Mother’s Day is celebrated on different dates in different countries. Within the UK the date is different each year thanks to its centuries-old connection with the Christian tradition of Mothering Sunday which falls on the fourth Sunday in Lent, itself a movable date, though always in Spring. A chance to enjoy outdoor activities as well as indoor attractions, with York offering both in abundance. Here are some awesome ideas for celebrating Mother’s Day in York.
A tour of historical York
Enjoy not only the winding streets of York with their wonderful cafes and delightful boutiques but also the great history of the city. You can take a city river cruise or a bus where you can hop-on-hop-off to visit the JORVIK Viking Centre, York Minster, York Castle Museum, York’s Chocolate Story and much more.
Other historical sites include Clifford’s Tower, York Dungeon, Railway Museum Road Train, Mansion House, York Cold War Bunker, Fairfax House, York Art Gallery, Yorkshire Museum, York Army Museum, Treasurer’s House, Richard III Experience, Henry VII Experience, Goddard House & Gardens, Merchant Adventurers Hall, Roman Bath Museum, DIG: An Archaeological Adventure, Bar Convent and Barley Hall.
Shopping
Purchase your Mother’s Day gift before heading to the shops in York. An Eternity Rose for Mother’s Day is symbolic of your love, is easy to transport and will reduce any stress that you need to find something on the day you are out. It will also show your mum that you have put some thought into her gift.
Not only are there an array of great shops, but there is also the Markers Market in the Shambles Market and find some unique jewellery or clothes made by local independent designers. If you love vintage style, head for the Antique Home and Vintage Fair at York Racecourse for twentieth-century fashion, jewellery and furnishings.
Fancy a tipple?
Although once colloquially known as “Mother’s Ruin”, a tour of Cooper King’s Distillery to see how gin, and also whiskey, is made on-site is a fascinating event. More so because this is probably England’s most exciting new distillery. This fully sustainable distillery focuses on flavour and authenticity to bring unique and exceptional spirits to the table.
Beningbrough Hall, Gallery and Gardens
Beningbrough Hall is perfect for Mother’s Day, with something to offer all the family if you’re celebrating the day with all ages and abilities. There are eight acres of gardens to explore, spot weasels and stoats and make a free take-home birdfeeder.
Indoors, you can enjoy new exhibitions that run from March to November after which they close for winter conservation. The exhibition from March 2020 is “In the Moment: The Art of Wellbeing” about how to connect, take notice, be active, give and keep learning. Featuring work by L.S. Lowry, Tracey Emin, Marc Chagall, Bridget Riley and Jacques Nimki, among others, the exhibition will help you discover how viewing art can aid relaxation by creating a disconnect from life’s daily worries.
York for food
Afternoon tea
Enjoy afternoon tea in the drawing-room of Goddards House, a beautiful stately home that was once the home of the Terry’s Chocolate Orange creator. Alternatively, a live swing band and a glass of prosecco are awaiting you at York’s only 5-star hotel, The Grand.
Dining out
There are many restaurants in York with excellent reputations. Some are also offering Mother’s Day offers or special menus, including The Ivy Brasserie, Jamie’s Italian York, which is offering mum a free glass of fizz and a special Mother’s Day brunch at Nunnington Hall which includes a special ‘Ladies of the Hall’ tour.