Abbotsbury Cottages

Abbotsbury is one of the most beautiful villages in England according to the Telegraph, and we absolutely agree! It is gloriously green, peaceful and rural yet home to some rather cool art galleries, jewellery workshops and vintage antique shops.

Abbotsbury village sits behind the natural wonder of Chesil beach. Dorset is famous for its peaceful rural country villages, alongside stunning stretches of coast and Abbotsbury is one such village. The pretty thatched stone cottages fill the country lanes and amongst them, tea rooms, pubs and a farm shop selling local produce, so if you are staying in a Dream Cottage in Abbotsbury, you will have everything you need right on your doorstep.

Meander through the village, fill yourself up with cups of tea and Dorset Apple Cake and peruse the amazing quality arts and crafts. Then head down to the beach, which is just over a mile from the centre of the village and forms part of the famous Chesil Beach. Spend the afternoon fishing, looking for fossils or simply picnicking and enjoying the stunning scenery. We must mention that the tide here is particularly strong so swimming in the sea should be avoided.

The 18 mile long stretch of Chesil Beach and the Fleet Nature Reserve which separates the beach from the coastline, has been marked as an area of outstanding natural beauty. The saline Fleet lagoon, which lies between the beach and the mainland, is the iconic site that you will spot on many Dorset postcards. Rare birds, badgers, barn owls, red squirrels and many other species, all make this area their home.

Chesil beach itself is a magnet for budding fishermen and although shingle, makes a fine picnic spot. The area is so beautiful and from the beach you get the best view across to Lyme Bay. You could even cycle or drive the 9 miles along the beach from Abbotsbury towards The Isle of Portland.

When staying in an Abbotsbury holiday cottage, you are just a stone’s throw from some fantastic attractions.

Abbotsbury Swannery is a popular day out amongst our Dream Cottage dwellers. The Swannery is the only one of its kind in the world and it really is a special place to visit if you are holidaying in a cosy Abbotsbury Cottage. The Swannery began hundreds of years ago when the monks from the Benedictine monastery managed the colony. Swans mate for life and take great care of their young and the fact that these beautiful creatures have been flocking to Abbotsbury for hundreds of years, is a real privilege for the village.

Abbotsbury Children’s Farm is another highlight of the village. Set in an ancient barn and packed with every type of children’s activity necessary to keep the little ones happy, including milking Molly the Magic Cow, no less. Adults too can be kept happy with a cup of tea and slice of homemade cake and perhaps a flutter on the sheep race!

The Sub-Tropical Gardens are another great Abbotsbury attraction. ‘One of the finest gardens I have ever visited’ according to Alan Titchmarsh. Here you will find 20 acres of meandering paths through peaceful glades and woodlands. The paths lead through many different gardens including a Rose Garden, a Victorian Garden, a Himalayan Grove, two beautiful lily ponds and a Burmese Rope Bridge crossing a pretty stream. Once you have walked through the gardens, you can enjoy a bite to eat in The Colonial Restaurant before heading back to your cottage to relax in the cottage garden, or by the open fire, weather depending.

Abbotsbury is the perfect choice for a rural countryside retreat with many added bonuses of the galleries, the beach, the fleet and the wonderful Abbotsbury attractions. Browse through our self-catering Abbotsbury cottages and pick one you like. Some are dog friendly too so be sure to check in the property description when you book.