A Day Among the Birds: Our Enchanting Visit to Abbotsbury Swannery
We’ve been lucky enough to visit the magical Abbotsbury Swannery in Dorset, England, not once, but twice, and each visit has been uniquely wonderful. Our first trip was at the tail end of March, when the air was fresh with the promise of spring. Our second was in early May, a truly special time when the swannery was alive with the sight of fluffy new cygnets and other birdlife taking their first, wobbly steps.
Both visits were an absolute delight, and we’d return in a heartbeat – if not for the swans, then simply for the breathtakingly peaceful walk through this unique landscape in the company of these graceful creatures.
A Walk Through History and a Labyrinth
The Swannery’s history is as fascinating as the birds themselves. It was established by Benedictine monks in the 11th century, who cleverly farmed the swans for banquets – a wonderfully practical piece of medieval history! It’s said to be the only managed colony of nesting mute swans in the world, a truly remarkable claim to fame.
Your adventure begins from the free car park. From the entrance gate, a lovely one-kilometre walk (roughly 2,400 feet) leads you to the heart of the swan colony. But the journey is part of the fun! On the way, you’ll discover other attractions like a charming labyrinth and a small racing arena where you can hop on pedal-powered go-karts, free of charge – a guaranteed hit with the young and young at heart.
The Main Event: The Swan Feed
Without a doubt, the highlight of any visit is the daily swan feeding. When we visited, this spectacular event took place at noon, so be sure to check the times when you book your tickets and plan your day around it!
The staff warmly welcome volunteers, especially children, right into the feeding area to hand-feed the swans with provided food. It’s an unforgettable, heart-in-your-mouth experience to be so close to these magnificent birds. The process is leisurely, giving you ample time to capture hundreds of photos and videos as every swan in the vicinity glides in for a feast.
Before and after the main event, you can explore the network of convenient paths, spotting countless other bird species that call this place home. Don’t miss the small, informative museum that delves deeper into the history and biology of the swans
Planning Your Visit
The swannery is typically open from 10 am to 5 pm daily, with last entry at 4 pm. When we booked them, online tickets were priced at £10 for adults and £5 for children. A word to the wise: dogs are not permitted, so your furry friends will have to sit this one out. We’d recommend setting aside a minimum of two to three hours for your visit, though you could easily spend a whole, blissful afternoon here.
A Bonus Blooming Paradise
One of the best perks of your ticket is a generous 25% discount for entry to the stunning Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens, located just a short 2.5-mile drive away. Once again, you’ll find a huge, free car park right across from the entrance.
While the gardens’ website offers a comprehensive history, let me just say this: it is an absolutely breathtaking place. A riot of colour and scent, it’s a wonderland for adults and children alike, especially in the spring. Be prepared for a bit of a climb to the stunning viewpoint, where you are rewarded with panoramic vistas of the Dorset coastline and can even spot the swannery below – a perfect way to end the day. Amazing place for selfies! The gardens share the same opening hours (10 am – 5 pm, last entry 4 pm). An advance ticket was £10 for adults and £5 for ages 5-15 (under 5s go free). The best news for dog owners? Well-behaved pups on leads are welcome!
So, if you’re looking for a day out in Dorset that combines history, wildlife, and stunning scenery, the Abbotsbury Swannery and its subtropical neighbour offer an experience you will treasure forever.
Another Dorset’s nature gem near is Durlston country park.