Abbotsbury, Dorset
Accommodation, restaurants & cafés, & tourist attractions
Abbotsbury (Dorset)
The wonderful Chesil Bank on the World Heritage Coast, forms a dramatic backdrop for the traditional and unspoilt village of Abbotsbury which dates back to 1006, when the village was given to Orc by King Canute. Surrounded by rolling hills, this charming and picturesque village of thatched and slate roofed cottages dating from the 16th and 17th century offers a surprising amount for the visitor to enjoy. Truly a “village to explore”, it includes galleries selling locally created art and crafts, village shops, delightful tearooms and also boasts two relaxing and welcoming pubs. A leisurely walk around the village to discover all it has to offer will be well repayed. A small free booklet “Discovering Abbotsbury” is available locally which includes an introduction to the village and some short village walks to illustrate all there is to see.Almost centrally placed on this amazing Jurassic Coast and the X53 Jurassic Bus route Abbotsbury is a great place to have as a base for exploring the Jurassic Coast. Accommodation is available in the hotel, delightful self-catering cottages and B&Bs.
Benedictine Monks established St Peter's Monastery at Abbotsbury in the 1040s. They built the magnificent thatched Tithe Barn in the 1390's. The monastery was destroyed in 1539 during the dissolution. Some of the ruins can be seen around St. Nicholas' Church in the village. In the grounds of the Tithe Barn lies a Childrens’ Farm where youngsters may bottle feed the goats, cuddle guinea pigs, ride ponies, race toy tractors and play in the soft play area.
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. The Swannery was established by Benedictine Monks who built a monastery at Abbotsbury during the 1040's. The monks farmed the swans to produce food for their lavish banquets. St Peter's monastery was destroyed in 1539 during the dissolution. Some of the ruins are still visible around St Nicholas' Church in the village. Since that time the Swannery has been under the stewardship of the Ilchester Estates. From mid-May to late June, hundreds of fluffy cygnets hatch from eggs in nests on or near the pathways.
The Subtropical Gardens were established in 1765 by the first Countess of Ilchester as a kitchen garden for her nearby manor house. Developed since then into a magnificent 20 acre garden filled with rare and exotic plants from all over the world. Many of these plants were first introductions to this country. The Garden is a mixture of formal and informal, with charming walled garden walks and spectacular woodland valley views. World famous for its Camellia Groves and Magnolias and noted for its Rhododendron and Hydrangea collections, in summer it is awash with subtropical colour.
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