🦢 NEW Walking Among Swans: Abbotsbury & Weymouth Day Trip

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Late May is the best time to visit the Swannery – the hatching season is in full swing, and the grounds are alive with hundreds of fluffy cygnets taking their first steps into the world.

We’ve created a list of FAQs to help answer your questions.

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Join us on a wildlife adventure to the world's only managed colony of Mute Swans!

I visited the Swannery last year and was so captivated that I knew I had to bring the group here – something fresh and truly special, even for those of you who have been on many trips before.

Nestled alongside the Fleet Lagoon on the stunning Jurassic Coast, Abbotsbury Swannery is widely regarded as one of Dorset's most unforgettable wildlife experiences. Late May is a magical time to visit: the swannery is at the height of its hatching season, with hundreds of fluffy grey cygnets filling the grounds. You'll have the rare privilege of walking among them and their nests at remarkably close range. The daily mass swan feeding takes place at noon, and you're warmly invited to take part yourself. With up to 600 Mute Swans jostling and flapping for their share, it's a spectacle you won't forget.

The swannery also has a rich and fascinating history, founded over 600 years ago by Benedictine monks who originally bred the swans for food – today they are fully protected. Film enthusiasts may also recognise the site from its appearance in Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince.

After the swannery, we'll head to the popular seaside resort of Weymouth for lunch. You'll have free time to explore its charming historic harbour, stroll along the beautiful three-mile sandy beach, recognised as one of the finest in the UK, or simply relax by the sea.

We'll round off the day with a visit to the striking chalk figure carved into the hillside, depicting King George III on horseback. Weymouth was the king's favourite holiday retreat, and his patronage transformed the town into a fashionable resort that did much to popularise sea bathing among the upper classes.

This is a relaxed day out suitable for everyone – a wonderful chance to discover new places we rarely get to explore on our hikes! 🤩

ITINERARY

07:45 Meet outside Hotel Novotel London West, 1 Shortlands, W6 8DR (a five-minute walk from Hammersmith Station)
08:00 Sharp departure
11:15-13:15 Abbotsbury Swannery – home to the world's only managed colony of Mute Swans. Wander among hundreds of swans, cygnets and their nests, and take part in the daily feeding.
13:45-15:30 Enjoy lunch at your leisure in the charming seaside resort town of Weymouth. Explore the historic harbour, stroll the Georgian seafront or simply relax on the sandy beach.
15:45 Photo stop at Osmington White Horse – the magnificent chalk figure of King George III on horseback, carved into the hillside
19:00 London, Hammersmith

TRANSPORT

As on most of our trips, we'll travel in a comfortable 16-seater minibus.

SAFETY

This trip is led by an experienced, Outdoor First Aid qualified hike leader.

BOOKING

To keep ticket prices down and avoid PayPal/Meetup fees (£7 extra per ticket), we kindly ask for payment by bank transfer. Please include your Meetup name and the trip as the payment reference (e.g. John Swans). As places are limited, we can hold your place for 24 hours.

Business Account Name: London Social Hiking Limited
Sort Code: 20-17-20
Account Number: 63116514

We'll let you know by changing your status to “Paid” as soon as the payment is cleared. You can check your status next to your name in the attendees list of the event. You don’t need a paid Meetup subscription to do this – just close any pop-up windows and continue.

THE PRICE OF £78 INCLUDES

• Transport throughout the trip
• Experienced, professional PSV minibus driver
• Dedicated event host – commentary and guidance throughout the day
• Professional event organisation
• Group first aid kit with qualified first aiders
• Admin fee
• 20% VAT

THE PRICE DOES NOT INCLUDE

• Personal insurance (for cancellation, accident, health, emergency evacuation and loss, theft of or damage to baggage and personal effects, and personal trekking insurance)
• Entry to Abbotsbury Swannery – you can buy it on the day; we'll aim to arrange a discounted group ticket at £10.95
• Food

HOW TO CONTACT US

For all enquiries, please PM Anna (the main organiser) via Meetup. Alternatively, you can email us at info@lshiking.co.uk We'll usually get back to you within 4 hours.

Your guide will be Anna (07596844467, only for use during the hike). Please get in touch if you have any difficulty locating the meeting point or need help during the trip.

WHAT TO BRING

• Suitable hiking shoes with ankle support
• Sunscreen (if sunny)
• Waterproof and windproof jacket and trousers (if there is a chance of rain)
• Water (min 1L)
• Packed lunch (optional)

REVIEWS ⭐

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REFUND POLICY

You can check our refund policy here.