VISIT Essex, the county’s tourism organisation, has pulled out the red carpet and is presenting the top ten spots in Essex to treat mums to some luxurious stately Bridgerton style.

Councillor Mark Durham, Chair of Visit Essex, explains: “Mum’s work hard every day of the year and Mother’s Day is the ideal time to show our appreciation. It’s wonderful to treat them to some Bridgerton style and Essex is blessed with some inspiring grand houses. We also have fantastic food, top quality service to with the wonderful locations, so mums feel truly cherished.”

The top ten places in Essex to treat mums to Bridgerton style this Mother’s Day are:  

1 Audley End House and Gardens

For a spot of Georgian glamour, Audley End House and Gardens near Saffron Walden is the perfect setting for a Mother’s Day adventure. The stately home is one of England’s grandest, complete with opulent state rooms, manicured parterre gardens, and sweeping parkland landscaped by legendary garden architect Capability Brown.

Inside there are glittering Victorian entertaining rooms, historic library, and the beautifully restored kitchen and service quarters that bring the life ‘below stairs’ to reality. Outside, the gardens are awakening with spring blossoms and bulbs coming into life. The café also offers freshly baked afternoon teas, an ideal treat for mum’s big day out.

2 Hylands House

Hylands House is a magnificent Grade II* listed property on the outskirts of Chelmsford with over 500 acres of rolling parkland, formal gardens, pleasure gardens, and lakeside walks, perfect for a relaxed spring wander with the family.

Inside, the meticulously restored rooms showcase everything from ornate period drawing rooms to the vivid colours of the Chinese parlour. And with the nearby café serving lunch and treats, Mother’s Day is sorted. Hylands delivers a great day out for mothers and children of all ages

3 Copped Hall, Epping

This impressive Georgian mansion is currently undergoing restoration. A visit to this stately home offers a different kind of experience – one where the layers of history are still visible, and the story of the house continues to unfold.

For Mother’s Day, the gardens are the highlight, especially as spring bulbs burst into colour. Snowdrops, hellebores and daffodils create a picturesque backdrop to leisurely strolls, with views stretching across the terraces and down into the landscaped grounds.

4 Southchurch Hall and Gardens

For a stately home near the sea, head to Southchurch Hall in Southend, which offers medieval architecture and serene garden settings. This moated manor house, now a museum, gives visitors a glimpse into domestic life from the Middle Ages to the Tudor and Elizabethan periods.

The hall itself is awe-inspiring, with timber framing, period furnishings, and interpretive displays perfect for families exploring with younger children or mums who love history. Outside, the gardens and moat create a peaceful oasis amidst the bustle of Southend. The gardens provide a lovely spot for a relaxing walk or quiet reflection before heading out to Southend’s ever-popular seafront.

5 Wivenhoe House Hotel

A beautiful 18th-century manor house set amongst acres of parkland. Its rich history includes connections to the famous artist John Constable, and the house retains a refined, graceful atmosphere perfect for a celebratory afternoon tea.

Wivenhoe House’s afternoon tea features freshly baked scones, delicate sandwiches and patisseries. It’s a wonderfully relaxing way to spoil mum, especially when paired with a cheeky flute of fizz.

6 Tiptree Tearooms

For mums who appreciate tradition, Tiptree Tearooms offer a nostalgic and charming afternoon escape. Whether a visit the original tearoom in Tiptree or one of their locations across Essex, mums can expect homemade cakes, scones, blended teas, and of course the famous Tiptree jams.

7 RHS Hyde Hall

Mums who love gardens will adore RHS Hyde Hall, where afternoon tea comes with one of the county’s most beautiful natural backdrops. After wandering through the sweeping hillside gardens, glasshouse displays, and early-spring plants, settle into the café or the Barn Restaurant for a relaxed seasonal afternoon tea experience. Hyde Hall offers a peaceful, luxurious way to spend quality time together.

8 Downham Hall Restaurant

Dine like Downton’s Crawleys at Downham Hall; this beautiful country house provides the perfect setting for a spectacular Mother’s Day meal. Their fine-dining menu is crafted around local seasonal produce, with elegant plating and flavours that celebrate Essex’s rich food heritage.

The atmosphere at Downham is refined and welcoming, ideal for making mum feel special without the formality of an ultra-high-end restaurant.

9 Greyfriars, Colchester

Set in the heart of historic Colchester, Greyfriars offers one of the most elegant dining experiences in the city. Treat mum to fresh seasonal produce in the stylish Art Deco Cloisters restaurant for a very special Mother’s Day. There’s Colchester oysters on the a la carte menu, as well as lobster, wood pigeon or wild venison.

10 Cruise Essex – Fambridge

For something a little different, treat mum to afternoon tea aboard a cruise along the river Crouch. Departing from North Fambridge, Cruise Essex offers scenic river voyages where mums can enjoy tea while watching marshland wildlife, sailboats gliding by and the calming expanse of the estuary.

It’s tranquil, memorable, and perfect for mums who love being near the water or enjoy something a little unusual. Don’t forget to pack a blanket to keep everyone wrapped up warm!

To discover more places to treat mums, go to www.visitessex.com.