
Let’s face it, nothing we do will ever compete with all the things our mums have done for us over the years. They’re one in a million and we can only hope to show how much they mean to us this Mother’s Day (March 10). Sure you could sure them with gifts and flowers, but the one thing they’d cherish more than anything is “your time”. So here are some of the best ways to treat your mum on Mother’s Day in Bristol.
1. Treat her to afternoon tea at Clifton Observatory
Boating the best views in Bristol, Clifton Observatory is hosting a special Mother’s Day afternoon tea. Tuck into unlimited tea, alongside sandwiches, canapes and bite-sized desserts. Oh, and of course, scones with jam and clotted cream (just don’t get bogged down in debate over which one goes first). Mums also get a complimentary small gift and a glass of prosecco, while the rooftop terrace will be open throughout the day for you to enjoy.
It’s not the only afternoon tea spot worth trying out in and around Bristol. To help your mum live out her Jane Austen fantasies, take her to the Regency Tea Room on the 2nd floor of the Jane Austen Centre. Or what about something a little different? KIBOU puts a Japanese twist on traditional afternoon tea – rather than cucumber sandwiches and jam-filled scones, expect salmon, sashimi and traditional Japanese sweets. See all the best afternoon tea spots in Bristol here.
2. Bring a glow to Mother’s Day with a candlelight concert
Looking for something extra special this Mother’s Day? How about attending a classical concert lit by the gentle glow of candlelight? Experience some of Bristol’s most exclusive venues in a new light, while unwinding to Candlelight‘s diverse selection of concerts. There’s something for everyone too, from movie soundtracks to contemporary pop artists. To see all Candlelight concerts in Bristol head here.
3. Don’t forget the flowers and chocolate
No mum is going to be happy without a beautiful bouquet and an expensive box of chocolates. Sorry, we don’t make the rules and, yes, this is a bare minimum. But just picture that smile on her face when you hand them over. Head here for the best chocolate shops and here for the best flower shops in Bristol. Unfortunately, you’ll still have to think of something to do for Monther’s Day on top, fortunately, there’s still plenty of this article to go.
4. Watch Barbie at the former IMAX cinema
Celebrating all the wonderful women in the world for Mother’s Day, a special screening of Barbie is taking place at the former Imax cinema based in Bristol Aquarium. There’s also going to be Barbie and Ken-themed cocktails and mocktails at the pink party bar, which will be open throughout the film, and you can buy snacks and pizza from the Aquarium cafe. Tickets are £10, with doors opening at 2pm and the film starting at 3.30pm, here.
If Barbie isn’t your or your mum’s jam, then don’t rule out the cinema completely. It’s a budget-friendly trip that encourages bonding (it’s also awesome if you and your mum aren’t on great speaking terms at the moment). Bristol is full of fantastic cinemas, all offering something unique, head here to see them all.
5. Try the best Sunday roasts in Bristol

Well, it is Mothering Sunday after all, so why not treat her to a roast dinner? Bristol is full of some incredible roasts – in fact, Bristol was recently crowned the capital of Sunday roasts. The pick of the bunch has to be BANK in Totterdown. Well-known for its use of ‘live fire cooking’, on Sundays, its contemporary Sunday lunch includes miso and black garlic pork belly; green harissa lamb shoulder; and crispy sage delica pumpkin – with all the trimming you can imagine. To see more of the best Sunday roasts in Bristol head here.
6. Grab a slice of cake from Ahh Toots

Cake shouldn’t just be for special occasions, but you can’t go wrong with it on Mother’s Day. And few can rival the artistry and decadence of the Bristol cakery, Ahh Toots. Stepping inside the lovely Tudor-era cafe might feel like going back in time, but you’ll find a variety of cutting-edge creations. A Marmite and PB meringue pie; blood orange and rosemary cheesecake; or chocolate hazelnut lotus cookie are some recent creations.
7. Pamper your mum with a spa

Being your mum can’t be easy. So why help her unwind on Mother’s Day with a much-needed spa day? Take her swimming at Bristol Lido, before hitting the sauna, steam room and hot tub, followed by a well-earned dinner in the original viewing gallery. Or enjoy a deep tissue massage and hot stone therapy at Thermae Bath Spa. To see all the best spas and beauty salons in Bristol head here.
8. Let loose with your mumma with this soul brunch
Bambalan has invited the legendary Soultrain DJs to Mother’s Day for a very special Mothering Sunday Soul Brunch. For £25 per person, get down with a delicious brunch – including breakfast pizzas, pancake stacks, shakshuka and more – and a welcome drink of Bucks fizz. Plus, the vibiest, soul-filled music from 11am to 3pm. To learn more head here.
9. Take a walk at the gorgeous Tyntesfield

Stroll among the bespoke architecture, flower-filled terraces, empty lake and extensive woodland with your mum for the most delightful Mother’s Day trip. Usually visiting the stunning garden and estate of Tyntesfield near Bristol doesn’t come cheap. But the spectacular Victorian Gothic Revival house, and its surrounding abundance of nature, will be free to visit on Mothering Sunday. National Lottery Open Week opens up the estate from March 9 to 17. All you need is any National Lottery ticket, Scratchcard or Instant Win Games and to book here on March 10.
10. Dine under the wing of a Concorde
A niche experience, but if your mum (or maybe your little ones) are plane fanatics, head on up to Aerospace Bristol for a special Mother’s Day treat on March 10. Enjoy lunch under the tail and wings, while the hangar will be left open to visitors throughout the day, so you can explore Concorde and go on board at any time. You’ll also learn about the century of Bristol’s aviation achievements and the people who made them happen. To learn more here.