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Abbotsbury Swannery

Welcome to Abbotsbury Swannery on the Jurassic Coast

The world’s only managed colony of nesting Mute Swans

Visiting the Swannery

Abbotsbury Swannery is home to a colony of over 600 Mute Swans, located on the dramatic Dorset Coast. A relaxing and calm place, a visit to the Swannery is a special and unique experience. Open to the general public mid-March until November.

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History of the Swannery

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.

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Follow on Social Media

Beautiful photos, seasonal content and stunning reels, follow the Swannery on social media. Instagram and Facebook includes updates on the Mute Swans, the team and the site throughout the season.

What’s On

EVENTS AT ABBOTSBURY SWANNERY

Saturday 29th March & Sunday 30th March 2025

Mums Go Free

Come visit the Abbotsbury Swannery over Mothering Weekend 29th & 30th March and we are offering FREE entry for Mums. Treat your Mums to a lovely day out.

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From Mid-May and June 2025

Cygnet Season

By mid May the first cygnets hatch and they continue through June. May and June is the best time to see nesting Swans and cygnets.

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Saturday 24th May and Sunday 25th May 2025

Swannery Food & Craft Fair

Embark on a swan-tastic adventure at Abbotsbury Swannery over the May Bank Holiday weekend! Tickle your taste buds at the Dorset Food and Drink curated...

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WILLOW SWAN MAZE

Explore the fantastic living willow swan maze

Crafted in the shape of a swan, the maze is made from living willow so changes with the seasons. Find your way to the egg in the centre and back out again!

Adopt a Swan

The swan adoption scheme is run by the Swannery Trust a charity who supports the preservation and protection of our swans and other species of wildlife as well as the conservation of the Chesil and Fleet Nature Reserve. When you adopt an Abbotsbury Swan, you can follow it through its life. We are able to follow your swan by its unique ring number. Ringing swans allow us to build a history of each individual bird throughout its life. 

 Adoption Form

A place to learn for
all ages

What do swans eat? How long do they live? Do all swans belong to the King? There is lots to learn from a visit and the midday and 4pm feeds provide commentary from the Swannery team that will hopefully answer all your questions.

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What happens in a year at the Swannery?

From nesting, to eggs, to fluffy grey cygnets, to the annual moult, there is always something to see and experience at the Swannery.

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Chesil and Fleet Nature Reserve

Abbotsbury Swannery is located at the western end of the Chesil and Fleet Nature Reserve. This unique reserve, naturally created after the last ice age, is home to many different species of fauna and flora. Chesil Bank forms the backbone of the reserve, whilst sheltering the Fleet, Britain’s largest 8-mile brackish water lagoon.

Visit the Chesil and Fleet Nature Reserve website

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Planning a visit to the Swannery?

Why not visit Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens at the same time?

We have a fantastic 25% dual ticket discount when you order tickets to both attractions at the same time. Bookings don’t have to be made for the same day either.

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