Abbotsbury gardens + swannery advice

[Ma83]

We are off to Dorset next week and all attractions need to be booked in advance. I'm looking at buying combined tickets for Abbotsburry subtropical gardens and swannery.

If I book the gardens for 10 am, what time shall I book the swannery for? How long does it take to walk through the gardens at leisurely pace, and does it make any difference which one do we see first?

I would look at what time the swan feeding time is at the swannery. It’s usually only once or twice per day. Alternatively, if you aren’t keen on that (can be crowded, no idea what it’s like at the moment), then avoid. You still see the swans even if not feeding time.

I would aim for 3 hours between them if doing the gardens first. It’s fine to walk around the gardens in 1.5-2 hours but it’s a nice place to have lunch, so 3 hours with lunch. They are 10-15 minutes away from each other factoring in parking and the drive. And it’s actually probably a good 10-15 minute walk from the ticket booth at the swannery to actually where the swans are.

Part of the gardens are closed off and they have a one way system in place. It shouldn't take you more than 90 minutes to walk round once, two hours tops. Magnolia Walk is well worth the walk to the top of the hill with lovely views along the coast. The rope bridge is still shut unfortunately.
I haven't been to the Swannery this year but I understand that the kids things aren't running - mass feeding, go carts and the maze.
It doesn't really matter which you do first. Although you book a time slot for the gardens, there is no time limit, you could stay there for the rest of the day.