With Mother’s Day fast approaching, it’s time to start thinking of appropriate gifts and a suitable card. But this will you stick with the traditional bunch of flowers, or are you going to think outside of the chocolate box and treat her to something surprising and special?
A weekend break may seem extravagant but occasionally it’s nice to go the extra mile and give her something really memorable – she deserves it! There are plenty of themed walks and day trips available and with the weather starting to get better (finally) you could make the most of this special occasion.
Love Reading, Love Our Themed Literature Walks
Our Jane Austen Walk is set in rural Hampshire and is a county that provided the famous English writer with much inspiration for her novels. It’s a 2 day walking break which is even better in the summer, so a planned excursion for the weekend in the future would be recommended (so those flowers may still be needed to tide things over!). You can even stop off at the Jane Austen House museum along the route.
The Shakespeare Way is another exciting trip which is based around Britain’s most famous playwright. William Shakespeare’s journey from Stratford-upon-avon to London is tracked here, with stops in Chipping Norton and Woodstock. The trip also includes an overnight stay in Stratford-upon-Avon, his birthplace and home. Stratford is well known as a cultural area and the home to the RSC (The Royal Shakespeare Company). It’s unique architecture and clean, picturesque environment will be loved by mum – especially if you combine the walking tour with a boat trip down the Avon.
The Dorset of Thomas Hardy is another break that is ideal for mum’s who love to read. Dorset, as a rural county by the sea and full of history, acts as the backdrop to many novels, including Thomas Hardy’s “Far from the Madding Crowd”. England has produced some of the World’s most successful authors and these locations help to demystify the legends that surround them and allows you a glimpse of the real person and the environments they lived in day to day.
Maybe the world of literature isn’t your mum’s cup of tea. In which case, perhaps something a little less active and more relaxing is called for.
Afternoon Tea
Stopping ‘orf for a spot of afternoon tea has become more and more popular over recent years. The first mentions of afternoon tea can be found in the 1800’s, when the 7th Duchess of Bedford ordered her servants to serve tea and cakes at 5 o clock in the evening. She was hungry between meals and eventually it became a social event for ladies of a certain class to eat yummy cakes and share the latest gossip.
The Cotswolds, an Area of Outstanding National Beauty where a number of our walks are set, is awash with tea rooms, stunning hotels and boutique cafes which serve a quintessential afternoon tea. Popular locations include Stow on the Wold and Cheltenham. Bibury is said to be one of the most beautiful villages in England and it has the Bibury Court Hotel which specialises in afternoon teas, the perfect way to end a day’s walking in the countryside.
So, this Mothering Sunday, why not treat your mum to a themed literature holiday or a cream tea and an enjoyable afternoon with the whole family?