Mother's Day in West Sussex | best ways to treat mum

An indulgent Mother’s Day afternoon tea is always a winning choice, and West Sussex has no shortage of beautiful venues.

The Millstream Hotel in Bosham offers a refined afternoon tea in its elegant lounge or picturesque garden, followed by a gentle stroll along Chichester Harbour - ideal for a relaxed Mother’s Day treat. Not only does the hotel offer vegan and vegetarian options for afternoon tea as well as gluten free teas*, you can now indulge in a savoury only afternoon tea for those without a sweet tooth! *advance noticed required.

For something truly special, enjoy a sumptuous teatime treat in the ballroom at Goodwood House, paired with a tour of the stunning state apartments.

For a creative twist on Mother’s Day afternoon tea in West Sussex, head to the cafe at Pallant House Gallery in Chichester. World class art by Lucian Freud, Barbara Hepworth and Grayson Perry provides a cultural backdrop, while a glass of Tinwood sparkling wine in the courtyard café adds a celebratory finish. Don't miss the current exhibition, Mothering by Caroline Walker - perfect for Mother's Day.

Alternatively, book a Spa’fternoon package at the Spread Eagle Hotel & Spa in Midhurst, which includes a glass of Sussex sparkling wine and a treatment - the perfect blend of relaxation and indulgence.

A cream tea cruise on the Chichester Canal also makes for a uniquely peaceful Mother’s Day experience, complete with wildlife spotting and South Downs views.

Set amongst glorious West Sussex countryside, a vineyard tour makes a perfectly relaxed and scenic way to mark Mother’s Day.

At Tinwood Estate near Chichester, mums can enjoy a Mother’s Day Sunday lunch sharing platter of roast meats with all the trimmings between 12pm and 3pm. Naturally it comes paired with delicious award-winning wines from the estate and can be topped off with a decadent dessert you will all find hard to resist!

Ashling Park Estate, just outside Chichester, offers regular vineyard tours alongside lunch, dinner or afternoon tea at its stylish restaurant. Menus focus on garden produce and local ingredients sourced from within 30 miles and perfectly paired with West Sussex wines and gin – an ideal Mother’s Day treat. Stunning views over the vines are included.

You might also like: Roebuck Estates outside Petworth is closed until spring, but beautifully presented gift vouchers can be bought for tours and tastings in the summer months.

For the creative or flower loving, get hands on with a Spring Floristry workshop at Stansted House on Saturday 14th March. You'll make a beautiful spring wreath with seasonal bulbs, budded branches, foliage, plants and moss, all in the beautiful setting of the Historic Blue Drawing room at Stansted House.

A spa day is one of the most popular Mother’s Day gift ideas, and West Sussex boasts exceptional options. The Goodwood Health Club at The Goodwood Hotel offers tailored wellness experiences such as Rest and Restore or Menopause Moments of Calm - perfect for true relaxation.

In Chichester, The Glorious Spa Company offers luxurious treatments such as the Red Carpet Facial to make mum feel a million dollars. Why not follow with lunch or some shopping in the boutiques of the historic city centre? For ultimate indulgence, Bailiffscourt in Climping offers its signature Truffle Excellence treatment, using black summer truffles and champagne extract. Mum can then explore the gardens, soak up the history or enjoy a bracing seaside walk.

For something a little more adventurous, consider sauna experiences at Selsey or Bracklesham Bay, where hot saunas and cold-water plunges offer a rejuvenating Mother’s Day experience by the sea.

You might also like: the Harbour Hotel and Spa in Chichester or Park House Hotel and Spa just outside Midhurst.

Springtime makes Mother’s Day the perfect excuse for a garden visit.

West Dean Gardens in Singleton, Chichester is open all year round and is one of the finest restored gardens in the country. Any garden enthusiast will enjoy the sunken garden, marvel at the walled kitchen garden including Victorian glasshouses, and admire the 300ft Edwardian pergola and stunning arboretum. Denmans Garden near Arundel is a peaceful contemporary garden known for its innovative planting, gravel gardens and water features. Don’t forget to pick up a plant from the shop as a lasting Mother’s Day memory.

At the Weald and Downland Living Museum, mothers enjoy free entry on Mother’s Day when accompanied by a full-paying adult, and they receive a small posy of flowers on their special day. The recreated historic gardens focus on medicinal herbs, flowers and vegetables.

With panoramic views towards the Isle of Wight, the gardens at the National Trust's Uppark House offer a tranquil Mother’s Day outing, with free garden entry and a spacious tearoom available to round off the visit.

You might also like: Bishop’s Palace Garden in Chichester is in the grounds of the cathedral and open all year round, plus you can explore some private West Sussex gardens as they open for charity through the National Garden Scheme.

Note: not all gardens are open in March so do check before you set off!

West Sussex is rich in artistic inspiration, perfect for Mums who love a dose of culture.

The Goodwood Art Foundation near Chichester showcases contemporary works across indoor galleries and a 70-acre landscape of woodland and wildflower meadows. While you're here, treat your loved one to lunch at on-site Cafe 24 where you enjoy a lunch of small plates inspired by the surrounding landscape while enjoying panoramic views towards the Sussex coastline. 

You might even include a visit to Goodwood House while you're here (pre-booking required), where the stunning state apartments are home to historic masterpieces you'll marvel at, like works by Canaletto and George Stubbs.

Newlands House Gallery in Petworth hosts four major exhibitions annually, featuring world-renowned artists across art, photography, design and architecture. The Hungry Guest cafe is located at the gallery, too - perfectly placed for a coffee stop or delicious lunch.

For classical art lovers, Petworth House is home to one of the finest National Trust collections in the UK, including works by Turner, Van Dyck, Gainsborough and Reynolds - a truly memorable Mother’s Day experience in West Sussex.

At Amberley Museum, mums go free on Mother’s Day when pre-booked online. With crafts, nature trails and historic innovations galore, there will be something to appeal to any mother. A light lunch or tea at the Limeburner’s Café makes for a perfect accompaniment to the day.

You might also like: take Mum on a guided tour of the rich artistic heritage of Chichester Cathedral for a stunning fusion of faith and visual beauty, or for those with a head for heights and a love of astonishing views, treat her to a Spire Tour!