March 19 marks Mothering Sunday; a day dedicated to showing your mum – or the mother figure(s) in your life – just how much you love ’em. It’s the perfect excuse to go on a fun outing together and make some memories, or if you’re a mother yourself, give yourself a lil treat or two. Below are a whole host of things to do for Mother’s Day in London; something for everyone, no matter what your mum is into.
1. Let your mum take centre stage on a trip to the West End
Enjoy an evening of glitz, glamour and fabulous storytelling with a musical this Mother’s Day. There are a plethora of London West End shows to choose from, including the lauded Disney’s The Lion King, semi-biographical Tina – The Tina Turner Musical, and film favourites Dirty Dancing and Mamma Mia! Browse West End show tickets here.
2. Unwind at a sound bath meditation session
If you’re quick, you may be able to nab the last few tickets to the Candlelit Sound Bath sessions on Mother’s Day weekend (March 18–19). Taking place at a venue in West London, these meditative sessions use sound therapies to encourage relaxation in participants. An experienced practitioner will use Tibetan and crystal bowls, tuning forks, shamanic drumming to let sound waves wash over you (this is where the ‘bath’ name comes in). The space will be illuminated by hundreds of candles, allowing mum to focus on just herself for 75 minutes.
3–5. Indulge in the serene sounds and surroundings of a candlelight concert
Slightly more high octane than the candlelit meditation session; why not treat your mum to an enchanting evening of music by candlelight instead, inspired by her favourite acts? From classical masterpieces to modern pop hits, the Candlelight series wows with moving piano and string renditions, stunning historical venues, and of course, the gorgeous glow of soft candlelight.
🕯️Candlelight: A Tribute to Beyonce at Glazier’s Hall (March 18)
🕯️Candlelight: Mozart, Bach & Timeless Composers at Butcher’s Hall (March 18)
🕯️Candlelight: A Tribute to Ed Sheeran at Glazier’s Hall (March 19)
6–7. Browse colourful and mind-bending art exhibitions inspired by iconic artists
If your mum is a bit of an art enthusiast, visiting an immersive art exhibition in London could be one the best things to do with her this Mother’s Day.
🎨 The much loved Van Gogh experience beckons with floor-to-ceiling projections of Vincent’s famed works, immersive sound tech, and interactive activities you can do together. The exhibition is located near Spitalfields Market.
🎨 You and your mum can quite literally step into the works of surrealist painter Salavador Dali at the Dali : Cybernetics exhibition on Brick Lane. Alongside plenty of immersive and interactive elements, there’s a futuristic metaverse, where you’ll don some state-of-the-art VR gear and move freely in a totally computer-generated world. It’s mind blowing stuff.
There is a Mother’s Day competition to win four tickets to Van Gogh and Dali : Cybernetics – find out more info on Instagram.
8. Grab the popcorn for a family cinema trip
Salty popcorn, a large drink, and discounted cinema tickets? Sounds like a perfect afternoon to us! Whether you let mum choose the film, or you call the shots, settling in for a couple of hours in front of the big screen is a rather blissful way to treat the leading lady in your life. Snap up your Vue cinema tickets on Fever, as you’ll get a cheeky lil discount – tickets start at just £3.99.
9. Escape for the night with a stay a five-star hotel
If money is no object for Mother’s Day this year, then perhaps a luxurious stay at the Kimpton Fitzroy London will take your fancy. Available on March 18–19, the ‘Mum’s The Word’ package includes an overnight stay (champers and sweet treats upon arrival), breakfast for two, and a Mother’s Day lunch at Galvin Bar & Grill. The five-star stay will set you back £495; find out more on the Kimpton Fitzroy London website.
10–12. Treat mum to an afternoon tea
A selection of London locations will honour Mother’s Day with dedicated afternoon teas. Sweeten the celebrations with one of the below.
🫖 Theatre Royal Drury Lane‘s fabulous Regency Afternoon Tea will be available between March 16– March 21, so you can treat your mum like the queen she is. Under twinkling chandeliers and a fine art collection, you’ll feast on puff pastry sausage rolls, madeleines topped with lapsang-souchong glazed salmon, and bitesize cannelés, alongside tea from the Rare Tea Company.
🫖 St Ermin’s Hotel in Westminster will take diners on a trip to the past at their 1940s-themed Afternoon Tea Dance, enjoyed in their glitzy Crystal Ballroom (March 18–19). There’ll be toe-tapping music from girl group The Lily Belles, a delectable afternoon tea with unlimited French sparkling wine, and dancing aplenty. Brush up your Lindyhop and jive moves!
🫖 A lot more high octane than the other two afternoon teas; Camden’s Tomb Raider: The Live Experience are offering a globe-trotting precursor to afternoon tea on March 18–19. With this package, you’ll face worldly challenges head on and solve mind-boggling puzzles, before treating yourselves to sweet and savoury treats, such as salted caramel chocolate truffles, scones and finger sandwiches.
13. Bond while you blend tea
Renowned tea company Whittard of Chelsea are hosting a series of ‘Blend with Love’ tea blending masterclasses between March 16–19 in celebration of Mother’s Day. The sessions, which take place at Marylebone’s Holmes Hotel London between 2pm–4pm, will not only teach you how to expertly blend various flavours to create your own bespoke tea, but you’ll get to taste different teas, nibble on biccies, take home your personalised caddy of tea, and get a goodie bag. All for just 20 quid. Find out more info on Whittard of Chelsea’s Instagram page.
14–23. Simply take mum out for a nice meal
Hey, food is a tried and tested gift, and if you’re not gonna cook for mum, take her out for a meal instead. A fair few restaurants in London have crafted special menus and/or deals for Mother’s Day; we’ve compiled our top 10 picks below.
