Mother's Day Gift Ideas and Days Out In Essex

With Mother’s Day just around the corner on Sunday 30th March in 2025, now is the perfect time to plan a special outing to treat the lovely Mums in your life (or to drop hints for you to be pampered).

If you are in Essex, you are in luck as we have so many options here for a memorable day out- whether she would prefer to unwind at the spa, enjoy some culture at the theatre, indulge in a delicious afternoon tea or mooch around a historical home. Maybe the Mother figure in your life would prefer a quirkier experience she will never forget (Zoo keeper experience anyone?!) Essex has something for everyone.

 

An afternoon tea image with tea and cakes representing ideas of places to go in Essex for Mother's day
Ideas for Mother's Day Treats In Essex
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Ideas For Mother's Day Essex Based Days Out and Gifts In Essex 2025


Spa Days

A spa day can be a great option to help your Mum relax and have some well deserved 'me' time. There are a number of Spas to choose from locally, check their websites for Mother's Day promotions and mid week spa day deals tend to be cheaper. If you aren't sure when or where to visit then why not look at voucher like this one for two which is valid at a range of locations and can be booked when convenient.


Orsett Hall Spa at Orsett Hall Hotel

Orsett Hall, Prince Charles Avenue, Orsett, Essex RM16 3HS

If you want to spend some quality time with Mum, Orsett Hall Spa offers the 'Just the Two of Us' Spa Day package which is for 2 clients and includes: Welcoming Foot Ritual, 50 min Full Body Massage or 50 min ELEMIS Facial, Indian Head Massage, Traditional Afternoon Tea in the Garden Brasserie, 2 Hours Thermal Area Access and costs £265 for two people.

The most affordable option is the Divine Delight package which is available until 31st March and costs £50 per person.  It includes a mini massage and 2 hours access to the thermal area. Last 2 and a half hours it is easy to fit in while your children are at school.

A full spa day at Orsett Hall includes access to the spa pool, sauna, steam room, jacuzzi and gym access. Spa bag including towels for use on site and flip flops to take home.


The Spa at The Glass House Retreat  

Glass House Retreat, Harrow Road, Bulphan, Essex, RM14 3BP

As well as a heated indoor pool and outdoor natural swimming pond there is a steam room and salt block sauna at the Glass House Retreat. You also have access to the gym and fitness classes on a spa day and towels are provided. The Glass House even has a full body cryo chamber where you spend 3 minutes in extreme minus temperatures for a variety of health benefits. The Cryo Chamber is chargeable and must be booked.

The most affordable package at time of writing is the Afternoon Delight package which gives you 3 hrs access to all facilities, classes and one 25 minute treatment. This is £58.50 Monday-Thursday or £78.50 per person Friday-Sunday.


The Spa at Greenwoods Hotel

Greenwoods Hotel, Stock Road, Stock, Essex CM4 9BE

Spa Days include access to a 20m indoor pool, jacuzzi hot tub, steam room, sauna, relaxation areas & fitness suite. Robes and towels provided. 

Greenwoods Hotel have a classic day package for £125 per person which includes a two course lunch plus full use of the facilities but treatments must be booked separately.

Check for latest offers at BuyAGift for Greenwoods Hotel here.


Lifehouse Spa & Hotel

Lifehouse Spa & Hotel, Frinton Road, Thorpe-le-Soken, CO16 0JD

Spa Days include access to the 18.5m swimming pool, hydrotherapy pool, sauna, steam & salt inhalation room, a Fitness Studio and a fully equipped gym with state-of-the-art equipment. You can also enjoy the gardens, access to talks and workshops, use of towels and bathrobes as well as flip flops to take home.

The Love Life spa day includes a 25 minute treatment, lunch, and full use of facilities, With prices starting from £112.

You can currently get 20% off a voucher for an overnight stay, lunch and spa access at Lifehouse Spa via Red Letter Days (you need to book around 8 weeks in advance, weekdays and excluding certain dates)


Peake Spa at Stoke by Nayland Hotel

Stoke by Nayland Resort, Keepers Lane, Leavenheath, Colchester, Essex, CO6 4PZ

Spa days include complimentary use of robes, towels and flip-flops as well as unlimited access to 18-metre indoor pool, sanarium, steam room, Jacuzzi and concept shower.

