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.
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.
What’s On
EVENTS AT ABBOTSBURY SWANNERY
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.
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.
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.
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.
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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