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:
Four bowl barrows 500m west of Well Bottom Wood, forming part of the Pitcombe Down round barrow cemeterySt Catherine's Chapel, field system and quarries at Chapel HillBowl barrow 355m north west of White Hill Barn, forming part of the White Hill round barrow cemeteryThree round barrows E of Smitten CornerLong barrow E of Northfield PlantationChambered tomb called The Grey Mare and her ColtsFour bowl barrows 725m ESE of Wears FarmRound barrow 230yds (210m) E of White Hill PlantationBowl barrow 700m NNW of Whitefriars Broiler HousesBowl barrow 350m NNW of Topparts DairyDyke on Wears HillBell barrow 125m west of Longlands Farm, forming part of the Longlands round barrow cemeteryBowl barrow on Black Down, 770m north west of the Hardy MonumentBowl barrow 605m south west of Long Barrow FarmBowl barrow 800m south of Kingston Russell Farm, forming part of the round barrow cemetery on the south western part of Black DownTwo bowl barrows 700m south east of Kingston Russell Farm, part of the Black Down round barrow cemeteryBowl barrow on Black Down, 80m south east of the Hardy MonumentLong mound 860m NNE of Whatcombe House, associated with the round barrow cemetery on the south western part of Black DownThe Kingston Russell stone circle 750m north east of Gorwell FarmCross dyke 600m north of Pitcombe FarmRound barrow 250yds (230m) S of Chapel CoppiceStanding stone 700m south east of North Barn FarmDisc barrow 500m south east of Winterbourne Poor LotField system in Valley of Stones (including earthwork N of Crow Hill)Bowl barrow 550m WNW of Dowerfield HouseStanding stone called The Broad StoneSt Peter's AbbeyRound barrows W of Blagdon BarnLong barrow W of Hampton BarnBowl barrow 850m north west of Whitefriars Broiler HousesBowl barrow 500m west of Well Bottom Wood, forming part of the Pitcombe Down round barrow cemeteryTwo round barrows at crossroads N of villageTriple barrow and bowl barrow forming part of a barrow cemetery and part of an associated field system 250m north east of Winterbourne Poor LotBowl barrow 450m NNE of West Hill FarmTwenty-one barrows forming part of a round barrow cemetery at Winterbourne Poor LotBowl barrow 300m west of New Planting, forming part of the Three Barrow Clump round barrow cemeteryThree bowl barrows on The Knoll 450m north west of TreetopsLong barrow 200m north west of Longlands FarmBowl barrow 600m west of Well Bottom Wood, forming part of the Pitcombe Down round barrow cemeteryFour round barrows NW of Blagdon BarnLynchets S of Stavordale WoodThree bowl barrows on Tulk's Hill 800m north of East Bexington FarmTwo fishponds in Oddens WoodBowl barrow 600m west of Well Bottom Wood, forming part of the Pitcombe Down round barrow cemeterySix round barrows 200m west of New Planting, forming part of the Three Barrow Clump round barrow cemeteryChambered long barrow N of Loscombe PlantationBowl barrow on Limekiln Hill 650m south east of Green LeazeBowl barrow on Black Down, 870m north west of the Hardy MonumentBell barrow 850m south east of Kingston Russell Farm, part of the Black Down round barrow cemeteryPenannular ditched enclosure, 150m south of Turner's Farm BarnEarthworks on Askerswell DownTwo bell barrows 15m north of Well Bottom Wood, part of the Poor Lot round barrow cemeteryBowl barrow 200m south of Winterbourne Poor Lot forming part of the Winterbourne Poor Lot round barrow cemeteryDisc barrow 200m north east of Winterbourne Poor Lot, forming part of the Poor Lot round barrow cemeteryBowl barrow 120m east of White Hill WoodHampton stone circleBarrow 300yds (280m) SW of Kingston FarmDuck decoy at Abbotsbury Swannery, 630m SSW of Horsepool FarmBarrow 650yds (600m) N