The Simple Spa Day is available Monday-Friday and includes a welcome refreshment ritual (whatever that is?!), afternoon tea/light lunch with prosecco, poolside facilities and costs from £59.00 per person. Treatments can be added too.


Theatre Visits

A great gift option is an evening of live entertainment and whilst the West End is easily accessible from Essex, we also have a number of great theatres on our doorstep. 

Chelmsford Theatre, Chelmsford

Fairfield Road, Chelmsford, Essex, CM1 1JG

Mum's who are fans of Strictly Come Dancing might enjoy a night watching Craig Revel Horwood in his show 'Fab-U-Lous' featuring glamour, singing and entertaining stories. Tickets start at £36.00 on Wednesday 16th April.

Menopause the Musical 2 also looks like an entertaining watch, with tickets from £34.00 on Tuesday 22nd April.


The Mercury Theatre, Colchester

Balkerne Gate, Colchester CO1 1PT 

Have some great comedy shows scheduled for 2025 including, Josh Widdicombe and Joel Dommett. If your Mum loves gardening she may enjoy BBC Gardeners’ World presenter Adam Frost's show where he shares his amusing anecdotes on gardening.


The Palace Theatre, Southend

430 London Road, Southend on Sea, Essex, SS0 9LA

The Mothers of the Brides play on Tuesday 15th April promises to be a 'fun-filled, sketch-packed, gag-fuelled, laugh-heavy trip' in a production where three mothers are supporting their daughters in the run up to their weddings. Tickets from £33.50.

The play adaptation of the famous book 'The Girl on the Train' also comes to The Palace Theatre, featuring Louisa Lytton. Tickets start at £17.60. Running from the 6th-10th May.


Queens Theatre, Hornchurch

Billet Lane, Hornchurch, RM11 1QT

From the stage of Britain's Got Talent, Richard Jones- The Sounds of Magic show will astonish and captivate you with his illusions and tricks! Tickets from £25 on Sunday 13th April.

Thank ABBA for the Music is a must see for any ABBA loving mothers! Friday 18th and Saturday 19th April, Tickets from £27.50. 


Afternoon Tea

Tiptree Tea Rooms

Various locations including the main location near Colchester, Chelmsford's Bond Street, Heybridge Basin and Barleylands village.

With several locations across Essex, Tiptree’s Tea Rooms offer a quintessentially English afternoon tea experience. You can enjoy freshly made sandwiches, scones with clotted cream and jam (Tiptree jam of course) and a variety of cakes, all accompanied by a selection of teas. The Tiptree afternoon tea for 2 costs £40.00 including tea/coffee or £50 if you want to upgrade to a glass of prosecco.

Mad Dogs and Englishmen 

1349 -1353 London Rd, Leigh-on-Sea, Southend-on-Sea, SS9 2AB

Based in Leigh-on-Sea this wonderful, family run business host afternoon teas set in beautiful themed interiors, including Bridgerton inspired 'The Diamond of the Season' and 'Snow White' Prices start at £45 per person. There themed options sell out quickly so make sure to book ahead.

Heidi’s Coffee & Eatery Runwell 

71 St Lukes Way, Runwell, Essex, SS11 7JJ

Enjoy an indulgent afternoon tea at Heidi's where the surroundings are just as good as the cakes! With a beautiful blossom tree as the centrepiece of the restaurant, this is the ideal setting for a Mother's Day treat. Prices start from £29.95 per person.

Scott's of Southend Nursery and Garden Centre

Sutton Road, Rochford, Essex SS4 1LQ

Why not take your Mum for a browse at Scott's of Southend Nursery and Garden Centre and finish your trip with one of their indulgent afternoon teas? From £28 per person or £35 per person if you want bubbles too. 

Afternoon Tea Cruise

Maldon CM9 5HN

For something a bit different, Topsail Charters run afternoon tea boat trips where you sail from Maldon Quay over to Northey Island to Osea Island and back.  The Afternoon Tea consists of a freshly baked scone with cream and jam, homemade cake, tea or coffee. Prices from £39.50 a ticket. They also have Sunday Roast cruises!

