East Sussex

Treat your mum to a silver service afternoon tea on board the Bluebell Railway's Golden Arrow. This special Mother's Day Afternoon Tea service offers a glimpse the first sights of spring across the Sussex Weald while indulging in a classic English pastime – there will also be a free gift for all mothers. After being served a glass of champagne, enjoy a selection of delicious sandwiches, cakes, pastries, scones and locally sourced teas. £50 per person. www.bluebell-railway.com

West Sussex

Mother's Day at Bolney Wine Estate with a Vineyard Tour. Visitors will be able to enjoy a selection of wines, Bolney Estate Gin and Rosso Vermouth, or book a table in the Eighteen Acre Café where mums will receive a free glass of Bolney Bubbly*. Tours (ages 18+) Taster Tour 11.30am, Afternoon Tea Tour, 1.30pm. Café Book for brunch or Sunday roast email café@bolneywineestate.com or call 01444 881 575. Families of all ages welcome. *One glass free per table booking. www.bolneywineestate.com

Kent

Explore the beautiful costume collection including some fabulous pieces of hand stitched silk clothing from the Georgian period at Maidstone Museum. A behind-the-scenes tour takes a look at some of the some earlier examples, and the costumes run right the way through to a 1960's collection. After the tour you and your mum will indulge in a Mother's Day Cream Tea in the historic library. (22 and 31 March). Tickets £18 per person.

https://museum.maidstone.gov.uk

Explore the six acre organically managed The Pines Garden at St Margaret's Bay in Dover. The gardens feature a lake, poetry path and a sustainability trail for children. The organic kitchen garden includes over 40 different species of fruit and vegetables from the exotic to the more familiar. Take the time to explore the beach at St Margaret's Bay and enjoy the view from the cliff top across the Channel to France. www.baytrust.org.uk/permaculture-garden

Hampshire

Enjoy finding out more about Gilbert White, the UK's first ecologist, in the 300th anniversary year of his birth. Explore White's former home with displays, items of furniture, family portraits and bed hangings embroidered for him by his aunts. Then browse the shop and wander in the gardens. The plants for sale are grown from Gilbert White's garden with many of the plants and seeds from historic varieties. Enjoy refreshments in the newly refurbished White's cafe. Gilbert White's House & Gardens is located in the Hampshire countryside at Selborne. www.gilbertwhiteshouse.org.uk

Enjoy a Mothering Sunday visit and cream tea package at Jane Austen's House with a special cream tea at nearby Cassandra's Cup. Explore the wonderful collection of objects relating to the author from books and letters to pieces of furniture, clothing and paintings. (22 March, 10.30am to 4.30pm). Tickets £7.00 admission, £5.00 cream tea. Please note: to claim the cream tea offer quote code 'MOTHER20' on arrival at Jane Austen's House. www.jane-austens-house-museum.org.uk. Booking is essential at Cassandra's Cup www.cassandrascup.co.uk.

Isle of Wight

Mothering Sunday at the Needles Old Battery. Try something traditional in a very untraditional setting with afternoon tea in a World War Two signal station. Visit the tea-room on Mother's Day and enjoy not only delicious freshly made scones, sandwiches, cakes and tea in 1940s surroundings, but also some of the most spectacular views on the Island. Normal admission charges apply.

www.nationaltrust.org.uk/lists/mothers-day-on-the-isle-of-wight

Visit 1066 country

The True Crime Museum at Hastings offers a chilling experience for mothers and daughters who are Partners in crime. The Mothers Who Kill! exhibition presents a gruesome gallery of amazing and macabre exhibits. An interactive talk will take place at 2pm and 3pm, included in the museum entry price. (Sunday 22 March, 2pm and 3pm). General Admission, adult - £8.50

 www.truecrimemuseum.co.uk/events/mothers-day

Learn from the professionals how to make a special gift or wedding outfit accessory from artificial flowers. The curiously named Shirley Leaf & Petal Company, founded over 110 years ago in Hastings Old Town. Owner, Brenda Wilson, is supplier of fabricated flower adornments to the likes of Lady Gaga's costume designers, Hollywood film sets and Broadway and West End shows such 'Mamma Mia', 'Mary Poppins' and the new 'Frozen the Musical'. A visit to the tiny basement museum is a must.

www.visit1066country.com/things-to-do/flower-makers-museum-p411891

Nobody knows the South East like we do. Find your perfect event and accommodation on The Beautiful South's website www.visitsoutheastengland.com

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Notes to Editors

Tourism South East is a not-for-profit organisation with a mission to provide services and expertise that supports the performance and growth of tourism businesses and destinations.

High resolution images are available to download from a Drop Box folder.

Contact For further information, and to learn more about opportunities for press trips,

Irene Caswell, Destination PR Manager, 02380 625475 icaswell@tourismse.com