Mother’s Day or Mothering Sunday has a long history and tradition in religious calendars but in recent years it has of course been widely adopted as a must for everyone to mark.

Just in case you've forgotten, Mothers’ Day is approaching, providing the perfect opportunity for you to pamper your mother. Here is some inspiration for things to do in Dorset

A gift she will remember

Mother’s Day is that special day of the year to thank your mum for everything she does. To show her how much you appreciate how wonderful she is, treat her to a fabulous family Mother’s Day lunch or perhaps a night away where she can really relax and be totally spoilt.

The Cottonwood Boutique Hotel on Bournemouth’s East cliff is the perfect setting – the location of this month’s beautiful cover shoot. With its fabulous setting just a few metres from the cliff top, above Bournemouth’s seven miles of golden beaches, and breathtaking panoramic sea views. Retaining the elegance and character of the original Edwardian villa, the hotel is stylish, intimate and has a unique charm.

The perfect Mother’s Day lunch is found at the Cottonwood’s stylish Garden Restaurant or perhaps you would prefer a private family luncheon in the intimate Library for up to fifteen people. A superb three course lunch offers dishes selected by their award winning executive head chef, using ingredients sourced primarily from independent local food producers chosen for their freshness, superior taste and quality – there is even a special gift for mum.

For the ultimate thank you, spoil her with an overnight stay where she can enjoy waking up to unrivalled views over Poole Bay. She can spend her day with a stroll along the cliff top or into Bournemouth town centre offering a cosmopolitan, boutique feel with a mix of shops. She could just soak up the view from the hotel and totally overindulge with one of their renowned afternoon cream teas.

Whatever you choose for your mum, you can be assured she will feel thoroughly spoilt by all at The Cottonwood Boutique Hotel. To view the Mother’s Day menu visit cottonwoodboutique.co.uk. To book call the Cottonwood Boutique Hotel on 01202 553183.

Wine and dine

It is of course one of the busiest times of year for restaurants making it important to book your place early to avoid disappointment. Think where your mum would prefer to go – to the seaside, the countryside, somewhere in the heart of town, somewhere new, or would she favour the restaurant she knows best? It just depends what your own mum would enjoy most. These days, Mother’s Day is celebrated more elaborately than a mere cup of tea in bed and token card, nice as these are. Many sons and daughters take their mum out for a meal which, now that spring is here, is a great way of spending a Sunday lunchtime and spares your mum the task of preparing lunch.

Ultimate rest and relaxation

If you really want to spoil your mother then why not book her a whole weekend away at one of Dorset’s beautiful hotels or spas where she can unwind and relax.

If you are feeling particularly generous, treat her to a beauty treatment, hairdo, manicure or aromatherapy to make her feel truly pampered and preened. Present her spa tickets with a bunch of flowers – roses, carnations and chrysanthemums qualify as the most popular flowers on Mother’s Day in Great Britain.

Weekend retreat

Always the fourth Sunday in Lent, it has been known also as Refreshment Sunday because the Lenten fasting rules were relaxed and where better to break your fast and enjoy a family gathering than in one of Dorset’s lovely hotels, each offering something special for the celebration of Mothers' Day. And why not go that extra mile and hire a special car, complete with chauffeur and champagne. Book a surprise family trip away to a local hotel or cottage, or send your mother and father off together for a quiet, peaceful weekend without the children.

Lights, camera, action

There are many imaginative ways of pampering your mother on her special day. A trip to the theatre to see a play, musical, opera or concert, not necessarily on Mother’s Day itself, would be a lovely way to thank mum for all she has done and continues to do for the family.

Shop 'til you drop

What if you yourself are a mum and are hoping that your children remember Mother’s Day? Well you can try dropping subtle hints, but if all else fails and your children don’t get the message, resolve to treat yourself. After all, spring is in the air, and everyone needs a little self-indulgence to cast aside the dark days of winter. Make a day of it at the shops, splurge on something special and treat your mother to a Mother’s Day lunch to refuel. Put your feet up and enjoy a mini manicure together while you take a pit-stop break from all that retail therapy.