Talliston House & Gardens

Talliston House & Gardens, Talliston, 51 Newton Green, Great Dunmow, Dunmow CM6 1DU

Why not treat your Mum to an elegant afternoon tea at Talliston House & Gardens? Enjoy the chance to explore the house and gardens before indulging in a classic high tea in the charming Victorian Watchtower. With limited spaces remaining, it’s the perfect way to spoil her this Mother’s Day.


Historical Houses and Gardens

If your Mum would prefer to take in the scenery at a historical venue, stately home or open gardens we have some lovely places to visit in Essex. 

RHS Hyde Hall

RHS Garden Hyde Hall, Creephedge Ln, Chelmsford CM3 8ET

A membership at Hyde Hall costs £52 for the first year for unlimited access to the 5 RHS Gardens, so a  great gift option for plant enthusiast Mums (and they can bring a guest or 2 children along as well). Read more about the beautiful gardens in my review here

They also regularly host events, workshops or courses on a range of subjects such as photography, willow weaving and gardening tips and advice, prices vary. They also do a lovely afternoon tea.


Audley End House and Gardens

Audley End, Saffron Walden, Essex CB10 1NT

Perhaps your Mum might enjoy exploring one of England's greatest mansion houses this Mother's Day? With beautiful interiors, spacious grounds, a stable yard with friendly horses and a cafe with delicious treats it's a great day out option. This English Heritage property costs from £16.30 for concessions and £18.10 for adults. Alternatively English Heritage membership costs from £66 a year (for a senior) and includes free accompanying grand children access).


Hedingham Castle 

Hedingham Castle, Bayley Street, Castle Hedingham, Halstead, Essex, CO9 3DJ

You could take a day trip to Hedingham Castle who are hosting their spring bulb walks every Sunday throughout March with the final walk taking place on Mother's Day, 30th March. You will walk around the historic grounds and woodlands and enjoy taking in the first signs of spring. 

Entry costs £10 for seniors over 65 and adults are £11, this includes admission to the Norman Keep which is apparently the best preserved of it's kind in the country. There are tearooms there too serving hot and cold drinks and cakes.


Hylands Estate


Hylands Estate, Chelmsford CM2 8FS 

Hylands Estate is a great location for a day trip with Mum, they host free Estate Open days on the second Sunday of each month from 10am- 3pm, where you can explore the house and beautiful gardens, enjoy some food from the street food market, browse the art and jewellery shops within the stables and listen to live music. 

If you want to visit on Mother's Day you won't be able to see inside the house, but you can still wonder around the grounds and gardens, explore the craft shops in the Stables area and enjoy food from The Deli. Children will love playing in the awesome playground. Read more about what to expect from a visit here.

There is a complimentary Hylands History and Gardens tour that you can enjoy 7 days a week using your smart phone or hire a device from The Stables Information point for a £10 deposit. It is also worth noting that Hylands offer the free hire of a mobility scooter for use around the park. You will need to book this in advance of your visit by contacting them on 01245 605523 (10am to 4pm Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm at weekends) or on hylands.stables@chelmsford.gov.uk.

Hylands is also hosting The National Flower Show, later in the year (16th to 18th May) which could be a good gift idea, tickets start from £14 for concessions and £15 for adults. 

Finally, there are regular  workshops run at The Stables also, including jewellery making, dressmaking, glass workshop and pottery club! Perhaps you could both enrol in a class where you can create something beautiful together as a memory of the day. (The glass making glass on Mother's Day is fully booked).


The Gibberd Garden

The Gibberd Garden, Marsh Lane,Harlow, Essex CM17 0NA

Handily reopening for the 2025 season on Sunday 30th March you could enjoy a wander around this fascinating Grade II listed garden with your Mum. 

The 9 acre garden features plenty of sculptures as well as lawns, water features, gardens and an arboretum.  There is also a Barn Tea Room serving refreshments. Entry is £6 and those over 60 are £5. Worth noting it has very limited opening hours: in season it is open Wednesdays, Sundays and Bank Holidays from 2pm to 6pm. 


