Cricklade North Meadow - National Nature Reserve

North Meadow is one of Britain's most important flood meadows, and it really does live up to the reputation.

The standout moment comes between late April and early May when snake's head fritillaries bloom across the fields. These delicate purple flowers with their distinctive chequered markings create a striking display, and it's worth planning a visit around them since they're increasingly rare in the wild. Seeing them flourish here in such numbers is a genuine privilege. Beyond spring, the meadow has plenty to offer year-round, with grassland and wetland habitats that support a rotating cast of wildflowers, insects, and birds throughout the seasons.

What keeps this place thriving is its management history. Centuries of traditional grazing and hay-cutting have maintained the meadow as a natural space in a way that modern approaches simply can't replicate. There's no visitor centre, which actually works in its favour – you just follow the designated paths at your own pace and enjoy what you find.

It's easily accessible from Cricklade town, where you'll find cafes and other facilities if you need them. If you've been exploring the area's stone villages, this meadow provides a refreshing counterpoint, showing you another aspect of what makes the Cotswolds worth your time.