Mothering Sunday is upon us and I’ve found 16+ fantastic ways to spend Mother’s Day weekend in London. Everything from foodie treats, to family theatre, a flower festival and stunning exhibitions that the whole family can enjoy. Here’s wishing all my readers (and their mamas) an amazing Mother’s Day. Much love to all of us feeling more than a little bereft this weekend too.
16 Wonderful Ways to Celebrate Mother’s Day weekend in London 2019
Thu-Sun: Van Gogh and Britain at Tate Britain, Millbank, SW1P 4RG (Pimlico tube)
Discover the largest collection of Van Gogh’s paintings to be shown in the UK for nearly a decade. Masterpieces like Starry Night on the Rhone and the very rarely lent Sunflowers (via the National Gallery) will be on display, as well as works by British artists like Francis Bacon who were inspired by Van Gogh. A wonderful treat for Mother’s Day weekend in London, if you can get tickets in time! 10am-6pm; adult £22, concs £20, child 12-18 £5, child under 12 FREE (Mar 27-Aug 11)
Thu-Sun: Yamato: Passion at Sadler’s Wells Peacock Theatre, Portugal Street, Holborn, WC2A 2HT (Holborn tube)
LAST CHANCE: Make some noise! The Japanese taiko drumming troupe takes beats and sticks to another level. Used in Shinto rituals, the traditional drums weigh more than half a tonne each, and require passion and power to bring out each note. A thunderous night out. Ages 5+. 7.30pm (Tue-Sat), 2.30pm (Sat), 2pm & 6pm (Sun); £15-£38/under 16s discount available (max 2 child discounts per full paying adult) (Mar 12-31)
Thu-Sun: London’s Quirkiest Afternoon Tea Spots for Mother’s Day (multiple locations)
If you want to do Mother’s Day weekend in London in style, you can’t go wrong with a delicious Afternoon Tea. Spoil your mama (or yourself) with decadent cakes, stacks of sandwiches and chunky scones slathered with clotted cream and jam. Take a look at my guide to Quirky Afternoon Tea for inspiration (ongoing)
Thu-Sun: The Show in Which Hopefully Nothing Happens at 147 Tooley Street, Southwark, SE1 2HZ (London Bridge tube)
Fans of absurdist theatre will enjoy this critically-acclaimed production from the Netherlands. An actor who never gets to have his turn, and a security guard who hopes nothing ever happens. It could be the most boring show in history… or one of the most brilliant. Adored across Europe, US and Canada for 12 years, this show will appeal to audiences ages 6-10 and older. Varying times from 11am (Thu-Fri), 2pm (Sat) & 11.30am (Sun); preview prices £10 (until Mar 28), then adult £10-£16/child under 18 £10 (Mar 21-Apr 28)
Thu-Sun: Christian Dior: Designer of Dreams, Cromwell Road, London, SW7 2RL (South Kensington tube)
As featured in my Top 19 things to do in London 2019, this show is a sell-out, but it’s worth checking for tickets. The exhibition looks back on Dior couture, accessories, sketches, and other memorabilia. The V&A is also a fab place to take the kids, with lots of family weekend activities and a lovely cafe. 10am-4pm; £20-£24. (until Jul 14)
Fri-Sun: Florimania at Hampton Court Palace, East Molesey, Surrey KT8 9AU (Hampton Court rail)
Hampton Court blooms every Mothering Sunday and it’s a wonderful place to visit over Mother’s Day weekend in London. Hop a train and head for the historic palace, where you’ll be dazzled by the displays in and around King William III’s state apartments. Walk amongst wild daffodils and enjoy the sweet scents of spring. This year, the palace is collaborating with the Royal Society of Needlework to show how flowers have inspired embroidery over the years. Join the little ones for a dash through the famous Hampton Court maze before you leave. All ages welcome. 10am-4.30pm; general entry adult from £21.30/child under 16 from £10.70/under 5s FREE (Mar 29-31)
Sat: Roald Dahl and the Imagination Seekers at The Cockpit theatre, Gateforth Street, NW8 8EH (Marylebone tube/rail)
