Abbotsbury Swannery — Local services in Abbotsbury

A beautifully pleasant unique attraction situated in the Fleet Lagoon and on the edge of Chesil Beach. The place is home to the largest colony of mute swans in the UK and most of the swans spend nearly all the lives living here and regularly breeding here, which is great and the staff regularly monitor the birth of new cygnets and step where appropriate to ensure their survival and tagging them which assists with both identifying the cygnets and reuniting them with their parents if they lose them. The staff also assist the Swans with their nesting by breaking the reeds down nearby which the swans use for to help build their nests and also helps look after the natural environment. The place provides a great Spectacle with the large colony of Swans congregating together in their natural environment and interacting together along with the picturesque setting of the Fleet Lagoon and Chesil Beach, which is a great, enjoyable and pleasant experience and also a rarity. Upon entering into the site there is a 10 minute introductory video about the cycle throughout the year and seasons of the swans at the site and also other migratory birds to the site, which is interesting and informative. There is an interesting exhibition about the history of the site and why swans ended up at the location and their importance to it. There is a Wildlife maze at the site which is made from willow and constructed and is interactive fun for visitors. Visitors can also feed the swans and the feeding times are at 12:00hrs and 16:00hrs and is another fantastic unique experience for visitors. There is a cafe on site selling refreshments at good prices and also there is a gift shop selling Swan related merchandise at reasonable prices. Overall this an absolute brilliant and unique enjoyable visit and one of the best places to visit in Dorser and is an absolute...

I absolutely loved my visit to Abbotsbury Swannery. It really is a amazing place to visit you can get by public transport but I think it's to get by car . You park up the coffee is set in beautiful surroundings very cooling and fresh if it's a warm today .. The coffee caters for vegan and vegetarian diets alternative milks available at small charge 55p I believe. As you walk towards the shop 5 mins from the coffee shop this where you get your ticket £13.95 for a day visit. It's great shop loads of lovely goods on sale . It's about 5 to 10 mins walk to the Swannery depending on how fast you walk. I believe cars can go to park but that's something you too organise at the shop ..There are wheelchairs available.. When you see the Swans its just amazing to see how so well cared for .The staff do a wonderful job.. There are pens to separate the more vulnerable Swans with cygnets . There is other wild birds there .. They seem to get on ok. Apart from the odd squabble.I saw them feeding the swans at 12. You can help do that.. The staff do a talk as well.. As you walk around there is so much to see and do.. it's a very relaxing place just to...

Absolutely fascinating!

Be prepared for a good long walk though.

With the one-way system (Covid-19 precautions)!! There are 2 walks labelled: First Walk, around The Swan's Nursery Pens and The Waterfront. Second Walk, around the Bird Watching Hides and The Reed Beds to the exit.

Tips: The only facilities (Toilets and Café) are at the main entrance next to the car park! You are warned about this when you buy your ticket. The Ticket (wristband) does however allow you to travel freely back out to your car, The Café and Gift Shop, then back into The Swannery But the walk from these facilities and The Swannery is 10 - 20 minutes, longer if you're a slow walker. There are benches along the route, to take a break.

For the best experience take a packed lunch or picnic!! There's several places to sit and enjoy your sandwiches around The Swannery. There's also a Picnic Area with tables.

Take a bag, to take your rubbish home! There are NO Litter Bins around The Swannery, only back at The Café.

Allow several hours to enjoy everything!! Take your time. This is NOT a place for 'a quick visit' !!

Please Note Dogs are NOT Allowed in...