🍽️ Duo Camden are serving up a special Mother’s Day Sunday roast at their 2pm and 4pm sittings on March 19. You can both enjoy a complimentary glass of wine with your beef, chicken, lamb or tofu roast, or upgrade to bottomless wine, beer or cocktails. A live DJ will be on site to bring the vibes.
🍽️ Venture to the heady heights of exclusive rooftop restaurant Tattu for a Mother’s Day inspired set menu, which includes the likes of Xiao Long Rosebud Dim Sum and a gorgeous Ruby Rose Fizz cocktail. The Covent Garden restaurant will be a real treat for all the senses, and an indulgent experience for your madre.
🍽️ If panoramic views is your vibe, book in for brunch or dinner at Aqua Shard. All bookings made by 5pm on March 15 for Sunday, March 19, will have the option to pre-order a blooming marvellous £45 flower bouquet of 25 yellow tulips. Imagine: surprising your ma with flowers, dinner and views over London from the 31st floor of the Shard…
🍽️ Go to Bluebird Chelsea on Mother’s Day weekend (March 18–19) and leave with a full stomach and a new hair do. The Chelsea restaurant have partnered with close by hairdressers Duck & Dry to offer a package deal for a blow dry, followed by a brilliant brunch with a glass of fizz or coffee, all for £55.
🍽️ Sit down for a Sunday lunch and afternoon of soul music at Quaglino’s. Feast your eyes, ears and stomachs on a hearty menu of food and entertainment, with live music performed in the historical art deco ballroom in St James’. The spot is known for its wines and champagnes too; it’d be almost rude not to accompany your meal with a glass or two. Soulful singers Katy and Otty will perform on March 19.
🍽️ If you pop to Pivot at 3 Henrietta Street on Mother’s Day, mum’ll get a complimentary deluxe dessert. Available for those dining in the restaurant, the limited edition Chocolate Delight features a milk chocolate mousse, encased in a dark chocolate dome, with toffee caramel, popping candy and raspberries. What a sweet treat!
🍽️ JIJI, a Secret London favourite located in Islington, will welcome the whole family this Mother’s Day with a special menu for four guests. The Middle Eastern-Japanese restaurant will serve families fresh sushi, tacos, gyozas, and larger dishes.
🍽️ Nab a free Aspinal of London card holder (worth £70!) with your meal at French restaurant Wild Honey St James this Mother’s Day – each guest dining at the Mayfair restaurant will be given this luxury gift. And, should you wish, you can then get it taken to an Aspinal of London store to be personalised, free of charge. Result.
🍽️ Make a beeline for Laurel’s On The Roof, located at the Mondrian Shoreditch hotel, with the whole family, and your mum will be able to enjoy a whole roast dinner for free on Sunday, March 19. The restaurant will treat mums when guests book a table of four or more, plus there’ll be an intimate showing of Mamma Mia in the Curtain Club’s screening room, with an array of post-dining refreshments available.
🍽️ Is your mum’s favourite child actually the family dog? If so, Skyline Peckham‘s Mother’s Day brunch is where she’ll wanna be at. Dog friendly (and child friendly), the brunch will have delicious brunch classics, plus live music too.
24. Give mothers of young kids an afternoon off at The Londoner Hotel
Swanky hotel, The Londoner, has partnered with children’s entertainers Sharky & George to offer mums of young kids a luxurious afternoon off. Whether you opt for an afternoon tea at The Stage champagne bar or a more substantial meal at Whitcomb’s, complimentary children’s entertainment in the hotel’s Courtyard will provide a much need reprieve between 1pm and 3pm. Pre-booking is required – check out The Londoner’s website.
25. Spend the day at Battersea Power Station
With restaurants and shops galore, you can spend a whole day at Battersea Power Station. If retail therapy sounds less like a treat though, there are plenty other activities you can indulge in instead. Lift 109 is a unique glass lift experience that’ll give you views over London this Mother’s Day from the north west chimney of the power station, and there’s The Cinema in The Power Station too. For new mums, Jelly Belly PT will be hosting Postnatal Fit classes, focused on reconnecting with your body post birth between March 14–31.
26. Sip a special cocktail dedicated to the matriarch of your family
The Glenfiddich Time:Capsule, nestled at the five-star Holborn Rosewood London, has created a limited edition cocktail, available between March 15–18 only. Make a beeline for the heated terrace with your mum and enjoy the Queen Fizz, which combines Glenfiddich 15 Year Old, flavours of mandarin and lavender, and champagne.
27. Escape to the Alps… but right here in London
East London restaurant Haugen has created a cosy alpine escape in Stratford. Forget the extravagant flight tickets, and instead head to this multi-floor venue, so mum can indulge in delicious dishes – hello, creamy fondu – cocktails, and Alpine hospitality. On Mothering Sunday itself, all mums can nab a free glass of fizz with their food.
28. Unwind with a wine tasting evening and live music
La Nina Caffe & Mercato is hosting a special evening of wine tasting in Canary Wharf on Saturday, March 18. Guided by an experienced sommelier, attendees will taste three Italian wines each, paired perfectly with tasty nibbles. While sampling these goodies, guests will be serenaded by Italian tenor Giuseppe Pellingra, who’ll be performing a mix of opera and jazz.
29. Let your mum choose her own experience with a Fever gift card
Half the stress of buying a gift is knowing what exactly to pick – why not let your mum choose for herself? With the Fever gift card, which comes in denominations of £100, £50 and £25, she’ll have access to a plethora of events, from concerts to comedy shows, exhibitions to brunches.
Alternatively, if you have a rough idea of what your mum will be interested in, but can’t firm up dates just yet, you can get her a specific gift card instead; options for Van Gogh or a Candlelight concert are available.
Also published on Medium.