Things To Do With Mum This Mother's Day in Edinburgh

What to do for Mother's Day? Mums are unsung heroes. Its's difficult to think of a way to thank them for all the time, love and nappies they've invested in you over the years. A bunch of supermarket flowers doesn't really cut it. 

We live in an increasingly fast-paced and transactional society, but we know the best things our parents have given us aren’t material. They have devoted their time and love to share experiences and create memories with us. If these experiences are so precious to us, then why thank them with ‘things’ when we could return the favour directly?

In our world, where we invite guests to slow down, relax and spend quality time together on a daily basis, we take joy in seeing couples, families and friends reconnect and laugh together; simultaneously sharing memories and creating new ones.

We’ve given this careful thought and have pulled together some memorable and lovely ways to mark Mother's day in our beautiful city.

Dinner & A Movie

Going to see a film is a fun, laid-back activity no amount of rain can spoil. There are plenty of cinemas to choose from in Edinburgh, we like The Cameo Picturehouse (which has been open since 1914) and the Art Deco style Dominion Cinema. Both screen the latest releases but these are far from multiplexes. They retain their own characters and each have an arthouse feel.

For inspiration - and keeping very much on topic - our favourite strong, independent warrior woman returns on the 27th March for a real-action remake of Disney’s 1998 Mulan. Alternatively, Emily Blunt is returning as a mother at her wit’s end in the unusual horror film A Quiet Place Part II (out March 22nd).

Whilst film night is great, it doesn't allow much time for catching up, so make sure you book in a pre or post-movie dinner so you can put the world to rights over a delicious dinner and a tasty glass-of-something. We may be biased but there's nowehere quite as special as Rhubarb Restaurant at Prestonfield House. See the latest menus and book your table here.

A Stroll In The Royal Botanic Garden

The Royal Botanic Garden is a 72 acre oasis of thriving nature and innovative design just one mile from the city centre. Whatever the season, a stroll through its landscaped 300 year old gardens is wonderfully relaxing.

Its ten glasshouses each have their own climate, so whatever the weather, you can explore steamy tropics and arid desert. The collections are remarkable- the houses alone contain 3,000 plants from around the world, including a 200 year old palm tree.

Outside the extensive gardens move around the world map and explore many themes. Soak up the serenity of a colourful Chinese hillside, or admire majestic Giant Redwood trees in the Woodland Garden.

Edinburgh's Darkside Walking Tour: Mysteries, Murder and Legends

This may seem like an odd choice for a day usually marked with sugary words and flowers, but bear with us.

The Germans have a rather macabre word, schadenfreude, which means the joy of witnessing suffering in others. In Edinburgh, this is an aesthetic. A compelling murkiness. Peat-black, but sweet as a Speyside single malt. For all its vibrancy, the city’s morbid history lingers. When dusk falls, a walking tour sets out through cobbled streets to recover it.

Wind through atmospheric Calton Hill, North Bridge and Canongate cemetery and see the city in a new light, with tales of Burke and Hare, witch hunts, and murder most foul.

If your Mum is the type who'd take Edinburgh’s glowing skyline and a gritty crime drama over candyfloss skies and gushing romances, this may be the perfectly unique experience you are after - and is certainly not predictable!

After your tour, warm up with an equally atmospheric dining experience in Scotland's most renowned restaurant - The Witchery By the Castle - located in a sixteenth-century merchant's house just moments from Edinburgh Castle.

Afternoon Tea at Prestonfield

There is something special about the ritual of afternoon tea. It's a leisurely affair and the perfect way to while away a few hours with your nearest and dearest. For a truly magical afternoon tea experience this Mother's Day, treat Mum to an afternoon of tea and treats in The Stables at Prestonfield accompanied by the Dalkeith and Monktonhall Brass Band and surrounded by Spring flowers. We’ll bring you fresh leaf tea or coffee alongside delicate patisserie, sandwiches, and warm scones topped with lashings of jam and cream. Let the tea flow and enjoy each other’s company. Find out more and book your tickets here.