Treat your mum to a wonderful day out with one of these great things to do on Mother's Day in Essex, from fun activities to afternoon tea, there's something to suit everyone.

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Attractions for Mother’s Day

Day out at Audley End & Mothers go free at Audley End Miniature Railway

There’s something for both mum and the kids at Audley End this Mother’s Day. Explore the beautiful, decadent mansion, say hello to the resident horses, and explore the stunning gardens that this historic site has to offer. For some more fun, head to the Audley End Miniature Railway, where mums go for free on their special day, and experience a magical journey on the miniature railway into the enchanting woods.

Day out at Colchester Castle

Learn all about the Roman history behind Britain’s oldest recorded city at Colchester Castle Museum this Mother’s Day – a unique and wonderful trip out for anyone who loves all things heritage. The view of the city from the castle roof really is breathtaking!

Mother’s Day at Firstsite

Spend the day with your loved one at Firstsite in Colchester, where there will be a number of free art exhibitions to enjoy such as Lucy Harwood’s Bold Impressions and Level Best Sunshine Coast. Unleash your own inner artist with a nature drawing workshop, followed by a delicious afternoon tea and then a screening of ‘Titanic the Musical’.

Warley Place Spring Bulbs Spectacular

Take a trip to Warley Place on Saturday 9^th or Sunday 10^th March from 10:30am to 4:30pm to admire the wonderful daffodils, crocuses, snowdrops and bluebells in bloom for the spring. Volunteers are always on hand and happy to answer any questions regarding wildlife conservation, and guided tours are held every Saturday morning by appointment. As well as the magnificent gardens, the Discovery Centre will be open as usual along with the café, which is a great spot for an afternoon tea after enjoying what the gardens have to offer.

Visit Braintree Museum “Potty About Our Pottery”

Get Potty about Pottery at Braintree Museum on Mother’s Day weekend! Taking place on Saturday 9^th March, the museum’s newest interactive exhibition is all about the weird and wonderful world of the Victorian potter Edward Bingham of Castle Hedingham, featuring hand-picked pieces by Sir Grayson Perry. After browsing the exhibition, take a peek in the Museum Shop and grab something to eat at their café, Something Scrummy.

Production & Afternoon Tea at the Mercury Theatre

Book two tickets for The Importance of Being Earnest by Oscar Wilde and an afternoon tea for two people and receive 15% off your order at Mercury Theatre. Simply add both items to your online basket and the offer will apply automatically or call their box office on 01206 573948 to book over the phone.

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Mother’s Day Meals Out

Marygreen Manor Mother’s Day Lunch

Visit the Marygreen Manor this Mother’s Day for a delicious three course lunch for just £49.50 per person (children up to 8 years old eat for £25.00). Marygreen Manor is a luxury 4-star hotel in Brentwood with an award-winning Tudors Restaurant. The building is from the early sixteenth century, and was initially the home of Henry Roper, gentleman servant to Catherine of Aragon.

Family meal out at Pizza Express

If you’re looking for something simple and easy to do this Mother’s Day in Essex, you can’t go wrong with Pizza Express! Loved by the whole family, check out the restaurants in Chelmsford and Brentwood and book a table for Mother’s Day.

Topsail Charters Sunday Roast Cruise

Step aboard a vintage sailing barge at the Quay in Maldon, sail along the river and enjoy a delicious freshly prepared two course Sunday roast lunch this Mother’s Day with Topsail Charters. The perfect way to spend Mother’s Day in Essex.

Three-course Meal at Alec’s Restaurant

Treat your mum to a wonderful three course lunch at Alec’s Restaurant in Brentwood. Choose from a delicious menu that includes some of Alec’s favourites and exciting new dishes. There will also be live entertainment from a singer throughout the day, and a special box of chocolate gifted to the mothers in attendance.

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Mother’s Day Activities

Owls by Candlelight at Hedingham Castle

For an experience like no other this Mother’s Day join the brilliant Eden Falconry for a magical candlelit owl encounter at Hedingham Castle. The evening will begin just after sunset, creating a breathtaking atmosphere before you step into the nocturnal world of owls. Meet the feathered members of the flying team and be given the rare opportunity to hold and fly the owls yourself, with guidance from the expert falconers. There are limited spaces available, so be sure to book soon!

