Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens Description
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.
Swannery Description
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.
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.
Abbotsbury Attractions
