A visit to this swan sanctuary – the only managed colony of nesting mute swans in the world – is one of Dorset’s unmissable experiences.

The Swannery was established by Benedictine monks in the 11th century to provide swan meat for their banquets.

These days, some 600 swans come and go as they please, start laying eggs around March and hatch super cute cygnets from mid-May – a truly amazing sight.

You will take hundreds of pix, I promise.

Pre-Covid you could help hand feed the swans twice daily and hopefully this will resume some time soon.

As well as the swans, there’s a giant willow maze, swinging nests play area, cafe and gift shop.

Interesting fact: the Swannery has been used as a location in the Harry Potter films.

The Abottsbury Subtropical Gardens are right next door and you can get reduced admission for both.