Discover the Spectacular Wildflower Meadows Near Daisy Chain
If you’re visiting the Cotswolds in the Spring, you’re in for a treat. From mid-April to the end of May, the countryside bursts into colour as wildflowers bloom across ancient meadows and nature reserves. Two of the most impressive wildflower displays in the UK are right on the doorstep of our holiday home, Daisy Chain in the Cotswolds Lakes. They offer a magical experience for nature lovers, families and anyone looking to unwind in the beauty of the Cotswolds.
Whether you’re hoping to catch the rare and delicate Snakes Head Fritillaries at North Meadow or marvel at carpets of orchids at Clattinger Farm, spring is the perfect time to explore these wildflower meadows.
Snakes Head Fritillaries at North Meadow
Just a short drive from Daisy Chain lies North Meadow in Cricklade. It is a 108 acre National Nature Reserve that hosts one of the most important and impressive displays of Snakes Head Fritillaries in the world. In fact, an incredible 80% of Britain’s Snakes Head Fritillaries grow in this single meadow!
The distinctive Snakes Head Fritillary is instantly recognisable by its delicate, nodding, bell-shaped flowers, which are patterned with a chequered mix of deep purple and white. Blooming from mid-April to early May, the fritillaries create a stunning purple haze across the meadow — a sight that feels almost otherworldly.
North Meadow’s unique habitat is the result of centuries of traditional hay cutting and grazing, which have preserved the delicate balance of the soil and allowed these rare flowers to thrive. Because of its ecological importance, North Meadow has been designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and a Special Area of Conservation (SAC).
How to Visit North Meadow
North Meadow is open to the public, and there are also guided walks available, which provide fascinating insights into the history and ecology of the site. The best time to visit is during the peak blooming period in late April. But, before your visit it’s important to check on the status of the fritillaries. North Meadow is part of the floodplain of the River Thames and River Churt. Whilst the floodplain provides a unique ecosystem for the Snakeshead Fritillaries, the water levels can also impact on the flowers from one year to the next. This Fritillary Watch website will enable you to time your visit. You can find information about a range of walks around the meadow here.
Orchids and Ancient Wildflowers at Clattinger Farm
Even closer to Daisy Chain, just a 5 minute drive away, lies Clattinger Farm, one of the finest surviving examples of an ancient hay meadow in the UK. Clattinger Farm is managed by the Wiltshire Wildlife Trust and is a true haven for wildflower enthusiasts.
Unlike most modern farmland, Clattinger Farm has never been treated with agricultural chemicals, which means the soil retains its natural balance and is ideal for supporting an extraordinary range of wildflowers. Visiting Clattinger Farm in May is like stepping back in time to see how the English countryside might have looked centuries ago.
A Spectacle of Orchids
Clattinger Farm is especially famous for its remarkable display of orchids. During May, the meadow bursts into life with:
- Green-winged orchids – With their delicate purple petals and green-veined wings, these orchids are a rare and beautiful sight.
- Early marsh orchids – Known for their deep pink or purple flowers, these thrive in the damp conditions of the meadow.
- Burnt orchids – Their striking dark red and white blooms create a striking contrast against the green backdrop of the meadow.
As well as orchids, Clattinger Farm is home to Snakes Head Fritillaries, cowslips, oxeye daisies, buttercups, and countless other wildflowers, creating a carpet of colour. The sheer density of flowers in Clattinger Farm is breathtaking: you really have to see it to believe it!
How to Visit Clattinger Farm
If staying at Daisy Chain, Clattinger Farm is accessible via footpaths from the Lower Mill Estate, making it an easy and rewarding walk from Daisy Chain, or you may choose to drive, parking in a layby in Rigsby’s Lane for easy access.
Why Spring is the Perfect Time to Visit Daisy Chain
A spring visit to Daisy Chain gives you the perfect base to explore these incredible wildflower meadows. After a morning admiring the fritillaries at North Meadow or the orchids at Clattinger Farm, you can return to the comfort of Daisy Chain and enjoy a lakeside lunch on the balcony or an afternoon paddle in the Canadian canoe.
Daisy Chain sleeps 9 guests (plus 2 cots), making it ideal for a family getaway or a multi-generational holiday. The glass-fronted living and dining area provides uninterrupted views of the lake, while the on-site spa, tennis courts, and playground offer plenty of options for relaxation and play.
Do contact us if we can help you out with somewhere to stay during your wild flower safari in the Cotswolds!
