London Mother's Day 2011

London Mother's Day 2011

by: Spoonfed Holidays

We admit it can be hard thinking of things to do on Mother's Day in London, so we've only gone and done it for you. Just like your mum used to do.

In 2011, Mother's Day – or Mothering Sunday as old-fashioned types occasionally like to refer to it – falls on Sunday, 3rd April, and if you're planning on impressing Darling Mater, we suggest you think of something good. Flowers, Mother's Day cards and chocolate are all fine and dandy, but this Mother’s Day, a little thought can go a long way. We admit it can be hard thinking of things to do on Mother's Day in London, so we've only gone and done it for you. Because we're nice like that.

On a pleasantly pedantic side-note, Mother’s Day is one of the best days of the year for indulging in a bit of apostrophe analysis. After the s for a sense of the universality of motherhood? Or before to honour the specificity of one’s own dear mater? Well Anna Jarvis founded Mother’s Day in 1912 and she was adamant that it should go before the s. And only a pedant would argue with that. Something to ponder perhaps as you drag Mum round some of the wonderful events we've lined up below:


Watteau and his Circle @ Wallace Collection
When: 10am - 5pm
How much: Free!
At the same time as the Royal Academy's exhibition of drawings by Antoine Watteau, the Wallace Collection presents two exhibitions exploring the influence of the French baroque artist. There are two advantages in going to the Wallace Collection on Mother's Day: 1, the restaurant is way better than the Royal Academy's new Peyton & Byrne one; and 2, it's free.


Champagne Flight @ London Eye
When: Times vary
How much: £33
It's funny how everybody in London is always a little bit dubious about the London Eye until they actually go on it and realise that it's just really amazing. And what better way of doing it than with a glass or two of Laurent-Perrier champagne? Perfect for Mother's Day!


Eat with Art @ Mile End Pavilion
When:12.30 - 4pm
How much: £7
This Mother's Day, Latitudinal Cuisine have teamed up with the Open organisers to present a sunday lunch for 200 guests, all dining together at, apparently, "the longest table you have ever seen". Each guest must each bring a dish (and some drink) that represents their cultural background, so if you're extra nice you could even cook for Mumsy too.


Dirt @ Wellcome Collection
When: 11am - 6pm
How much: Free!
Mothers love cleaning, right? Wrong. But most mothers should love this brilliant exhibition at Wellcome Collection, which explores the history, cultural significance and scientific importance of, as the title suggests, dirt. hotography, scientific artefacts, literature, film and art combine within Wellcome's distinctive (and consistently brilliant) approach to curating challenging but accessible exhibitions.


Enchanted Palace @ Kensington Palace
When: 10am - 6pm
How much: From £5.50 to £12.50
Genuinely one of the most memorable exhibitions we've ever been to. It's been on for a while now, but Mother's Day is as good a time as any to take a look if you haven't already. Be prepared for all manner of wonders – from flying origami dresses to stuffed foxes, toy soldiers and forests filled with mirrors. Utterly magical.

Breakfast at Tiffany's and Cream Tea @ Tricycle Theatre, Cinema and Gallery
When: From 3pm
How Much: £12.50 for the film, tea and scones with jam and cream.
Who didn't fall for Audrey Hepburn in Breakfast at Tiffany's? No one that's who. Bake-a-boo Bake Shop and Tea Room have teamed up with Tricycle cinema to create a cutesy afternoon of film, tea and cakes.


So there is plenty on for any London mum and no excuse not to celebrate Mother’s Day with an afternoon or evening out on the town. Check out the complete list of things to do in London on Mother’s Day.

Spoonfed Holidays