All over the globe, Roald Dahl’s words are vanishing, not just from books but children’s minds too! It’s time for the ancient guild of tale tenders to step in – and they need your help. This engaging, interactive theatre piece explores tales like The BFG and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory through performance, games and creative play. Ages 5-11. 2pm; £7/family of 4 £24 (local discounts £5/£16 family of 4, for people living in Church Street Ward postcodes: NW1 5**, NW1 6**, NW8 7**, NW8 8**, W2 1**. Bring proof of address) (Mar 30)
Sat: Meet Florence Nightingale, Florence Nightingale Museum, 2 Lambeth Palace Road, SE1 7EW (Lambeth North tube/rail)
Every last Saturday of the month, you can get to know Miss Nightingale and her journey to becoming the ‘Lady with the Lamp’. Discover how she defied her parents’ wishes to become one of the best known nurses in history. Also how she improved things for nurses and soldiers in the Crimea War. Meet her pet owl and see the actual lamp she used to carry too! All ages welcome, best for 5+. Museum opens 10am-5pm. Meet Miss Nightingale at 11.30am, 1.30pm & 3pm; adult £8/child £4 (Mar 30, and every last Saturday)
Sat-Sun: Mother’s Day at Little Bat: Free Brunch and Cocktail, 54 Islington Park St, N1 1PX (Highbury & Islington tube/overground/rail)
Have you been to Little Bat cocktail bar in Islington? Tucked away off Upper Street, this stylish venue serves famous cocktails and an amazing brunch (check out my Instagram pics and drool). This Mother’s Day weekend in London, you can enjoy a FREE meal for every mum dining with her kids, as well as a complimentary Belsazar cocktail off the special menu. Every mother who turns up will also receive a Belsazar gift box and be entered to win a bottle of limited edition Belsazar Riesling and a bouquet of flowers! Brunch is served from 11am-4pm (Sat-Sun only). Regular opening hours 5pm-11pm (Tue-Wed), 5pm-12am (Thu), 5pm-1am (Fri), 11am-1am (Sat), 11am-5pm (Sun) (Mar 30-31)
Sat-Sun: The Insect Circus at Puppet Theatre Barge, Little Venice, opposite 35 Blomfield Road, W9 2PF (Warwick Avenue tube)
Forget reality and enter the strange and enchanting world of the Insect Circus. This show without words sees beetles, wasps, grasshoppers, dragonflies and other winged creatures brought to life, using Victorian trick marionettes. Ages 3+. 11am & 3pm; adult £13/child £9/concs £10 (Mar 30-Apr 28)
Sat-Sun: Mum’s the Word at Morden Hall Park, Morden Hall Road, Morden SM4 5JD (Morden rail)
On this special Mother’s Day weekend in London, you can make the gift that keeps on giving at Morden Hall Park. Plant your very own flower and decorate its pot as a sweet gift for mama (handmade gifts are the best). Meeting Point: Picnic area, next to Stable Yard. All ages welcome. 11am-1pm & 2pm-4pm; £4 per child (Mar 30-31)
Sun: Big Fish Little Fish: ‘Superheroes’ Mother’s Day Rave at Hangar, Sidworth Street, London Fields, E8 (Hackney overground/London Bridge rail)
The multi award-winning family rave collective Big Fish Little Fish are throwing another huge party this Mother’s Day weekend in London. The theme is ’Superheroes’ so come dressed up and ready to save the world (or the dance floor) with fellow ravers, old and young. These fantastic events feature Villa Pia baby chill out area, Captain Cookie craft room, licensed bar and mini stalls, free transfers and glowsticks and a parachute dance finale. All ages welcome, best for ages 0 to 8 and carers. 2pm-4.30pm; adult £10/child £7/pre-walking infant FREE (Mar 31)
Sun: How Does It Feel to Be Loved: Mother’s Day Special at The Phoenix, 37 Cavendish Square, W1G 0PP (Oxford Circus tube)
London’s indie kids disco is throwing down for Mother’s Day. The fun family affair, as featured at End of the Road Festival, boasts a laid-back atmosphere and floor-filling tunes by anyone from The Ramones to the Rolling Stones. Mash up the dance floor with Mum, to classic soul, pop and indie. All ages welcome. 12pm-4pm. £6 adults (15 plus), £2 children (14 and under) (Mar 31)
Sun: Fun DMC: Mother’s Day Special at Hoxton Square Bar & Kitchen, Hoxton Square, N16NU (Old St tube)
