Abbotsbury lies to the west of Weymouth and Portland in a sheltered valley adjacent to the Fleet Lagoon and Chesil Beach.

The village of Abbotsbury is a picturesque mix of thatched cottages and slate roof buildings. In particular there is an excellent craft shop which sells everything from small gifts to furniture, all made from carved wood.

The village also has a pub and a good selection of tea shops.

The parish church of St Nicholas, Abbotsbury and the ruins of the 11th century Benedictine Abbey can be found down a small turning just off the main street.

Look for two bullet holes in the church pulpit! These date back to the civil war. The Abbey ruins can be seen beyond the remains of its gateway.

St Peters Monastery Abbotsbury, built around 1040, was destroyed in 1539 by Henry VIII during the dissolution of the monasteries. The Abbey, Manor and all associated lands were granted to Sir Giles Strangeways the Earl of Ilchester.

Abbotsbury is a picturesque village to walk around. The walk between the Swannery and the Sub-Tropical Gardens is also excellent, as are the views from St Catherine's Mount.

St Catherine's Chapel Abbotsbury, a local landmark, is the only part of the Monastery still remaining.

See the Abbotsbury Tourism web site:-

Abbotsbury