Guide to Mother's Day in Suffolk

MOTHERS DAY IN SUFFOLK
14th March 2010 brings Mothers Day - also known as Mothering Sunday - a day when children everywhere have the opportunity to show Mum (and Granny!) just how very special she is. When searching for that ideal gift or day out, Suffolk has a variety of wonderful options that are sure to make Mothers Day a memorable one. Here is our guide to Pampering Breaks in Suffolk Hotels, Eating Out in Suffolk on Mothers Day, and Mothers Days Gifts from Suffolk.
Pampering Breaks - Mothers Day in Suffolk
If you want to really spoil your mum this year, why not treat her to a peaceful weekend or short break away at one of Suffolk's wonderful hotels? Each hotel offers superb complementary treatments that will indulge your mum, leaving her feeling relaxed and refreshed.
Hintlesham Hall Hotel, Ipswich is a stunning 21st Century building that maintains all of its original character and charm, and features 33 en suite rooms that have been beautifully decorated and enhanced by works of art and antiques which can also be found throughout the hotel. On top of all this, the Hall offers Pamper Days that make a perfect special treat for mums everywhere.
Equally stunning in appearance is The Ickworth Hotel, Ickworth. This grand hotel has successfully merged old world traditions with modern conveniences to make Mum's break away a truly memorable experience. She will feel like royality when staying in one of the luxurious rooms with excellent views of the surrounding 1800 acres of beautiful English Parkland. If additional pampering is required (and why not?!), this can be experienced in the fantastic Aquae Sulis Retreat - situated in the cellars of the hotel, treatments using natural hot spring minerals alongside essential oils, fruit and plant extracts offer spectacular results to benefit the face, body and mind.
Located within lovely Suffolk countryside, Ufford Park Hotel, Golf & Spa in Woodbridge features everything needed to ensure Mum is made to feel pampered and special, including a hair salon, facials and massage treatments, a spa, steam room & sauna, swimming pool, plus a range of comfortable and fully equppied en suite rooms with wonderful balcony views.
Eating Out on Mothers Day - Mothers Day in Suffolk
What could be a more lovely way to spend Mothering Sunday than enjoying a delicious meal in one of Suffolk's restaurants with your mum, or the whole family?
For a dining experience with a unique twist, the Lady Florence River Cruise Restaurant, Orford invites guests to sail along calm waters of the rivers Alde and Ore, where spectacular springtime scenery and wildlife can be seen at every turn, whilst enjoying a fine, freshly prepared meal.
If your mum is a fan of traditional English fare, The New Roundhouse Restaurant in Saxmundham is a great choice. This family-run restaurant with a beautiful garden set within woodland is light and airy, and is open for both lunch and dinner-time.
For a dining experience with a unique twist, the Lady Florence River Cruise Restaurant, Orford invites guests to sail along calm waters of the rivers Alde and Ore, where spectacular springtime scenery and wildlife can be seen at every turn, whilst enjoying a fine, freshly prepared meal.
If your mum is a fan of traditional English fare, The New Roundhouse Restaurant in Saxmundham is a great choice. This family-run restaurant with a beautiful garden set within woodland is light and airy, and is open for both lunch and dinner-time.
Maison Bleue Restaurant, Bury St Edmunds was the Winner of the East of England 'Good Food Guide' Restaurant of the Year 2010, and with good reason. Serving first class French cuisine, a visit to this popular fine dining establishment is sure to make Mum feel pampered.
Also serving excellent French cuisine is Mariners Restaurant, Ipswich. This recently relaunched French Brasserie - uniquely located on a 110 year old Dutch boat - will make your Mothering Sunday celebrations a time to remember for years to come. Mariner's is open for both lunch and dinner.
Sutherland House Hotel & Restaurant, Southwold is a beautiful converted town house that is rich in history and a sight to be seen in its own right. The award winning restaurant serves a vast selection of gourmet dishes at varying prices. All ingredients are locally sourced, and proof of this is detailed on the menu where 'food miles' are printed. Sutherland House is also available for hire if you plan to throw a Mothers Day party.
A traditional Sunday Roast is the perfect partner to any Mothering Sunday celebration, and Suffolk is packed to the brim with traditional inns serving just that. Many of these inns also have accommodation options if you wanted to turn your Mothers Day celebrations into a weekend break away. Please click on each inn's link for full details.
