Abbotsbury Swannery 
About Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens
History of the Gardens
The history of Abbotsbury is tied closely with the creation of the monastery that once dominated the village and the Fox-Strangways family. In 1541, the abbey lands were leased to Sir Giles Strangways, who converted part of the old monastery into a mansion.
The above photo featured in Country Life magazine in 1899 and is of the top pond.
The Gardens Today
After the great storm of 1990, a major restoration project has been underway. Many new exotic and unusual flowers have been introduced to this fabulous Dorset Garden. The Gardens is currently curated in a way to provide the visitors with an immersive subtropical garden experience.
The Garden is a mixture of formal and informal flowers, world famous for it’s Camellia groves and Magnolias. Noted in Dorset for its Rhododendron and Hydrangea collections and the charming Victorian Garden.
Simon Gudgeon Sculpture
Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens has welcomed a new sculpture by leading contemporary sculptor, Simon Gudgeon.
Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens joins an impressive line-up of high-profile locations which display his work, including Hyde Park, Kew Gardens and America’s National Museum of Wildlife Art.
Sitting Spiritually Swing Seats
Local company Sitting Spiritually provide us with three beautiful swing seats, two on the West Lawn and one with a pergola in the Old Orchard. Take the weight off your feet and relax for a few minutes on these hand-crafted solid wood pieces of garden furniture, all made within five miles of their base in Lyme Regis.
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