How to Spoil Your Mum Safely

Please note: government advice is changing every day at present. The information in this blog was correct as of its publication date (19/03/2020).

Mothering Sunday is approaching, and many of us are thinking of ways to pamper the special women in our lives – whether just on Sunday or all year round! Here are a few of our favourite ways to enjoy quality time with your mum.

Enjoy a staycation

Due to COVID-19, there are currently restrictions on travelling abroad, which means that many Brits have had to put their planned vacations on hold for the time being. However, there’s no reason that you can’t turn that postponed trip abroad into a positive by enjoying a staycation instead.

London is the perfect city to relax in. You can take a pleasant riverside walk and enjoy the views: many iconic attractions can be admired from outside, like Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament, Westminster Abbey and more; London's gorgeous parks are also ideal for getting some fresh air, particularly when the government has expressed the importance of taking regular walks at this time. When you’ve finished pounding the pavements, stay the night in one of UnderTheDoormat’s comfortable and luxurious homes and enjoy quality time with your loved ones. All UnderTheDoormat properties are subject to deep cleans and strict quality procedures, meaning that you can relax in comfort without worry.

Alternatively, if you fancy a more rural destination, check out our trusted partner StayCotswold. The Cotswolds is the largest area of Outstanding Beauty in the UK – over 800 miles – meaning that there are many idyllic locations and local gems to uncover. StayCotswold have a variety of properties, from small country cottages to larger homes, allowing you to discover the stunning countryside at a relaxed pace.

Explore a gorgeous park or garden

Walking is not only fantastic for our health, both physical and mental, but also – it’s free! And as the days are growing lighter and the weather is milder, what better time to explore some of the UK’s most cherished outdoor spaces? You might even spot a daffodil or two…

From Alexandra Palace Park to Hampstead Heath, London has a huge variety of magnificent green spaces to discover. You can feed the ducks on the Serpentine Lake at Hyde Park; marvel at the roses in Regent Park’s Queen Mary’s Gardens; and try to spot the elusive wildlife at Richmond Park (it was originally created as a deer park by Charles I in the 17th century, don’t you know). If you've got a canine companion, there are loads of amazing dog walks to try, too!

The National Trust has also recently announced that it will be working to keep as many of its open spaces available as possible – from the coast to the countryside - removing all pay-barriers and car-parking charges, so that people can enjoy the beauty of these iconic spaces for free.

Have an at-home pampering day

Welcome to chill-out bliss! It’s not often that mothers get a day full of uninterrupted rest and relaxation – so this can be the perfect gift. Purchase some face masks, give your mother a manicure and pedicure, and cue up her favourite films on the small screen (or use this as an excuse to work your way through the classics. Gone with the Wind, anyone?).

Restaurants are currently off limits, but that doesn’t mean you can’t treat yourself to an indulgent feast. Eating in is officially the new eating out. You could either use this as an opportunity to re-acquaint yourself with that Gordon Ramsay book that has been gathering dust on the shelf, or take advantage of the many gourmet food delivery services that are available. Pasta Evangelists - one of our favourite companies - are delivering without interruption at present, promising all the deliciousness of Italy direct to your door. You can choose from vegetarian, variety or gourmet food options, and increase or decrease portions and frequency according to your liking. For dessert, why not get a ‘cakeaway’ from somewhere like the Hummingbird Bakery or the English Cheesecake Company? Yum - here's to you, mum!

If you can't see the most important women in your life at this time of year, you can still have a virtual 'date' - and these can be really fun! Why not set up a Skype call with the whole family or play games online (the Houseparty app is particularly popular at the current time). Whatever your circumstances, we hope that you and your loved ones are keeping safe and well and enjoying quality time together - whether in person or remotely - this weekend.