In the lovely village of Cavendish there is The George - a 600 year old timber framed building serving home-cooked food and catering options available for private parties of up to 50 guests.
The Angel Inn, Wangford creates a cosy atmosphere, serving simple yet delicious food, and guests are warmly welcomed and well taken care of by owners Jeff and Pat. There is always something happening to entertain you whilst you relax.
The Ship Inn, Woodbridge is the epitomy of a traditional country inn, complete with a locally-sourced menu written on blackboards. There are also a number of continental meals to choose from, plus a great selection of seafood brought directly from nearby Lowestoft.
The fantastic Suffolk coast makes for a lovely day out. The King's Head Inn, Orford is located in the town centre, and is the best place to enjoy some seaside dining such as fish n chips washed down with a pint of Real Ale.
The Jolly Sailor, Orford, is more than just a traditional 16th Century inn. It is also a much-loved restaurant, with an art gallery on-site! Also, wonderful views of the marshes & saltings, as well as the River Ore, can be admired from the large and plush garden.
Finally, The Olde Bull Inn, nr Bury St Edmunds features an informal public bar serving fine wines alongside an a la carte menu in additional to more 'homely' options and Real Ales. The building is over 500 years old and makes a for a charming sight and a comfortable stay.
Mothers Day Gifts - Mothers Day in Suffolk
If your mum has green fingers or appreciates rare and beautiful species of plants then a visit to Harvey's Garden Plants, Bury St Edmunds is one place to stop by this Mothers Days. This family-run nursery growing herbaceous plants is the ideal place to either pick up a plant as a gift, to book Mum onto one of the fascinating courses or talks, or to take Mum along for a fun day out in the stunning gardens.
At The Cuckoo Flower, Long Melford you will find a lovely selection of gift ideas for Mothers Day. The Cuckoo Flower's stock is huge, with a wonderful selection of unique items to suit all tastes - such as jewellery, home & kitchenware, ornaments, women's accessories, glassware and so on. If, however, you can't quite choose what to buy, one of the Cuckoo Flower's Gift Vouchers is the perfect solution.
If your mum is a foodie why not visit one of the following shops to find a tasty present for her!
Mums with a sweet tooth will be delighted with a gift from Huntley & Palmers Ltd., Sudbury who have been producing biscuits made with the very best of ingredients (sourced both locally and across the world) since 1822. One of their delicious gift boxes of biscuits will make the perfect accompaniment to a nice cuppa for elevenses on Mothering Sunday.
If Mum has more diverse tastes, The Chilli Company, Stowmarket offers a wide range of chilli-related products such as seeds, ceramics, clothing, and gourmet treats. There is also a wonderful BBQ and Tapas restaurant on-site.
The Suffolk Food Hall, Ipswich is a great place to visit to find a delicious gift for Mum, or to enjoy a day out. Here you will find a vast selection of specialist foodstuffs as well as a number of events being held such as talks and demonstrations which can be booked in advance. The Food Hall is situated within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and its Samford Restaurant boasts panoramic views down the River Orwell.
Finally, tickets to one of the many fascinating, hands-on workshops offered by Food Safari Ltd., Woodbridge will make for a great present and enjoyable day out. Mum will gain behind-the-scene access to some of Suffolk's best loved food and drinks producers when taking part in one of the many events such as farm walks, fishing trips, wild food forays, talks from producers, cookery demonstrations and fabulous feasts.
Potions & Possibilities, Old Martlesham offer a superb collection of premium quality aromatherapy and natural health products - including essential oils, therapeutic/organic bath & beauty products, and lovely hand-packaged gift collections. For the Mum who loves to be pampered, manicures & pedicures and complementary therapies such as massage are also available.
If you want to find a truly unique, sophisticated and artistic gift for this Mothering Sunday, a visit to The Jessica Muir Gallery, Long Melford will provide you with a selection of unusual, one-of-a-kind gifts to choose from, such as ceramics, glass, textiles and limited edition art prints. In The Amber Shop & Museum, Southwold there is an extensive range of both contemporary and traditional jewellery, all made from the highest quality amber, to purchase. Also, if Mum has a particular interest in amber, the extensive museum would make for an interesting day out - and Mum can pick her own gift at the end of it!
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