Plan the perfect Mother's Day

A family walking in the gardens at Polesden Lacey, Surrey

Mother’s Day 2021 is on Sunday 14 March. We’ve got lots of ideas to help you say thank you to a special someone, even if you can't celebrate together or enjoy the usual Mother’s Day events at National Trust places due to lockdown restrictions.

Whoever you’re celebrating this Mother’s Day, there are plenty of ways to show her how special she is to you. 

Even if you can't visit a place in our care, there are still things you can do at home to make her day. From beautiful bakes to that perfect present, we've got lots of ideas for a memorable time.

Visiting this spring 

Our gardens, parks, cafés, shops and countryside locations are open to visit. Subject to government confirmation, we're planning to reopen houses in England and Wales from 17 May, and in Northern Ireland from 24 May. Advance booking for visits helps us keep everyone safe and socially distanced. At quieter times such as weekdays, booking shouldn't be necessary, but to guarantee entry we recommend booking in advance, especially at weekends and bank holidays. Please check the property webpage before you visit and follow government guidance.

More information on what’s open
Recipes and treats for Mother's Day

Bringing that special someone breakfast in bed on Mother's Day or creating your own afternoon tea party is a wonderful way to spend the day and treat a loved one. Try out a simple classic, like scrambled eggs on toast, or have a go at making something sweet, like some yummy rhubarb and ginger cheescake pots. If you're not together on the day, why not try out some of our recipes for a virtual tea party?

Scrambled egg with tomato and spinach on sourdough toast, on a plate with a knife and fork

Scrambled eggs 

Why not say thank you to the special lady in your life by cooking a Mother’s Day feast? Start her day off with a tasty breakfast in bed with this twist on the everyday scrambled egg.

National Trust Vegetable Tagine

Vegetable tagine 

Spend some time cooking up a hearty meal this Mother's Day with this vegan tagine. Make it with love as a filling lunch or a satisfying dinner with a roll or crusty bread.

Three pots containing the cheesecake with the biscuit base and rhubarb compote onto

Rhubarb and ginger cheesecake pot 

Finish off Mother's Day by treating her to an extra special dessert. This delicious cheesecake is simple to make and the perfect way to end her day.

Find more tempting treats to inspire you Browse our recipes
A Meissen Berlin Tea Service

Discover the history of high tea 

Take a look at the history of our favourite brew. Discover when the tea-drinking craze first started, how fashion was inspired by afternoon tea and where the first National Trust cup of tea was served.

Grab a cuppa and discover more
Flowers blooming around Mother's Day
The cheerful flowers of 'February Gold', an old daffodil variety, brighten up the Winter Walk at Anglesey Abbey, Cambridgeshire
A sea of bright orange tulips
Iris reticulata flowers in bloom
Delft blue Hyacinth in bloom
Close up of Snakes Head Fritillary flowers

Daffodils

Colourful spring flowers can make Mother's Day special, whether you're giving them to someone as a gift, or if you're taking a walk to spot them. Daffodils are a spring classic. They come in all shades of yellow, gold and white.

Tulips

Tulips have long been a popular flower, especially in the Netherlands. In the 1600s, a single bulb could cost more than a smart Amsterdam townhouse.

Iris reticulata

There are plenty of Iris varieties that can be grown throughout the year, but in spring the electric-blue blooms of Iris reticulata are the ones to look out for.

Hyacinths

Hyacinths come in a range of colours: from classic deep indigo through to pinks, purples, magentas and whites. They’re a great choice for fragrance.

Snake's head fritillary

These pink-and-purple-chequered flowers are said to resemble the head of a snake, hence the name. They’re usually found in meadows and some wilder gardens.

Gifts for Mother's Day
Mother's Day gift ideas

Gifts she'll love 

If you're looking for gift inspiration this Mother's Day, you could treat her to some wonderful new gifts from our online shop. From essential gardening tools, to jewellery, fashion accessories and UK-made food and drink, find the perfect gift.

Search Mother's Day gifts
Grandparents and grandchildren and parents on family visit

Gift membership 

This Mother’s Day, give that special someone in your life a year of unique experiences you know they’ll love. With gift membership she can enjoy special moments and create lasting memories throughout the year.

Give unique experiences