Mother's Day activities London 2016
Wondering what to do for Mother's Day in London? Make your mum smile with our selection of the loveliest events, shows and exhibitions in town
Boyhood film still
Don't forget to buy something special from one of London's best chocolatiers, or florists. And if nothing below tickles your fancy, have a flick through Culture Whisper's favourite brunch spots to help you plan your perfect day.
For the yummy mummy: Vogue 100 Exhibition, National Portrait Gallery
If your passion for fashion comes from a childhood spent flicking through the pages of your mum's Vogue magazine, book now for the National Portrait Gallery's photo retrospective. Celebrating 100 years of British Vogue, this glossy exhibition invites you into a world of top photographers, high fashion and flawless models. If you want to really spoil you mum, arrange Afternoon Tea in the gallery's Portrait Restaurant, where you can tuck into cucumber sandwiches while looking out over Trafalgar Square.
book now
For the green-fingered mother: Orchid Festival, Kew Gardens
If your mother's idea of the ideal Sunday revolves around her garden, tempt away from the potting shed to marvel at a vast array of orchids for the final day of Kew Gardens' festival. The Princess Wales Conservatory is bedecked with tropical blooms, towering Amazonian trees and even fire-proof plants.
find out more
For the dreamer: Monet to Matisse, Royal Academy
Or explore the garden from an artist's perspective at the Royal Academy's glorious Monet to Matisse exhibition. We're smitten — and so is everyone else. Book pronto for Mother's Day weekend, as it's likely to be jam-packed. Then, if it's sunny, pick up a picnic at nearby Fortnum and Masons and seek peace in Green Park among the hosts of golden daffodils.
read our Monet review
For your Queen Bee: Royal Fashion Rules, Kensington Palace
Treat your mum like a queen at this charming exhibition of Royal Fashions, showcasing the gowns worn by her Majesty the Queen and princesses Margaret and Diana. Get an insight into each royals' personality and explore the changing fashions, from Margaret's 60s shift dresses to Princess Diana's 80s power suits. Then take a leisurely stroll through Kensington Palace.
find out more
For the dramatic mother: Guys and Dolls, Savoy Theatre
This feel-good revival of the classic Broadway revival is the cheeriest thing on the West End. Comedy, romance and hit songs including 'Luck Be a Lady Tonight' are brought to life with topnotch talent and sizzling choreography from Ballet star Carlos Acosta. You don't need to be a musical nut to be charmed. There's still tickets left for Saturday 5 March matinee and evening performances, so treat your mum and she'll still be smiling all through Mothering Sunday.
read our Guys and Dolls review
For the foodie mum: Sunday Roast, Blacklock
If you're lucky enough to have the domestic goddess kind of mum whose roast dinners are the stuff of urban legend, give her a well-deserved week off and treat her to a mega meal that she hasn't had to cook. With mountains of crispy duck fat potatoes, succulent Oak-smoked meat and bone marrow gravy, Blacklock serves the best Sunday roasts in London (expect, maybe, your mum).
read our Blacklock roast review
Get more from Mother's Day in London...
Everything you need to know about spa days, chocolates and flowers in London, as well as the best brunch recommendations from Visit London. Click here.
For the yummy mummy: Vogue 100 Exhibition, National Portrait Gallery
If your passion for fashion comes from a childhood spent flicking through the pages of your mum's Vogue magazine, book now for the National Portrait Gallery's photo retrospective. Celebrating 100 years of British Vogue, this glossy exhibition invites you into a world of top photographers, high fashion and flawless models. If you want to really spoil you mum, arrange Afternoon Tea in the gallery's Portrait Restaurant, where you can tuck into cucumber sandwiches while looking out over Trafalgar Square.
book now
For the green-fingered mother: Orchid Festival, Kew Gardens
If your mother's idea of the ideal Sunday revolves around her garden, tempt away from the potting shed to marvel at a vast array of orchids for the final day of Kew Gardens' festival. The Princess Wales Conservatory is bedecked with tropical blooms, towering Amazonian trees and even fire-proof plants.
find out more
For the dreamer: Monet to Matisse, Royal Academy
Or explore the garden from an artist's perspective at the Royal Academy's glorious Monet to Matisse exhibition. We're smitten — and so is everyone else. Book pronto for Mother's Day weekend, as it's likely to be jam-packed. Then, if it's sunny, pick up a picnic at nearby Fortnum and Masons and seek peace in Green Park among the hosts of golden daffodils.
read our Monet review
For your Queen Bee: Royal Fashion Rules, Kensington Palace
Treat your mum like a queen at this charming exhibition of Royal Fashions, showcasing the gowns worn by her Majesty the Queen and princesses Margaret and Diana. Get an insight into each royals' personality and explore the changing fashions, from Margaret's 60s shift dresses to Princess Diana's 80s power suits. Then take a leisurely stroll through Kensington Palace.
find out more
For the dramatic mother: Guys and Dolls, Savoy Theatre
This feel-good revival of the classic Broadway revival is the cheeriest thing on the West End. Comedy, romance and hit songs including 'Luck Be a Lady Tonight' are brought to life with topnotch talent and sizzling choreography from Ballet star Carlos Acosta. You don't need to be a musical nut to be charmed. There's still tickets left for Saturday 5 March matinee and evening performances, so treat your mum and she'll still be smiling all through Mothering Sunday.
read our Guys and Dolls review
For the foodie mum: Sunday Roast, Blacklock
If you're lucky enough to have the domestic goddess kind of mum whose roast dinners are the stuff of urban legend, give her a well-deserved week off and treat her to a mega meal that she hasn't had to cook. With mountains of crispy duck fat potatoes, succulent Oak-smoked meat and bone marrow gravy, Blacklock serves the best Sunday roasts in London (expect, maybe, your mum).
read our Blacklock roast review
Get more from Mother's Day in London...
Everything you need to know about spa days, chocolates and flowers in London, as well as the best brunch recommendations from Visit London. Click here.
