Along with the blossoming of spring flowers, warmer weather and much anticipated longer days, March also brings about Mothering Sunday. A cherished opportunity to let the mother figures in our lives know just how much they mean to us, Mother’s Day is the perfect occasion to plan something truly special that you can remember together forever. If you’re looking for inspiration on where to find the best places to book and visit for Mother’s Day In Kent then see below our curated guide of wonderful activities, restaurants to book and experiences to mark the occasion.
Credit: Saltwick Media
Sparkling Afternoon Tea at Balfour Winery, Hush Heath Estate
One of Kent’s greatest attributes is of course that it is the ‘Wine Garden of England’ and home to many beautiful vineyards that produce delectable wines. Celebrate Mother’s Day with a sparkling Afternoon Tea at one of Kent’s best: Balfour Winery in Staplehurst. Begin with a tasting of their signature Balfour Brut Rosé, followed by a delicious and beautifully presented selection of sandwiches, scones and cakes, alongside their sparkling Balfour Wine. Why not make this a whole-day experience with a self-guided walk through the glorious vineyards and ancient oak woodlands. Available on Saturday 26th and Sunday 27th March. Choose from two sittings – 12.30pm – 2.30pm and 3pm – 5pm at £65.00 per person.
Credit: bridgearms.co.uk
Sunday Lunch at The Bridge Arms
Make the Mothering Sunday roast nothing less than sensational with a trip to The Bridge Arms near Canterbury, a Kent gem that has recently been awarded a Michelin Star. With expertly put together, exceedingly delicious menus that are produce-driven, focused on seasonality and provenance, it is guaranteed that you will sample fresh Kentish ingredients cooked to utter perfection. Dishes are cooked over charcoal, produced from a local Kentish woodland, giving the food even more of a unique taste. Enjoy this from an iconic country pub that oozes character and charm through original features and cosy interiors.
The Gin Experience at Greensand Ridge Distillery
Amongst the hills that make up the beautiful Kentish Weald, you will find Greensand Ridge Distillery, a carbon-neutral micro-distillery on a mission to develop breathtaking spirits. Take your Mum for an intimate distillery experience where together you’ll enjoy a cocktail while you tour the distillery, learn about the art of distilling, discover the different gin botanicals and how they are combined, and then distil your own full bottle of gin on an individual copper pot. Take home your own handmade 700ml bottle of bespoke gin, a superb memento of the day.
Brunch at Deal Pier Kitchen
The charming and historic fishing town of Deal is truly a Kent treasure. It has held onto its unique, quintessential Kentish loveliness whilst welcoming in some of the best dining and artisan food experiences the South East has to offer. Deal’s beach and promenade makes a beautiful walk, its iconic shoreline with its hotch-potch array of ancient houses lining the seafront can be best viewed from the long pier, at the end of which sits Deal Pier Kitchen. Enjoy panoramic scenes of the ocean and seaside whilst tucking into a gorgeous brunch at this unique spot. With everything from banana pancakes to crab-dressed crumpets, you are sure to have a feast for the taste-buds as well as the eyes here.
Artisserie Pâtisserie and Shopping in Tenterden on Mother’s Day In Kent
Brand new for 2022, Artisserie, an unforgettable pâtisserie, has opened up in the stunning town of Tenterden. Delight in divine cakes, pastries and other bakes, all designed and crafted by one of the nations most respected pastry chefs, Chris Underwood. Already highly acclaimed for its delectable treats, an experience at Artisserie is a perfectly sweet way to make Mother’s Day this year one to remember. A trip to Artisserie is also the ideal opportunity to discover Tenterden, which is known as ‘The Jewel of The Weald’, a beautiful spot for both history and bespoke, quality shopping. Lined with traditional Kentish weatherboard buildings, experience some of Kent’s finest retail therapy in this remarkably picturesque highstreet, which itself is located in a delightful and secluded part of Kent’s Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
Dinner at Tallow in Tunbridge Wells
For a truly exquisite fine dining experience, that will bowl over even the harshest of food critics, visit Tallow in Tunbridge Wells. Set in a stunning and intimate space, Tallow is a cosy and unpretentious restaurant that will delight guests at the same time as oozing sophistication. Mentioned on the Michelin Guide, diners are sure to be astounded at the excellence of the food which has been expertly crafted and created by acclaimed chef and owner Rob Taylor. Steeped in flavour with a focus on local produce and a unique take on food, enjoy a taste sensation and complement your meal with a perfectly paired glass of fine wine.
