Swinford Toll Bridge — Attraction in Vale of White Horse

Swinford Toll Bridge – A Charming Relic of the Past

Crossing the Thames just west of Oxford, the Swinford Toll Bridge is a quietly iconic piece of local heritage. Built in 1769, this Grade II* listed structure is one of the very few privately owned toll bridges still in operation in England – and it remains as curious as it is controversial.

The bridge itself is undeniably picturesque. Constructed of stone with elegant arches and a timeless design, it fits beautifully into the surrounding landscape near Eynsham and Wytham. Whether glimpsed through morning mist or basking in golden evening light, it’s a lovely sight – and a favourite for photographers and painters alike.

What makes Swinford really stand out, however, is its continued function as a toll bridge. The charge? Just 5p per car. It’s charmingly anachronistic – drivers toss coins into a little booth, usually staffed by a friendly (and remarkably resilient) attendant. There’s something oddly satisfying about it, though it can cause small queues at peak times.

The bridge was granted toll rights by Act of Parliament in the 18th century, which still protects its operation today. While the upkeep of the bridge is the owner's responsibility, the toll arrangement has drawn criticism over the years, particularly as traffic has increased and the bridge forms part of a well-used route between Oxford and the west.

For some, it’s a quaint reminder of another era; for others, an outdated frustration. But even its critics often admit – there’s something peculiarly endearing about it.

Verdict: Swinford Toll Bridge is a living piece of history, a charming anomaly that continues to serve its purpose centuries on. Whether you see it as a traffic bottleneck or a heritage gem, it’s undeniably part of the unique character of the Oxfordshire...

Extremely rude man at the toll bridge today. I explained that I only had 1p and would pay next time I came through (I have always paid back within a couple of days if I didn’t have change). I politely asked if there was any chance that they might accept card payments in the future and he told me that I should ‘bloody well go to the bank’.

People don’t tend to carry cash these days and the cash point in the village is out of order (has been since last year). The nearest bank is miles away. I have previously tried to pay with £5 and £10 notes (I had gone to the bank specifically) and they refused to take it saying I had to give coins!! Outrageous

I have heard the money is non-taxable, yet they never do any road or bridge repairs with the money they get. The toll causes huge delays to people’s commutes to which in turn increases pollution.

It’s not the stupid 5p toll that I mind, it’s the traffic jams and the exceedingly rude staff. If the staff would just accept card payments or window permits (e.g. for a year’s worth of toll paid in advance) then it would save everyone...

Worked in Oxford recently which isn’t usual so not familiar with the area. Sat nav took me over the bridge where I was met with this utterly contemptible bridge toll saying I had to pay 5p. To which I replied I don’t carry cash mate, (I actually had a £20 note at the time but wasn’t going to volunteer to get change from it.) He said are you coming back this way? I said no mate I live in Chepstow 😂 He said something about coming back and paying 10p but I didn’t listen to a word he said. What an absolutely ludicrous charge, it’s 2025. I pity any person that has ever paid this charge and I look forward to my next visit to the bridge when I won’t be paying the charge then. Contemptible staff. My advice would be drive up in a Covid mask, then start coughing once the window is down, then drive off....