We’ve found some amazing gifts, treats, experiences and perfect days out for you and your family to make Mother’s Day special (and even those days around it) in and around Herefordshire.
The crocuses are out, the daffodils have arrived and spring is in the air, so what better time to celebrate and salute all those wonderful people who fill that most important role in your life.
Simple Quality Time in the Spring air
A great way to enjoy some quality time together is to drop by to some of Herefordshire’s prettiest locations for a relaxing Mother’s Day. Traverse through wonderful woodlands, stunning countryside and take in some of the most spectacular views that the county has to offer.
Escape to the spectacular The Weir Garden and be absorbed by natural beauty. This delightful ten acre riverside garden was created in the late 18C. With its ancient trees, rockery and Roman ruins, it’s the perfect place to catch up on the family news while watching the wildlife on the River Wye.
Or perhaps take a trip to the wonderful Berrington Hall, the neoclassical 18C mansion designed by Henry Holland, home to the Harley, Rodney and Cawley families. Explore this vast estate and enjoy ‘Capability’ Brown’s legacy which includes a serpentine pool, woodland and grazing cattle and sheep. Not to mention the very rare curved walled garden and pleasure grounds.
For history lovers, Croft Castle near Yarpole is nestled in 1500 acres of historic woodland, farm and parkland and dates back before the Domesday Book. With its wealth of veteran trees including a 1000 year oak, the Croft estate is one of the top ten sites in the country for the quality and diversity of ancient trees. Discover the working walled garden complete with historic orchards, vineyard and 1908 glasshouse. If you’re feeling really energetic you can also hike up to the Iron Age hill fort which overlooks some superb views including the Brecon Beacons.
At Brockhampton Estate you’ll find a picturesque, moated manor house built over 600 years ago, portraying life through the eras. The 1,700 acre estate with woodland, orchards, parkland and farmland is absolutely glorious.
If your favourite mother figure is an avid gardener you must head over to Brobury House and Gardens ,which is set on the banks of the River Wye near Bredwardine. Open all year round it is the perfect place to go for a delightful walk, sit and enjoy the tranquillity, or marvel at this thoughtfully planted and rather spectacular garden. This year they are also offering a delicious Mother’s Day Afternoon Tea treat on Saturday 18 and Sunday 19 March, please make sure you book in advance.
Enjoy a home cooked roast dinner with Mum this Mother’s Day in the splendid surroundings of Maples Tearoom. Located within the grounds of Hergest Croft in Kington, the restaurant is situated in the delightful ‘Morning Room’ and has stunning views over the gardens. How wonderful!
As spring and summer approaches there’s nothing quite as lovely as taking a tour around the beautiful gardens at Hereford Cathedral, located right in the heart of Hereford’s historical city. On Friday 17 March these delightful gardens will be open to the public once again, allowing you can explore the four acres of terraced lawns, beds and ancient trees which stretch right down to the River Wye. The Cloisters garden, which was traditionally planted with apothecary plants for healing purposes and the historic Chapter House Garden nestles amongst medieval ruins. It’s a sheer delight and a very special Mother’s Day gift.
A Herefordshire Shopping Extravaganza
Herefordshire has a wide choice of fantastic shopping outlets where you can acquire some unique and thoughtful gifts for Mother’s Day or plan an enjoyable day of retail therapy for you both.
The Hop Pocket Shopping Village at Bishops Frome is full of all manner of lovely things. From decadent food and drink delights in the Food Hall, artisan chocolate, shoes, clothes, accessories, jewellery and homewares from independent retailers. We highly recommend the delicious cakes in the café too.
At Oakchurch, ‘The Harrods of Herefordshire’…located in the north of our glorious county you’ll findall sorts for the homemaker, gardener and cook. It’s a real favourite with foodie lovers, those looking for special gifts, plants, toys, homeware, clothing and shoes to name a few. Berries restaurant and coffee shop offers a warm welcome too, open for breakfast, lunch and afternoon snacks and cake.
Labels Shopping in Ross on Wye is home to over 200 brands, with an extensive choice of clothes, shoes, homewares and soft furnishings. There is a large food emporium offering local produce, fresh bread, cheese, wine and drink, an amazing delicatessen and charcuterie. With a great selection of light bites and lunch options from M&J you can definitely make a day of it.
If Mum loves a good musical you’ll be pleased to hear that Labels are running a special screening of ‘The Greatest Showman’ in their luxury cinema The Gateway which includes a delicious Afternoon Tea, jam packed with cakes, finger sandwiches and lots of treats. Sounds rather lovely. See more details here
Holloways is the pinnacle of contemporary country living, with showrooms full of wonderful furniture and home furnishings, not to mention the fascinating garden accessories and salvage department. Their interiors shop is full of gorgeous pieces from glass and china to decorative items that you won’t want to gift away. Enjoy breakfast, brunch, lunch or afternoon tea in their stunning Glasshouse café complete with a roaring log burner, comfy sofas and spectacular views over the Suckley hills. What an indulgent way to spend the day.
Unique Gifts that Bring a Smile
Herefordshire has a wealth of talented artisan producers offering unique one-off and sometimes personalised gifts that you just won’t find anywhere else. Which we think makes them rather special.
In the beautiful market town of Ledbury you’ll find a very popular shop full of chocolate delights that even Willy Wonker wouldn’t be able to resist. The gorgeous handmade personalised Belgian chocolates from Choccotastic are absolutely divine and a very special treat for Mother’s Day. You can always take Mum and enjoy a sweet treat in their newly extended cafe … a lovely combo with the kids.
