Abbotsbury Cottages with Hot Tubs

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Abbotsbury Guide

Abbotsbury cottages with hot tubs offer a perfect Dorset escape in this historic village, just 9 miles from Weymouth. The village sits within the Dorset Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, with the famous Chesil Beach nearby.

Top attractions include Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens (4.5/5 on TripAdvisor), the 14th-century St Catherine's Chapel and the Abbotsbury Swannery (4/5 on TripAdvisor) - the only place in the world where you can walk through a colony of nesting mute swans.

Thomas Hardy featured Abbotsbury in his novels, describing St Catherine's Chapel in "Far From the Madding Crowd." The village was also bombed during WWII when German planes mistook it for Weymouth.

Cottages range from cosy one-bedroom retreats with private hot tubs to larger properties for groups. Many are converted farm buildings or traditional stone cottages, with several offering dog-friendly options for those holidaying with pets.

Get More From Your Abbotsbury Hot Tub Cottage Break

Sightseeing

Abbotsbury packs a lot into a small village. The Subtropical Gardens (DT3 4LA) showcase rare plants from around the world and score 4.5/5 on TripAdvisor. They're open daily 10am-5pm and the tearoom serves excellent Dorset cream teas.

The Swannery (DT3 4JG) lets you walk among hundreds of mute swans. It's open March-October, 10am-5pm and gets 4/5 on TripAdvisor. If you visit between mid-May and late June, you'll see cygnets hatching - a truly special sight.

St Catherine's Chapel sits on a hill overlooking the village and Chesil Beach. This 14th-century chapel is free to visit and offers amazing views across the Jurassic Coast. The steep walk up is worth it - I recommend going at sunset.

The Children's Farm (DT3 4JG) scores 4/5 on TripAdvisor and keeps kids entertained with guinea pig cuddling, pony rides and a great indoor play area for rainy days. It's open 10am-5pm daily.

Pet Friendly

Dogs love Abbotsbury! The South West Coast Path runs nearby, offering miles of walks with stunning views. Chesil Beach allows dogs year-round, though they must be kept on leads during bird nesting season (May-August).

The Ilchester Arms pub (DT3 4JH) welcomes dogs in the bar area and garden, serving good pub grub and local ales. They even keep dog treats behind the bar.

Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens allows well-behaved dogs on leads, making it one of few gardens where your four-legged friend can join you. The gardens have water bowls throughout and shady spots for hot days.

Many cottages with hot tubs in Abbotsbury are dog-friendly, but always check specific pet policies. Some have enclosed gardens - essential if your dog likes to wander. Remember to keep dogs out of the hot tub though!

Top 3 attractions you have to see in Abbotsbury

1) Abbotsbury Swannery (DT3 4JG)

The only place in the world where you can walk through a colony of nesting mute swans. Founded by Benedictine monks in the 1040s, it's now home to around 600 swans. The 4pm feeding time is spectacular - hundreds of swans gathering for their meal creates quite a spectacle!

Visitor feedback consistently mentions the knowledgeable staff and how close you can get to the swans. One TripAdvisor reviewer wrote: "Never seen anything like it - the sound of hundreds of swans taking off from the water at once is unforgettable."

2) St Catherine's Chapel (DT3 4LA)

This sturdy chapel has stood on the hill since the 14th century. Built by monks from Abbotsbury Abbey as a retreat and landmark for sailors, it's survived centuries of harsh weather. The acoustics inside are amazing - try singing and you'll hear why monks chose this spot.

Visitors call it "atmospheric" and "worth the climb" in reviews. The chapel has a peculiar tradition - local girls would pray to St Catherine to find them a husband, then stick their fingers in holes in the chapel wall as part of the ritual.

3) Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens (DT3 4LA)

These 20-acre gardens contain plants from across the world that rarely grow outdoors in Britain. The microclimate here is special - sheltered from winds but warm enough for exotic species. The magnolia walk in spring is stunning and the camellia collection is nationally important.

The gardens include a colonial-style tearoom where you can enjoy lunch after exploring. Recent visitors praise the "plant diversity" and "tranquil atmosphere" - it's a perfect place to unwind before heading back to enjoy your hot tub.

Is Abbotsbury good for children?

Yes! The Children's Farm has hands-on animal experiences, the Swannery fascinates kids with cygnets and feeding times and many beaches nearby are perfect for fossil hunting. Most cottages with hot tubs are family-friendly too.

When is the best time to visit Abbotsbury?

May-June to see cygnets hatching at the Swannery, March-April for magnolias and camellias in the Subtropical Gardens, or September-October for quieter beaches and autumn colours. Winter offers peaceful walks and cosy pubs with roaring fires.

Can you swim at Chesil Beach near Abbotsbury?

Swimming isn't recommended at Chesil Beach near Abbotsbury due to dangerous currents and steep shelving. Head to Weymouth Beach (9 miles away) for safe swimming, or enjoy your cottage's hot tub instead!

Are there good places to eat in Abbotsbury?

The Ilchester Arms serves excellent pub food using local ingredients. The Old Schoolhouse Tea Rooms offers great cream teas and the Subtropical Gardens Colonial Restaurant serves lunch with garden views. Book ahead in summer as they get busy.

Is Abbotsbury accessible for people with mobility issues?

Parts of Abbotsbury are challenging with steep hills and cobbled streets. The Swannery and Subtropical Gardens have accessible paths and facilities. Check cottage accessibility before booking, as many traditional buildings have steps.

How far is Abbotsbury from the beach?

Chesil Beach is about a 15-minute walk from the village center. For sandy beaches, Weymouth is 9 miles away (20-minute drive) and West Bay (of Broadchurch fame) is 10 miles west.