Mother’s Day 2024: Things to do in south east London

With Mother’s Day fast approaching, many people will be looking for ways to mark the occasion with that special person in their life.

We’ve put together some of the best things to do in south east London we think you shouldn’t miss this Mother’s Day, from cupcake decorating to afternoon tea at a famous landmark.

Have afternoon tea at the Painted Hall in Greenwich

When? Sunday, March 10, timeslots are available from 1 – 2:30pm and 3:30 – 5pm.

How much? £65 for an adult and £40 for a child, which includes a milkshake.

For the first time for Mother’s Day, the Painted Hall in Greenwich will be hosting an afternoon tea experience.

Known as Britain’s Sistine Chapel, the Painted Hall in Greenwich’s Old Royal Naval College is a stunning 18th century building with 200 painted figures.

The afternoon tea will feature a selection of sweet and savoury bites, including finger sandwiches, scones and cakes, along with a selection of teas from Hope & Glory.

Guests will also be serenaded to music provided by a live harpist to compliment the beautiful baroque interiors of the hall.

The menu also features a gluten free and vegan friendly option too, for diners with dietary needs.

Try your hand at pottery painting

How much? Prices start at £6 with an additional £5 booking fee

If your mum is into crafts, why not book yourself in for a pottery painting slot at the Pottery Painting Studio at the Find Store in Lee?

It offers a gift shop, café and pottery painting space, where guests can choose from a range of items to paint, from mugs to ornaments, with prices starting at £6.

An additional fee of £5 will also be charged on top of the cost of items painted, which covers the cost to glaze and finish the item before you take it home.

Visit the Broadway Theatre for a Mother’s Day comedy special

When? Sunday, March 10, 8pm-11pm

How much? £15 to £30

If comedy is your mum’s thing, head over to the Broadway Theatre in Catford for an evening of comedy and live music with The Comedy Warehouse, for their Mother’s Day Special.

The show will feature guest performances from comedians such as Richard Blackwood, Curtis Walker and Kane Brown, and live music from The Marley Experience playing some of the late singer's best hits.

See views of London from an IFS Cloud Cable Car

Where? Edmund Halley Way, London, SE10 0FR

How much? One-way fares £6 for an adult and £3 for a child, or return for £12 for an adult and £6 for a child

If you’re looking to see London from above this Mother’s Day, the IFS Cloud Cable car is a great option, offering links between East London and Greenwich. 

See the south east London skyline at 90 metres high aboard the IFS Cloud Cable Car, where you’ll be able to see landmarks like The O2, Canary Wharf, Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, St Paul’s Cathedral and the Gherkin.

The IFS Cloud Cable Car claims to be the highest observation point on the Thames and is open from early morning until late evening, giving you great views of London at different times of the day.

You can take a cable car ride from the Greenwich Peninsula, which will take you on a 1km ride to the Royal Docks located near ExCel London.

Learn to decorate cupcakes

Where? Blueberry's / Jerome's kitchen, 121 Lee Road, London, SE3 9DS

When? Saturday, March 9, 12pm - 2pm

How much? £42.50

If you’re looking to hone your cake decorating skills and eat some whilst you're at it, this fun cupcake decorating class at Blueberry’s in Lee High Road might be the perfect activity this Mother’s Day.

During the class you’ll learn how to decorate six cupcakes which you can also gift to your mum as a present or share between you.

Host Ayo will teach your piping techniques, taking you through the process of decorating your cupcakes using colourful icing, edible decorations and more.

Have a cream tea with live music at one of Bexley’s micropubs

Where? Hopper's Hut, 1 Invicta Parade, High Street, Sidcup, DA14 6ER

When? Sunday, March 10, 4pm-6pm

How much? £15 per person

If you’re looking for a glass of fizz, a sweet treat and some live music, this event at The Hopper’s Hut incorporates all of that for £15 per person.

Have a cream tea and listen to live music featuring Aiden Kent, who appeared on ITV’s Starstruck and is well known for his Frank Sinatra-style performances.

Places must be booked in advance by contacting the venue.

Have a go at making your own candles and lip balm

Where? Aura Organics, 10 Turnpin Ln, Greenwich Market, SE10 9JA

When? March 8 at 12pm and 6pm, March 9 at 11am, 1.30pm and 4pm and March 10 at 12pm and 4.30pm

How much? £60 per person

If your mum loves getting craft and loves beauty, this candle making and lip balm making class is the perfect activity to try your mum.

Located in Aura Organics in Greenwich Market, these classes offer you the chance to hand at making your own personalised scented candle and lip balm.

You’ll also get a glass of complimentary prosecco or wine to toast to mark the occasion as well.