FAMILIES can enjoy a unique day out getting up close to hundreds of baby swans.

Abbotsbury Swannery, near Weymouth, is the only colony of nesting mute swans open to the public in the world. Located on the dramatic Dorset coast, this unique natural wildlife habitat is one of the most popular things to do for visitors.

General manager John Houston said: “The highlight everyday at the Swannery is that some lucky families and children get the chance to hand feed the 600 swans nesting in the colony at noon and 4pm. It is fantastic experience and really worth a visit.”

It is so popular filmmakers used the location to film Harry Potter.

As well as enjoying such a unique experience visitors can also get lost in the largest willow maze in Dorset, swing on the swinging nests play area, visit the Kennels cafe or browse the gift shop.

The first baby swan hatched at the end of June with some nests containing up to 12 eggs with more than 125 nests on site.

Bird-lovers have no need to fear as the swans are all free-flying and are not contained in cages. Tradition has it that the Benedictine Monks who owned the Swannery between 1000 AD and the 1540s believed that the first cygnet signalled the first day of summer. Visit abbotsbury-tourism.co.uk.