Mum’s the word: Mother/Daughter trips to take now

Celebrate a special occasion with a girls-only trip to one of Europe’s most exciting cities, selected by award-winning writer and editor Amanda Hyde, who has been chronicling her travels for The Sunday Times, The Telegraph, and The Guardian for over a decade.

London: for little ladies

Europe’s most playful capital puts a fun slant on grown-up activities, making it the perfect destination for tweens or teens with their mothers in tow. The first stop should be Anya Hindmarch’s Village in Belgravia, a little line of shops on Pont Street with a rolling roster of pop-ups: currently, it’s home to Anya Says Walk, an Ordnance Survey collaboration selling cute key rings, drinks cups and dog accessories. Stop off in the café for a smiley-face or heart-shaped cake, then stroll to the pink, blossom-filled interior of Nail’d It Belgravia for matching manicures. Alternatively, the more adventurous might prefer a ride around the Serpentine with Hyde Park Stables. Finish up in the Drawing Room at Brown’s Hotel, where Queen Victoria is believed to have taken afternoon tea. Yours will come with sandwiches, scones and cakes, alongside the warmest of welcomes for mother and daughter duos.

Edinburgh: for magic and mystery

J.K Rowling finished writing Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows at The Balmoral Hotel, and the suite she stayed in has been renamed in her honour (see her autograph on its marble bust of Hermes). Time at the hotel means the chance to delve into this city’s unique brand of magic, from the atmospheric alleys of Grassmarket to the Camera Obscura and World of Illusions museum where you can make yourself shrink or disappear, as well as wander through many other mysterious exhibits.  Hop between the city’s incredible bookshops too: with soaring shelves accessed by ladders, Topping Books is particularly fun. Then perhaps try a potion at The Department of Magic. In its Hogwarts-inspired bar, non-alcoholic tipples include Divination Brew, a child-pleasing mix of lemonade, bubblegum syrup and jellybeans.

Rome: for foodie fun

You’ll have to queue for a slice of the good stuff at Pizzarium Bonci, a hole-in-the-wall outlet that’s become a Roman institution since opening in 2003, even making an appearance on Netflix’s Chef’s Table. For pizza-lovers there’s nowhere better, though daughters may have another Italian delicacy on their minds: gelato. Luckily, Hotel de Russie has devised its own gelato experience, during which a local expert takes guests through the alleys and piazzas of the city’s lesser-known neighbourhoods in search of extraordinary ice cream. Next, it’s time for a side-serving of history. The Colosseum is a must-see, and offers a teen-friendly VR experience so you can see how it really looked when gladiators stalked the arena and spectators cheered from the edges. Lastly, for a historic excursion with a sweeter slant, Sciascia Caffè has been serving coffee for more than a century and is a favourite among city dwellers thanks not only to its perfectly roasted beans, but also the finest hot chocolate in town.

Enjoy an extra-special mother-and-daughter trip with Rocco Forte Hotels and savour the memories for years to come