7 Great things to do on Mother’s Day 2023 in and around Wimbledon, South West London - Revised 2024
The key to Mother’s Day is to plan ahead
Mother's Day in the UK usually falls on the third Sunday of March. In my mind it marks the beginning of Spring, with the smell of daffodils and flower blossoms and the hope of longer days. This year, 2024, it’s March 10th. If you don't already have this day circled in your diary, do it now! Planning a great day out takes time—and you definitely don't want to risk waiting until the last minute when you may not be able to secure a reservation for the activity or restaurant of your choice. Wimbledon, and South West London, in general, get pretty busy during Mother’s day.
As the mother of two girls who has been a Wimbledon resident for 21 years, I think I have done just about every mother’s day activity you can think of around here. Wimbledon is not only my home, but I also run my jewellery business here, so you say I spend a lot of time in the London Borough of Merton.
There is no need for me to explain to you why you should show your mother appreciation on Mother’s Day and I think there is no better way to show it than spending time with her. Dreaming up a memorable day full of fun activities for just the two of you is a guaranteed way to make her smile.
So, If you're looking for unique Mother's Day activity ideas in and around Wimbledon, I have you covered. Here are 7 of my favourite Mother's Days outings:
Charming Wimbledon Village
1.- For the nature loving mother: Cycle the Wandle Trail
The Wandle Trail is a 12-mile long walking and cycling path that follows the River Wandle from its source in Waddon to its mouth at the River Thames. The trail passes through several parks, nature reserves, and local communities, including South Wimbledon. It's a great way to explore and see some of London's wildlife.
2.- For the gardening loving mum: Petersham Nurseries in Richmond
If you want to feel like you are in the countryside, Petersham nurseries is for you. It is incredibly charming, with a restaurant and a cafe next door inside a greenhouse, filled with beautiful plants, flowers and everything a gardener may want.
Parking is usually a bit of a challenge, but you can always park in Richmond, walk along the Thames and cross a small field with cows to get there. Not bad considering you are still inside the M25.
Petersham Nurseries, Off Church Ln, Petersham Rd, Richmond TW10 7AB
3.- For the fun loving mums: Cocktails at Hotel Du Vin and Cannizaro Gardens
Hidden away in the middle of Wimbledon Common is Cannizaro Gardens, are where the Hotel Du Vin has a beautiful bar. First, wander around the Italian gardens and then hit the bar for some cocktails.
What is not to love? For those who’d rather trade the booze for a hot drink, though tea is also an option here too.
Hotel Du Vin Wimbledon, Cannizaro House, West Side Common, London, SW19 4UE
4.- For the spiritual mother: Buddhapadipa Temple, Wimbledon’s own Buddhist temple.
Probably the most serene place in all South West London. The Buddhapadipa Temple is an ideal place to find peace and tranquility amongst its tranquil gardens and admire the frescoes inside.
On Saturdays and Sundays, you can also join 1 hour free mediation, which starts at 4pm in the basement. And if you wish to be blessed by a monk, that can be arranged by booking in advance.
Note: photography is not allowed inside.
Buddhapadipa Temple, 14 Calonne Rd, London SW19 5HJ
5.- For the star baker mums: A “Great British Bake Off” Experience in Tooting
If you mum never misses an episode of the “Great British Bake Off”, then this is the place for you.
What is more fun than baking a cake, just like in the Great British Bake Off? You are working against the clock, but with a team to help you do the boring stuff like measuring and washing up.
You literally work in a tent, with a huge cooking area, with ten well equipped cooking stations, all ingredients you need are already weighed out and ready to go.
So if you and your mum are competitive or just want a bit of fun, this is a great way to spend the day.
The Big London Bake South, The Castle, 38 Tooting High St, London SW17 0RG
6.- For the creative mums: Throw Pots with Clover Lee
Clover is a fantastic potter who also teaches lessons. She is patient and really makes you feel at home in her studio. You can either go as part of a group class or book a private lesson.The studio is fully equipped, and she has over 20 gorgeous colour glazes for you to choose from.
Whether your a seasoned potter or you’d like to try something new, this class won’t let you down!
Clover Studios, Delta House Studios Studio Way, London SW19 3EU
Hopefully the wisteria will be in bloom for Mother’s Day
7.- For the chilled out mums: a walk around Wimbledon Common, a bit of shopping and a Sunday roast.
To me, Wimbledon Common is one of the few places in London where you can forget that you’re actually in London. It’s my favourite place to go when the city has got me feeling a bit claustrophobic and I’ve had enough of tall buildings and paved roads.
I would love to suggest a picnic after your walk, but let’s face it, British weather is quite unreliable, so I’d recommend heading to a pub for a cozy Sunday roast. There are several pubs that are serve a good Sunday roast. We love The Fire Stables or The Hand in Hand.
If you also would like to take her shopping, why not support the wonderful independent shops there are in Wimbledon, for more on this subject check out my blog post on independent shops in Wimbledon.
Of course, if you prefer online shopping why not pop into one of the Dropshot cafes dotted around Wimbledon for getting cosy and and diving into my selection of “Gifts for Mum”.
At the end of the day, Mother’s Day is just about spending time together
So there you have it, from this mum to yours! But really, regardless of what you do, what your mum really wants is to spend time with you. This is the one day of the year where she gets you all to herself, so even if you’re curled up in bed watching Netflix and eating popcorn, it will still be time well spent.
Militza Ortiz
A Wimbledon, London based jewellery designer/maker with 20 years experience.
I am passionate about envisioning and hand creating future heirlooms.