Abbotsbury

Abbotsbury village was once the base for Saxon pirates (and some say still is!) having woven a dramatic historical tapestry that would eclipse any romantic novel, but today this pretty village boasts a vibrant, unrivalled community, enchanting both to visitor and resident alike.

Apart from the three major tourist attractions of the Sub-tropical Gardens, ancient Swannery and Great Tithe Barn Children’s Farm, there are lots of art and craft galleries and studios;
• Marie-Clare’s Jewellery Workshop
• Andrew Dumolo Furniture – Hardwood furniture workshop
• The workshop of Paul Gower specialising in contemporary and award-winning furniture
• Lazyhill Gallery offering a wide range of British made contemporary art and crafts
• D’Veitch Art Gallery, a working gallery specialising in art, jewellery, pottery, fossil craft, photography and framing

• Dansel Gallery specialising in contemporary woodwork handmade by designer UK craftsmen
• Abbotsbury Studio of tutor/artist John Meaker (courses can be arranged)
• Abbotsbury Stonework (resident sculptor)
• Lee Petherick Studio specialising in contemporary furniture made to order

Abbotsbury specialises in fresh, local produce
Once you have wandered around all the amazing art and craft galleries and studios, why not indulge in a cream tea in one of Abbotsbury’s four pretty tea-rooms, or alternatively stop for lunch in either the Ilchester Arms, the Swan Inn, or Abbey House overlooking the Tithe Barn. If however, you prefer to take your lunch back to your cottage you may either buy provisions at:
• Chapel Lane Stores (open early morning to early evening)
• The Bride Valley Farm Shop which sells fresh local meat, dairy products including the famous Ashley Chase cheeses as well as home-made bread
• Fresh home-grown vegetables from one of the cottage doorsteps,
• Meat direct from the farm at Elworth,

Abbotsbury really does offer something for everyone.
And as if all of the above is not enough, Abbotsbury also offers:
• Home and Garden shop
• Purple Nanny – Eco friendly products for the home
• Clockwork shop
• Artisan Flowers and Garden shop
• Fishing Tackle shop
• Post Office
• Strangways Hall (holding regular exhibitions and events)
• Ancient hill fort – and is on the Jurassic Coast bus route as well as being surrounded by footpaths offering views of the magnificent coastal scenery.