Old Chapel Gallery, charmingly located in the centre of “chocolate box village” Pembridge has a fabulous gallery bursting with wonderful gifts that Mum will love. From garden sculptures to objet’s d’art, jewellery to homeware, fine art, prints, woodcraft, ironwork, textiles and ceramics. All crafted by British artists.
For some garden gift inspiration visit Newent Plant Centre whichhas one of the biggest range of plants, shrubs and seeds that you’ll find locally. So why not have a browse and pick out something special that will be enjoyed year after year. The team are friendly, knowledgeable and passionate about all things plants so you’ll be in good hands!
The Nest at Little Verzons Farm is a unique Farm Shop and Café set in 14 acres of beautifully re-wilded farmland in the Herefordshire countryside just outside Ledbury. Showcasing a range of lovely local artisans, growers, makers, producers, collectors & artists. Here you’ll also find the Herefordshire Guild of Craftsmen who have some fabulous unique pieces that will make perfect presents this Mother’s Day. All handcrafted with love by talented local artists and creatives.
Wyebridge 2 is on Ledbury High Street and has unique gifts for every occasion. Stocking cards, interior accessories, jewellery, scarfs, handbags, homeware and cushions as well as Walenty Pytel sculptures (Book a tour of Walenty’s studio at his Ross-on-Wye home) and limited edition prints. It’s the perfect place to pick up an original present for Mother’s Day.
The Shop at Coo Corner, a delightful independent boutique and café offers locally designed, handmade gifts and products with a focus on ethical, fairtrade and often local makers. Set in the heart of Fownhope village, you’ll find all manner of wonderful smellies, accessories and unique pieces that will make the most perfect gifts.
Just imagine if you could go to a website and browse through all of Herefordshire’s best local food and drink products and have those wonderful goods delivered directly for Mother’s Day. Well the fabulous team at Local e Sourced has done just that. Their range of excellent foodie goodies, gifts and hampers are incredible. From ciders, to gins, spirits, juices, delicious artisan breads, biscuits, jewellery, skincare and so much more. You’ll definitely find something to hit the spot.
Step inside the much loved Philip Morris in Hereford and you’ll happen upon some excellent gifts that will delight this Mother’s Day. It’s filled with some of the most beautiful cookware, clothing and lovely accessories from luxury brands to everyday names that you won’t be able to resist.
Nestling in a magical circle of hills in the Welsh Marches and housed in 19th century former granaries, Aardvark Books is an Aladdin’s cave of new, second-hand and rare books, CD’s, maps, musical scores, DVD’s, greetings cards, gifts and more. So if you have a bookworm to buy for this Mother’s Day, treat them to an enchanting find from yesterday or current eras.
Looking for even more gift inspiration, head to the Mother’s Day Gift Fair in Moreton-on-Lugg on Saturday 18 March 2023, where there will be more than 25 quality stalls with unique and one-off gifts to choose from. Find our more here.
The Spirit of Mother’s Day
With any celebration there has to be a favourite tipple or two and if you have a lover of spirits to buy for we would like to tip you off to the wonderful products from Penrhos Spirits.
From their delicious wonky raspberry gin to their moreish honey spiced rum and all that lies in between, you’re sure to find a winner here.
Need some more ideas? Why not check out our food and drinks producers’ page here.
Creative Experiences
Book a one day pottery intensive course with CUP Ceramics. Learn how to make pots on a wheel, the art of throwing, and hand-building pots. With a scrumptious lunch included and the opportunity to unleash the inner potter, it’s a fabulous gift you can both share.
It’s always special making Mother’s Day moments so why not get creative and experience something new together. Eastnor Pottery located in the beautiful surroundings of Eastnor Castle has to be one of the friendliest and welcoming places in the county.
Here you can have some hands on pottery fun and take away your unique creations and some great memories too.
You could even book a creative experience to have together with Mum
Outdoor Adventures
WILDLIFE SAFARIS
For adventure-lovers, give Mother’s Day a twist and join nature guide Ed Drewitt at the Tudor Farmhouse Hotel in the Forest of Dean for a wildlife safari. Follow Ed as he hunts for varieties of bats, deer, badgers, foxes, voles, mice, hedgehogs and wild boar as they come out to feed at dusk. Explore the ancient woodland and enjoy the chorus of evening birdsong, as Song Thrushes, Blackbirds, Robins, and less common birds such as the Wood Warbler, proclaim their territories before nightfall. What an amazing wildlife gift experience!
DEER PARK DAY OUT
If you’re looking for a present with a difference this Mother’s Day how about a foraging course at Eastnor Castle Deer Park, a beautiful 300 acre park overlooking Eastnor Castle and the Malvern Hills. Its mixture of parkland and wooded areas provide a variety of wild plants and mushrooms throughout the year. It’s a wonderful opportunity to enjoy the spectacular countryside and a tasty wild food lunch too.
Make a Weekend of It
Share some extra special quality time with your celebrated Mother figure at The Green Dragon in Hereford on Saturday 18 March where you can experience the finest Afternoon Tea. Indulge in decadent scones with jam and clotted cream, and freshly made sweet and savoury treats served with a selection of freshly brewed tea or coffee. As a special surprise your special guest will receive a complimentary British Royale cocktail courtesy of White Heron Drinks.
What a joyous way to spend an afternoon!
Something for the Culture Lovers
For a spectacular Mother’s Day weekend head to The Courtyard on Saturday 18 March where the Mid Wales Opera will bring Engelbert Humperdinck’s late nineteenth century classic Hansel and Gretel to life. This new production promises to be a thrilling celebration of music and storytelling. You can also book a pre-theatre dinner to make the evening even more special. Find out more here.
Whatever way you decide to celebrate this Mother’s Day this year, have a wonderful time in Herefordshire.