Chocolates and flowers are the stalwarts of Mother's Day gifts, but that's no reason not to be a little more imaginative and do something special for Mum on 3 April 2011. There's no lack of things to do in London, so whether she is a theatre fan, a yogi, or an aficionado of afternoon tea, there should be something on offer to show her how much she is appreciated.
Here are a few ideas for Mother's Day treats in 2011.
Jan Gossaert's Renaissance, at the National Gallery
If she's an art fan, take your mother to the exhibition “Jan Gossaert's Renaissance” at the National Gallery (23 February to 30 May 2011). Jan Gossaert was one of the foremost artists of the Northern Renaissance, and “Jan Gossaert's Renaissance” is the first exhibition dedicated to the artist in the UK for 40 years. Then go for afternoon tea at the Gallery's prize-winning restaurant, the National Dining Rooms in the Gallery's Sainsbury Wing. Afternoon tea is served from 3pm, and it is possible to see the menu at the National Dining Rooms website.
The National Gallery, Trafalgar Square, London, WC2N 5DN, opening times: daily 10am-6pm, Fridays 10am-9pm
General entrance to the gallery is free, exhibition tickets cost £10.
Afghanistan: Crossroads of the Ancient World, at the British Museum
If your mother is more a frustrated Indiana Jones-type, this is the perfect exhibition. “Afghanistan: Crossroads of the Ancient World” (3 March to 3 July 2011) showcases brilliant finds from Afghanistan's ancient past. On weekdays, the museum has a special afternoon tea package costing £26 for both afternoon tea at the Museum's Court Restaurant and the exhibition. Further details can be found on the museum's Afghanistan exhibition website.
British Museum, Great Russell Street, London, WC1B 3DG, opening times: daily 10am to 5.30pm, Fridays 10am to 8.30pm
General entrance to the museum is free, exhibition tickets cost £10.
Afternoon Tea for Mother's Day
Afternoon tea is the classic London experience, and there are a number of places to indulge, in addition to the two mentioned above. London's swankiest hotels are home to some of the best afternoon teas in the city, so if you want to dress up (smart casual, please) investigate the likes of Claridges, the Dorchester, the Ritz and the Thames Foyer, in the newly re-opened Savoy Hotel.
Chocolate Tours for Mother's Day
A delight for the sweet-toothed, Chocolate Ecstasy Tours runs tours of the best of London's chocolate boutiques in Mayfair and Chelsea. Taste the chocolate, buy at a discount, and enjoy. Tour details and latest offers can be found on the Chocolate Ecstasy Tours website.
Yoga Course for a Mellow Mother's Day
Your mother may like to detox after all that tea, cake and chocolate, so a 6 to 8 week yoga course run by Triyoga could be just the thing. Triyoga has three centres in London, in Primrose Hill, Soho and Covent Garden. Beginners' courses cost between £80 and £95. Further information on yoga and Pilates classes can be found on the Triyoga website.
Paris Franz - Paris Franz is a London-based freelance journalist, specialising in the arts, history and travel.
