Nestled in the hills of Shropshire in England, close to the border of Wales, is a field of daffodils named "Gatten Valley Daffodil Field". It's like any other unassuming field or pasture in this area of the country, except that it is filled with 170,000 daffodil bulbs that bloom each spring.
I visited the daffodil field at the end of March, and although all of the other daffodils around the area (and in the same valley) were out in full bloom, the daffodils in the Gatten Valley field are either a late blooming variety or simply wish to sleep a little longer, perhaps being in a shadey secluded part. Although the daffodils were in bud (none were in bloom), I estimated that they were about two or three weeks from looking amazing.
The access to the field is through a small narrow country road, which is probably not ideal if coming upon a tractor or farm equipment. Hopefully, the farming will be completed by mid-April, but it has been an unusually cold and wet spring. There's not many passing places on this road, so take care. The best approach is from the north at the top of the postcode (SY5 0SJ), and if looking at satellite view on maps, an ample space for parking is available at the side of the road near the field.
Walk down the hill and over the little bridge over the stream photographed above, and you will see the field ahead of you. It's actually a picturesque place with a pleasant little stream, and it's quiet here with views of nearby hills. The daffodils are planted at the end of the field.
As you can see, they are very late to bloom. Some were in bud, but I think they are two or three weeks away from blooming. This depends on the weather too, probably. I think Easter weekend this year should be the prime time to visit. I was disappointed to have missed them. However, there were many other daffodils around the area.
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