Ideas of Something A Bit Different For Mother's Day


Visit a Cat Cafe

If your mum is a cat lover, she’ll undoubtedly enjoy a visit to a cat café. Spend some quality time stroking and playing with the adorable felines, all while sipping a cup of tea and enjoying a delicious slice of cake. Locations in Essex include: Kittea Cakes and MEOW Cat Cafe


Pottery Painting 

Pottery Painting can be a wholesome, relaxing activity to do with your Mum, plus you have your creations to treaure to remind you of a lovely day together. There are lots of pottery painting cafes across Essex listed here.


Keeper for the Day

Colchester Zoo, Maldon Road, Stanway, Heckfordbridge, Colchester CO3 0SL

Give your Mum a day she will never forget as she joins Colchester Zoo as an honorary Zoo keeper. Choose from two packages: Creatures Great and Small or Weird and Wonderful Wildlife. She will get the chance to have behind the scenes access from 11am to 1:30pm, have lunch using her food and drink voucher, before more behind the scenes from 2:30pm to 3:45pm. At the end she will receive a souvenir gift and walk away with memories to last a lifetime. 


Cocktail Masterclass

Slug and Lettuce and Be at One have locations all across Essex and offer Cocktail making masterclasses. These classes are for a minimum of 6 guests (S&L) or 4 guests (Be at One) so great if you are looking for an event where your siblings, mother in law and grandparents can all join in too. In 90 minutes you will learn how to make two of your favourite cocktails and take part in some fun party games. There is also an option to make a mocktail alternative if you would prefer. From £35 per person.


Multi Sensory Relaxation Hammocks

Box Gym Fitness, 17-19 Kings Rd, Brentwood CM14 4DJ
A session at Multi Sensory relaxation hammocks includes: sound healing, aromatherapy, rejuvenation, guided meditation, energy cleansing plus more. All whilst cocooned in a hammock that is suspended from the ceiling, it doesn't get much more relaxing than that...

Classes run on Sundays and prices are £50 per person for a 2 hr session.


Vineyard Tour

Galleywood Vineyard & Winery, The Chase, Brook Lane, Galleywood, CM2 8FY

How about a Vineyard tour at Galleywood Vineyard? A 90 minute tour with Ian, Winemaker and owner of Galleywood Vineyard includes information about the creation and philosophy behind Galleywood Wine Estate and the wine making methods. You can try the current vintages and either a choice of cheese and charcuterie or an afternoon tea. Tour & Tasting with Cheese & Charcuterie board £46pp and Tour & Tasting with Afternoon Tea £56pp. Whilst the Vineyard is currently closed until the 1st March you can buy gift vouchers which are valid for 12 months. 

Mum's Go Free - Mother's Day Free Entry



Audley End Miniature Railway

Audley End Miniature Railway, Audley End Road, Audley End, Saffron Walden, Essex, CB11 4JB

Audley End Miniature Railway are giving Mums and Grandma’s free entry this Mother’s Day weekend (29th & 30th March). Enjoy the train ride through the enchanted woodland whilst soaking up the spring scenery. Other accompanying adults and children over 92cm are charged at £14.25 and children under 92cm are £7.15. Under 1’s are free. Read more about our thoughts on Audley End Miniature Railway here.

Last year Maldon Promenade Zoo ran 'Mums go free' on Mother's Day plus a free Meet the Meerkats experience but they have not mentioned this years event yet. Keep an eye on their Facebook account here.

Barleylands also ran a Mum's go free promotion last year, keep an eye on their socials for if they are running it this year. 

Although its a little way from Essex, Gullivers Theme Park resorts are running 'Mum's go free' between 29th March and 30th March 2025 to celebrate Mother's Day. The nearest resort is Milton Keynes in Buckinghamshire.

3 comments

  1. Some lovely Mothers day ideas for Essex Mums! I love Lifehouse spa perfect place to relax and unwind! Must go again soon....

    ReplyDelete
  2. Afternoon tea and a trip to the theatre to see a musical sounds like my perfect mothers day! Although this year I have asked to go the Paddington Bear Experience for mothers day!!

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