Abbotsbury by Martín Burguillo from Getty Images
Abbotsbury
Abbotsbury, a charming village nestled near Dorchester in Dorset, England, is renowned for its picturesque beauty and historical significance. Situated along the Jurassic Coast, a UNESCO World Heritage site, Abbotsbury offers visitors stunning views of the English Channel and a glimpse into England’s ancient past. The village is particularly famous for the Abbotsbury Swannery, the only managed colony of nesting mute swans in the world. Founded by Benedictine monks in the 11th century, the swannery provides a unique opportunity for visitors to observe these majestic birds up close, especially during the hatching season in May and June.
Another notable attraction in Abbotsbury is the Subtropical Gardens, established in 1765. These gardens boast an impressive collection of exotic plants from around the world, thriving in the mild, coastal climate. The gardens offer a tranquil retreat with their vibrant flora, winding pathways, and captivating water features. Visitors can enjoy the changing seasons, each bringing a new wave of colours and scents, making the gardens a year-round destination.
The village itself is a delightful blend of historic architecture and quaint, rural charm. Stone cottages with thatched roofs line the streets, giving Abbotsbury a timeless feel. The remains of the Abbotsbury Abbey, dating back to the 11th century, add to the village’s historical allure. Although much of the abbey was destroyed during the Dissolution of the Monasteries under Henry VIII, the impressive tithe barn and some ruins still stand, offering a window into medieval monastic life.
Abbotsbury is also known for its vibrant local culture and community spirit. The village hosts several events throughout the year, including the popular Abbotsbury Fair, which dates back to the 14th century. This traditional fair features stalls, entertainment, and local crafts, attracting visitors from across the region. Additionally, the nearby Chesil Beach provides opportunities for coastal walks and fossil hunting, further enhancing the village’s appeal to nature enthusiasts and history buffs alike.
Overall, Abbotsbury in Dorchester is a captivating destination that seamlessly blends natural beauty, historical depth, and community warmth. Its unique attractions and serene environment make it a perfect getaway for those looking to experience the quintessential charm of the English countryside. Whether exploring the ancient ruins, wandering through lush gardens, or simply enjoying the peaceful ambiance, visitors to Abbotsbury are sure to find a place that resonates with both history and tranquillity.
Created: 26 May 2024 Edited: 10 June 2024
Abbotsbury
Local History around Abbotsbury
There are some historic monuments around including:
Bowl barrow 355m north west of White Hill Barn, forming part of the White Hill round barrow cemeteryBarrow 300yds (280m) SW of Kingston FarmLong barrow W of Hampton BarnLong mound 860m NNE of Whatcombe House, associated with the round barrow cemetery on the south western part of Black DownThe Nine Stones: a small concentric stone circle 750m west of Winterbourne AbbasTwo bell barrows 15m north of Well Bottom Wood, part of the Poor Lot round barrow cemeteryBowl barrow on Black Down, 450m north west of the Hardy MonumentBowl barrow 200m south of Winterbourne Poor Lot forming part of the Winterbourne Poor Lot round barrow cemeteryCamp on Chilcombe HillBowl barrow 400m north east of Look FarmGroup of barrows near Big WoodBowl barrow on Black Down, 50m south of the Hardy MonumentBowl barrow 750m SSE of Lower Kingston Russell FarmFour round barrows NW of Blagdon BarnLong barrow E of Northfield PlantationBowl barrow 500m NNW of Topparts DairyBowl barrow 350m NNW of Topparts DairyBowl barrow in Well Bottom WoodBowl barrow on Sheep Down, 600m east of Home Farm CottagesThree bowl barrows on The Knoll 450m north west of TreetopsBowl barrow on Black Down, 870m north west of the Hardy MonumentOld Warren earthworkBowl barrow 600m west of Well Bottom Wood, forming part of the Pitcombe Down round barrow cemeteryLynchets S of Stavordale WoodSt Catherine's Chapel, field system and quarries at Chapel HillDuck decoy at Abbotsbury Swannery, 630m SSW of Horsepool FarmBowl barrow 800m NNE of Whatcombe House, forming part of the round barrow cemetery on the south western part of Black DownBowl barrow 450m NNW of Field BarnChambered tomb called The Grey Mare and her ColtsBowl barrow 265m north west of White Hill Barn, forming part of the White Hill round barrow cemeteryBowl barrow 645m south west of North Barn FarmBowl barrow on Limekiln Hill 650m south east of Green LeazeBell barrow 125m west of Longlands Farm, forming part of the Longlands round barrow cemeteryBowl barrow 550m north east of Pitcombe Farm, part of the Black Down round barrow cemeteryChambered long barrow N of Loscombe PlantationBowl barrow and disc barrow 730m south of Kingston Russell Farm, forming part of the round barrow cemetery on the south western part of Black DownBowl barrow 810m NNE of Whatcombe House, forming part of the round barrow