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It’s time to show your mum just how much she means to you with our guide to Mother’s Day.
Whether it’s spending a night at the theatre or enjoying a family day out at one of Kent’s historic landmarks, we’ve got some great ways for you to make this Mother’s Day weekend something truly special.
Brogdale, Faversham
If you want to celebrate Mother’s Day a little early, you and your mum can join in with a fun floristry workshop. The class, which takes place at the orchards in Faversham, starts off with an introduction to floristry, so it’s ideal for those who want to learn from scratch. You will then be taken around the orchards to forage for foliage that can be used to arrange and create your own spring wreath, along with sustainable dried flowers and a natural willow base which will be provided for you. There will also be a light lunch and refreshments served in the picturesque setting.
Details: Friday, March 17 at Brogdale in Faversham. Class takes place from 10am to 2pm, with lunch included. The half-day course costs £60 per person. Book online here.
Central Theatre, Chatham
Party the night away with the biggest throwback hits, all performed by a live a cappella group, at ‘80s Rewind. If you and your mum prefer a Saturday night out to a Sunday afternoon in, then this ‘80s extravaganza could be the perfect way for the two of you to celebrate Mother’s Day. The Magnets, who perform using their own unique style of vocal harmonies and beatboxing, will be busting out the best songs from the decade, including the Final Countdown, the Power of Love, Ain't Nobody, Purple Rain and more.
Details: Saturday, March 18 at the Central Theatre in Chatham. Tickets start from £22.50. Book online here or call 01634 338338.
Chocolate Making, Maidstone
Run by mum-of-three and Healthy Munchkins founder Alison Bartolo, this chocolate-making workshop is a unique way to kick off your Mother’s Day weekend. You and your mum can spend the morning tasting delicious treats, choose your favourite flavours and create your own raw chocolates to take home, all with plenty of guidance and advice from Alison. The workshop also teaches you all about the health benefits of cacao and how to make simple swaps to reduce refined sugar, as well as your very own recipe booklet full of raw dessert recipes to make at home.
Details: Saturday, March 18 in Maidstone (address confirmed after ticket purchase). Class takes place from 10am to 2pm. Tickets cost £25 per person. Book online here.
Hever Castle, Edenbridge
Stroll through an incredible 70,000 daffodils and soak up the stunning spring gardens with a day at Hever Castle. The castle’s beautiful grounds will be in full bloom so, if your mum enjoys a spot of gardening, this could be the perfect place to spend the day together. There is a self-guided tour of the gardens that you can follow using the maps, or you can join one of the daily free tours with a Hever Castle gardener. There are also fun photo opportunities, face painting for the kids and the historic castle, with its new Catherine and Anne: Queens, Rivals, Mothers exhibition, will be open. You can even add a delicious carvery lunch to really make the most out of your visit.
Details: Saturday, March 18 and Sunday, March 19 at Hever Castle, near Edenbridge. The gardens are open from 10.30am to 4.30pm. Adult entry to the castle and gardens costs £47.80 with a carvery. Standard entry costs £23.10 on the day, £20.80 in advance. Book online here.
Ightham Mote, Sevenoaks
If you’re looking for a day out that the whole family will enjoy, it might be worth paying a visit to Ightham Mote. This historic National Trust property in Sevenoaks is hosting a free family craft session on Mother’s Day, where you and your children can create pretty paper flowers in the Squire’s Room. The 14th-century moated manor house and the gardens, which include an orchard, water features, lakes and woodland, will also be open all day for visitors to explore. While you’re there, you can also spend some time in the cosy Mote Café, let the kids loose in the play area or browse the secondhand bookshop.
Details: Sunday, March 19 at Ightham Mote in Sevenoaks. Crafts take place from 11am to 3pm. The session is free with a standard entry ticket, which costs £16 per adult and £8 per child for non-members. No need to book.
Kent and East Sussex Railway, Tenterden
Who needs flowers and chocolate when you can give your mum the gift of time travel? Well, perhaps it’s not exactly time travel, but a trip through the Kentish countryside aboard an old fashioned steam train is as close as it gets. The Kent and East Sussex Railway is offering special train rides this Mother’s Day, which include your choice of on-board cream tea or ploughman’s lunch. You can even add a bottle of prosecco to enjoy as you take in picturesque views of the Rother Valley, country landscapes and the market town of Tenterden on your travels.
Details: Sunday, March 19 from Tenterden Town Station. Trains depart at 12.30pm and 3.30pm. Tickets cost £24.50 per adult, £13.50 per child, and family ticket bundles are available from £58. Ploughman’s lunch or cream tea costs an additional £9.50 per person. Book online here.
The Marlowe Theatre, Canterbury
Spectacular dance routines, nostalgic ‘80s costumes and a bonafide Strictly star: what more could a mother ask for? Strictly Ballroom the Musical, based on Baz Luhrmann’s 1992 film, boasts a fantastic cast including former Strictly champion Kevin Clifton and EastEnders favourite Maisie Smith, who also competed on the show in 2020. If that’s not enough glitz and glamour for you, the production is directed by none other than TV judge and theatre star Craig Revel Horwood. The show follows a rebellious ballroom dancer and his rookie partner, with hit songs such as Love Is In the Air and Time After Time.
Details: Monday, March 13 to Saturday, March 18 at the Marlowe Theatre in Canterbury. Tickets range from £15 to £65. Book online here or call 01227 787787.
Mercure Hotel, Tunbridge Wells
Is there a better way to spend Mother’s Day than with a glass of bubbles and music from Michael Bublé? Impersonator and swing tribute Sam Knight returns to this Tunbridge Wells hotel with hits from the likes of Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and, of course, Michael Bublé himself. The sophisticated sound of swing music is a great addition to your three-course lunch, which includes dishes such as red pepper and tomato soup, honey roast pork, baked cod loin and apple crumble. Your food also comes with a glass of prosecco, beer or soft drink.
Details: Sunday, March 19 at the Mercure Hotel in Tunbridge Wells. The event begins at 12.30pm, lunch is served at 1pm. Tickets cost £34.95 per adult and £14.95 per child. Book online here.
Quex Barn, Birchington-on-Sea
Disney isn’t just for kids, and there are plenty of mums out there who would love a Mickey Mouse-themed lunch with their family. Quex Barn in Birchington is throwing a Mother’s Day celebration that all ages can enjoy with their Disney-tastic afternoon tea. There will be Disney decor, children’s goodie bags, prizes for the best fancy dress and live music from pianist Helen Valentine. Sing along to your favourite Disney classics in between your sandwiches, scones, cakes and free glass of prosecco - for mums only!
Details: Sunday, March 19 at Quex Barn in Birchington-on-Sea. Afternoon tea takes place from 12pm to 3pm. Tickets cost £18 per adult and £10 per child, with the option to add a bottle of prosecco for £14. Book online or call 07890 542229.