Abbotsbury Swannery, Abbotsbury, Dorset
Over 600 mute swans nest and fly freely at Abbotsbury Swannery on the Dorset Coast; to walk amongst them in this managed sanctuary and see them in such large numbers is quite a spectacle. The swannery was established in medieval times when there was a Benedictine Monastery here; supplying swans for lavish local banquets was a good source of income for the monks. Nowadays visitors come here because there’s nowhere else in the world you’ll see such a huge colony of swans, and because from the middle of May to the end of June you can see hundreds of newly hatched cygnets. Join in feeding times at noon and 4pm each day; let the kids have fun in the big willow maze, on the pedal karts, or in the play area, then go to the gift shop, buy a souvenir and round off your visit with refreshments in the café.
Abbotsbury Swannery is open from 10am-5pm every day from the end of March to the end of October or thereabouts. Groups are welcome, but not your canine companions as dogs and nesting swans just aren’t a good combination.
T: 01305 871858
All information correct at the time of writing.