Please note: Tallow isn’t open on Mother’s Day this year. We included them in the guide because they are a great option if you’re celebrating before, after or want to gift someone special a meal here!
Credit: www.jamesclague.co.uk
A countryside stroll (or cycle!) to The Independent Pedaler near Canterbury
As I mentioned in the intro, Kent is a surreally beautiful county in which to admire and gaze in awe at all the glories of spring. A keen rambler or not, a walk among Kent’s rolling green hills and fields is an experience not to be missed and a great location to do this is around Bridge Downs. You are sure to see lambs joyously leaping and daffodils waving merrily when you take a stroll or cycle in this idyllic and peaceful area. There are lots of rural eateries to stop off at, but one of my favourites is The Independent Pedaler. Serving seriously good, strong coffee, fresh and flavoursome lunches, sandwiches and snacks, as well as fluffy homemade cakes, you are sure to have a wholesome and delicious experience of the Kent countryside at its best when you visit here.
www.theindependentpedaler.co.uk
Spa Weekend at Rowhill Grange Utopia Spa and Hotel
Treat your mother to the rest, tranquillity and relaxation she deserves with a surreal spa stay at Rowhill Grange in Dartford. Featuring nineteen treatment rooms, as well as iconic Romanesque split-level pools, saunas, steam rooms, whirlpools and more, this luxury spa hotel is the perfect destination for an invigorating and refreshing break away for Mum. Reconnect with your centre and find equilibrium, with a range of bio-nutritional therapies from OSKIA of London and deeply aromatic treatments from Temple Spa. After your treatments, spend the day unwinding in your soothingly fluffy robe while you enjoy a drink at the bar, some delicious dining or explore the pretty grounds.
www.alexanderhotels.co.uk/rowhill-grange
(Photo credit: Rowhill Grange website)
Afternoon Tea at Sands Hotel Margate- Mother’s Day In Kent
Nothing tops a Mother’s Day tradition quite like a splendid afternoon tea. At Sands Hotel Margate, not only can you enjoy Kentish afternoon tea at its finest, but you can also incorporate a visit to the eclectic and vibrant seaside town of Margate. Take in the salty sea air with a walk along the promenade or visit the intriguing Margate Old Town before sitting down to enjoy one of the hotel’s famously good afternoon teas. These include a pot of locally sourced loose-leaf tea of which there are unlimited refills, accompanied by the likes of coronation chicken poppy seed rolls, cucumber and cream cheese finger sandwiches, and smoked salmon and dill crème sesame seed glazed buns. Enjoy this from the airy and contemporary setting which boasts unparalleled views over the iconic Margate Sands. Finish with a selection of three cakes and a scone with clotted cream and jam, with the option to add Champagne!
A visit to Scotney Castle 
A wonderful day for mothers that love the outdoors, glorious gardens and historic houses. Owned by The National Trust, Scotney Castle is truly a beautiful sight to behold for any visitor, with its romantic picturesque garden complete with a 14th century moated castle and a Victorian country mansion, there are endless scenes to admire together at this beautiful wooded estate. Stroll round the garden with its traditional beds and borders, as well as many other interesting features including a glade, quarry garden and naturalistic planting. Enjoy tea, cake and other refreshments in the tearooms before browsing the shelves at Betsy’s Second-Hand Bookshop.
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/scotney-castle
