The village of Abbotsbury is set amongst the hills behind the great Chesil Bank and is well-known world wide for it’s Swannery and the Sub-Tropical Gardens. It is only about 3 miles from the cottages and the views out over Lyme Bay and the countryside from the coastal road running from Rodden to Abbotsbury are stunning. A very pleasant walk or bike ride.
Abbotsbury Swannery
The Swan sanctuary, over 600 years old, can be found around the Fleet Lagoon behind the Chesil Beach. Hatching time normally occurs during April when you are allowed to visit and actually observe the young signets hatching. On average about 100 nests produce 600 cygnets. As you enter the Swannery there is a lovely little cafe on your rights which is excellent for snacks, light lunches and even a glass of beer to refresh after your walk! It is well worth visiting the Abbotsbury Website and getting your tcikets in advance (save 20%)
The Abbotsbury Sub Tropical Gardens
Originally established in 1765 by the first Countess of Ilchester as a kitchen garden for her nearby castle, it has developed since then into a magnificent 20 acre garden filled with rare and exotic plants from all over the world. The Gardens today are a mixture of formal and informal, with charming walled garden walks and spectacular woodland valley views.
Above the village on a hill, commanding views over the Dorset countryside and the English Channel is St. Catherine’s s Chapel built in the first half of the 15th century. There are some interesting shops and pleasant tearooms in the village itself. The coastal road, B3157, to the west of the village offers superb views of the Fleet and Portland and must rank as one of the prettiest coastal roads anywhere in the UK.