Travel
Free things to do and free days out for Mother's Day 2026
by Sainsbury's magazine
Celebrating Mother’s Day outside of the home may typically include a nice brunch, luxe afternoon tea, pricey theatre tickets or an extravagant dinner – so it’s easy to see how the cost of a celebratory day out can quickly spiral. She is, of course, worth every penny, but this year, why not take advantage of the many free days out and treats being offered to mums across the Mother’s Day weekend? Try one of our zero-cost ideas or search online for ‘mums go free’ on Google or eventbrite.com to find events, restaurants, museums and attractions near you with special offers. These usually apply to all mother figures, but check each site for full terms and conditions.
Outdoor adventures
Take a walk on the wild side at a nature reserve or zoo.
- Walk through a world of wonder at Somerset's Wookey Hole, where mums go free for the whole weekend (14-15 March) with a full-paying adult or child when tickets are booked online. Even better? Mums also get a free ice cream!
- Lincolnshire Wildlife Park welcomes mums for free with one of her full-paying children (of any age!) over the Mother’s Day weekend. Plan a visit to see their famous wildcats and one of the world’s largest parrot rescue centres. Buy the paid-for ticket online or in person, and then Mum doesn’t need a ticket at all.
- At Blackberry Farm Park in East Sussex, mums get free park entry with a full-paying child on 15 March, to enjoy the family-run farm with tractor rides, animal meet and greets, and play areas.
- Book tickets for Longleat in advance using the code 'MUM26' and mums go free with one full-paying adult or child ticket, to enjoy the wildlife and beautiful surrounds.
Have a scream
Theme parks often have ‘mums go free’ offers, so the kids are entertained all day.
- Gulliver’s Valley theme park in Sheffield has slides, rides, roller coasters and interactive shows for a full-on family day out. Adult tickets are free with one full- paying child across the Mother’s Day weekend.
- Flamingo Land in Malton, North Yorkshire has a zoo as well as theme park rides and shows each day. Mums go free on 15 March with a general admission ticket – and they can enjoy a complimentary glass of prosecco (or a non-alcoholic alternative) with a main meal ordered at the Coach House.
Culture fix
- Floors Castle in Roxburghshire is the largest inhabited house in Scotland, and opens the expansive grounds, Victorian walled garden and children’s play park to everyone for free over Mother’s Day weekend.
- In West Sussex, Amberley Museum open-air industrial heritage site offers mums free pre-booked entry on Mother’s Day to experience the ancient craft village, pottery workshop and nature trails.
- Don’t forget UK-wide museums with permanent free exhibitions and events, such as the National Museum of Scotland.
Mum's the word
Treating mum to a special bake, edible gift or lunch at home? Don't miss our best Mother's Day recipes.
