Mother’s Day moments with the National Trust
This year, why not recapture a little of this floral tradition, and give mothers a day out at a beautiful National Trust garden in West Sussex, and the chance to spend some precious family time together. Enjoy spring colour and scent in abundance, as well as delicious lunch- and tea-time treats, craft fairs and art exhibitions.
Here are our top Mother’s Day spots in Sussex:
Petworth House and Park, Petworth, 01798 342207
l Glorious springtime strolls - This magnificent 17th-century country estate is an idyllic location in spring, and the perfect place for a stroll. Take a gentle walk through the Pleasure Grounds, which in spring is covered in swathes of yellow and cream daffodils. If you want to walk a little further, take a ramble out into the adjoining picturesque parkland, which inspired some of our greatest landscape painters including Turner and Constable.
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Hide Adl Afternoon tea- Round off your visit with a traditional afternoon tea, or maybe a ‘gardener’s tea’ of fresh savoury scones.
l Messing around for kids - There are some fantastic ’50 things to do before you’re 11¼’* tasks to try at Petworth. Some of the ancient trees in the park are hollow; in fact small explorers may be able to fit inside a few! Perfect your hill rolling technique and race a friend as you roll down Lawn Hill, or find your way across the grounds with a map and compass.
Nymans, Handcross, near Haywards Heath
l Spring flower heaven - This is a true spring garden, set around a romantic house and ruins, with glorious views over the High Weald. There is plenty for mums to enjoy in March – thousands of daffodils are on show, alongside over 60 varieties of frothy magnolia, and cherry blossom – a mouth-watering sight.
Browse the garden’s secondhand book shop, or snap up some a piece of Nymans in the plant centre. An exhibition of botanical art in the house reveals how contemporary artists are inspired by the international plant collection in these famous gardens.
l Spring menus
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Hide AdNymans has introduced a spring menu, so indulge in a freshly prepared seasonal lunch or tea in the pretty café.
l Exploring for kids
Nymans is a big place and packed with nooks, crannies and varying terrains – perfect for the young explorer! Take a look at the family explorer map to find the best places for an adventure. Try out a natural play trail and delve into a bamboo jungle before crossing balancing beams! Venture into the woods to search for geocaching treasure, or hunt for bugs – check out the bug hotel to see who’s moved in.
For more information on National Trust events, visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/events.
For more information on ’50 things to do before you’re 11¼’ visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/50things.
Report contributed by the National Trust. Picture by John Millar.