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England > Dorset > Abbotsbury > Swannery
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Abbotsbury Swannery
Abbotsbury Swannery

Abbotsbury Swannery


Summary

A colony of mute swans has lived in this sanctuary since medieval times. Wander amid nests of newborn cygnets in spring, and observe the swans at close hand.

The Swannery

There has been a swannery at Abbotsbury since at least the 14th century. The swannery may have been established by the monks of Abbotsbury Abbey, but it seems more likely that they simply took advantage of a natural swan habitat provided by the shelter of Chesil Bank.

Features

Abbotsbury Photo Gallery

Abbotsbury Travel Information

Abbotsbury Sub Tropical Gardens

St Catherine's Chapel

The Swans

Mute swans are not silent, as their name might suggest; rather, the name refers to the fact that their call is not loud. The mute swan is native to Europe and Asia, though it has been introduced in other areas. The colony at Abbotsbury is properly the Abbotsbury Colonial Nesting Herd.

They come to Abbotsbury because the sluggish waters of the Fleet, sheltered from the sea by the 8 mile long stetch of shingle known as Chesil Bank, has created here a habitat lush in "eel grass", underwater plants on which they feed.

The unique joy of Abbotsbury Swannery is the opportunity it provides to observe newborn cygnets (baby swans) at close hand. From late May, visitors can wander amid the nests, and see the cygnets at close distance.

The swans provided meat for the monks long ago, but today they provide feathers for the helmets of the Gentlemen at Arms; the Queen's bodyguard. In addition, Lloyds of London use quills from Abbotsbury swan feathers to register insurance losses in their "Doom" book.

Visitors can enjoy an educational "Ugly Guckling Trail" which helps explain the swannery in a family-friendly way, and an audio-visual show.

Getting There

Abbotsbury Swannery is located south of the B3157, and is signposted from the Abbotsbury High Street. Abbotsbury is located 9 miles west of Weymouth.

Related:
Abbotsbury Swannery website

Location map for Swannery

Details
Abbotsbury Swannery
New Barn Road
Abbotsbury
Dorset
England
DT3 4JG
Location: SE of Abbotsbury, on Chesil Beach
Website: Abbotsbury Swannery
Phone: 01305 871 858
Fax: 01305 871 092
map
OS SY598 834


+ Find out more +

    Nearest Hotels to Abbotsbury Swannery

Moonfleet Manor Hotel Weymouth Moonfleet Manor Hotel - 2.1 miles away
Weymouth, Dorset
Stay from: 90.00
The Heritage Weymouth The Heritage - 2.7 miles away
Weymouth, Dorset
Stay from: 60.00
The Coach and Horses Winterborne Abbas The Coach and Horses - 4.5 miles away
Winterborne Abbas, Dorset
Stay from: 45.00

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+Attractions +
Nearest Attractions

Abbotsbury Abbey
1.5 miles (Abbey)

St Catherine's Chapel
1.8 miles (Historic Property)

Abbotsbury
1.9 miles (Town)

Abbotsbury Gardens
2.7 miles (Garden)

Hardy Monument
2.8 miles (Historic Property)

Kingston Russell Stone Circle
3 miles (Prehistoric)

Abbotsbury Castle
3.3 miles (Prehistoric)

Bennetts Water Gardens
4 miles (Garden)

Top Dorset Destinations
Abbotsbury
Affpuddle
Batcombe
Beaminster
Bere Regis
Blandford Forum
Bournemouth
Bradford Abbas
Bridport
Broadwindsor

Suggested Dorset Attractions
Abbotsbury Abbey
Abbotsbury Castle
Abbotsbury Gardens
Abbotsbury Swannery
Athelhampton House
Badbury Rings
Bennetts Water Gardens
Bere Regis, St John's Church
Bothenhampton, Holy Trinity Old Church
Brownsea Island



+Accommodation +

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