Spoil Mum on Mothering Sunday with a delicious lunch, fresh flowers and a pampering session in Cambridge. Here’s our pick of the loveliest places to go
Mothering Sunday is the perfect opportunity to show your mum just how much she means to you, and what better place to celebrate than in the heart of Cambridge? Whether she loves elegant afternoon teas, luxurious pampering or a beautiful bouquet of flowers, Cambridge offers an array of thoughtful experiences and treats to make her day extra special.
Nothing says indulgence like a classic afternoon tea, and Cambridge has no shortage of delightful spots to enjoy this quintessential British treat (see page 59). Visit a quiet city tea shop where you can order a selection of finger sandwiches, warm scones and delectable, fancy cakes – all served with your choice of premium tea or even a glass of bubbly.
Fitzbillies on Trumpington Street is famous for its iconic Chelsea buns, but lots of historic local hotels and restaurants have tempting teas, too. Try Hotel du Vin, Browns, Graduate by Hilton Cambridge and Clayton Hotel on Station Road, but you’re best advised to book ahead.
Gonville Hotel offers a Bentley Afternoon Tea experience from Wednesday to Sunday, which includes exclusive use of a chauffeur-driven Bentley for an hour, plus a chilled glass of prosecco and afternoon tea – finger sandwiches, freshly made pastries, delicate cakes and fruit scones – served back at the hotel afterwards. Priced at £220 for two people.
Lunch with a view
If your mum is a foodie, a special lunch at one of Cambridge’s fine-dining restaurants is sure to impress. How about booking a table at Market House, with its fabulous views across Market Square, thoughtfully crafted choice of British or Asian menus, wide range of wines, craft gins and beers? All dishes are cooked to order, with an emphasis on fresh, local ingredients.
For something a bit different, why not sign up for a wine tasting or tour at Saffron Grange Vineyard, an English sparkling wine specialist in Saffron Walden? There are fun Fondue and Fizz Fridays: each fondue comes with a bottle of its best-selling 2021 Saffron Grange Classic Cuvée to enjoy. The experience costs £46 per person. Or the Try Flight Sparkling Wine Tasting costs from £12.50 per person, plus extra for a cheeseboard from Rennet & Rind, Marsh Pig charcuterie board or seafood board from Saffron Fish Co.
Mercado Central on Green Street is another delicious hotspot, with dishes based around high-quality seasonal ingredients from southern Europe and the British Isles. Signature dishes include wild Cornish fish and grass-fed British beef, but you’ll also find pork, duck, chorizo and mussels on the menu.
For a tasty gastropub option, try The Pheasant at Great Chishill, near Royston. Located at the highest point in Cambridgeshire, the gardens are lovely when it’s warm and the menu focuses on local seasonal ingredients, including game and lamb. Its Sunday roast was voted one of the top three in Cambridgeshire in a 2024 newspaper vote.
Pampering and flowers
At one of Cambridge’s luxurious spas, treat your mum to a day of pampering and relaxation. The Glassworks Health Club & Spa on Thompsons Lane, part of The Varsity Hotel, offers a range of treatments from rejuvenating facials to full-body massages. The riverside location adds to the tranquil atmosphere. For a truly indulgent experience, consider booking a spa package, and head up to the rooftop dining domes for stunning views of the city.
Flowers are a classic Mother’s Day gift, and Cambridge is home to several florists offering exquisite bouquets. The Cambridge Flower School not only creates beautiful floral arrangements but also has beginner taster days and seasonal workshops, so you could surprise your mum with a flower-arranging session. Its Mother’s Day workshop is fully booked, but there are spring wreath options throughout March.
For hand-tied bouquets and bespoke floral creations, visit The Botanical Nest in Dry Drayton run by Emily Tallulah Flowers or The Manor Florist at Burwash Manor. The Cambridge University Botanic Garden shop, located at its entrance, offers plants and flowers with a natural, rustic touch – perfect for mums with green fingers.