Last Minute Mother's Day Breaks that Won't Break the Bank!

I get that March has crept up on most of us, even that Mother's Day was even more stealthy this year but fear not, you're not too late for getting a special Mother’s day surprise for your Mam. How about a few days away that won’t break the bank? You might even take the trip with her. Who said anything about a bowling ball gift? Not me!

I've come up with some belters for Mothering Sunday that will ensure you hold on to top sibling spot in your Mammy's affections:

Shop till you drop in Birmingham

You can bag flights with Aer Lingus for just €81.98pp, flying out Monday March 16th returning Wednesday March 18th. Then it’s just a short hop on the train into Birmingham New Street from the Airport. The Bull Ring has over 160 shops to choose from, so you’re bound to find something you want/need! 

If you want to stay right across the road from the Bull Ring so you don’t have to lug your shopping around with you, then I recommend the cheap as chips Travelodge Central Birmingham prices start at just €118 for 2 nights B&B for 2 people on amoma.com. That’s flights & 2 nights B&B for less than €300 for you & your Mam. Or you could push the boat out & book the Radisson Blu in Birmingham for €312 for 2 nights B&B.

London, West End Show

How about 3 nights in London with your Momma dearest so you can take in a West End show? Aer Lingus have flights to London Heathrow for €127.97pp Saturday 14th March to Tuesday 17th March.

I found a great centrally located Apartment to rent through ebookers.ie, just a 10 minute walk to Earls Court tube station. Go Native- Earls Court London has a rate of €261.78 for a one bedroom apartment for 3 nights for 2 people.

If you wait till after 6pm, go to the TKTS booth in Leicester Square where you’ll get discounted tickets for West End shows that night. You could also have a look at a previous post I wrote about London with info on some swanky bars, to treat your Mam to a cocktail or two! 

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Dublin's Fair City

If funds can’t stretch that far or you’d prefer just to do one night away (I know with my Mam 1 night is sometimes more than enough!), The Castleknock Hotel & Country Club is the one for you. They have a fantastic Spring Evening Package at the moment which includes 1 night B&B for 2 people, a 4 course meal in their Brasserie Restaurant, full use of the leisure centre and 10% off spa treatments. All this for just €69pp, bargain, I think I might just book this one for myself!

Tell us, are you up to owt exciting this weekend? Will you be printing this and sticking it to the fridge in plain view of your kids/hubbie? Not that we'd condone that type of behaviour but DO IT! 

A Weekend in Birmingham – Cadbury World, Bullring Shopping Centre & Jamie’s Italian!

Last week I left you at Thomas Land in Drayton Manor & we were staying at the holiday Inn Express in Tamworth. We really only need one day in Thomas Land so for our second day in Birmingham we hop on a train for the 40 minute journey to the wonderful Cadbury World!

Take the train from Tamworth to Bournville, change at Birmingham New Street. Return tickets are priced at adult £10.90, child £5.45 & under 5’s free. We usually buy our train tickets on the day at the station.

Thank Crunchie!

You can buy tickets online from Cadbury World and save 5% on door prices. Online: adult £15.15, child £11.12, family (2+2) £46.36 & under 4’s are free. 

From the moment you arrive at Bournville train station you can smell the chocolaty goodness. You can follow the scent or the road signs for the short 15 minute walk to the factory!

Cadbury Adventure

While technically not a factory tour, it’s infinitely better. There are over a dozen adventures & experiences to keep you entertained for most of the day. As you enter a few of them you’ll even get free samples so you can munch your way around on the freshest Cadbury's to ever cross your lips. 

There is even a creation station where you can create your ultimate chocolate treat using a vast array of sweets & treats. Just writing that makes me want to go back for another visit.

Every time we have visited there's free live entertainment provided at the back of the factory. Everything from street dancers in the summer, to a Christmas pantomime in winter. There are also playgrounds, a restaurant & the world’s largest Cadbury shop onsite. Leave room in your suitcase for huge quantities of chocolate! (Like you don't already)

Aoife with a Chuckle Bean!

Cadbury World is decorated beautifully for Christmas. As well as the Christmas pantomime a visit to Santa with a gift is included in the ticket price. You can avail of the family Christmas dinner deal in the restaurant, only £24.95 for 4 meals & 4 drinks.

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Rather than stay in Tamworth for the second night, you could book into the Travelodge Birmingham Central Bullring. You get what you pay for in this hotel, it’s very basic but the huge plus is that it really is central. 

The Bullring shopping centre, containing over 140 shops, is literally just across the road. On the other side of the Bullring is Birmingham New Street train station with easy access to the airport. 

I booked through hotels4u.com & paid £45 for a family room. I found the proximity of the hotel to the shopping centre very handy for sending the hubby back with shopping half way through the day rather than lug it around with us - down there for dancing, up here for thinking!

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If you do go at Christmas you’ll get the added bonus of the Frankfurt Christmas Market which stretches from the Rotunda to ICC, through New Street & Victoria Square. Soaking in these smells & sights will soon have you in the festive mood.

Jamie’s Italian Birmingham

Another huge plus point for staying in the Travelodge is that Jamie’s Italian is also just across the road. We had both lunch & dinner at Jamie’s, the food is divine & reasonably priced. I think I would have stayed there if I could, rather than the hotel! As with all Jamie's, keep a keen eye out for the lemon Martini - my absolute fave. 

All in all, I'd heartily recommend Birmingham as a weekend destination you might not have considered before. It's just a short hop across the water so flights are always reasonably priced. Whether you're bringing the childer to enjoy the attractions or just skirting off on a shopping trip of your own - there's something for everyone in Brumland. 

Are you a Birmingham fan? Anything we should look out for on our next trip?