MOTHER ’ SDAY
O n Sunday 30 March , we will give thanks to the mums and mother figures in our lives who fill our hearts with warmth , love and support . With Mother ’ s Day falling perfectly within the season that Kent ’ s gardens start to come alive with the promising sounds of spring , there is no better place to mark the occasion with loved ones than in our blossoming Garden of England .
From outdoor adventures and indulgent afternoon teas to wholesome workshops and elegant tipples , here are some of insideKENT ’ s top ideas on how to make Mother ’ s Day 2025 a truly special celebration .
Boasting stunning surroundings and all the added extras , Port Lympne Hotel & Reserve ( portlympne . com ) will be welcoming families for a luxurious Mother ’ s Day celebration unlike any other . In the opulent setting of the hotel ’ s award-winning Garden Room restaurant , guests can choose to toast to the occasion with a two- or three-course Sunday lunch , complete with all the trimmings and a special gift .
For those with a sweet tooth , a delectable afternoon tea will be held in The Orangery for £ 80 per person that includes access to the park , a ride on the truck safari and a glass of glorious Gusbourne wine .
Treat mum to the rest and relaxation she deserves by selecting a luxurious Pamper Day at The Granary Spa in Ashford ( thegranaryspa . co . uk ). Offering tailored packages with a range of treatments available from custom facials to full body massages , the expert team are on hand to ensure your day offers the ultimate calming and restorative services . Starting from £ 124 , guests can choose from either a half-day or full-day package which both include complimentary refreshments , a sweet and savoury platter , and relaxation time in the spa ’ s lounge or idyllic courtyard garden .
For wine lovers who enjoy delighting in Kent ’ s exceptional viticulture , a visit to Balfour Winery ( balfourwinery . com ) during Mother ’ s Day weekend should certainly be on the cards . Nestled amongst 400 acres of land in the heart of Staplehurst , Balfour promises a breathtaking setting to raise a glass of something Kentish to your mother figure this March .
Look forward to savouring a delicious afternoon tea of freshly prepared bites that pair beautifully with the estate ’ s awardwinning wines , completing your day with a self-guided tour of the picturesque grounds or an expert-led experience with a tutored tasting of still and sparkling Balfour wines , which are all certain to impress .
A quintessential railway journey with a difference , set off through Kent ’ s heralded High Weald aboard The Kent Cheese Train at Spa Valley Railway ( spavalleyrailway . co . uk ). Departing from Tunbridge Wells West , mother figures with a taste for artisan produce can enjoy sampling a variety of cheeses , including Kent ’ s own Winterdale Shaw from Winterdale Cheesemakers and Kentish Blue from Kingcott Dairy , chutney and crackers , with a complimentary drink on offer too . Various dates are available for 2025 and tickets are £ 37 per person .
Perfect for those with little ones in tow , Maidstone ’ s Kent Life ( kentlife . org . uk ) is set to host a Mother ’ s Day event the whole family is sure to get on board with . A packed programme of fun-filled entertainment will take place , from balloon modellers and magicians to joyous live music , and the farm ’ s usual attractions such as the historic village will also be open for the day .
A generous spread of afternoon tea favourites will then be laid out for mum , with plenty of finger sandwiches and scones to go around . Getting all ages together for some quality family time , admission includes your afternoon tea and entrance to all park amenities , however , advance booking is recommended to avoid disappointment .
To view those enchanting spring gardens at their best , head to one of Kent ’ s exceptional National Trust ( nationaltrust . org . uk ) properties for a day filled with historical exploration and countryside bliss . Plan a visit to 14th-century moated manor house , Ightham Mote in Sevenoaks , to uncover its intriguing past or take a trip to the former home of Sir Winston Churchill , Chartwell in Westerham , to wander through the renowned gardens . With on-site cafés and engaging activities to find along the way , visits here certainly make for a Mother ’ s Day ramble to remember .
Is mum a keen baker who would enjoy testing out her skills ? Perhaps join a welcoming workshop led by the Cakey Bake Cake School in Paddock Wood ( cakeybake . co . uk ). From masterclasses in buttercream and royal icing to helpful how-to tips for the perfect cupcakes , these classes welcome all abilities from avid kitchen crafters wanting to sharpen their knowledge to new bakers searching for the basics . Covering a range of topics and bringing together like-minded groups , classes take place on various dates each month and are available online and in person .
THE KENT CHEESE TRAIN
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