It’s time to celebrate your special someone, and where better to do it that in the New Forest. Create magical memories with your female role model, whether she’s mum, stepmum, nan or just a fabulous lady who you love dearly! This year, Mother’s Day takes place on Sunday 15 March, so you can expect lots of springtime magic for your New Forest visit. From unique ways to spend Mother’s Day to perfect ways to create happy memories, delve into some inspiration as for how to enjoy Mother’s Day here in the New Forest.
Unique ways to spend Mother's Day in the New Forest
The New Forest is a captivating place at the best of times so why not cherish it with mum? Spend the day with mum on the water with New Forest Activities and take a paddle to the pub. This serene tour will see you paddle gently along the Beaulieu River, spot wildlife along the way and enjoy spending time together in the great outdoors.
On the Saturday, The Retreat will be hosting a Mother’s Day pottery and afternoon tea experience – a perfect opportunity for you and mum to create something wonderful. For £85 per person, you get a 2.5-hour pottery workshop, a handmade ceramic keepsake and an afternoon tea.
For a low-cost option that hits all the right notes, take mum for a beautiful New Forest walk. Take a pick from our interactive walking routes and find the walk that’s right for you. Whether you are looking for buggy-friendly walks or ones that’ll take you on a jaunt to and from a local pub, you will find plenty of choice – plus, it’s a great way of being able to spot some of the New Forest’s new life, such as some of the recently born New Forest Pony foals.
Image - New Forest Activities
Explore the wonderful Exbury Gardens for half price
On Mother’s Day, Exbury Gardens will be offering mums half price entry. Make the most of exploring these wonderful gardens, rich with colourful displays of spring flowers. Hop aboard the miniature steam train to soak up stunning views along the way and spend time sipping on a brew in the gardens’ café.
Enjoy some good old New Forest food
Take away the stresses of cooking by taking mum to a cosy New Forest pub or for a sumptuous afternoon tea.
Many of our pubs, restaurants and cafes will be holding special menus for the day. Whether you fancy a roast dinner or something a little less traditional, you will find plenty of choice. Take in the views of the surrounding forest, with some of our pubs located right in the heart of the national park, you might even get to spot some of our amazing wildlife whilst you enjoy your meal.
Image - Montagu Arms Hotel
Create happy memories together on a day out
Depending on mum’s interests, you will find plenty of ideas for days out in the New Forest.
Why not take a step back in time at the beautiful maritime village of Buckler’s Hard, explore the nooks and crannies of Furzey Gardens in search of its hidden fairy doors or spend a fabulous family day out discovering the play trails, cycle routes and much more at Moors Valley Country Park?
Or, meet animals both native and exotic on day trips to the New Forest Wildlife Park, Longdown Activity Farm or slightly further afield at Marwell Zoo.
Image - Longdown Activity Farm
New Forest spa days
Last but by no means least, a New Forest spa day is the pinnacle of Mother’s Day bliss for many! Book your spa day at one of our luxury hotels and soak away your troubles. From rejuvenating treatments to spa days combined with foodie treats, take a look at where you could treat mum this Mother’s Day.
Image - Lime Wood
Find the perfect Mother’s Day gift in the New Forest
If you’re looking for a thoughtful gift to go alongside your Mother’s Day plans, the New Forest is full of independent shops where you can find something a little more personal. Browse beautiful clothing and thoughtful gifts at Sofikas, discover inspiring unique gifts and confectionary at Pages of Lyndhurst, pick up something sweet from Burley Fudge Shop, or visit Hockey’s Farm Shop for locally produced treats and countryside favourites.
For a gift that can be sent near or far, New Forest Hamper Company has created a special collection just for the occasion as they believe that Mother’s Day is a time to show appreciation in a way that feels personal, thoughtful and truly heartfelt. Their specially curated Mother’s Day hampers are designed to do exactly that - beautifully hand-packed gifts filled with artisan food and drink sourced from independent Hampshire and Dorset producers.
Whether you’re sending a calming moment of self-care or a generous selection of local treats, each hamper offers a meaningful alternative to mass-produced gifts. Every order is carefully prepared at their New Forest base, with UK-wide delivery available, making it easy to send something she’ll genuinely enjoy, wherever she may be. From the Unwinder to the Grazer, the Gardener to the Sentimental Soul, our Mother’s Day collection is designed to help you choose a gift that reflects care, quality and a genuine sense of place.
Image - New Forest Hamper Company
Plan a New Forest break for mum this Mother’s Day
Why not plan a short break for mum? Choose from stays at some of our luxurious New Forest spa hotels where it’s all about spoiling and pampering that person you love.
Or, why not book a New Forest holiday cottage and take the whole family away for a weekend escape? That way you can cook up a feast for mum and let her put her feet up.
Look out for last-minute availability for spring breaks across Mother’s Day weekend by browsing our accommodation listings on our website.
Image - Stanwell House Hotel
Seek further inspiration and share your Mother's Day adventures with us on socials, you’ll find us at @TheNewForestUK.
