Abbotsbury Swannery & Subtropical Gardens

by coach & on foot

This experience will visit the unique, historical Abbotsbury Swannery and Subtropical Gardens.

Departing from the port, relax and enjoy the delightful Dorset countryside as you journey to Abbotsbury Swannery. A Benedictine Monastery was founded here in the 11th century, with the monks growing crops, catching fish and farming swans, a delicacy served up at their lavish banquets.

Today, a visit to the Swannery is considered to be one of the best things to do in Dorset. The Swannery is now home to the only remaining managed colony of Mute Swans in the world. Some years, over 150 pairs of Mute Swans nest on the site. This colonial style of nesting is very uncommon in Mute Swans, but it has occurred here on a regular basis for over 600 years. Enjoy a guided introduction before some free time to explore at leisure. You may wish to purchase some refreshments in the cafe, or browse the gift shop for a souvenir to remember your visit.

Following this, rejoin your coach for the short transfer to Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens, a world-renowned garden with exotic, unusual subtropical plants and flowers. Being less than a mile from the Jurassic Coast, Abbotsbury is milder in the winter and cooler in the summer, a unique microclimate where many species of plants thrive. Your guide will lead you on a walk to introduce you to some of the garden’s highlights, after which you will have some free time to explore further at leisure. Enjoy the lily ponds and charming Victorian Garden or wander through areas with plants from South America or Australasia. You may choose to purchase some refreshments or visit the gift shop to browse for a souvenir of your visit.

Rejoining your coach, once again relax and enjoy the passing scenery during the return drive to the port.