Abbotsbury

www.abbotsbury-tourism.co.uk

Abbotsbury with its world famous Swannery and a grade on listed Sub Tropical Garden offers a unique and exciting experience.

The Swannery previously voted BEST FAMILY ATTRACTION IN DORSET by the Good Guide to Britain. A visit here is very special because it is the only place in the world that you can walk amongst a colony of breeding swans. At any one time there may be up to 1000 friendly mute swans on site. Friendly is emboldened because they are not like angry river swans. They are very happy to have visitors. In fact during the Hatching Season (May to June end) you can walk amongst nests which are full of hatching eggs. At this time baby swans can be photographed leaving their eggs!

The Swannery has a super cafe, a quality gift shop, superior toilets including disabled ones and free car parking. There is also an ugly duckling trail for the children and an audio-visual show.

The Swannery is open every day 10a.m. to 6p.m. March 18th to October 1st and 10a.m. to 5p.m. October 2nd to October 29th. Last admission 1 hour before closing.

Telephone 01305 871858 direct.

The Sub Tropical Gardens at Abbotsbury are amongst the best in England. Covering 20 acres this grade one listed garden is famous for its camellias, Rhododendrons, Hydrangeas and its wonderful exotic atmosphere.

Established in 1765 these gardens have been the site of many plant introductions to this country. The first camellias brought here in 1792 are now magnificent tree groves!

At the heart of the Garden is the colonial Tea House with its splendid veranda which overlooks the sunken garden.

There are stunning views of the Jurassic Coast from a new vantage point accessible from the Garden.

There is also a very well stocked plant centre and a superior quality gift shop, a children's play area and free care parking.

The Gardens are open every day 10a.m. to 6p.m. in the summer and 10a.m. to 4p.m. in the winter last admission 1 hour before closing. Telephone 01305 871387 direct.