The Abbotsbury Swannery is an exceptional site laying claim to the world’s only controlled colony of nesting mute swans. It is spread across a picturesque area of 25 acres (10 hectares) that includes a lake and the rolling green hills of Dorset. Stroll through the core of the swannery for a closer look at these majestic creatures.
Take photos of your favourites from the countless swans in the lake and the main bay. Think about the history of this intriguing and extraordinary swannery, which was set up alongside a monastery in the 1040s by Benedictine monks. The swans were raised to produce food for the monks’ extravagant banquets.
Arrive with the whole family for this relaxing and informative outing. Try to recognise the parts of this place that appeared in one of the Harry Potter movies. You can also help to feed the swans at noon and again in the late afternoon. Let the children play on the Swinging Nests play area and find their way through the largest willow maze in Dorset.
Enjoy a meal at the charming Swannery Café, which has a serene garden full of tables and trees. Bring your little ones to the ice cream parlor for a treat on a hot summer afternoon. The site also contains a gift shop with souvenirs and swan-related items.
The site opens daily from morning until late afternoon. Pay a fee to enter the swannery and get discounts for children. Consider getting a passport ticket, which includes entry to the nearby Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens and the Children’s Farm.
The Abbotsbury Swannery is in the heart of its namesake town on the West Dorset Heritage Coast. Drive northwest from the town of Weymouth for 10 miles (16 kilometres) to get here in about 20 minutes. See nearby sights, such as the Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens, St. Catherine’s Chapel and Abbotsbury Abbey.
