Seven special ways to celebrate Mother’s Day in Durham

Looking for something special to say thank you to your Mum this Mother’s Day? Gifts can be thoughtful, but nothing beats spending quality time together and making memories. 

We’ve got lots of fun ideas that will make this special day one to remember, with lots of fabulous ways to treat your mum in Durham.  

Dazzle mum with Durham’s dark skies

The clocks will soon be going forward, which means peak dark sky season will soon be coming to an end. So why not wrap up warm and head out with your mum to the Durham Dales to make the most of the last dark winter nights.  Across the North Pennines National Landscape and Durham Dales you’ll find 16 official dark sky discovery sites, where you and your mum can feast your eyes on thousands of stars and distant galaxies. 

The Durham Dales is also home to Grassholme Observatory, which hosts an incredible programme of dark sky events to enjoy. Whether you’re a beginner or experienced stargazer, you’re certain to find an event or activity to enjoy, all lead by expert astronomers.

Enjoy a delicious Afternoon Tea 

We don’t want to boast, but we think you’ll find the perfect afternoon tea treat for your mum in Durham. Across the county you’ll find an array of indulgent afternoon teas in some pretty unique settings. From traditional afternoon tea in ancient castles like Raby Castle, to delicious homemade afternoon tea at High Force Hotel and luxury afternoon tea at Wynyard Hall.

Good food for a good mum

Get a real taste of Durham as you treat mum to a delicious meal at one of the county’s many award-winning restaurants and hotels. Enjoy a three-course meal in the grand surroundings of Lumley Castle’s new look restaurant, or tuck into a scrumptious Sunday lunch or Carvery at South Causey Inn. 

For an extra-special treat, head to the South Causey Inn for À la carte three-course lunch or famous Causey Carvery for Mother's Day lunch.

Reconnect with Mother Nature 

Life can get busy, and it can seem hard to spend quality time together with family, especially your Mum.Exploring Durham’s great outdoors and getting a dose of fresh air can do everyone the world of good.

The Durham Dales is a great place for scenic walks and cycle rides. Follow miles of waymarked trails at Hamsterley Forest – perfect for a relaxing dog walks, exhilarating bike rides and even a Gruffalo hunt, and in the North Pennines National Landscape you can discover the magnificent sight of High Force Waterfall. Head to the coast to blow away the cobwebs with a refreshing cliff top walk along the Durham Heritage Coast or explore the city centre oasis of Durham University's Botanic Garden. 

Shop 'til you drop 

What mum doesn’t like a good shop? Mother’s Day comes but once a year, so make it a day to remember at Dalton Park– the region’s biggest outlet shopping Centre. Browse over 60 outlet shops and pick up a special treat for mum with up to 50% discounts off top designer brands. 

Wander the cobbled streets of historic Durham City, where you will find high street favourites alongside independent shops and quirky boutiques. Or head to Durham's many bustling market towns to pick up a truly unqiue Mother's Day gift.

Treat mum to a special pampering experience 

What better way to show your Mum you care than by treating her to a luxury spa break or day away at one of Durham’s many award-winning spas? 

From historic Headlam Hall in the Durham Dales, to the Radisson Blu in the heart of Durham City and the five star bubble rated Serenity Spa at Seaham Hall on the Durham Heritage Coast, you and your Mum are definably in the right place to relax and recharge with a host of pampering packages to choose from.

Whisk her away for the weekend 

Make a weekend of it and whisk mum away for to a cosy B&B or classic countryside retreat. From coast to countryside, you’ll find an amazing selection of accommodation to suit all tastes and budgets. And throughout the day you’ll find plenty of things to keep you entertained, from stepping back in time at Beamish, The Living Museum of the North, and meeting some new animal friends at Hall Hill Farm.

Need more inspiration? View the full list of Mother’s Day events happening in Durham.