The remains of an 11th C Benedictine monastery can be found in Abbotsbury (9mi/14km west of Weymouth).
Abbotsbury is a popular tourist stop as a gateway village to the Jurassic Coast. It is also a notable destination for bird watchers. The Abbotsbury bird sanctuary is over 600 years old, and a nesting and breeding ground for swans.
More famous than the Abbotsbury monastery ruins is the Swannery, founded in 1393 and now home to almost 1,000 birds. Although swans were eaten as a culinary delicacy at royal banquets until as recently as the 1950s, it is now the lagoon's oysters which enjoy particular popularity among gourmets.
Address: Swannery, New Barn Road, Abbotsbury DT3 4JG, England
Hours:
March 15 to November 2: 10am-6pm
Tips: Return bus service from Weymouth in July & August. Inquire at the Weymouth Tourist Information Centre. Last admission one hour before closing.
Parking: Free
Disability Access: Full facilities for persons with disabilities.
Facilities: Gift shop, Restaurant or food service, Wheelchair loan or rental
It is worth visiting the subtropical gardens laid out in 1750 by the Earl of Ilchester in a protected valley on the outskirts of Abbotsbury. Palms, bamboo groves, multicolored exotic plants and lush rhododendrons all flourish here.
Address: Abbotsbury Sub-tropical Gardens, Bullers Way, Weymouth DT3 4LA, England
Hours:
March 1 to October 31: 10am-5pm
November 1 to March 31: 10am-4pm
Always closed on: New Year's Day (January 1), Christmas - Christian (December 25), Day after Christmas, St Stephen's Day, Boxing Day (December 26)
Tips: Return bus service from Weymouth in July & August. Inquire at the Weymouth Tourist Information Centre.
Dogs are permitted in the gardens, provided they are on a lead.
Disability Access: Full facilities for persons with disabilities.
The Tithe Barn Chidren's Farm is an ancient site that is now home to a host of farm animals. Children will enjoy stroking and feeding many of the animals throughout the day.
This is a particularly popular destination amongst children under 11.
Address: The Tithe Barn Children's Farm, New Barn Road, Abbotsbury DT3 4JG, England
Hours:
March 15 to September 7: 10am-6pm
September 8 to October 24: 10am-5pm; Closed: Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri
October 25 to November 2: 10am-5pm; Closed: Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri
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St Catherine's Chapel, Abbey
Abbotsbury - Abbey
