Abbotsbury
Discover Abbotsbury and the Jurassic Coast Trail
Abbotsbury on our Jurassic coast trail, is an exceptionally beautiful, historic stone and thatch village very close to Chesil Beach. As its name implies the village was based around an Abbey (Benedictine). Its tithe barn and St. Catherine’s Chapel on the hill are all that’s left of the medieval abbey, except for a stone archway and remnants of the abbey’s gatehouse. The tithe barn is now a popular Children’s Farm.
The story of Abbotsbury is steeped in the history of Dorset. Footscape trail guides provide detailed information on the history of the local area, but for an overview of the county’s history please click here History of Dorset
Today Abbotsbury well known for its 14th century Swannery whose origins stem from the Abbey and for its Subtropical Gardens, both of which are open to the public. In addition to many craft shops, galleries and tea-shops, there are two pubs in the village, as well as a post office and a local grocery shop. Abbotsbury is an ideal place either for a short break of 2-4 nights or for a longer stay to explore the western Jurassic Coast trail and the city of Dorchester. Abbotsbury is reached by train to Dorchester or Weymouth, followed by a 15 minute taxi ride. You will be accommodated in the heart of the village, with easy access to all amenities and trails.
About the Walks
Abbotsbury is set in the most gorgeous walking country. We have created a choice of five outstanding walks, following the Jurassic coast trail from West Bay, beside Chesil Beach and the Fleet (a lagoon), or inland along ancient ridgeway tracks overlooking the Jurassic Coast and into remote, unspoilt villages of the interior, including a stop beside a little-known lake belonging to an impressive country house. The trails vary in length from 7½ to 12 miles (12 to 19.5 kms), with opportunities to shorten the longest of them. One ends in Weymouth and another at some very attractive Water Gardens, from where you can catch the Jurassic Coast bus back to Abbotsbury.
Accommodation & Services
Abbotsbury is a delightful place to spend a holiday, although there is limited accommodation in the village; so please try to book early. We will give you our detailed and informative Jurassic coast Trail Guide, as well as the relevant ordnance survey map (with the Footscape trail highlighted), along with all other information that you will need for your holiday. Please check availability by completing our short enquiry form.
Rates
| Double / Twin | Single | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 7+ nights.. | from £85 | from £120 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 4 to 6 nights | from £90 | from £125 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2 to 3 nights | from £95 | from £130 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Prices are per person per night and in £ Sterling | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
A2 – A comfortable B&B or simple village inn
A1 – A good hotel, inn or equivalent
A+ – A luxury hotel
Occasionally we may propose accommodation with a standard and price between A1 & A2. 10% discount for groups of 3 or more.
For very large groups (10+), please contact us. We can sometimes offer family rooms with special prices for children.
Please give us details on the enquiry form
Trail Highlights
- Stunning coastal views from above Abbotsbury
- The unspoilt village of Abbotsbury
- The Swannery and Sub-Tropical Gardens
- Chesil Beach and the Fleet
- Bennetts Water Gardens
- The spring-fed lake of Bridehead
- Weymouth
- Upwey Wishing Well.
