Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens & Swannery

Approximate Journey Time: 1.5 hours

Time at destination: 4.5 hours

Comfort stop: Yes

Drop off point: Swannery Coach Park

Enjoy a memorable day out in Abbotsbury, beginning with a visit to the world-famous Abbotsbury Swannery, where you’ll spend time exploring the tranquil lagoons and watching hundreds of nesting mute swans. A highlight of the visit is the 12:00 midday hand-feeding, an unforgettable chance to see the swans gather up close.

Afterwards, continue to the stunning Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens for time to wander through lush plant-filled pathways, exotic blooms, woodland glades, and breathtaking viewpoints across the Jurassic Coast—an ideal blend of nature, colour, and peaceful relaxation.

Accessibility

Abbotsbury Swannery - Mostly level gravel paths with step-free access; accessible toilets available. Some areas near the ponds can be uneven but generally suitable for wheelchairs and mobility aids. Assistance dogs are not accepted due to the extremely sensitive nature of the site.

Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens - The paths at the Gardens are gravel and some areas are very steep due to the natural topography. There is a wheelchair and mobility vehicle route, which follows an abbreviated route over gravel paths, some rough terrain and sloping paths.

Abbotsbury Swannery is the only place in the world where you are able to walk through a colony of nesting Mute Swans.

A visit to the Swannery is considered one of the best things to do in Dorset.

The Swannery was established by Benedictine Monks who built a monastery at Abbotsbury during the 1040s. 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 Nicolas’ Church in the village. Since that time, the Swannery has been under the stewardship of the Ilchester Estates.

Our arrival is timed to enable you the the opportunity to witness the captivating feeding time at 12:00 noon.

The journey between the swans and the gardens initially involves a pleasant 3/4 mile walk, so comfortable footwear is essential for the day's activities. At the main entrance, you'll find a shop and a cozy coffee shop to further enhance your experience.

Abbotsbury Gardens are a mixture of formal and informal flowers, world famous for it’s Camellia groves and magnolias. Noted in Dorset for its Rhododendron and Hydrangea collections and the charming Victorian Garden.

Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens has welcomed a new sculpture collection with the installation of two pieces by leading contemporary sculptor, Simon Gudgeon.