She doesn't want a party!

[DamnaThatOnesTaken]

I couldn't find the section for this I know I'm not in the right bit.

My mum is turning 60 next year. She doesn't want a party as she doesn't like people bar very immediate family. But she wants us to surprise her with something. What she deserves is a week at centre Parcs. However we don't have the budget for this.

Can anyone recommend something to do for her? What we currently have planned is a family bike round around a lake followed by a meal in a fancy restaurant. It doesn't seem big enough! I have bought her a photo shoot for her and her pets as a present but still need an actual celebration! She is very fit and healthy (fitter than me) so outdoor activities are not out of the question.

Could you not book a weekend stay somewhere nice, and do the cycle ride and fancy meal there instead of near where she lives?

The photoshoot sounds great by the way!

How about afternoon of something like go ape followed by a night in one of those places where you stay in tents and stargaze?

I like the idea of staying somewhere. There is a hotel by the lake we were planning to bike around (it isn't where she lives) so might ask her husband if he wants to book a night there as he doesn't have a present sorted yet as far as I'm aware. So it will be bike ride, fancy meal, stay in fancy hotel with breakfast. Do you think that sounds decent enough for a 60th?!

I also like the idea of go ape but it needs to be toddler proof too lol!!

I'm 55 and active and I would hate Go Ape! The hotel etc sounds nice

I will be 60 soon and I have let my children know that what I would really like is a long weekend with all of my family together in a really nice holiday house preferably with a pool and things for the grandchildren to do so that we don't feel we have to go out or find entertainment unless we want to. I don't like parties either but I love my family.

There's tons of cheap deals to be had for breaks. On AirBnB you can hire whole properties and if there's a few of you going, it works out really cheap. I've currently got my eye on staying in a luxury yurt that I've seen on there.

Also, Check out some local spas. My local spa does a full pamper day with lunch for £59pp.

Not sure where in the UK you are, but what about a day / weekend trip to London to see the sights? Especially the free ones.

The hotel and all of it sounds lovely do that it doesn't have to be a grand gesture to make it a special birthday.

Im nearly 50 I would think my Dds hated me if we went to go ape

What time of year is her birthday? If out of typical holiday season it's definitely worth looking for holiday cottages, lodges etc as you can get some great bargains