Abbotsbury Swanary

Abbotsbury Swannery

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I received an unexpected email at the end of last week inviting us to visit Abbotsbury Swannery and their new arrivals – who could say no to that?

Abbotsbury is situated in West Dorset, just behind Chesil beach and the Swannery is set in the Fleet lagoon.  It was about an hours drive from me in Poole, but with so much beautiful scenery to take in, it really didn’t feel that long.

Abbotsbury

The setting is beautiful and so well kept, clean and tidy.  There is a small gift shop where you pay to get in, but you can exit without going through it if you are worried about little people demanding presents.  There is also a cafe and toilets, which I strongly suggest you use before you go in as there are no facilities within the actual Swannery itself.

Once you have got past the shop, it is a quarter of a mile walk to the Swannery itself, but if you prefer you can catch the tractor at an extra cost of 50p per person.  Disabled access is available by car though.

Once through the gates, the adventure begins.  You are free to explore the small cottages, with various displays and can even watch a short 10 minute video about the Swannery if you choose.
As we had three 2 year olds with us, we chose to explore instead.
We followed the main path with ran alongside a babbling brook and soon came across our first sight of nesting swans, and mum was busy turning her eggs.
If you have young children with you, I strongly recommend you take a buggy or a baby carrier with you, as if you explore the whole Swannery you will walk miles.  Eliza and her friends loved exploring out of the buggy, but did climb back in for a rest every now and again.  All the paths are buggy / wheelchair friendly, but some of the fencing is easy to clamber through so if you have a toddler that likes to wander then reins may be a good addition to bring too.
Photo Collage

We were very lucky to see not only nesting swans, but newly hatched cygnets too – one which had just broken out from its egg.  It really was an experience not to be missed.

We also saw the wardens checking to see if eggs had hatched and count the cygnets.  Daddy swan put on a massive warning display which was beautiful, and we learned that it wasn’t a peck to watch out for, but a powerful blow from their wrist bones.  One warden had a limp that he sustained last week, just to prove how much damage they could do.

Photo Collage
Another highlight of the day was feeding time.  Feeding happens at midday and again at 4pm and everyone is invited to join in.  You get a knowledgeable talk from the wardens who remain on hand to answer any burning questions, whilst other wardens feed the swans on their nests, as these aren’t quite so friendly!

Photo Collage
There wasn’t just swans to see either.  We saw quite a few ducks, pheasants, geese and coots in the water, plus lots of other wildlife to see including butterflies, birds and even an owl.

Abbotsbury
There were plenty of viewing areas, platforms, seating and signs all full of useful facts and information.
We spent a good three hours at the Swannery, exploring the woodland and water areas, before heading back to the cafe for a warm drink.

The Cafe has both indoor and outdoor seating plus a small park for the children to play.  It is pricey, but the cakes looked amazing and hot drinks are no more than you’d pay at a high street coffee shop.

Abbotsbury Swannery

If you are planning on making a full day of it, Abbotsbury also has a Children’s Farm and a Tropical Gardens too, or just take a bracing walk along Chesil Beach.

Abbotsbury Swannery
If you are planning on visiting, a family ticket costs £37 (2 adults and up to 3 children) which gets you into all three attractions, however if you are local then you can buy an annual pass which covers you for all three attractions for £58 for the family.
If you want to see the Cygnets, this half term is the perfect opportunity to visit and you could win a Family season ticket by visiting their facebook page here and naming their first Cygnet.  Abbotsbury Swannery are also on twitter at @dorset_swannery.
A good day out?
Definitely!!
Country Kids from Coombe Mill Family Farm Holidays Cornwall

15 thoughts on “Abbotsbury Swannery”

  1. We’ve been to the Swannery several times over the years and it’s a fabulous site. In fact we’re down in Bridport again next week so we may well pop in again.

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  4. We loved visiting the swannery too, but in fact it was the nearby gardens that H liked best because he loved feeding the fish and running around. We found the swannery really interesting & learnt loads, plus got some great pictures.

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  8. Wow I’ve never been to a swannery but that looks a really nice place to go. I’m always slightly nervous of swans because they look like moody things sometimes!

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  10. Abbotsbury Swannery is fab isn’t it? We went about the same time of year you have a few years ago, and I was amazed at how many swans they have (which should be obvious given its a swannery, right?)! Brought back happy memories x #magicmoments

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  12. What a beautiful place. I adore swans they are just magnificent, who could resist a tiny cygnet. What a lovely day out you all must have had.

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