6 of the Best Days Out by Train for Mother’s Day

We’ve rounded up 6 of the best Mother’s Day trips, covering a wide range of interests, so you can treat your mum (or the mother figure in your life) to a day to remember.

And, when you travel by train, made cheaper with a Railcard(external link, opens in a new tab), you will also benefit from a 2FOR1 deal on all of these experiences thanks to National Rail’s Days Out Guide.

1. Enjoy afternoon tea in The Lounge at the Royal Horseguards Hotel in London

• Get 2FOR1 entry with National Rail’s Days Out Guide(external link, opens in a new tab)

Clink your teacups together and tuck into scrumptious scones at the Royal Horseguards Hotel this Mother’s Day. Designed in 1884 to look like a French Chateau, the grand Victorian 5-star hotel in London is the perfect setting for this quintessentially British experience.

Expect great service, quality food and, if the spring weather allows, lovely views of the capital on the outdoor terrace. Fancy some fizz? No problem, via an upgrade, you can swap your tea cups for glasses of bubbly. The hotel is also in a central London location, next to the Victoria Embankment Gardens and West End theatres – ideal if you fancy some entertainment later.

Nearest station: London Charing Cross

2. Take a scenic stroll through The Savill Garden in Windsor

• Get 2FOR1 entry with National Rail’s Days Out Guide(external link, opens in a new tab)

For the green-fingered mum, Windsor’s Savill Garden is the perfect destination for Mother’s Day. There are 35 acres of woods filled with royal history and, of course, bursting with spring life – in March you’ll see outstanding displays of dwarf daffodils, magnolias and crocus. After a refreshing walk, treat your mum to a cream tea at the Gallery café, which is set inside the visitor centre.

You can also see red deer in the Deer Park – within Windsor Great Park itself – and stroll along the tree-lined Long Walk created by King Charles II in 1682. And, if you’ve got little ones in tow, head to Adventure Play next door, where handcrafted treehouses, rope bridges and slides await.

Nearest station: Egham

3. Experience history and spooky stories at Aston Hall in Birmingham

• Get 2FOR1 entry with National Rail’s Days Out Guide(external link, opens in a new tab)

If your mum likes historic houses, then she’ll love Aston Hall in Birmingham. The 17th-century mansion, described as “one of the last great houses built in the Jacobean style”, is absolutely packed with history, with a few ghosts like the fabled Lady in Green thrown in for good measure.

Inside you’ll find 30 rooms to explore, from King Charles’ Chamber to the Butler’s Pantry. Don’t miss the cannonball dent in the staircase and other visible battle wounds inflicted during the English Civil War. After exploring inside, wander around the walled garden outside before enjoying some well-earned refreshments in the on-site cafe.

Nearest station: Aston

4. See works of art at Brighton Museum & Art Gallery in Brighton

• Get 2FOR1 entry with National Rail’s Days Out Guide(external link, opens in a new tab)

For art-loving mums, Mother’s Day at Brighton Museum & Art Gallery is a top choice. Set within the iconic Pavilion Estate, it’s home to an eclectic collection of fine art from old masters and living artists, as well as items and artefacts that showcase Brighton’s rich cultural heritage. It even has a collection of Ancient Egyptian wonders.

After visiting the galleries, take a look around the Regency-era Pavilion Gardens, which is full of wonderful wildlife. When you get peckish, head to the café, which serves everything from sandwiches and baked potatoes to cakes and snacks.

Nearest station: Brighton

5. Get a sugar rush with a Chocolate VIP Tour of London

• Get 2FOR1 entry with National Rail’s Days Out Guide(external link, opens in a new tab)

Is your mum a serious chocolate lover? If so, a Chocolate VIP Tour of London is a delicious Mother’s Day treat. During this experience, you’ll be taken to a number of chocolatiers in Mayfair, told all about the history of chocolate and, best of all, get to sample some exquisitely made chocolates (think luxury truffles, rich ganaches and blocks of chocolate goodness).

The tour also includes a 10% discount on gifts, so you can treat your mum (and yourself) to some delicious goodies that you can enjoy long after your memorable Mother’s Day day out.

Nearest station: London Charing Cross

6. Hit the River Ouse on a York City Cruise

• Get 2FOR1 entry with National Rail’s Days Out Guide(external link, opens in a new tab)

For a special day out this Mother’s Day, head to this historic city of York for a cruise along the River Ouse as the standout experience in your itinerary. Depending on the weather, you’ll either be sat snug as a bug in the heated saloon or on the top deck with fresh air for company, taking in the city’s major landmarks from a wholly different vantage point.

During your cruise, as you tuck into your pick of local snacks and drinks, you’ll not only learn about York’s famous landmarks, such as York Minster, Clifford Tower and the mediaeval Guildhall, but you’ll also get to hear about the city’s storied past – all courtesy of the captain.

Nearest station: York