Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens
www.abbotsbury-tourism.co.uk/gardens.htm

Nestled in a sheltered valley behind the Chesil Beach lies 20 acres of subtropical paradise. Once the 18th century kitchen garden on the Ilchester estate, the beautiful gardens now display plants from all over the world. Several walks for all abilities meander over the site, featuring woodland, pools, streams, ponds, birds, sculpture and formal planting displays.
There is a lovely restaurant in the style of a Queensland house and a good plant nursery selling a wide range of the plants seen in the garden. There is a small kids play area and, if you are feeling fit, a vantage point over the beach up a steep slope. For full details of opening times, events and entry costs visit the website above.

Abbotsbury Swannery
www.abbotsbury-tourism.co.uk/swannery for opening times and costs.

Set on the edge of the beautiful fleet lagoon behind the Chesil Beach in Dorset, with the idyllic village setting of Abbotsbury and St. Catherine's Chapel nearby.

Easy access from car park to good cafe serving range of hot and cold snacks with indoor/outdoor seating area and well-presented enclosed play area. Toilet facilities good. Entrance to swannery through shop with short walk to swannery. All paths wide, well maintained and with good access in swannery itself. Points of interest for both children and adults. Expensive for the amount of time spent on site but presume running and maintenance costs of such an unusual site are high. Cheaper rates if a 'passport ticket' is purchased for entry to children's farm and sub-tropical gardens nearby.
A lovely day out.

 feeding times at noon and 4.00pm.