Historic Abbotsbury
A visit to the historic village of Abbotsbury is a must, where you’ll discover a beautiful village that’s steeped in history going back thousands of years. If you’re holidaying in the area you’ll want to come back again to explore the many and delightful walks around the village and the surrounding area.
Abbotsbury is a very popular place with visitors and tourists coming far and wide to explore the village, enjoy the tearooms, visit the 600 year old swannery, wander around the Sub-Tropical Gardens and the view the remains of the Abbey.
Abbotsbury – definitely a must visit village on your West Dorset visit.
⇒ Abbotsbury at a glance
- Beautiful old village setting with thatch roof cottages
- Views of the Jurassic Coast and Chesil Beach
- St Catherine’s Chapel and St Nicholas Church
- Remains of Abbotsbury Abbey
- The Swannery, a 600 year old sanctuary
- Abbotsbury Sub-Tropical Gardens
- Children’s Farm and Smugglers’ Barn
- Great for countryside and village walks
- Outstanding coastal views above the village
- Hardy Monument nearby
- Access to The Ridgeway, ancient Neolithic causeway
- Also access to the South West Coast Path
- Traditional tea rooms and inns
- The outstanding scenic B3157 Jurassic coastal road
- Situated between Bridport and Weymouth
Discover Abbotsbury & Swannery
Visit Abbotsbury… and you’ll discover not only a beautiful village in such a picturesque setting but also the world renowned 600 year old Abbotsbury Swannery sanctuary – it’s the place to come if you love swans!
What can you say… with beautiful rolling countryside hills and the ancient Ridgeway looking down on to this idyllic and picturesque old village of Abbotsbury – a visit is a must! Venture up to the top of these hills and on to the Ridgeway and the whole amazing area and the Jurassic coastline opens up with such stunning and outstanding views.
It’s historic… and Abbotsbury is certainly steeped in history, going back thousands of years! As mentioned above, the hills north of the village are called the Ridgeway, a natural causeway track used during the Neolithic era and now still a great area for walking. Follow in the footsteps of Neolithic man and discover this ancient track.
There’s so much history
As all over this amazing county of Dorset, Abbotsbury and the surrounding area has certainly seen so much during thousands of years of various occupiers of this peaceful and ancient place. The Romans also occupied the Abbotsbury and the area, and indeed West Dorset, from approximately 44-410AD.
Bring your camera… it’s a must, as there are many great photo opportunities in and around the village. There’s numerous walks to enjoy, lovely old streets and old thatched cottages to enjoy as well as the delightful Church of St Nicholas, dating back to the late the 14th/early 15th century. Near the church there’s also a few remains of the Abbey of St Peter.
Go on, walk up… the delightful hill facing the Jurassic coastline in front of the village and discover the early 15th century St Catherine’s Chapel which can be seen for miles around. From the Chapel and around the hill are some of the most stunning views all around in all directions, as well as one of the best views of the famous Chesil Beach. It’s a must walk with an amazing view!
Swannery & Sub-Tropical Gardens
Love swans… then this is the place to come for visiting the Abbotsbury Swannery sanctuary, and of course the Sub-Tropical Gardens – a very popular place for visitors! There are various attractions to visit in Abbotsbury including the Children’s Farm and Smugglers Barn.
It’s a main bus route… through the village if not wanting to drive, so a great place for a day trip out! There are some delightful places to eat and drink with tearooms and pubs. There are minimal shops but there are several studios and galleries.
⇒ Info Point
Your holiday Information Point (with links) to find out more on what to see and do in Abbotsbury and the surrounding area.
- Bridport Tourist Information Centre –
Bridport Town Hall, Bucky Doo Square, South Street, Bridport, Dorset DT6 3LF
Telephone 01308 424901
Email: bridport.tic@westdorset-dc.gov.uk - Abbotsbury Tourism –
The Swannery, Sub-Tropical Gardens and Children’s Farm - Abbotsbury Village –
More information about the village and area - Abbotsbury Abbey –
About the Abbey remains at English Heritage - Abbotsbury Tearooms –
Drinks, snacks and Dorset apple cake - Ilchester Arms –
For drinks, food, accommodation, weddings - Swan Inn –
For drinks, food, accommodation - Hardy Monument –
National Trust monument information - South West Coast Path –
Walks overing 630 miles of superb coastline - The Ridgeway –
Walk the South Dorset Ridgeway
Abbotsbury on the Jurassic Coast – it’s an amazing village!
Visit West Dorset 