Abbotsbury Swannery

The swans have been on the Fleet since the monks kept them for the abbot's table. The first written record is from 1393, and it is still the only managed colony of mute swans anywhere. About 600 birds nest and feed on the brackish lagoon behind Chesil Beach, under a mile south of the village at the bottom of New Barn Road.

The birds are fed at noon and 4pm with a commentary from the Swannery team, and that is the time to be there. From the middle of May the cygnets are out, and the nests are beside the paths. There is the Decoyman's House, which explains the old duck decoy, a willow maze in the shape of a swan, the reed beds that are still cut for thatch, and a story trail for children based on the Brambly Hedge books, running every day to 31 October 2026.

Open every day from mid-March to the end of October, 10 to 5, last entry 4. Adults £15, children 5 to 15 £7.50, under 5s free, disabled visitors and carers half price. Buy a ticket for the Subtropical Gardens at the same time and both are 25 per cent off. No dogs at all, including assistance dogs; the birds are wild and the site is too sensitive. Satnav DT3 4JG, and the Swannery has its own parking.

Time it for the noon feed, then walk back up the lane to the village for lunch. In October the autumn flocks are the sight. The Swannery shuts for the winter after 31 October and does not open again until the middle of March.

Abbotsbury Swannery, Prices and opening times, What's on at the Swannery