Description of Abbotsbury

Abbotsbury 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.

Today Abbotsbury well known for its 14th century Swannery whose origins stem from the Abbey and its Sub-Tropical Gardens, which are both 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 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 coastal paths 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 Abbotsbury 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.

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.