Whether you are a gallery owner, a collector
of high quality ceramics, a visitor to Dorset,
a potter already or keen to learn more
about this ancient craft, you should
find something to interest you here.

Near the centre of the village, Dansel Gallery displays a superb collection of high quality contemporary hand-made craftwork in wood made by British designer craftsmen; everything on display is carefully selected for good design and quality of finish.

Exciting undercover play adventure for the under 11s. Interactive educational play on two floors inside the reconstructed hulls of a smugglers lugger and a revenue cutter from the 1700s. Both ships are in full sail inside the magnificant Tithe Barn. Learn about smuggling at Abbotsbury and let the children play smugglers aboard the ships.
The ancient Tithe Barn site is also home to a host of friendly farm animals. Many can be stroked and fed at regular times throughout the day.

Established in 1765 by the first Countess of Ilchester as a kitchen garden to her nearby castle. Developed since then into a magnificent 20 acre garden filled with rare and exotic plants from all over the world. Most of these were new introductions to this country, found by the plant hunting descendants of the Countess. A mixture of formal and informal, with charming walled garden walks and spectacular woodland valley views. World famous for its Camellia Groves & Magnolias, noted for its Rhododendrons and Hydrangea collections.

For over 600 years this colony of friendly mute swans has made its home at the Abbotsbury Sanctuary. Sheltered by the famous Chesil Beach, this ancient and special site provides protection for hundreds of nesting swans and their broods.