How to celebrate Mother’s Day in London

It’s Mother’s Day on Sunday 19 March. Whether you want to treat her with a massage or a special meal, go to a great exhibition, see a spectacular show or simply enjoy the great outdoors, here’s how to celebrate Mother’s Day in London.

 

Take her to an exhibition

The Big Smoke is filled to the brim with wonderful museums and galleries. Although the permanent collections in many of them are free to visit, there are some great ticketed exhibitions, too. Some of this month’s highlights include Magdalena Abakanowicz at Tate Modern; Donatello and Africa Fashion at the V&A Museum and Peter Doig at The Courtauld Gallery.

 

Treat her to a special restaurant

Spring is a great time for restaurant openings.  Why not treat your mum to a fantastic lunch at Palestinian-inspired Akub in Notting Hill, or for something fun and glamorous, check out Jacuzzi in Knightsbridge? Cicchetti nearby is another fantastic spot for some, well, cicchetti… and a drink, followed by a delectable lunch or dinner. Its sophisticated decor and refined Italian menu are sure to delight. Or perhaps mum would prefer a more traditional experience? For a special treat, head to The Wolseley for breakfast, Fortnum & Mason for afternoon tea or Scott’s for incredible fish.

 

See a spectacular show

In addition to established feel-good musicals such as Matilda the Musical, Jersey Boys and The Book of Mormon, there are some thrilling new shows launching this month. The Great British Bake Off Musical is a light-hearted dose of fun and Guys & Dolls is an immersive tale of gangsters in Prohibition-era New York City. As for the theatre, catch the acclaimed drama, Further than the Furthest Thing at The Young Vic. It’s about a remote Volcanic island whose inhabitants are forced to evacuate to England. Shirley Valentine at Duke of York’s Theatre, meanwhile, sees Sheridan Smith star as a bored housewife who dreams of escaping her monotonous existence.

 

Enjoy the great outdoors

Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, is especially beautiful at this time of year. Wander around the glasshouses and spot the springtime blossom, and crocuses and daffodils poking up through the ground. If your mum likes gardening, why not take her to a Kokedama Workshop at the Chelsea Physic Garden or have a browse around the newly reopened Garden Museum? Or, if the weather is balmy enough, keep things simple and head to one of the many beautiful parks to enjoy a picnic.

Pamper yourselves

 

You don’t have to break the bank to feel the benefits of self-care in London. At Porchester Spa, you can enjoy full use of the facilities (including steam room, plunge pool, Turkish baths, sauna and relaxation area) for less than £30 per person. And at Spa Experience, a restorative back, neck and shoulder massage is around £50. For a more spiritual experience, an uplifting yoga class could do just the trick.

 

Experience London from above

There’s nothing quite like seeing the twinkling lights of London from up high. Soar up Heron Tower in the super-speed lift to the 38th and 39th floors to witness a sweeping view of the city below, before enjoying a cocktail and something to eat from SushiSamba. The Shard also provides a stunning viewpoint; London’s highest, in fact. You’ll have 360-degree views of the city skyline, reaching as far as 40 miles away. At St. Paul’s Cathedral, the experience will be a little different. Take in the history of the building as you climb up to the various viewing galleries and gaze at the city below. Other great places to take in the beauty of the capital are OXO Tower, the London Eye and Sky Garden.