Abbotsbury Swannery
Visit the only colony of nesting mute swans in the world. See over 600 free flying swans. Cygnets hatching mid-May to June end. Mass feeding 12 noon and 4pm daily. Swan Maze (open weather permitting), pedal go karts, wild meadow walk, coffee & gift shop. Free car parking.
01305 871858
abbotsburyswannery.co.uk
Open daily Mid-March until November 10am until 5pm (last entry 4pm)
On the B3157 Coast Road between Weymouth and Bridport. Postcode DT3 4JG
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.
The Swannery is considered to be one of the best things to do in Dorset, and is a popular and firm favourite for both visitors to the area and with local people too. Whether it is a planned visit or a spontaneous day out, the Swannery continues to surprise and delight visitors.
With almost a thousand years of history the Swannery has an interesting and surprising story to tell. From its origins, through Kings and various changes in tastes and ownership, the history is key to understanding why the Swannery is here.
As the only managed colony of Mute Swans in the world, the Swannery is an important and special place. Alongside managing the colony, being a visitor attraction, the Swannery collects and records data regarding the swans plus visiting birds and wildlife. From the joys of spring and the nesting season, through to the arrival of fluffy grey cygnets and the annual wing moult, there is plenty to see and learn about life at the Swannery.
Alongside the Mute Swans there is plenty of other activities. 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! Pedal Go-karts (weather permitting), a play area, beautiful Gift Shop and Café.
Back for 2025 is the wonderful Brambly Hedge. Many visitors enjoyed our 2024 collaboration which brought to life Sea Story, one of the delightful children’s books.
This year we have a NEW TRAIL based on the Summer Story book, one of the four seasonal stories. The trail takes visitors around the Swannery grounds, to discover more about the swans and charming mice. This time it follows the tale of the wedding of Dusty Dogwood and Poppy Eyebright.
Designed for families to enjoy, the trail includes stamp points, questions to answer and fun facts, all alongside the swans and discovering more about the unique Swannery.
Latest News
Coronation Day cygnets arrive at Abbotsbury Swannery
It was a double celebration at Abbotsbury Swannery as the first cygnets of 2023 chose Coronation Day to make their appearance. The hatching of 2023’s first fluffy youngsters coincided with…