Move aside Big Poppa, it’s mama’s turn at the Mother’s Day special of the hip hop block party for all ages. Created by Charlie Dark (Attica Blues/Run Dem Crew) and Spin Doctor (The Doctor’s Orders), Fun DMC brings fat choons and a friendly mood to Hoxton once again. Throw mama (or just your hands) in the air to the sounds of hip hop, funk, disco and party anthems. Every mum gets a free glass of bubbly on arrival, plus special pampering at the nail bar. Ages 0-10 and families. 1.30pm-4.30pm; adult £10, walking kid £8, family £32, non-walking babies FREE (Mar 31)
Sun: Everyone a Maker: Everyone an Architect at Rich Mix, 35-47 Bethnal Green Road, London, E1 6LA (Shoreditch High St overground)
Come to the vibrant arts centre off Brick Lane and become an architect for the day. Get your inspiration from a mini tour of the local area, then come back and make your own building models to help construct a cardboard city at Rich Mix. Nearby Sunday fun includes trawling Brick Lane market for graffiti, street food and vintage threads. And round the corner, you can say hi to the residents at Spitalfields City Farm. Lovely way for mama to spend Sunday with her brood. Maker session at Rich Mix 1pm & 2pm; FREE but booking ahead recommended (Mar 31)
Sun: Museum of Brands: Mother’s Day Talk, 111-117 Lancaster Road, Lonsdale Rd, W11 1QT (Ladbroke Grove tube)
Sit in for this 40 minute talk on Mother’s Day weekend in London, to learn how mums have been used to sell practically everything in advertising (tell us something we don’t know!). Before or afterwards, explore the museum with your minis, and get a little nostalgic over familiar brand packaging. All ages, best for older kids. Mother’s Day Talk at 2pm. Museum opens 10am-6pm (Mon-Sat), 11am-5pm (Sun); adult £14/£11 concs. (Mar 31)
We also like
Have a wander around the Ideal Home Show with your mama (Mar 22-Apr 7); Canopy Market King’s Cross; brighten up your Mothering Sunday with afternoon tea in the cafe at Gods Own Junkyard in Walthamstow (Mar 29-31); join a Mother’s Day candle making workshop at the Penguin Classics pop-up shop in Bethnal Green, and create a candle inspired by a literary classic (Mar 31); or dine out with your mum at one of the best Sunday roasts in London (ongoing)
London Kids Cinema
Take a nostalgia trip to the movies as the live action Disney remake of Dumbo hits the big screen. It looks amazing! Also hot at the box office for families: Captain Marvel, The Kid Who Would be King, The LEGO Movie 2, Instant Family and Fighting with My Family.
Here’s another idea for Mother’s Day weekend in London: head to Soho House Film Club for a delicious brunch and a movie screening of How to Train Your Dragons: The Hidden World. Find more Kids Club screenings, for less than a fiver on our LONDON FAMILY CINEMA page.
Booking Ahead
Beasts of London at Museum of London (Apr 5-Jan 5, 2020)
The Golden Hinde Night Voyage (Family Sleepover), at The Golden Hinde, SE1 (Apr 6, May 4 & Jun 1)
Wake Up Gigs: Halfsies with Chloe Foy + Dede at Ace Hotel, Shoreditch (Apr 21)
The Great Easter Egg Roll at Lauderdale House (Apr 21)
Digital Kids Show at Battersea Evolution (May 26)
My Easter Holidays in London and Easter Egg Hunts guides will be out soon. Don’t miss out, subscribe to my WEEKLY NEWSLETTER to stay in the know!
**NB: Please note that all event timings and prices are subject to change/cancellation at short notice, so always check ahead with the venue before making a trip!**
You have some fantastic suggestions! However, this mother’s day will no doubt be spent as it always is. Us kids going to my mums so that she can cook for us. We have tried spoiling her but it just doesn’t work. What makes her feel good is mothering us 😂
Aww but I absolutely love that Rachael. I’m pretty sure we’ll be the same when our kids are grown, longing to be around them and spoil them rotten. Right now though, I want mine to pay their dues — although my hubby’s away for mother’s day this year so most likely I’m going to wind up treating myself on my kids’ behalf lol ;-) Whatever you do, have a wonderful Mother’s Day… to both you and your mama x