If you’re thinking of visiting Abbotsbury Swannery in Dorset then we hope this post will help you decide when to go. The swannery is home to the world’s only managed colony of nesting mute swans and you’ll find them on the Dorset coast.
You may not already know that Abbotsbury Swannery was used as a filming location in Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince too. The Weasley family home, the Burrow was in the swampy area around the swannery.
Getting To Abbotsbury Swannery
If you’re driving to Abbotsbury Swannery, you’ll find a nice large free car park when you arrive. The address for your sat nav is New Barn Road, Abbotsbury, Weymouth DT3 4JG. The Swannery is well sign posted, and despite thinking you are driving in the depths of the country, it soon appears in front of you.
History Of Abbotsbury Swannery
The Swannery was established by Benedictine Monks who built a monastery at Abbotsbury during the 1040’s. They farmed swans to produce food for their banquets.
Things To Do At Abbotsbury Swannery
Once you arrive at the swannery and park, you have the option to visit the cafe and play ground area before purchasing your entry tickets. There is a wide selection of cakes, drinks, sandwiches and hot food in the cafe.
You are also welcome to take your own food and use the picnic areas provided. Toilets are also positioned at the entrance to the swannery, and it’s worth noting that there are none further down by the swans.
Dogs are not permitted into the swannery, but they are welcome in the cafe and picnic area at the front.
Aside from visiting the swannery for the swans, there is also a go kart area and the swan willow maze before you reach the entrance to visit the swan colony.
A top tip from us if you’re tackling the swan maze is to wear sensible foot wear. If there has been lots of rain, the ground can get muddy and on our visit in May it was very muddy in places.
During 2025, you will also find a Brambly Hedge trail which allows visitors to discover more about the swans and the adventurous mice.
Throughout the year, you will also find planned events including a food fair in the Spring.
Visting The Swan Colony
Did you know that Abbotsbury Swannery is the only place in the World where you can walk through a swan colony. Now I’m not a big fan of swans, but they are so used to the public walking through they really do just ignore you.
You may find around 600 swans that are all free flying. As you wander around the lagoon walks, there will be swans on the paths and in the nesting / family areas. We visited during nesting period so there were lots of pairs sticking together.
We found the walk through the swan colony very relaxing and informative. There are plenty of information boards depicting the history. There are also video cams of the colony and one on a nesting swan which is interesting to watch.
Abbotsbury Swannery Prices And Discounts
If you’re planning on visiting Abbotsbury Swannery near Weymouth then it’s useful to know about the following discounts.
- One carer is admitted free with every disabled visitor
- Current serving members of the armed forces and their immediate family are granted free entry
- Tesco clubcard vouchers can be used for entry to Abbotsbury Swannery
- A discounted passport price is available if you wish to visit Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens as well.
- Children under 5 are admitted free