of North Barn FarmThree barrows near Town Hill BarnDyke on Long Barrow HillBowl barrow 645m south west of North Barn FarmBowl barrow on Black Down, 450m north west of the Hardy MonumentThree bowl barrows at Dry Wood, forming part of the Longlands round barrow cemeteryBowl 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 300m WNW of White Hill Barn, forming part of the White Hill round barrow cemeteryLong mound and three bowl barrows forming part of a round barrow cemetery 760m NNE of Whatcombe House on the south western part of Black DownThe Nine Stones: a small concentric stone circle 750m west of Winterbourne AbbasBowl barrow in Well Bottom WoodTwo barrows on Chilcombe HillBowl barrow 680m north east of Whatcombe House, forming part of the round barrow cemetery on the south western part of Black DownBowl barrow in New Planting, forming part of the Three Barrow Clump round barrow cemeteryBowl barrow 340m north west of White Hill Barn, forming part of the White Hill round barrow cemeteryHelstone burial chamberOld Warren earthworkCamp on Chilcombe HillRound barrow E of The BuildingsBowl barrow on Black Down, 400m north west of the Hardy MonumentThree bowl barrows 300m south west of Well Bottom Wood, forming part of the Pitcombe Down round barrow cemeteryBowl barrow 750m SSE of Lower Kingston Russell FarmBowl barrow 450m NNW of Field BarnGroup of barrows near Big WoodRound barrows on Sheep DownTwo long barrows and round barrows on Long Barrow HillBowl barrow 500m NNW of Topparts DairyBowl barrow 400m north east of Look FarmBowl barrow on Limekiln Hill 500m north of Labour-in-Vain FarmGroup of five round barrows on White HillLong barrow NE of AshleyTwo bowl barrows 283m SSE of the Grey Mare and her ColtsBowl barrow 810m NNE of Whatcombe House, forming part of the round barrow cemetery on the south western part of Black DownTwo bowl barrows 400m west of Longlands Farm, forming part of the Longlands round barrow cemeteryBowl barrow and disc barrow 900m south east of Kingston Russell Farm, part of the Black Down round barrow cemeteryTwo round barrows on Wears HillBowl barrow 265m north west of White Hill Barn, forming part of the White Hill round barrow cemeteryBowl barrow and pond barrow 880m south east of Kingston Russell Farm, part of the Black Down barrow cemeteryTwo bowl barrows on Black Down immediately east of the Hardy MonumentBowl barrow 770m north of Whatcombe House, forming part of the round barrow cemetery on the south western part of Black DownBowl barrow 800m NNE of Whatcombe House, forming part of the round barrow cemetery on the south western part of Black DownBowl barrow on Sheep Down, 600m east of Home Farm CottagesBowl barrow 165m NNW of White Hill Barn, forming part of the White Hill round barrow cemeteryBell barrow 100m south of Winterbourne Poor Lot, part of the Winterbourne Poor Lot round barrow cemeteryBowl barrow 320m north west of Coombefield FarmEnclosure on Sheep Down 930m south east of Heart ClumpBowl barrow 550m north east of Pitcombe Farm, part of the Black Down round barrow cemeteryBowl barrow 220m NNW of Topparts DairyBowl barrow on Black Down, 50m south of the Hardy MonumentBowl barrow180m east of Hogleaze BungalowBronze Age enclosure, associated linear earthworks and field system, and a later dewpond on Tenants HillBowl barrow on Black Down, 150m north west of the Hardy MonumentBell barrow and five bowl barrows 1000m south east of Kingston Russell Farm, part of the Black Down round barrow cemeteryAbbotsbury Castle (camp)Bowl barrow 800m north east of Gorwell FarmRound barrow in White Hill PlantationBowl barrow and pond barrow within Well Bottom Wood, part of the Winterbourne Poor Lot round barrow cemetery.
