Abbotsbury Swannery
Have you ever wondered what the "Ugly Duckling" really looked like? At Abbotsbury Swannery, you'll get the chance to see hundreds of them! Each year, hundreds of these cute, wee things hatch on site and you'll get the rare opportunity to get up close.Abbotsbury Swannery is a magical place " a definite attraction which your kids will never forget. The Abbotsbury Swannery is a unique spot which has been home to a colony of swans for over 600 years. Although some believe that the Abbotsbury monks established a swannery here in the 1400s, it would seem that the swans congregate here due to the natural habitat provided by the shelter of Chesil Bank.
The Abbotsbury Colonial Nesting Herd is a colony of mute swans (so-called because their calls are soft rather than shrill). Unlike other swans throughout the UK which remain the property of Her Majesty, Abbotsbury Swans are free-wheeling birds able to roam wherever they please. Despite their liberty, a local swan herd keeps an eye out for protective nesting swans although even the most aggressive are quite accustomed to human company.
Highlights of this attraction are feeding times (twice daily) and if possible watching cygnets hatch. You'll also be able to see an audio-visual film and follow the "Ugly Duckling Trail". Abbotsbury Swannery is open from mid-March to the end of October.
Location
Address: Abbotsbury Swannery, New Barn Road
Postcode: DT34JG [Street Map]
Town/City: Abbotsbury
County: Dorset
Phone: +44 01305 871 858
Admission
Adults: £7.50
Children: £4.50
Website: http://www.abbotsbury-tourism.co.uk/swannery.html
