Something special for a 70th

[AttaThat]

Would love any ideas for something special for my mum’s 70th. Budget max £1,000, which could do a fancy outing for 4 adults, or something a bit less fancy and include our young kids. Big party not really an option.

Took her to Le Manoir for her 60th. Went on holiday for her 50th. Glyndebourne would be ideal, but it would require an overnight stay for us and that’s a pain with babysitters. We’re near Milton Keynes, so London, Oxford, Cambridge, Cotswolds doable.

Afternoon tea at Claridges, you could include the children as well within your budget.

What does she like?

Ask her. All I wanted for mine was a big family lunch with all our kids and that’s what I got.

I will ask her so I know I’m in the right ballpark, but she won’t ask for something particularly special! I had to spring the fancy lunch on her last time, she would have refused it as too expensive if I’d suggested it.

My brother and SIL took my mum to see Mama Mia for one of her birthdays and she loved it. He organised everything: train there and back, show and dinner (other shows are available 😃).

Can't replicate Glyndebourne, but in the Oxford area you have Garsington of course.

As a Wildcard, if she is a keen outdoors person what about a weekend away in North Norfolk in April/May? It is as beyond Cambridge as is the Cotswolds from MK. The Orange Tree at Thornham would do you two nights, the Hoste Arms at Burnham Market one night for that price. You have great walks on amazing beaches there.

Kids would be extra, but not much more. A weekend out of peak season would get you a holiday let to accommodate all. Take a camera and give her a multi-picture frame afterwards with your key moments. You can buy these there.

I am approaching that milestone. All I would like is friends, family, good food, wine & a laid back day. With £1,000 that sounds very possible to me.

And I would H A T E afternoon tea - so patronisingly ageist to think that is what the "Elderly" want!

That’s exactly what I wanted - and got. It doesn’t have to be special, just nice. And piss off with your “elderly” @magimedi! 😉

My daughter took me for a champagne afternoon tea for my 50th and I enjoyed it very much.

Ask her what she likes
Consider how active she is
Then decide

We booked my mum a fancy big Airbnb for 2 nights with all her children and grandchildren. It was perfect because we did kid friendly things during the day and had drinks in the hot tub in the evening when they were asleep

Tickets for the Royal opera house at Covent garden
Day trip on The Orient Express (have done this, was fab)
Day trip flight to the Northern Lights
Dinner at Tom Kerridge at the Corinthian Hotel

I’ve a few years to go til 70, love this idea.

My mum was 70 recently. I got us tickets to go and see Take That… she’s always wanted to see them. She cried! (With happiness 😆)