Celebrating Mother’s Day in the Netherlands

With Mother’s Day right around the corner, it’s time to celebrate all the wonderful mother-figures in our lives. Whether its brilliant mums, step-mums, aunts or grandmothers, spending quality time with loved-ones is a wonderful way to enjoy Mother’s Day. The Netherlands has plenty to offer those looking to get away and treat their mums this Mother’s Day and beyond.

Here are our top mum-friendly activities in the Netherlands.

Give the gift of flowers

Mother’s Day and the Netherlands are both synonymous with beautiful flowers – giving a bouquet is a Mother’s Day tradition, whilst Dutch tulips are famous around the world. The renowned Keukenhof flower park reopens on 21 March, just in time for Mother’s Day. A visit to the spring park is a great alternative to giving mum a bunch of flowers. Learn about the history of the tulip, explore the Bulbs & Bikes garden to see traditional Dutch displays and enjoy being amongst seven million spring-flowering bulbs!  The theme of the 2020 park will be A World of Colours, with vibrant hyacinths, tulips and more on display until 10 May.

To book tickets and find out more go to: https://keukenhof.nl/en/

Enjoy afternoon tea

A glamorous afternoon tea is a great way to make a fuss over mum. Whilst it is typically British, the Dutch do it well too! There are a range of great afternoon teas across the Netherlands, but Rotterdam is home to arguably the quirkiest tea in the country. Ascend the Euromast and enjoy an afternoon tea from the highest point in the Netherlands. Soak in panoramic views across the city whilst enjoying unlimited tea and sweet and savoury snacks. Prefer a little bit of the bubbly? The Euromast also has a ‘high wine’ offering, where guests can enjoy delicious bubbles, wine and delicious snacks.

To reserve, head to https://euromast.nl/en/wining-dining/high-tea/

Indulge in some retail therapy

Hoping to spoil someone who can be a little fussy? Why not take them on a shopping break where they can pick their own gift! The Netherlands is home to plenty of excellent shopping destinations, with a mix of outlet malls, shopping streets and trendy boutiques. Whilst Amsterdam and The Hague are both excellent for shopaholics, it is Rotterdam that is home to the world’s first pedestrian-only shopping plaza, Lijnbaan. Lijnbaan is home to a wide range of Dutch and international shops, and there are a number of streets that intersect with it. Antique hunters and vintage lovers may find more joy at the boutiques and flea markets of Amsterdam.

Unwind at a spa

There’s no better way to spoil a loved one than with a trip to a spa. Mums will love unwinding in a luxurious sauna, or by enjoying a relaxing massage or facial. Thermen Bad Nieuweschans, near Groningen, is the perfect retreat for a Mother’s Day break. A wonderful, relaxing setting, the property is home to a thermal spring and number of saunas and baths. There are also a wide range of treatments available, including massages and facials.

For more information and to book, go to: https://www.thermenbadnieuweschans.nl

Treat her to a wine tasting experience

Wine tasting or winery tours are both fun and educational – discover all the secrets of winemaking whilst also savouring some delicious samples! Tastings can vary from the more intense, educational kind, to luxurious tastings with food pairings. As the home of Gouda, there are plenty of great wine and cheese experiences in the Netherlands biggest cities, and those visiting Amsterdam can even enjoy a cheese and wine cruise down the canals! Don’t forget to grab a bottle of mum’s favourite at the end of the tasting!

Get back to nature

Is Mum more of an outdoorsy type? With Mother’s Day falling in spring, it’s a great time to explore the Netherlands gorgeous countryside. There are miles of cycle routes throughout the country waiting to be explored, or there is nature spotting to be done in the country’s finest area of scenic beauty, Veluwe National Park. This park is great for challenging cycling routes.

Cycling enthusiasts can also head to the De Weerribben-Wieden National Park. Whilst here a visit to Giethoorn, also known as the Venice of Holland, is definitely a great idea

Whatever you decide to do, make sure you don’t forget the date – 22 March, 2020