A milestone birthday, a graduation, or simply the realisation that too much time has passed since the last proper catch-up: there is rarely a wrong moment for a mother-daughter getaway. Whether the appeal is culture, shopping or a serene spa break, here are four European cities for a girls’ trip, whatever the age of your girl.
Tasty sweets and cultural treats in Brussels
Best for: preteen daughters
Spend a day exploring the kid-friendly museums that are dotted around the city. At the Comic Art Museum, for example, trace the tales of Tintin, admire the colourful designs and immerse yourselves in a three-dimensional Smurf village where your daughter can make a smurfing group of little blue friends.
At open-air Mini Europe at Bruparck, discover the history and culture of the 27 member states of the European Union and the United Kingdom through small-scale iconic landmarks such as Big Ben, the Eiffel Tower and the Trevi Fountain. You can even set off a mini eruption at Mount Vesuvius and see traditional Dutch windmills turn.
Given Belgium is famous for its delicious sweet treats, a trip to Choco-Story is also essential. There you can see live demonstrations with a master chocolatier and even try some of the melt-in-the-mouth treats.
If your sweet tooth still isn't satisfied, try a traditional Belgian waffle from one of the many street vendors as you wander cobbled streets. Or, even better, head to Bar Magritte at Hotel Amigo for Le Joueur Gourmand: a surreal afternoon treat inspired by René Magritte's fascination with chess, where miniature sweet and savoury delights by Belgian pastry icon Marc Ducobu arrive as pieces on a chessboard. Enjoy with a fresh pot of tea, or a cocktail for mum, and reflect on all the highlights from your getaway.
Storybook streets and afternoon tea in Edinburgh
Best for: tween daughters
Start with a wander down Victoria Street, the cobbled, colourful curve of independent shops in the Old Town that twists its way down towards the Grassmarket. With its higgledy-piggledy storefronts and overhanging signs, it's no wonder this stretch is said to have inspired Harry Potter’s Diagon Alley. Browse for curiosities along the way, then make for the charming, village-like neighbourhood of Stockbridge, replete with artisan boutiques, cafes and restaurants. The award-winning Golden Hare Books is a particular favourite amongst well-read locals.
For a rainy afternoon, head to the National Museum of Scotland. Free to enter and packed with everything from dinosaur skeletons to ancient Egyptian artefacts, including Dolly the cloned sheep, it has something to spark every tween interest. The Grand Gallery, with its soaring Victorian iron-and-glass roof, is worth the trip alone.
End your day back at The Balmoral, with afternoon tea in Palm Court. The scones arrive with Balmoral jam from Heather Hills Farm – a fitting end to an Edinburgh day.
Rejuvenate and relax in Munich
Best for: teenage daughters
Although Bavaria’s stunning capital Munich is well-known for its annual Oktoberfest, there is actually a great deal more to the city than beer gardens. It's a great spot for a mother-daughter weekend away.
On clear days, go to the magnificent Baroque Nymphenburg Palace, a 15-minute drive from The Charles Hotel, and explore the elegant interiors with spectacular frescos on the ceilings, gold finishings throughout the bedchambers and long, beautiful corridors – perfect for dancing through like a princess. The real jewel in the palace’s crown is the surrounding park with cascading fountains, intricate statues and a lake surrounding a tall pagoda.
For a spot of relaxation after your day exploring the city, check into The Charles Spa, often named the best spa in the city, and enjoy a mother-daughter spa day in the urban oasis. The spa welcomes kids with special tailor-made treatments using only natural and non-toxic products. These include a targeted Teen Facial designed for young skin, a Chill Out Massage to cure any ails from heavy school bags and even a Bling Bling Nails manicure.
Wine, dine and shop ’til you drop in Florence
Best for: adult daughters
Ranked one of the most beautiful cities in the world by Forbes, Florence is a great place to combine culture, fun and the perfect Instagram shot with your daughter. Spend your days in Florence exploring the Historic Centre, which has been named a World Heritage Site by UNESCO and remains remarkably unchanged from Renaissance-era Italy.
After snapping some fabulous photos atop Brunelleschi’s Dome, from which you can see a panoramic view of the city, walk over to Via de’Tornabuoni, four minutes from Hotel Savoy, and spend the rest of the day exploring the stores of the area, from world-famous brands to small boutiques and charming jewellery stores.
Come evening, indulge in an elegant dinner at Irene, the hotel’s elegant trattoria that overlooks the Piazza del Duomo. Recently refreshed by Lydia Forte and redesigned by Lady Olga in tribute to her mother, Lady Irene Forte, the restaurant is the work of three generations of Forte women, and an apt dining destination for any mother and daughter. Afterwards, retreat to Bar Artemisia for a nightcap, the perfect place to raise a toast to its namesake: Artemisia Gentileschi, one of Baroque's greatest artists and a female trailblazer.
Make autumn the season for a mother-daughter getaway with Rocco Forte Hotels in Brussels, Edinburgh, Munich or Florence.
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