Wondering how to celebrate Mother’s Day in Hampshire in 2026? Luckily, we’re spoilt with choice when it comes to planning a special day out or treat. From cosy country pubs and scenic walks to beautiful gardens and historic attractions, there’s no shortage of ways to enjoy Mothering Sunday in Hampshire.
However, if you’re looking for something a little different this year, you’re in the right place.
This guide focuses on unique Mother’s Day ideas to make the day truly memorable. From alpaca experiences and vineyard tours to heritage railways and champagne high tea, here are the best unique things to do for Mother’s Day in Hampshire in 2026.
Mothering Sunday falls on Sunday 15th March 2026, so now is the perfect time to start planning!
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Walk an alpaca in the Hampshire countryside

If you’re looking for a completely different Mother’s Day experience in Hampshire, book a meet-and-greet experience at Pennybridge Farm in North Hampshire.
This two-hour experience includes meeting, feeding and walking the alpacas. It’s good fun and you’ll learn so much about these lovely animals, whilst enjoying the fresh country air.
Walking alpacas is genuinely one of the most unique things to do for Mother’s Day experiences in Hampshire – We loved it.
Top tip – You can sometimes find discounted offers on Groupon.
Explore Exbury Gardens
Exbury Gardens always looks great in spring and for Mother’s Day 2026 they’re offering half-price admission for mums.
Famous for its spectacular rhododendrons, camellias, and woodland walks, Exbury starts coming into bloom in March. As well as flowers, you can enjoy lunch at Mr Eddys or book onto one of their special “Build a Bouquet for Mother’s Day” workshops. Pre-booking is essential for the workshops.
Step back in time at Jane Austen's House

Book-loving mums will adore a visit to Jane Austen’s House in Chawton, where she lived and wrote her most famous novels.
Set in a Grade-I listed building, the museum is brimming with memoirs and souvenirs from Jane Austen’s life. You could extend your Mothering Sunday day out in Hampshire with a walk to Chawton House, where her brother lived, or lunch in the village pub.
For more details: A visit to Jane Austen’s House, Chawton
Tour the Bombay Sapphire Distillery

For gin-loving mums, a guided tour at the Bombay Sapphire Distillery is a fantastic way to spend Mother’s Day.
Set within a beautifully restored mill on the River Test, the site includes two stylish glasshouses. On the tour, you’ll learn about the history of the site, the gin-making process and enjoy a gin and tonic inside their cinema room.
It’s a really enjoyable day out and one of the most unusual Mother’s Day gift experiences in Hampshire. Read about our visit to Bombay Sapphire.
Champagne high tea "in the clouds" at Spinnaker Tower
For a real wow-factor celebration, book a champagne high tea “in the Clouds” experience at Spinnaker Tower.
Served high above Portsmouth Harbour, this Mother’s Day experience includes:
- A Champagne afternoon tea
- Full access to the tower
- A thrilling walk across the Glass Sky Walk
Afterwards, you could head to Gunwharf Quays for some outlet shopping or explore the waterfront at Portsmouth Harbour.
For a more traditional Mother’s Day afternoon tea in Hampshire, try one of these:
Visit Gilbert White's House & Gardens

For a relaxed day out in Selborne, head to Gilbert White’s House & Gardens.
This elegant 18th-century house celebrates the works of pioneering naturalist Gilbert White and his explorer cousins. After a look round the museum and gardens, you can enjoy a countryside walk or lunch in the pub in Selborne.
For more details: Gilbert White’s House & walks in Selborne
Enjoy a Segway ride at Moors Valley Country Park
For mums who love nature and the great outdoors, book a Forest Segway experience at Moors Valley Country Park, on the edge of the Hampshire borders. Your mum will have loads of fun whizzing through the woodlands trails, whilst connecting with nature.
Other unique things to do with your mum on Mother’s Day is Axe-Throwing at the Go Ape Centre in Southampton.
Go cycling in the New Forest

Another option for mums in Hampshire who like being outdoors is a bike ride in the New Forest.
Cycling in the New Forest is a great way to enjoy quality time outdoors on Mothering Sunday and can include the whole family. There are traffic-free routes for all abilities and several rental shops where you can hire bikes. You could even hire an e-bike for an easier ride.
Finish your bike ride with tea and cake in Lyndhurst or Brockenhurst.
Discover the Secrets of the Titanic in Southampton
The Secrets of the Titanic Guided Walking Tour is a fascinating and different way to spend Mother’s Day in Hampshire.
You’ll visit key maritime landmarks and learn about the city’s connection to the Titanic. It’s an interesting day out for history-loving mums.
Visit a Hampshire vineyard
A vineyard tour makes a lovely alternative to a traditional lunch booking and there are several good vineyards in Hampshire to choose from.
- Hattingley Valley Wines – a 2-hour tour to see behind the scenes at the vineyard
- Hambledon Vineyard – explore the wine estate in the beautiful South Downs
Both offer behind the scene tours and you can enjoy some award-winning English sparkling wine, the perfect way to toast Mothering Sunday in 2026.
Mother's day lunch on the Watercress Line
For a nostalgic day out with your mum, book a Mother’s Day lunch aboard a heritage steam train on the Watercress Line. You can enjoy a three course dinner as you travel across 10 miles of Hampshire countryside, making it a very memorable way to celebrate.
More ideas for Mother's Day:
If you’re happy to travel slightly further, you could look at these ideas for Mother’s Day in Surrey or extend your celebration with a London day out, such as
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