Mothers Day is on Sunday 30th March 2025, so there is plenty of time to plan a special treat for your mother, or on behalf of your children. Here’s some options with availability at the time of writing.
Afternoon Tea at the Ashmolean Museum
Situated at the very top of the museum’s historical building you will find the Ashmolean’s Rooftop Restaurant, a wonderfully calming space overlooking Oxford’s dreaming spires. It’s already famous for their afternoon teas and has a view to match. So the availability will unlikely last, so don’t wait too long if you want to book a reservation.
They have a great menu available, including vegan options, so is ideal after spending time in the museum or the day in Oxford city centre.
Afternoon Tea overlooking picturesque Oxford
Traditional Afternoon Tea – £29.50 | Add a glass of Prosecco for £6.00
Served Daily: 11:30 – 16:30
Sandwiches
- Cucumber & Dill Cream Cheese on white bread (vg) – 146 kcal
- Free-range Egg Mayonnaise & Watercress on malt bread (v) – 172 kcal
- Pulled Ham & Honey Mustard Mayonnaise with rocket on malt bread – 164 kcal
- Smoked Salmon & Lemon Crème Fraîche in brioche – 95 kcal
Scones - Homemade Sultana Scones with English clotted cream & Tiptree jam (v) – 659 kcal
Sweets
- Victoria Sponge – 150 kcal
- Banana & Chocolate Chip Bread – 169 kcal
- Artisan Macaroon (v) – 68 kcal
- Treacle Tart – 116 kcal
Vegan Afternoon Tea – £29.50 | Add a glass of Prosecco for £6.00
Sandwiches
- Cucumber & Dill Cream Cheese on white bread – 146 kcal
- Beef Tomato, Olive Tapenade & Basil on malt bread – 145 kcal
- Falafel, Hummus & Rocket in brioche – 129 kcal
- Grilled Courgette, Pea Purée & Spinach on malt bread – 156 kcal
Scones
Homemade Scones with Tiptree jam – 571 kcal
Sweets
- Chocolate Mousse – 134 kcal
- Carrot Cake – 168 kcal
- Lemon & Coconut Tart – 127 kcal
- Mini Cheesecake – 90 kcal
Cream Tea (Available from 15:00) – £12.50 Served with tea or coffee
- Homemade Sultana Scones with English clotted cream & Tiptree jam (v) – 494 kcal
Currently on at the Ashmolean Museum
- Location: Beaumont St, Oxford OX1 2PH
- Opening Hours: Tuesday – Sunday: 10am – 5pm
Ashmolean is the University of Oxford’s Museum of art and archaeology, founded in 1683. Their world-famous collections range from Egyptian mummies to contemporary art, telling human stories across cultures and across time.
Demon, Mother, Maker of Kings (Free Display Ancient Middle East Gallery)
A fascinating exploration of female divinities in the ancient world, focusing on their roles in motherhood, fertility, war, and power
Anselm Kiefer: Early Works
A rare opportunity to explore the early works of acclaimed German artist Anselm Kiefer, known for his evocative paintings and mixed media compositions reflecting history, myth, and memory.
Bettina von Zwehl – The Flood (Free Exhibition)
This contemporary photography exhibition by Bettina von Zwehl explores themes of water, movement, and transformation, responding to the museum’s collections.
Kabuki Kimono (Free Exhibition Textiles Gallery 5)
This striking display showcases six magnificent kimonos worn by the legendary kabuki actor Bandō Tamasaburō V, revealing the artistry behind traditional Japanese theatre.
Cheung Yee and His 1960s Hong Kong Contemporaries (Free Exhibition Gallery 11)
The first major UK exhibition of the work of Cheung Yee, featuring his sculptures and works on paper, alongside other influential Hong Kong artists from the 1960s.
Sir Winston Churchill at 150 – Money Gallery Display (Free Exhibition)
Commemorating 150 years since Churchill’s birth, this display features rare coins, medals, and memorabilia highlighting his impact on Britain and the world.
There is of course many other great things to see at the Ashmolean, including many Egyptian artefacts, drawings by Michelangelo & Raphael, the Alfred Jewel, Abingdon Sword, Messiah Stradivarius violin, Guy Fawkes lantern, death mask of Oliver Cromwell and so much more.
Blenheim Palace
If you’d prefer to not be in the city for mother’s day 2025, Woodstock’s Blenheim Palace is always a lovely place to visit and currently the Orangery restaurant has availability. The daffodils are already out, and while it’s too early for the tulips, you will hopefully see the beginnings of other spring flowers like primroses, crocuses and snowdrops.
Things to see at Blenheim Palace
The Palace itself has stunning Baroque architecture and learn about its history as the birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill, and his grave is in the nearby churchyard. The Churchill Exhibition has everything you need to know about his life and legacy.
If the weather is dry, wander through the beautifully landscaped gardens, including the Water Terraces, Rose Garden, and the Italian Garden.
For the more active, take a stroll through the extensive parkland designed by Capability Brown, featuring lakes, bridges, and woodlands.
For kids and families, visit the Butterfly House, Lavender Garden, and the Maze for a fun and interactive experience.
Where is Blenheim Palace and how to get there?
Woodstock OX20 1PS, Oxfordshire
Blenheim Palace is about 8 miles northwest of Oxford. There are regular bus services from Oxford to Woodstock, and ample parking available on-site for cars.
Have a walk at Swyncomben and see the snowdrops at St Botolph’s church
The village of Swyncombe is not far from Wallingford and Watlington, and close to the national trust property of Nuffield Place.
There is a lovely 4.7 mile walking trail, which starts at St Botolph’s, not just a beautiful flint 11th century church, but already boasting a carpet of snowdrops in the churchyard.
Swyncombe Church, Henley-on-Thames RG9 6EA
Places to eat nearby
This is likely an issue as most pubs and restaurants are likely booked, standard for Mothering Sunday as everyone wants to treat mum to some fine dining. But places to try depends where you live and what is on the way home.
Options include the Crooked Billet on Stoke Row, the Fox and Hounds, and the Red Lion.
