Helen Peacocke finds places vying to make Mother’s Day special on Sunday

How things change. Mother’s Day was once celebrated with a Simnel cake baked by daughters working in service and away from home. This cake, which was presented to mothers on the fourth Sunday in Lent, was seen as proof that a daughter was being taught to cook by her employers.

As this was often the only day in the year that the daughter was given a day off and allowed to return home, it was a very happy family occasion and one to be celebrated.

The Simnel cake, which is also linked to the Easter holiday, is thought to have been named after Lambert Simnel, who cooked in the kitchens of Henry VII.

It’s a rich fruit cake, which has a layer of almond paste in the centre, is topped with almond paste and decorated with 11 almond balls to represent Christ’s Apostles, excluding Judas.

As it bakes, the almond paste takes on an appetising golden appearance and turns it into a very attractive cake.

This holiday was a particularly joyous occasion, as it permitted the family to eat cake during the Lenten fast, a time when such luxuries were banned.

While some children still bake mothers a cake, today’s mums usually get a gift of flowers or chocolates and may be taken out for lunch, tea or dinner.

Indeed, a whole industry has evolved around the day; so much so that Mother’s Day meals out now have to be booked some considerable time ahead.

One of the most fashionable meals to offer is afternoon tea with champagne. What could be nicer than dainty finger sandwiches, scrumptious hand-baked pastries and a glass of chilled fizz?

However, this champagne treat can only be enjoyed by those aged over 18, so lunch is often the favoured choice when the treat involves the whole family.

For an unusual venue, you can’t go far wrong with the Crazy Bear, Stadhampton, just five miles south-east of Oxford, where live jazz is on offer in the hotel’s attractive glass house during Mother’s Day lunch.

A peach Bellini cocktail is handed to all adult guests on arrival, while a tasty soft drink is offered to youngsters.

The Crazy Bear is known for its exceptional Thai meals, but the Mother’s Day menu is made up of traditional British dishes, including roast Aberdeen Angus beef from Oxfordshire. It costs £39.50, or £20 for under-10s. Call 01865 890714 to book.

To provide mother with a special treat, a trip to the Crazy Bear’s farm shop is a must, particularly if you like Thai food. The day can be concluded with a walk round the historic Ascott Park, established by the Dormer family in the 17th century.

Staff in the farm shop will provide a map and direct you to the lane adjoining the shop, which leads to the park.

Oxford Castle has a Mother’s Day brunch at Malmaison, where extra shellfish are being added to the standard Sunday Brunch and mums will be presented with a glass of champagne. It costs £29.95, or £7.95 for children. Call 0844 693 0659.

The day can be concluded by scaling St George’s Tower for views of Oxford.

Waddesdon Manor is a superb place to take mother for tea. Until March 25, the manor serves teas only at weekends and tables have to be reserved the day before.

Teas include a selection of savoury treats, open sandwiches and delicious pastries including the Waddesdon macaroon and home-made scones. A high tea for children is also offered.

Although the house will be closed, the garden,s aviary and children’s play are open. Cost for tea is £25, including a glass of champagne. The children’s high tea is £8.

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Treats: The Trout

All visitors must pay a garden entry fee of £8 for adults, £4 for children and free to National Trust members. Call 01296 653 226.

The Fox Inn, Boars Hill, is a Chef and Brewer pub, so like all the country pubs in this chain it will be providing a set menu of family favourites, including fish and chips.

There is an informal pub atmosphere and a fantastic view out towards Oxford.

Two courses cost £16.99, three courses are priced at £19.99. Call 01865 735131.

Travel to The Manor at Weston-on-the-Green to enjoy a stylish lunch in a hotel with a history that goes back 900 years.

Guests are invited to treat the place as their home and the four-course lunch, in one of several stunning restaurant rooms, is £29.50, or £15 for children. 01869 350621.

Other establishments worth a visit this weekend include the Old Swan at Minster Lovell, where a Mother’s Day sleepover is on offer, the Feathers Hotel in Woodstock, and The Trout at Tadpole Bridge, Buckland Marsh.