cemetery on the south western part of Black DownTwenty-one barrows forming part of a round barrow cemetery at Winterbourne Poor LotRound barrow E of The BuildingsBowl barrow on Black Down, 80m south east of the Hardy MonumentCross dyke 600m north of Pitcombe FarmBowl barrow 165m NNW of White Hill Barn, forming part of the White Hill round barrow cemeteryField system in Valley of Stones (including earthwork N of Crow Hill)Six round barrows 200m west of New Planting, forming part of the Three Barrow Clump round barrow cemeteryRound barrows W of Blagdon BarnBowl barrow 120m east of White Hill WoodThree round barrows E of Smitten CornerTwo bowl barrows on Black Down immediately east of the Hardy MonumentTwo round barrows on Wears HillDyke on Long Barrow HillStanding stone called The Broad StoneEarthworks on Askerswell DownBell barrow 850m south east of Kingston Russell Farm, part of the Black Down round barrow cemeteryDisc barrow 200m north east of Winterbourne Poor Lot, forming part of the Poor Lot round barrow cemeteryThree barrows near Town Hill BarnBowl barrow180m east of Hogleaze BungalowBell barrow and five bowl barrows 1000m south east of Kingston Russell Farm, part of the Black Down round barrow cemeteryHelstone burial chamberRound barrow 250yds (230m) S of Chapel CoppiceAbbotsbury Castle (camp)Bowl barrow in New Planting, forming part of the Three Barrow Clump round barrow cemeteryTwo bowl barrows 400m west of Longlands Farm, forming part of the Longlands round barrow cemeteryDisc barrow 500m south east of Winterbourne Poor LotBowl barrow 800m north east of Gorwell FarmBowl barrow 220m NNW of Topparts DairyBowl barrow 500m west of Well Bottom Wood, forming part of the Pitcombe Down round barrow cemeteryRound barrow 230yds (210m) E of White Hill PlantationTwo round barrows at crossroads N of villageHampton stone circleTwo fishponds in Oddens WoodBowl barrow 340m north west of White Hill Barn, forming part of the White Hill round barrow cemeteryBowl barrow and disc barrow 900m south east of Kingston Russell Farm, part of the Black Down round barrow cemeteryBowl barrow on Black Down, 770m north west of the Hardy MonumentBowl barrow 700m NNW of Whitefriars Broiler HousesRound barrows on Sheep DownThree bowl barrows on Tulk's Hill 800m north of East Bexington FarmFour bowl barrows 725m ESE of Wears FarmTriple barrow and bowl barrow forming part of a barrow cemetery and part of an associated field system 250m north east of Winterbourne Poor LotBronze Age enclosure, associated linear earthworks and field system, and a later dewpond on Tenants HillLong barrow 200m north west of Longlands FarmThree bowl barrows at Dry Wood, forming part of the Longlands round barrow cemeteryGroup of five round barrows on White HillBowl barrow on Black Down, 400m north west of the Hardy MonumentBowl barrow 320m north west of Coombefield FarmBowl barrow 450m NNE of West Hill FarmBowl barrow 600m west of Well Bottom Wood, forming part of the Pitcombe Down round barrow cemeteryBowl barrow 605m south west of Long Barrow FarmBell barrow 100m south of Winterbourne Poor Lot, part of the Winterbourne Poor Lot round barrow cemeteryBowl barrow 800m south of Kingston Russell Farm, forming part of the round barrow cemetery on the south western part of Black DownBowl barrow 300m west of New Planting, forming part of the Three Barrow Clump round barrow cemeteryBowl barrow 770m north of Whatcombe House, forming part of the round barrow cemetery on the south western part of Black DownBowl barrow 550m WNW of Dowerfield HouseRound barrow in White Hill PlantationSt Peter's AbbeyBowl barrow and pond barrow within Well Bottom Wood, part of the Winterbourne Poor Lot round barrow cemeteryBarrow 650yds (600m) N of North Barn FarmBowl barrow 850m north west of Whitefriars Broiler HousesThe Kingston Russell stone circle 750m north east of Gorwell FarmThree bowl barrows 300m south west of Well Bottom Wood, forming part of the Pitcombe Down round barrow cemeteryBowl barrow 300m WNW of White Hill Barn, forming part of the White Hill round barrow cemeteryStanding stone 700m south east of North Barn FarmLong barrow NE of AshleyBowl barrow on Limekiln Hill 500m north of Labour-in-Vain FarmEnclosure on Sheep Down 930m south east of Heart ClumpDyke on Wears HillLong mound and three bowl barrows forming part of a round barrow cemetery 760m NNE of Whatcombe House on the south western part of Black DownFour bowl barrows 500m west of Well Bottom Wood, forming part of the Pitcombe Down round barrow cemeteryTwo bowl barrows 700m south east of Kingston Russell Farm, part of the Black Down round barrow cemeteryPenannular ditched enclosure, 150m south of Turner's Farm BarnBowl barrow 680m north east of Whatcombe House, forming part of the round barrow cemetery on the south western part of Black DownBowl barrow on Black Down, 150m north west of the Hardy MonumentTwo long barrows and round barrows on Long Barrow HillTwo bowl barrows 283m SSE of the Grey Mare and her ColtsTwo barrows on Chilcombe HillBowl barrow and pond barrow 880m south east of Kingston Russell Farm, part of the Black Down barrow cemetery.
