Mother's Day ideas in Dorset and the New Forest
This Mother’s Day, ditch the cards and off the shelf presents – and show mum just how much you care, with some quality time together.
We’ve put together ideas for families (we’re looking at you, dads and partners!) to organise a special day for mum, as well as a couple of things grown up kids can treat mum to, one on one or with siblings in tow.
Family Days and Trips
Here’s a little secret to keep in mind for Mother’s Day: mums don’t really care about cards, flowers, chocolates, vouchers or any of that stuff. They care about thoughtfulness, time spent together and being appreciated – and you don’t get that from a card or a bunch of flowers.
The only way to mum’s heart is to be there with her and to have spent a little effort in making her feel extra-special, preferably not just for one day! And when the kids are little, it’s up to dads and partners to encourage the youngest members of the family to contribute to the process – and of course, to foot the bill.
Still, it doesn’t have to be extravagant to be fun, thoughtful and special.
A Big Breakfast or Afternoon Tea?
Food brings family together like nothing else can, so it’s no surprise that it’s top of our list! So, what are the top spots for food in the New forest and Dorset?
For breakfast, why not try Saltwater Cafe – a charming, comfortable little hole in the wall that serves up vibrant and delicious dishes made with fabulous local ingredients. It’s located just around the corner from Shorefield Country Park in Milford on Sea, so you can fill up before a Mother’s Day adventure to the seaside. The best part? They’ll let you add a glass of prosecco to your breakfast order, to warm your cockles on a chilly March Mother’s Day morning!
Or what about an extra-special afternoon tea? One of our favourite places is the Montague Arms in Beaulieu – you’ll have to book this sumptuous, luxurious feast in advance, but believe us when we say that it’s well worth it. Go savoury with incredible sandwiches and nibbles, sweet with a variety of cakes and classic scones, or have it all and sample both. Choose your teas from a variety of popular and signature blends; everything from light and floral to deep and aromatic.
A Short Family Break
Spend a long weekend in the enchanted New Forest or the magnificent splendour of the Dorset coast. Stay with us and choose from seven incredible locations in Hampshire and Dorset, stretching from the sea to the forest.
A family of four can spend a long weekend for less than you’d think – and with access to gorgeous natural sights at the start of the spring season, you can be sure that mum will be impressed!
Amazing Walks and Beautiful Sights
There’s so much to see in the New Forest and along the Dorset coast – it’s one of the most beautiful places in the whole of England. From Lulworth Cove and Durdle Door, to the sprawling heathlands of the New Forest where the ponies roam free, you’ll always be in awe.
Explore the incredible Jurassic Coast on an epic walk or take to the woods and discover how deep and beautiful the New Forest really is.
Just with Mum
Shopping and Lunch
With plenty of local stations dotted around the forest, you can get to Southampton city centre easily by train – where you’ll find a cosmopolitan metropolis of restaurants and top retail outlets, many of which conveniently located in West Quay. Mother’s Day is as good an excuse as any to spend a day in town shopping together – before escaping the hustle and bustle back to a forest retreat in the evening...
The Classic Treat: A Spa Day
Nothing says “relax” like a day at the spa – a classic staple of Mother’s Day. Why not try something a bit different, and visit Reflections at Shorefield Country Park – our beautiful day spa in Milford on Sea. Our expert therapists will guide you and mum through a spa experience like no other, in the heart of the New Forest. Whether it’s a massage, facial, manicure or pedicure – you’re in good hands.
Make it part of a weekend away, and spend even more time together.
A Weekend Away to Reconnect
If you’re a busy grown up with a family of your own and a hectic 9-5 hustle, then it’s probably been a really long time since you and mum just sat down and had a chat.
Get back into that relationship by getting away from everything else for the weekend, and do something that you and mum will remember fondly for the rest of your lives.
