10 ideas for Mother's Day treats

Thorp Perrow Aboretum, near Bedale in North Yorkshire, is one of the most beautiful spots in the area and on Mother’s Day, there is free entry,  plus free tea and cake, for “lovely mums”.
Tel (01677) 425323
www.thorpperrow.com

2. Take in a show at Darlington Civic Theatre

If your mum loves the arts, how about a visit to Darlington’s beautiful Civic Theatre? The critically-acclaimed wartime drama Birdsong is the theatre’s production over Mother’s Day weekend, with the successful run ending on Saturday, March 14.
Tickets £17-25.50 with discounts available.
www.darlingtoncivic.co.uk

3. Traditional Sunday lunch at Sol Tapas, Darlington

If your mum likes dining out, Sol Tapas in Darlington has a growing reputation and you can treat her  to a traditional two-course Sunday lunch for £12.95 by award-winning chef Simon Tennet.  Book on www.soltapas.co.uk, email info@soltapas.co.uk or Tel (01325) 467000.

4. Three-day visit to Cheshire

If your mum enjoys trips to interesting places as well as a spot of shopping, Gardiners NMC Coaches have a nice Mother’s Day treat, with a three-day visit to Cheshire. The trip includes a visit to the Cheshire Oaks designer outlet followed by tours of historic sites. Pick-ups throughout the North-East, including Darlington, Durham, Bishop Auckland, Middlesbrough, Stockton, Northallerton, and Thirsk. www.gardinersnmc.co.uk or Tel (01670) 519952.

5. Take a trip on the Weardale Railway

Accompanied mums travel free on the Weardale Railway on Mother’s Day. The 1950’s Heritage 122 Diesel “Bubble car” will operate between Stanhope, Frosterley and Wolsingham, leaving Stanhope at 11am, 1pm and 3pm and Wolsingham at 11.40am, 1.40pm and 3.40pm.
www.weardale-railway.com

6. Get creative at The Glass Centre, Sunderland

If your mum is into crafts, she can create a special Mother's Day paperweights at The Glass Centre, Sunderland on Saturday and Sunday, from 10am.  You can spend the morning with your mum or make her something unique to keep. Guided by skilled glass makers, create a beautiful flower shaped paperweight from molten glass. For more details visit nationalglasscentre.com

7. Mother's Day Afternoon Tea, Auckland Castle

Treat your mother to afternoon tea in the atmospheric heart of Auckland Castle. Relax and enjoy a delicious selection of homemade sandwiches, scones and sweet treats in the tranquil and elegant setting of their Library Tea Room between 2-4pm. Pre-booking is essential with at least 48 hours notice. To book call 01388 743 750.

8. Mother’s Day at Beamish Open Air Museum

The story of Mothering Sunday will be told around the museum. Discover the origins of the day and get involved with lots of family activities. Create a paper flower in The Town and The Pit Village - a lovely gift for your mum. There will also be a choir performing in the Chapel in The Pit Village and simnel cake will be made in Francis Street – the favoured cake on this special day. Window displays will be decorated especially for the day.
www.beamish.org.uk

9. Fresh air and live music at Gibside, near Rowlands Gill

You could treat your mum to a beautiful walk in the fresh air and enjoy a delicious cream tea during a special Mother’s Day at Gibside, near Rowlands Gill, Gateshead, 11- 5pm. There will be live music in the 18th century Chapel between 2pm and 3pm. For more information call 01207-541820.
gibside@nationaltrust.org.uk

10. Afternoon tea at Ripley Castle

Ripley Castle and Gardens, situated three miles from Harrogate, is a lovely setting for a Mother’s Day afternoon tea amid the elegance and history of the Castle Rooms. A wander round the gardens afterwards is a pleasant experience.
www.ripleycastle.co.uk