Mother's Day is quickly approaching, and it's not too late to celebrate the wonderful women in your life. Whether it's a treat for her or a special day out together, there are so many great activities in Colchester to show Mum that you appreciate her.
Mother's Days are always a bit busier in Colchester, so we'd recommend booking in advance where possible to avoid disappointment. If, however, your preferred activity isn't available, there are still plenty of Things to Do in Colchester that don't require booking.
Keep it Classy with an Afternoon Tea
Whether you're looking for a themed afternoon tea, something simple and low-key, or catering to a party with dietary restrictions, you've got plenty of options to choose from.
Treat Mum to a shopping day with a quick afternoon tea at Small Talk Tearooms before hitting the city centre, or take her for a luxury afternoon tea at Greyfriars, featuring dishes made from local ingredients.
Alternatively, set in a sweet-pink yet classic, Victorian-inspired environment, you may enjoy Tea at the George. While the historic hotel is 500 years old, this elegant spot combines modernity and quirk to offer a unique gastronomical experience, with rotating seasonal menus.
If you still haven't landed on the perfect venue, visit our 'Cafes and Afternoon Tea' page for more information - this page also features information about spots that cater for dietary restrictions, including gluten free and plant-based diets.
Enjoy an Afternoon Tea at Tiptree Jam Factory, and explore their attached museum.
Get Crafty with Mum
If Mum prefers something a bit more hands-on, why not treat her to a morning of arts and crafts?
Located in the city centre, Jeans Craft Room is a small shop located at the bottom of North Hill. Whether she's in the market for a new teapot, a coin bank, some new plates or a bespoke mug, you'll be given paints, a variety of brushes and sponges, and some handy guidance by the friendly team. You'll receive an email or message once your items are ready to collect!
Alternatively, about 15 minutes from the city centre, Blue Owl Pottery Painting Studio is a friendly, relaxing and inclusive pottery painting studio (and coffee shop!) based in a converted country pub. In addition to the main painting, evening sessions, clay workshops and take-away kits are available, ensuring that there's something for every taste.
Image credits: Blue Owl Pottery Painting Studio, Facebook
Enjoy a Relaxing Walk in Nature Together
So, Mum likes to take things slow, and would prefer to keep things simple. Maybe she'd rather be in the fresh air than indoors? Fear not, there are lots of options for your outdoorsy Mum, with plenty of scope for a range of mobility. Pack a homemade picnic and a flask with hot tea - or pick one up from a local coffee shop en route - and get ready for a relaxing day out. You'll have plenty of opportunities to chat and catchup along the way.
From the pastoral fields of Constable Country to the Essex coast at Mersea Island there's plenty of the great outdoors to discover in and around Colchester. The beaches, nature reserves and wildlife parks surrounding the city centre are fantastic spots to take a walk on a nature trail, get away from it all, or simply to get a flavour of the unique landscapes and wildlife habitats that Essex has to offer.
There are also plenty of naturally wild sites to explore in Colchester, with gardens and parks in abundance. The wonderful Castle Park in the centre of the city are perfect for history lovers, and the internationally renowned Beth Chatto Gardens are great for passionate gardeners. And we'd be amiss if we failed to mention the local scenic walks and cycling trails!
Enjoy a walk - whatever the weather - through the scenic landscapes of Constable Country.
Other great options for Mum-approved activities include a visit to Aqua Springs spa at Leisure World, a trip to one of our city centre cinemas (Firstsite, Odeon and Curzon offer a variety of films) or an IOU for a ticket to one of our fantastic and varied theatres! Be sure to visit our 'Things to Do' page for even more inspiration.
