Family Days Out: Mother's Day - where to go

Y OU'VE sorted the card and flowers; you've made sure she has a lie-in until at least 2pm and you've prepared a sumptuous breakfast in bed (cup of tea and a bowl of Rice Krispies, as usual).

But what else can you do to ensure mum has a smashing day on Mothering Sunday?

Well, you can take her for a lovely day out, that's what.

And to give you some inspiration, here are our suggestions for the ten best days out for mums in the region

CREAM TEA FOR MOTHER'S DAY, Wollaton Hall, Sunday, 11am-2pm

ENJOY an informative walk around the gardens followed by a delicious cream tea in the Camellia House – plus you can take a stroll round the lake and have a run around in the park where you might spot the odd deer or maybe even Batman. No, really. £15 per person (plus parking £4 per day). Call 0115 876 1057.

MOTHER'S DAY TOUR, Newstead Abbey, Sunday, 12.15pm-2.15pm

TREAT her to an enlightening tour around one of the most famous buildings in England, which was once the home of the brooding poet Lord Byron – not to mention a monastic house from the late 12th century.

Don't miss the iconic west front of the church, now a scheduled ancient monument. Adults £5, kids £1 (plus parking £6 per car). www.newsteadabbey.org.uk.

AFTERNOON TEA AT THORESBY HALL, Thoresby Park, near Ollerton, Sunday, from 3pm

SET in the heart of Robin Hood country on the edge of Sherwood Forest, this Grade I listed building dates back to around 1875 and offers a great setting for a fab Mother's Day.

There's a variety of afternoon tea options of offer, including sandwiches, warm scones, cakes and pastries – so get stuck in.

Afternoon tea for two, £29, or garden tour with afternoon tea for two, £89. Call 01623 821000.

MOTHERING SUNDAY ARTS AND CRAFTS, Stonebridge City Farm, St Ann's, Saturday and Sunday, 10am-3pm

MAKE mum a simple but smashing gift this weekend at this favourite family venue.

Make your own plant pot and sow seeds, do some ceramic painting, create a fancy card and much more. It's free. www.stonebridgecityfarm.com.

AFTERNOON TEA AT WOODBOROUGH HALL, Bank Hill, Woodborough, Sunday, from 3pm

HAVE a break at this tranquil venue, set in a peaceful country estate with a suitably grand ambience.

The afternoon tea experience includes a selection of the rarest teas in the world, served in fine bone china, with chef Sweeney's pastries, scones and sandwiches. Yum. Fine afternoon tea, £13. Call 0115 965 4466.

SUNDAY MORNING PIANO SERIES WITH RICHARD UTTLEY, Royal Concert Hall, Sunday, 11am

BRADFORD-BORN Richard Uttley will take you on a one-hour journey from London to Switzerland, all from the comfort of the concert hall.

The set includes Haydn, Bartók, Debussy and Liszt – with coffee/tea and cake afterwards. Tickets are £10. www.trch.co.uk.

CHATSWORTH REOPENS, Chatsworth, Derbyshire, Sunday, 11am-5.30pm

AFTER the long winter break, the famous house reopens with a host of special activities for Mother's Day.

Treat her to a special tour of the amazing building or have a look round the garden, where all children will be given a daffodil to give to their mums.

Meanwhile, in the farmyard and adventure playground, you can also meet all the "new mums" and their babies.

And you can see the new exhibition on William Turnbull at Chatsworth, or see the next phase of the Old Master Drawings Cabinet: Landscapes and Emma Tennant at Chatsworth.

Complete ticket (for house, garden and farmyard) adults £19, kids £13, family of five £55. Call 01246 565300 or visit www.chatsworth.org.

MOTHER'S DAY FAMILY ACTIVITIES, Kedleston Hall, Quarndon, Derbyshire

MAKE crafty treats for mums and other special people on this heartwarming day. All materials provided. Adults £8.90, kids £4.40, family £22.30. Call 01332 842191.

MOTHER'S DAY HIGH TEA, Sudbury Hall and the Museum of Childhood, Sunday, from 3.30pm.

Treat mum to some delicious treats in the coach house tea rooms. £9.95 per person. Call 01283 585337.

MEET UP WITH MUM, White Stuff, Bridlesmith Gate, today until Sunday

TO celebrate Mother's Day, the fashion retailer is inviting folk to pop in for a browse around (sounds good so far) and mum will get a free gift worth £9, while stocks last. And thanks to neighbours Crabtree and Evelyn, there will also be lots of tea and cake to enjoy as you shop. Free. 0115 924 2865.