Treat your mum to a special day out with the National Trust

Delight her with a delicious afternoon tea or take her to do something that she loves, whether it’s a walk in a glorious garden, an adventure on bikes or an afternoon discovering something new.

Whatever you choose to do, give the gift of time this Mother’s Day and make it her special day.

Here’s the National Trust’s top 10 places to visit:

*Castle Ward: Enjoy a guided stroll around Castle Ward through the exotic Victorian sunken garden and the stunning demesne. Then relax in the Stableyard to the sounds of Vivaldi and other classical works - Walks: 11am to 12.15pm and 3pm to 4.15pm. Music: 1pm to 3.30pm. Hire a bicycle and explore the miles of new trails or indulge in cream teas in Lord Bangor’s Sitting Room and enjoy a self guided tour of the house. Mothers receive free entry when accompanied by two paying children under 16 years.

*Mount Stewart: With a surprise around every corner the gardens of Mount Stewart are a must-see for garden loving mums. There’s the Spanish pavilion that looks like a theatre set, political planting in the Shamrock Garden and colour-driven beds in the Italian, Sunken and White gardens. Relax in the Bay Restaurant and visit the garden shop to take home a souvenir piece of Mount Stewart.

*Rowallane Garden: Be inspired by this enchanting garden’s dazzling array of exotic species from the four corners of the globe. Created in the mid 1860s by the Reverend John Moore, and his nephew Hugh Armytage Moore from 1903, this informal plantsman’s garden reflects the beautiful natural landscape of the surrounding area. Take a tranquil walk around the Rock Garden Wood or follow the farmland trail to the summit of trio Hill.

*The Argory: Say thanks to mum with a day at The Argory. Enjoy afternoon tea in the Octagon Room, and live entertainment with craft activities for Mum and the children. Built in the 1820s, this handsome Irish gentry house is surrounded by a wooded riverside estate with wonderful vistas and riverside walks. The former home of the MacGeough Bond family, a tour of this Neo-classical masterpiece reveals it is unchanged since 1900s - the eclectic interior still evoking the family’s Edwardian tastes and interests.

*Springhill: Springhill has a beguiling spirit that captures the heart of every visitor. Enjoy walks along the way marked paths and strolls around the walled garden overflowing with flowers and herbs. Its welcoming charm reveals a family home that brings to life the many generations of Lenox-Conynghams who lived here from 1680.

*Carrick-a-Rede: Take the exhilarating rope bridge challenge and enjoy a truly unique cliff top experience. Set on the North Antrim Coast Road, amid unrivalled coastal scenery, the 30m-deep and 20m-wide chasm is traversed by an amazing rope bridge that was traditionally erected by salmon fishermen. Visitors bold enough to cross to the rocky island are rewarded with fantastic views.

*Downhill Demesne and Hezlett House: Visit the stunning landscape of Downhill Demesne, and discover the striking 18th century mansion of the eccentric Earl Bishop that now lies in ruins, then explore Mussenden Temple, perched on the cliff edge. s an extra treat learn about the reality of life in the rural 17th century cottage of Hezlett House. Built in 1691, Hezlett House is one of the oldest thatched cottages left standing in Northern Ireland.

*Patterson’s Spade Mill: See history literally forged in steel at the last working water-driven spade mill in daily use in the British Isles. Hear the hammers, smell the grit, feel the heat and witness the thrill of traditional spade-making. Guided tours vividly capture life during the Industrial Revolution and dig up the history and culture of the humble spade.

*Castle Coole: Savour the exquisite stately grandeur of this stunning 18th century mansion set in a historic wooded landscape park - ideal for family walks. As one of Ireland’s finest Neo-classical houses, the sumptuous Regency interior provides a rare treat for visitors to glimpse what life was like in the home of the Earls of Belmore.

*Florence Court: This beautiful park, gardens and surrounding forest, offer fantastic opportunities for all the family to enjoy. There are miles of walking and cycle trails, a playground for the children and the opportunity to discover more about nature with our adventure Tracker Packs. Alternatively relax in the peaceful gardens and enjoy stunning views to mountain scenery. At the centre of the demesne lies Florence Court house, one of the most charming and beautiful Georgian mansions in Ulster.