We've been celebrating Mother's Day since the 1600s, and chocolates and flowers are perennial favourites. But what many mums want is simply some quality time spent as a family, having fun. Preferably outside the house, with no washing up to do afterwards.
Here are some ideas from the National Trust for days out around the UK this weekend, from delicious high teas in stunning locations to quirky events suitable for all the family:
Bateman's, East Sussex
Mother's Day English tea, 14 March 2.30pm - 4.30pm
Visit the beautiful home of Rudyard Kipling deep in the Sussex countryside and treat mum to a traditional English Tea of sandwiches, scones with lashings of jam and cream plus a slice of Victoria sponge cake.
Normal admission charges apply plus an additional event charge of £8.50 per adult. Booking is essential for this event, please call 01435 882302.
Belton House, Lincolnshire
Mothering Sunday, 14 March 10.30am - 5.30pm
Why not treat mum to lunch or afternoon tea on her special day? Drop into the gift shop for special deals on pampering products. Relaxing mini massages available in the afternoon (small charge applies). Normal admission charges apply plus small additional event charges. Booking is not required for this event.
For more information please call 01476 566116.
Brownsea Island, Dorset
Mothers day wildlife walk and cream tea, 14 March 2pm - 4.30pm
A real treat for all mums. Enjoy a wildlife walk with a National Trust warden, exploring the island's wildlife and stunning views, finished with a delicious cream tea in the Villano Café. Normal admission charges apply plus and event charge of £7per adult. Booking is essential for this event, please call 01202 707744.
Castle Drogo, Devon
Mothers Day lunches 14 March, 12pm - 2pm
Why not treat your mum to a lovely lunch at the last castle to be built in England and show her just how special she is? Normal admission charges apply plus for the lunch adults £20 includes a posy of flowers and a glass of champagne for each mum. Booking is advisable please call 01647 434131.
Dudmaston, Shropshire
Mothering Sunday - Gardens Open, 14 March 12pm – 6pm
Treat a special mum to a lovely day out in Dudmaston's beautiful spring gardens. Normal admission charges apply but there are no additional event charges. Booking is not required for this event. For more information please call 01746 780866.
Hughenden Manor, Buckinghamshire
Make mum's day, 14 March 11am - 4pm
Get hands-on and make your mum a special mother's day card. Free admission and a slice of cake for all Mums! Normal admission charges apply but there are no additional event charges. Booking is not required for this event. For more information please call 01494 755573.
Knightshayes Court, Devon
Mothering Sunday high tea, 14 March 3pm - 4.30pm
After exploring the romantic interiors and celebrated gardens, treat mum to a special Mothering Sunday high tea. Normal admissions charges apply to visit the house, gardens and parkland. Free entry to the Stables Restaurant. Booking is not required for this event. Cost - Mothering sunday high tea £6.95 per person. For more information please call 01884 259416.
Mount Stewart House, Garden & Temple of the Winds, Co. Down
Mum's the word 14 March, 12.30pm - 2pm
Enjoy mother's day at Mount Stewart. Treat your mum to a three course lunch in the Bay Restaurant and enjoy a stroll in the beautiful gardens. Cost- adult £30 and children £10. Booking is essential for this event, please call 02842 787806.
Peckover House & Garden, Cambridgeshire
Mothering Sunday afternoon tea, 14 March 2pm - 4.30pm
Enjoy a special Mothering Sunday high tea in the Reed Barn tearoom. Normal admission charges plus adults £8.00 and children £6.00 for afternoon tea Booking is not required for this event. For more information please call 01945 583463.
Petworth House and Park, West Sussex
Mothering Sunday lunches & afternoon Victorian high tea, 14 March 12pm - 4pm
Why not treat your mum to a special Mothering Sunday lunch in the Petworth House Restaurant or afternoon Victorian high tea in the Servants' Hall? Mums can also enjoy a spring walk with the Head Gardener at 2pm. Normal admission plus adults £10 for high tea and children £7 for high tea. Booking is essential for this event please call 01798 342207.
Powis Castle & Garden, Powys
Mother's Day, 14 March 11am - 5.30pm
Take your mum for a relaxing stroll in the gardens followed by a delicious roast lunch in the tearoom. In celebration of mother's day all accompanied mums will have free entry into the castle and gardens and receive a free afternoon tea when spending over £5.95 on a main course in the tearoom. There will also be 10 per cent off in the shop when you spend £10 or more. Normal admission charges apply. Booking is not required for this event. For more information please call 01938 551929.
Osterley Park and House, Middlesex
Make mum's day, 14 March 12pm - 4pm
Make a special spring time posy for mum with the help of our flower arranging team. Free admission and a slice of cake for all Mums! Normal admission charges apply but there are no additional event charges. Booking is not required for this event. For more information please call 020 8232 5050.
Quarry Bank Mill and Styal Estate, Cheshire
Marvellous Mother's Day, 14 March 12am - 2pm
Treat mum to a Mothering Sunday carvery lunch and pop into the shop for beautiful pampering gifts and a taste of some delicious treats to finish the day. Cost- Lunches, adult £20.50 and children £10.25. Booking is not required for this event. For more information please call 01625 445846.
Souter Lighthouse, Tyne and Wear
Mother's Day, 14 March 11am - 5pm
All mums get into the candy-striped lighthouse for free today. Booking is not required for this event. For more information please call 0191 529 3161.