Abbotsbury Swannery is the only place in the world where you are able to walk through the heart of a colony of nesting Mute Swans, spread over a site of some 25 acres. A visit to the Swannery is considered one of the best things to do in Dorset.

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. Some of the ruins are still visible around St Nicolas’ Church in the village. Since that time, the Swannery has been under the stewardship of the Ilchester Estates.

EXPLORE THE SWANNERY
The swans at Abbotsbury are all free flying and the Swannery is a wildlife sanctuary (not a zoo). From mid-March and until the end of October the Swannery opens its doors for visitors to enjoy the beauty of this unique colony, the only one in the world. Cygnet season provides the rare chance to witness the hatching of fluffy grey cygnets. Cygnet season is mid May until the end of June.

Feeding the herds by hand, is a special part of any visit to the Swannery, the herd of approx. 600 swans are fed at midday and 4.00pm daily. Included also is the Swan Maze (the largest willow maze in Dorset), Pedal Go-Karts, Wild Meadow Walk, Coffee Shop and Gift Shop. Car Parking is free on site to visitors.

Enjoyed by families, wildlife enthusiasts, photographers and many visitors to the area. So, if you are looking for an unusual and unique thing to do on holiday in Dorset, then come to the Swannery.

Please note that last entry is at 4pm, and we cannot allow any dogs into the Swannery (not even guide dogs), as they would excite or scare the swans.
Abbotsbury Swannery nestles alongside the Fleet Lagoon at Chesil Beach. Located near the seaside town of Weymouth on the Jurassic Coast. This unique natural wildlife habitat is also popular with photographers, TV production companies, and film makers and was used as a location for Harry Potter filming.