mum to the rest and relaxation she deserves by selecting a luxurious Pamper Day at The Granary Spa in Ashford. Offering tailored packages with a range of treatments available from custom facials to full body massages, the expert team are on hand to ensure your day offers the ultimate calming and restorative services. Starting from £124, guests can choose from either a half-day or full-day package which both include complimentary refreshments, a sweet and savoury platter, and relaxation time in the spa’s lounge or idyllic courtyard garden.
For wine lovers who enjoy delighting in Kent’s exceptional viticulture, a visit to Balfour Winery during Mother’s Day weekend should certainly be on the cards. Nestled amongst 400 acres of land in the heart of Staplehurst, Balfour promises a breathtaking setting to raise a glass of something Kentish to your mother figure this March.
Look forward to savouring a delicious afternoon tea of freshly prepared bites that pair beautifully with the estate’s award-winning wines, completing your day with a self-guided tour of the picturesque grounds or an expert-led experience with a tutored tasting of still and sparkling Balfour wines, which are all certain to impress.
A quintessential railway journey with a difference, set off through Kent’s heralded High Weald aboard The Kent Cheese Train at Spa Valley Railway. Departing from Tunbridge Wells West, mother figures with a taste for artisan produce can enjoy sampling a variety of cheeses, including Kent’s own Winterdale Shaw from Winterdale Cheesemakers and Kentish Blue from Kingcott Dairy, chutney and crackers, with a complimentary drink on offer too. Various dates are available for 2025 and tickets are £37 per person.
Perfect for those with little ones in tow, Maidstone’s Kent Life is set to host a Mother’s Day event the whole family is sure to get on board with. A packed programme of fun-filled entertainment will take place, from balloon modellers and magicians to joyous live music, and the farm’s usual attractions such as the historic village will also be open for the day.
A generous spread of afternoon tea favourites will then be laid out for mum, with plenty of finger sandwiches and scones to go around. Getting all ages together for some quality family time, admission includes your afternoon tea and entrance to all park amenities, however, advance booking is recommended to avoid disappointment.
To view those enchanting spring gardens at their best, head to one of Kent’s exceptional National Trust properties for a day filled with historical exploration and countryside bliss. Plan a visit to 14th-century moated manor house, Ightham Mote in Sevenoaks, to uncover its intriguing past or take a trip to the former home of Sir Winston Churchill, Chartwell in Westerham, to wander through the renowned gardens. With on-site cafés and engaging activities to find along the way, visits here certainly make for a Mother’s Day ramble to remember.
Is mum a keen baker who would enjoy testing out her skills? Perhaps join a welcoming workshop led by the Cakey Bake Cake School in Paddock Wood. From masterclasses in buttercream and royal icing to helpful how-to tips for the perfect cupcakes, these classes welcome all abilities from avid kitchen crafters wanting to sharpen their knowledge to new bakers searching for the basics. Covering a range of topics and bringing together like-minded groups, classes take place on various dates each month and are available online and in person.
Still on the hunt for the perfect gift? Check out our top picks for Mother’s Day 2025 below:
For more Kent day out and gifting inspiration, click here to read our most recent issue.
