Abbotsbury Swannery

Abbotsbury Swannery

Abbotsbury Swannery in Dorset is unique. This is the only place in the world where you are able to walk through the heart of a colony of nesting Mute Swans. A visit to the Swannery is considered one of the best things to do in Dorset.
History: The Swannery was established by Benedictine Monks who built a monastery at Abbotsbury during the 1040's. The monks farmed the swans to produce food for their lavish Dorset banquets. St Peter's monastery was destroyed in 1539 during the dissolution. Some of the ruins are still visible around St Nicholas' Church in the village. Since that time the Swannery has been under the stewardship of the Ilchester Estates.
Today: Abbotsbury Swannery in Dorset, near Weymouth, has become one of the most popular things to do for the family visiting Dorset. Located on the dramatic Dorset Coast, this unique natural wildlife habitat is also popular with film makers and has been used as a location for Harry Potter filming.
So if your family is looking for unusual things to do on holiday in Dorset, come to the Swannery and help hand feed 600 swans at 12.00 noon and 4.00pm daily, or get lost in the giant maze (the largest willow maze in Dorset), swing on the swinging nests play area, at the Kennels café or browse our quality gift shop. Parking is free!
The swans at Abbotsbury are all free flying, this is a sanctuary, not a zoo. There are no cages.

VISITORS INFORMATION:
OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK
20th March to 31st October, 10.00am to 5.00/6.00pm, please ring to confirm closing time.
Last admissions one hour before closing.

* Pre Schools - Children under 5 years may enter the attractions free of charge.
All accompanying adults must pay the normal admission rate. The group rate will apply when there are 10 or more paying adults
DOGS may not enter the Swannery
Group rates available for parties of 10 or more.
Ample FREE parking for cars and coaches, usual courtesies extended to coach drivers.
Toilets Public, disabled and baby change facilities available at the main entrance and in the Coffee Shop. PLEASE NOTE. There are no public toilets inside the Swannery itself.
Site is fully accessible to disabled visitors.
Swans and cygnets June 2010
Abbotsbury Swannery
From mid May to late June hundreds of fluffy cygnets hatch from eggs in nests on or near the pathways. Many lucky visitors will take pictures of cygnets cracking out of their eggs within feet of the action!
Unique to Dorset and the world!.
Mass Feeding - 12.00 & 4.00pm
Do not miss the spectacular mass feeding sessions of up to 600 swans every day.
Save with the Abbotsbury
THIS GREAT VALUE TICKET enables the purchaser to make one visit to each of the three attractions at Abbotsbury on any day or days of their choice: The Swannery, Subtropical Gardens and Children's Farm. Available from each attraction and Tourist Information Centres in the area.
Costs less than the normal price to visit any two of the above!
Passport tickets are valid until the
31st October 2010.

Award winning Giant Willow Maze: Pick up a map and quiz sheet at the entrance shop and try to solve the clues on your way to the giant egg.

Heroes Welcome at Abbotsbury.: A warm welcome and free entry to the Swannery, Subtropical Gardens, and the Children's Farm will be given to serving members of the armed services and their immediate family. Please show your warrant ID card and two adults and up to three children will be admitted free of charge.

HOW TO GET TO ABBOTSBURY
Abbotsbury is in Dorset. Leave the A35 at Winterborne Abbas (WA) west of Dorchester.
Abbotsbury is on the B3157 coastal road between Weymouth and Bridport.
The Swannery is sign posted on entering the village. The X53 Coast Bus service (X53 Timetable) runs regularly through Abbotsbury.