Abbotsbury Village

One of Dorset’s prettiest villages, Abbotsbury is a cluster of honey-coloured stone and thatch set between the hills and the sea. With independent shops, tea rooms and centuries of history, it’s the perfect base for exploring the Jurassic Coast — and Swan Lodge sits right in the middle of it.

Highlights

• The great medieval Tithe Barn, one of the largest in England
• St Nicholas’ Church and the atmospheric ruins of Abbotsbury Abbey
• Thatched cottages, galleries, gift shops and tea rooms
• Walks to St Catherine’s Chapel, the Swannery and Chesil Beach from the centre

A little history

Abbotsbury grew up around its Benedictine abbey, founded around 1040. The abbey was destroyed in the Dissolution, but the Tithe Barn, the church and the surrounding field patterns still tell its story.

Plan your visit

Free to wander any time. Many attractions are walkable from the Lodge. For village events and opening times of individual sites, see the village guide (opens in a new tab).

Abbotsbury village guide ↗ Opens in a new tab — this page stays open.