Something for every mum

This weekend celebrate everything which is great about mum. Treat the busiest woman in the world with a day off from the house, work and just being a, well, mum. Whether she's the adventurous type or just looking to relax and unwind, SIMON PARKIN offers some tips.

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GET ADVENTUROUS

Go Ape! High Lodge, Thetford, �30 adults, �20 children (10-17), no under-10s, minimum height 1.4m, max. weight 130kg. More details: 0845 6432034, www.goape.co.uk

Forget the typical bunch of flowers, surprise your mum with a whole forest instead. Spend some quality time together, monkeying around in the treetops at one of the region's most popular adventure attractions in Thetford Forest.

Take mum to dizzying heights where she can relive her wild youth, zipping through the trees in pure abandonment. Will she be daring enough to get to grips with a giant tree top adventure made up of ladders, bridges, tunnels, walkways and wind-in-your-face zip wires; all set some 40ft high up in the treetops? It's the one-day that mums shouldn't have to lift a finger - instead she be able to bring out her wild side.

Fear not, ape instructors will be on hand to show you the ropes in a safety briefing and then you're free to swing, climb, crawl and zip through the trees.

A GARDEN WALK

Fairhaven Woodland and Water Garden, South Walsham, March 14, 11am, �5 adult (�4.50 cons, �2.50 child, under-5s free, dogs on leads 25p. More details: 01603 270449, www.fairhaven.co.uk

The Fairhaven Woodland and Water Garden is over 130 acres of beautiful ancient woodland, water gardens and a private broad in the heart of the Norfolk Broads. The garden was left in trust by the 2nd Lord Fairhaven in 1973, and was opened to the public in 1975.

The garden is renowned for its fabulous collection of candelabra primulas, the best naturalised collection in the UK. This time of year you can expect to see the first signs of colour in the gardens as the seasons start to change and it is a beautiful place to walk and spot the wildlife which inhabit the garden too.

The Mothering Sunday Walk will be led by the head gardener from 11am with a small gift for each mum who visits.

TAKE A RIVER TRIP

Broads Tours, The Bridge, Wroxham, March 14, 11.30am-2pm, �7 adult, �5.50 child, under-5s free, 01603 782207, www.broads.co.uk

Take mum and the whole family aboard a boat to do something a bit different this Mother's Day.

Wrap up warm as you take to the water on the Norfolk Broads on the luxury passenger trip boat and treat mum to a peaceful one a half hour ride among the broads countryside with the chance to spot wildlife.

As an extra treat all mums on board accompanied by her children will receive a free glass of wine.

DINE IN STYLE

Oxburgh Hall/Blickling Hall, March 14, www.nationaltrust.org.uk

A trip to an elegant stately home and a spot of lunch is just the ticket for a Mothering Sunday treat at National

Trust properties in Norfolk.

Treat mum to a roast lunch in the tearoom at Oxburgh Hall (main �9.95, two courses �12.95, three courses �15.50) A fresh flower for every mum. Then why not walk off the lunch by joining one of the garden stewards on a guided tour (11.30am, 1pm and 2pm) and enjoy the spring flowers? Booking advisable (for the lunch only) on 01366 328243.

Alternatively could also pop to Blickling Hall for a Mothering Sunday lunch. The three course meal in the restaurant from 12pm-2.15pm. All meals cost �29.50 and must be booked on 01263 738045. Blickling is also serving traditional English afternoon tea as a special Mothering Sunday treat.

LETTING OFF STEAM

Bure Valley Railway, 01263 733858, www.bvrw.co.uk/Mid-Norfolk Railway, 01362 851723, www.mnr.org.uk

Bure Valley Railway is Norfolk's longest 15-inch gauge line which runs between Aylsham and Wroxham, with country stations serving the villages of Brampton, Buxton and Coltishall.

The 18-mile round trip runs through the picturesque Bure valley countryside and follows the meandering river through meadowland and ancient pasture.

A special steam train Mother's Day lunch package, including a return train ride from Wroxham, complimentary drink at Aylsham, a two-course lunch and a gift is �19.50 adult, �10 children. The train departs Wroxham at 11.10am on March 14. Places must be pre-booked.

The Mid-Norfolk Railway Preservation Trust was established in 1995 with the aim of buying and restoring the then-disused line between Dereham and Wymondham.

They are running a Mother's Day Cream Tea Special. Enjoy a journey through the lovely Norfolk countryside to Wymondham and back. Tea will be served en route. Trains depart from Dereham Station at 1pm and 3.15pm. Tickets: �10 adult, �6 children, including train travel and cream tea.

FAMILY FANTASY

BeWILDerwood, off A1062 Horning Road, Hoveton, Wroxham, March 14, �11 adult (�8.50 cons), �11-�7 children (depending on height), under 3ft free, 01603 783900, www.bewilderwood.co.uk

Have fun with your mum at this special Sunday at the fantasy adventure attraction in the Wroxham wilds. Make her a flowery treat to take home, challenge her to a wobbly wires race or brave the new tricky tunnels purposefully pink wall together! Plus you can make her a lovely card, decorate it with flowers, glitter and sparkly things. One mum goes free with every group.