Abbotsbury Swannery & Gardens

Description

Be sure to read the Special Notes further down this page for important requirements and restriction.

What you will visit:

Abbotsbury Swannery
Established in 1393 by monks from the nearby Benedictine abbey, the Swannery is the only place in the world where you can walk freely through colonies of nesting mute swans. Mature swans are pristine white with black-rimmed orange beaks. One of the largest aquatic fowl, the swans are monogamous, having a single mate for life. At any time, there may be as many as 1,000 of
these graceful birds in the sanctuary.

Abbotsbury Sub-tropical Gardens
The lands of Abbotsbury were first leased to the Strangways family in 1541, and over time, the grounds have been expanded into a magnificent 20-acre garden. In 1765, a kitchen garden was created by the first Countess of Ilchester. Her descendants grew the size and scope of the project to include exotic and rare plants from all over the world. Boasting large rhododendron and hydrangea collections and a glorious Victorian garden, Abbotsbury is world-famous for its camellia groves and magnolias.

What you will see along the way:
Chesil Beach has been immortalized by Ian McEwan in his novel of the same name. This 18-mile stretch of some 180 billion pebbles joins Abbotsbury to Portland. As part of the Jurassic Coast, the area has been named a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Countless fossils have been discovered in the area, and it also serves as a protected nesting ground for rare birds and is home to many species of sea plants. It is particularly noted for its coastal scenery.

Photo Opportunity:
As you stroll through Abbotsbury Sub-tropical Gardens, have your camera at the ready for superlative views of the Dorset Jurassic Coast from the top of the Magnolia Walk.

Special Notes:

The Abbotsbury Gardens are only partly accessible for guests in a wheelchair. The Swannery is fully accessible.