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Looking for unique things to do on the Dorset coast? Visit the peaceful Abbotsbury Swannery and admire unique wildlife. Explore beautiful nature and unveil its rich history, as you enjoy a family day out. With its tranquil water and greenery, the swannery makes a wonderful setting for a stroll. Wander around the lake as you swans in their natural habitat.
Read on to learn all about Abbotsbury Swannery…
Abbotsbury is the only place in the world where you can walk through a nesting colony of mute swans.
This unforgettable sanctuary is located next to the breathtakingly beautiful West Fleet. Protected from the open ocean of Chesil Beach, this is a calm area. And if the scenery and nature weren’t amazing enough, the swannery has a fascinating history. Having been established almost a thousand years ago by Benedictine monks, the swannery is a special place.
Nowadays, the swannery is a favourite with tourists coming for holidays on the Jurassic Coast. It gives kids and adults alike a chance to get in touch with nature and admire the swans in their habitat.
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The swannery is open year-round, however, the best time of year to visit is from the beginning of May until the end of June. This is when the baby signets hatch!
The swannery is open every day from 10 am to 5 pm. Also, if you want to help hand feed the swans, make sure you’re there for the feedings at 12 pm and 4 pm.
You can book tickets to visit the swannery via the Abbotsbury tickets website.
Admission costs £12.50 for adults, and £6.50 for children. There are discounts available for group bookings, Tesco Clubcard voucher holders and members of the armed forces.
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The Swannery is located just outside the village of Abbotsbury, in the Dorset AONB, near Weymouth.
The address is:
Abbotsbury Swannery
New Barn Road
Abbotsbury
Nr Weymouth
Dorset
DT3 4JG
The swannery is fully accessible to disabled visitors and has plenty of free parking for all guest vehicles, including coaches.
It can also be accessed via the X53 bus service which stops in Abbotsbury village.
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If you’re planning a family day out to Abbotsbury, there are plenty of other things to do whilst you’re in that neck of the woods.
If you fancy exploring some beautiful gardens, that have plenty for kids to get stuck into, why not bag a passport ticket? This golden ticket allows you to visit both the Swannery and Abbotsbury Gardens. It’s worth noting that you don’t have to visit both attractions on the same day, you can go whenever once you have purchased the ticket.
The charming coffee shop on site serves up homemade cakes, freshly caught fish, and cracking teas and coffees- all in some spectacular scenery!
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This lovely café/restaurant is home to the very best of local food, including delicious breakfasts, lunches, and cakes, in a relaxing and friendly atmosphere. It’s located near Abbotsbury Swannery, on the road into Abbotsbury Village.
Very appropriately named, this local village pub offers great pub classics, which can be enjoyed in the spacious beer garden if the sun is shining. Plus, the countryside views from the garden are to die for!
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Fancy staying in a gorgeous seaside retreat close to this natural haven?
We have plenty of picturesque holiday rental properties in the Dorset towns and villages just a stone’s through from Abbotsbury, including Burton Bradstock, Bridport, West Bay, and Chideock.
Book your Dorset holiday cottage today to be enjoying a relaxing visit to Abbotsbury Swannery before you know it!