Whilst we could talk endlessly about the many reasons to holiday in the Yorkshire Dales from the bountiful bike trails, exciting places to enjoy local food and drink, and the captivating views, the wildflower meadows are top of our list for visitors in late Spring and early Summer.
The Yorkshire Dales and the Forest of Bowland are home to some of the last remaining wildflower meadows in England with over 120 species of wildflowers and grasses to explore and enjoy. The wildflower meadows are a result of a huge conservation effort from The Yorkshire Dales Millenium Trust as well as local farmers and contractors who have worked hard since 2006 to rewild and cultivate these important ecosystems.
Not only are the wildflower meadows a beautiful place to enjoy a walk, with beautiful colours and scents, but they also play an important role in mitigating and adapting to climate change and are species-rich with lots of wildlife to observe on your walk too!
When is the best time to enjoy the wildflower meadows?
The best time to enjoy a walk in the wildflower meadows is between late May and early July. At this time the flowers will be in full bloom and with average temperatures reaching between 16 - 21 degrees, it is the perfect weather to be immersed in nature. It is also a great time to spot bees, one of nature's hardest-working pollinators. Budding photographers might consider entering their best bee pics to the Yorkshire Dales Millenium Trust bee challenge for a chance to win a prize!
Where are the wildflower meadows?
There are 2 wildflower meadows within a short driving distance from our glamping site for visitors who would like to incorporate a wildflower walk into their glamping holiday.
Muker Meadows - 13 miles from Wensleydale Glamping
Muker Meadows was one of 60 Coronation Meadows planted in 2013 by King Charles. The meadows have a flagged footpath that starts in the nearby village and you can spot wildflower species such as Wood Crane’s-bill, Melancholy Thistle, Yellow Rattle, Pignut, Lady’s Mantles, Rough Hawkbit, Cat’s-ear and Sweet Vernal Grass on your walk.
Askrigg Bottoms meadows - 7 miles from Wensleydale Glamping
The YDMT recommend visiting this meadow in June when the flowers will be in full bloom. You can expect to spot Wood Crane’s-bill, Great Burnet, Ox-eye Daisy, Lady’s Mantle and Melancholy Thistle and it is one of the most diverse meadows.
We still have some availability for May, June and July in our pods if you have been inspired to plan a wildflower walk.