Abbotsbury

Civil Parish in Dorset West Dorset

England

Abbotsbury

View above Chesil Beach Taken from the viewpoint at the southern end of Abbotsbury Gardens.
View above Chesil Beach Credit: Trevor Harris

Abbotsbury is a civil parish located in the county of Dorset, England. Situated on the Jurassic Coast, it is nestled in a picturesque valley surrounded by hills and farmland. The village is renowned for its natural beauty and historical significance, attracting visitors from all over.

One of the most prominent features of Abbotsbury is its stunning 14th-century St. Catherine's Chapel. Perched on a hilltop overlooking the village, it offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding countryside and coastline. Another notable landmark is the Abbotsbury Swannery, the only managed colony of nesting mute swans in the world. Visitors can witness the spectacle of hundreds of swans nesting and hatching their eggs during the summer months.

The village itself has a charming and quaint atmosphere, with traditional thatched-roof cottages and narrow winding streets. It offers a range of amenities, including a post office, village store, and several pubs. The local community is welcoming and friendly, making Abbotsbury an excellent place to visit or live.

Abbotsbury also boasts a rich history, with evidence of human habitation dating back thousands of years. The area is home to the remains of a Benedictine abbey founded in the 11th century, which played a significant role in the region's religious and cultural development.

Overall, Abbotsbury offers a unique blend of natural beauty, historical heritage, and a vibrant community. Whether exploring its landmarks, enjoying the stunning countryside, or immersing oneself in the local culture, Abbotsbury is a place that captivates and enchants all who visit.

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Abbotsbury Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 50.65861/-2.590898 or Grid Reference SY5884. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

View above Chesil Beach Taken from the viewpoint at the southern end of Abbotsbury Gardens.
View above Chesil Beach
Taken from the viewpoint at the southern end of Abbotsbury Gardens.
Chesil Beach Only a small area of this square is visible and that is only possible at low tide. This photo was taken at low tide on a day when there were low spring tides. The dark object is a rucksack marking the intersection of the grid lines and the footmarks in the gravel mark the approximate location of the lines. A triangle about 50m X 10m was uncovered at low tide. The whole square would be underwater at mid and high tides. On the left can be seen the ridge running along the length of the gravel bank that marks high tide. The view is to the southeast and in the distance can be seen the Isle of Portland.
Chesil Beach
Only a small area of this square is visible and that is only possible at low tide. This photo was taken at low tide on a day when there were low spring tides. The dark object is a rucksack marking the intersection of the grid lines and the footmarks in the gravel mark the approximate location of the lines. A triangle about 50m X 10m was uncovered at low tide. The whole square would be underwater at mid and high tides. On the left can be seen the ridge running along the length of the gravel bank that marks high tide. The view is to the southeast and in the distance can be seen the Isle of Portland.
Trig point at Merry Hill near Portesham
Trig point at Merry Hill near Portesham
Inland section of coast path, south of Merry Hill near West Elworth
Inland section of coast path, south of Merry Hill near West Elworth
Early morning St Catherine's Chapel, Abbotsbury St Catherine's Chapel is a surviving part of St Peter's Abbey. During the Dissolution of the Monasteries it was saved as it was a landmark used by mariners.
Early morning St Catherine's Chapel, Abbotsbury
St Catherine's Chapel is a surviving part of St Peter's Abbey. During the Dissolution of the Monasteries it was saved as it was a landmark used by mariners.
View towards Abbotsbury from St Catherine's Chapel
View towards Abbotsbury from St Catherine's Chapel
Early morning St Catherine's Chapel, Abbotsbury St Catherine's Chapel is a surviving part of St Peter's Abbey. During the Dissolution of the Monasteries it was saved as it was a landmark used by mariners.
Early morning St Catherine's Chapel, Abbotsbury
St Catherine's Chapel is a surviving part of St Peter's Abbey. During the Dissolution of the Monasteries it was saved as it was a landmark used by mariners.
On the coast path heading west from Chapel Hill, Abbotsbury
On the coast path heading west from Chapel Hill, Abbotsbury
Garden by St Peter's Abbey, Abbotsbury
Garden by St Peter's Abbey, Abbotsbury
Path leading up to remains of St Peter's Abbey, Abbotsbury
Path leading up to remains of St Peter's Abbey, Abbotsbury
Newly Installed Car Park Pay and Display Machine at Abbotsbury
Newly Installed Car Park Pay and Display Machine at Abbotsbury
Chapel Hill from Abbotsbury Gardens A misty day on the Dorset coast but St Catherine's Chapel is in view from the gardens.
Chapel Hill from Abbotsbury Gardens
A misty day on the Dorset coast but St Catherine's Chapel is in view from the gardens.
Abbotsbury Gardens One of several pools surrounded by exotic trees from warmer climes.
Abbotsbury Gardens
One of several pools surrounded by exotic trees from warmer climes.
Chesil Beach and Fleet Lagoon Viewed from Abbotsbury Hill.
Chesil Beach and Fleet Lagoon
Viewed from Abbotsbury Hill.
Evershot Farm, Portesham
Evershot Farm, Portesham
Gate to sea viewpoint
Gate to sea viewpoint
Large pond at Abbotsbury Gardens
Large pond at Abbotsbury Gardens
Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens The gardens are set in 20 acres of woodland valley protected by oaks.   The special plant collection has been built up over the last quarter of a century.
Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens
The gardens are set in 20 acres of woodland valley protected by oaks. The special plant collection has been built up over the last quarter of a century.
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Abbotsbury is located at Grid Ref: SY5884 (Lat: 50.65861, Lng: -2.590898)

Administrative County: Dorset

District: West Dorset

Police Authority: Dorset

What 3 Words

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Nearby Amenities

Located within 500m of 50.65861,-2.590898
Barrier: stile
Lat/Long: 50.6582851/-2.5909506
Barrier: stile
Lat/Long: 50.6599298/-2.5955586
Barrier: stile
Lat/Long: 50.6597309/-2.5963808
Linton Hill
Natural: peak
Lat/Long: 50.6602211/-2.586923
Horsepool Farm
Place: farm
Lat/Long: 50.6594117/-2.5969866
The data included in this document is from www.openstreetmap.org. The data is made available under ODbL.

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