How do I politely decline a weekend away with my mum?

Sandwich! Good, bad, good. "Hey, Mum? I wanted to thank you for your kind invitation. Unfortunately, this isn't a good weekend for me. But it was very nice of you to think of me!" I like this one because we don't want to come across as declining it because we don't like her herself - showing appreciation for her care and kindness let her know it's not her (even if it is). Or! Alternative. "Oh, I'm sorry, this weekend doesn't work for me. How about we grab lunch sometime next week?" I really like this one because sometimes a weekend away just doesn't work - but a smaller, more manageable commitment will prove that you still love her - moving the focus from declining her, to declining the weekend.

You can tell her the truth, or just let her know that u have other plans/things to do at that time. Let her know u appreciate the invite.

People like hearing positive incomes rather than negative ones, no matter what it is. It's not like you're being deceitful, it is what called discreet and abject ways to win people's heart. Try to complement her, put her high above. I don't know how your situation but it can be something like "thank you for your auspicious invitation. It is appealing to be able to spend times with you". then, grovel your attitude. be humble, apologizing. let her know the reasons why you need to back out, that she might consider it's as worth that you didn't join. Declining doesn't mean terminating sometimes. By being polite, you could ask to reconnect with her by spending times together in another time. Hope your mother has a good understanding

Explain to your mum you really cant go this weekend. Not that you dont love spending time with her. Reschedule another time you can make it. Taking the time to let your mother know why you can't go this weekend is also important. It shows you genuinely care and want to, you just can't make it this weekend. Also having a different date set up as a make up trip shows you are willing to take a trip. Communication is the key and being honest. Also not waiting until the last second to tell mom you can't make it unless an emergency came up.