Mother’s Day guide: Best ways to give mum a treat – what to see and do in West Sussex

Sunday 15 March is the ideal time to show your mum – or mother figure – how much they mean to you and make memories with your family.

Pick your favourite experience from The Great Sussex Way guide to make them feel special and appreciated:

Cream of the crop of afternoon teas

An indulgent afternoon tea is always a winning choice and West Sussex has no shortage of beautiful venues.

The Millsteam Hotel in Bosham offers a refined afternoon tea in its elegant lounge or picturesque garden, if the sun is shining, followed by a gentle stroll along Chichester Harbour.

Or for something special, Goodwood House serves a sumptuous teatime treat in the ballroom – and is paired with a tour of the stunning state apartments.

For a creative twist, head to the café at Pallant House Gallery in Chichester and while you’re there see the Caroline Walker exhibition named Mothering. A glass of Tinwood sparkling wine in the courtyard café adds a celebratory finish.

A Spa’fternoon package at the Spread Eagle Hotel & Spa in Midhurst is a perfect blend of indulgence and relaxation, and includes a glass of Sussex sparkling wine plus a treatment.

Take a cream tea cruise on the Chichester Canal for a uniquely peaceful Mother’s Day experience, complete with wildlife spotting.

Cheers for a vineyard tour

A vineyard tour is the perfect way to relax in scenic surroundings for your special day out.

At Tinwood Estate near Chichester enjoy a Mother’s Day Sunday lunch, sharing a platter of roast meats with all the trimmings, from 12-3pm. Naturally it comes paired with delicious award-winning wines from the estate and can be topped off with a decadent dessert you will all find hard to resist.

Ashling Park Estate, just outside Chichester, offers regular vineyard tours alongside lunch, dinner or afternoon tea at its stylish restaurant. Menus focus on garden produce and local ingredients sourced from within 30 miles and perfectly paired with West Sussex wines and gin. Stunning views over the vines come for free!

Or if you’d rather give a gift, you can buy beautifully presented gift vouchers for Roebuck Estates near Petworth, to use when it re-opens for spring and summer.

Seaside saunas and spa days

A spa day is one of the most popular gift ideas, and West Sussex boasts exceptional options.

The Goodwood Health Club at The Goodwood Hotel offers tailored wellness experiences such as Rest and Restore or Menopause Moments of Calm.

Or nearby, The Glorious Spa Company offers the Red Carpet Facial to make mum feel a million dollars. Why not follow with lunch or some shopping in the boutiques of the historic city centre?

For ultimate indulgence, Bailiffscourt Hotel & Spa in Climping offers its signature Truffle Excellence treatment, using black summer truffles and champagne extract. Then explore the gardens, soak up the history or enjoy a bracing seaside walk.

Something more adventurous is a sauna experience at Selsey or Bracklesham Bay, where hot saunas and cold-water plunges offer a rejuvenating Mother’s Day experience by the sea.

Spring floristry and gardens

It’s a day early but for the creative or flower loving, get hands on with a Spring Floristry workshop at Stansted House on Saturday 14 March. You'll make a beautiful spring wreath with seasonal bulbs, budded branches, foliage, plants and moss, all in the beautiful setting of the Historic Blue Drawing room at Stansted House.

Springtime also makes Mother’s Day the perfect excuse for a garden visit, though check opening times before you set off.

West Dean Gardens in Singleton is open all year round and is one of the finest restored gardens. Enjoy the sunken garden, marvel at the walled kitchen garden with Victorian glasshouses, and admire the 300ft Edwardian pergola and stunning arboretum.

Denmans Garden near Arundel is a peaceful contemporary garden known for its innovative planting, gravel gardens and water features. Don’t forget to pick up a plant from the shop as a lasting Mother’s Day memory.

Mums enjoy free entry to the Weald and Downland Living Museum on Mother’s Day when accompanied by a full-paying adult, and receive a small flower posy on their special day. The recreated historic gardens focus on medicinal herbs, flowers and vegetables.

With panoramic views towards the Isle of Wight, the gardens at the National Trust's Uppark House near Petersfield offer a tranquil outing, with free garden entry and spacious tearoom available to round off the visit.

At the heart of Chichester, Bishop’s Palace Gardens in the grounds of the cathedral is open all year round, or head for the heights and take a spire tour in the cathedral.

Mums go free for a little culture

Rich in artistic inspiration, West Sussex is perfect for mums who love culture.

The Goodwood Art Foundation near Chichester showcases contemporary works across indoor galleries and a 70-acre landscape of woodland and wildflower meadows. While you’re there, treat your loved one to lunch at on-site Cafe 24 where you enjoy small plates inspired by the surrounding landscape while enjoying panoramic views.

Newlands House Gallery in Petworth hosts four major exhibitions annually, featuring world-renowned artists across art, photography, design and architecture. The Hungry Guest cafe is located at the gallery, too - perfectly placed for a coffee stop or delicious lunch.

For classical art lovers, Petworth House is home to one of the finest National Trust collections in the UK, including works by Turner, Van Dyck, Gainsborough and Reynolds – a truly memorable experience.

Mums go free at Amberley Museum on Mother’s Day, when pre-booked online. With crafts, nature trails and historic innovations galore, there will be something to appeal to everyone.

Find out more

For a full line-up of what’s on, where to go and inspirational ideas, visit www.thegreatsussexway.org.

The Great Sussex Way manages tourism for the Chichester District, covering the north of the South Downs, including the picture-postcard towns of Petworth and Midhurst, travelling down past the city of Chichester and on to the Manhood Peninsula, which includes the famous Chichester Harbour and seaside destinations of Selsey and the Witterings.

As one of the region’s most influential tourism platforms, we are here to lead, drive and facilitate growth in Chichester District’s visitor economy, which makes up 15% of all employment in the district. We provide strategic destination promotion activity to a community of tourism, hospitality and retail organisations. Proudly supported by Chichester District Council.