Boom Battle Bar at Lakeside, Chelmsford or Southend

If you’re bored of traditional Mother’s Day afternoon teas and meals out, then Boom Battle Bar is the perfect place to visit for some real fun with the family! A great choice if you have a bigger group of you going out to celebrate, challenge each other to axe throwing, AR darts, shuffleboard, and mini golf. You could even serenade your mum during karaoke to really show your appreciation!

Meerkat Experience at Sealife Adventure

If your mum is a lover of animals, then a meerkat experience at Sealife Adventure in Southend is the ideal gift and day out for Mother’s Day! This is a great opportunity to get up close with the cute little critters with an experienced keeper who will teach you all about their behaviours, habits, habitats and more whilst you get to feed them.

Floodlit Racing at Chelmsford City Racecourse

Place your bets, enjoy amazing food and drinks, and soak up the outstanding atmosphere at Chelmsford City Racecourse’s Floodlit Racing event this Mother’s Day. Guests who book into either the Fairwood Brasserie or Club Restaurant & Lounge for the special day will receive a complementary glass of prosecco upon arrival.

Steam Train Ride at East Anglian Railway Museum

Celebrate Mother’s Day with a trip to the East Anglian Railway Museum and treat your mother to unlimited steam ride trains and a ride on a vintage bus! As well as train rides and an excellent exhibit, there will be refreshments such as tea, coffee and snacks available on Platform 2, and even a miniature pub selling a range of beverages. Kids can let off some steam on the train themed playground.

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Mother’s Day Afternoon Tea

Vintage Tea Party at Talliston House & Gardens

Visit the Talliston House & Gardens this Mother’s Day in Essex for an extraordinary weekend exploring the wonderous rooms and gardens before settling down in the Victorian watchtower for a vintage high tea.

Hyland’s Estate Vintage Afternoon Tea

Indulge in a Vintage Afternoon Tea at Hyland’s Estate in Chelmsford this Mother’s Day. Taking place in their gorgeous Terrace Room that overlooks the parkland, you can enjoy unlimited tea and coffee, delicate finger sandwiches, homemade scones, and other sweet treats whilst celebrating the mother figures in your life.

Down Hall Mother’s Day Lunch / Mother’s Day Afternoon Tea

Treat the special lady in your life to a Mother’s Day celebration to remember at Down Hall this March. Choose from a delicious three course Mother’s Day lunch, where all mums in attendance will receive a lovely gift, or an outstanding Mother’s Day Afternoon Tea with an assortment of mouthwatering sweet and savoury delicacies.

Mother’s Day Afternoon Tea with Michael Bublé Tribute at Wivenhoe House

Treat your mum to a special afternoon tea with fantastic live entertainment from Michael Bublé tribute, Owen Woodgate. This offer is available either Saturday 9^th or Sunday 10^th March.

A meal for Mother’s Day at the 1935 Rooftop Restaurant in Southend

The 1935 Rooftop Restaurant & Bar boasts stunning views of the planes taking off from the nearby airport, situated atop the five-storey Holiday Inn Southend. Their Mother’s Day dining offer is available on Sunday 10^th March, with a wonderful special menu to choose from. Mums eat free after 4:30pm when your party consists of a minimum of four adults, and she’ll get to enjoy a glass of sparkling wine on the house!

Mother’s Day Treats at RHS Garden Hyde Hall

Gift your mum the day out she deserves this Mother’s Day in Essex at RHS Garden Hyde Hall! Enjoy a scrumptious afternoon tea in their beautiful Thatched Barn or a warming carvery in the Hilltop Lodge. Walk off your lunch in their garden, taking in the stunning spring blooms.

Mother’s Day Afternoon Tea at Braintree Town Hall

Enjoy an afternoon tea with unlimited tea and coffee, welcome cocktails, and fizz available to purchase from the bar at Braintree Town Hall this Mother’s Day weekend in Essex. Taking place on Saturday 9^th March, tickets are just £28pp, and you’re guaranteed a wonderful afternoon spending quality time with the mother figure in your life.

Mother’s Afternoon Tea & Sunday Lunch at County Hotel Chelmsford

Mothering weekend at the County Hotel in Chelmsford will be like no other, and is the perfect opportunity to treat the mother figure in your life and show them some appreciation for everything that they have done for you. Choose from a Mother’s Afternoon Tea with scones, sandwiches and other sweet treats, available on both the 9^th and 10^th of March, or a three course Mothering Sunday Lunch on the 10^th of March.

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For more events taking place in Essex across the year, check out our What's On page.