Swinford lies to the south of the Swinford Toll Bridge, the main route out of Oxford to the west until the A40 was built. On the other side of the bridge is the ancient village of Eynsham, founded by the Saxon King Aethelred in the 11th Century.

Swinford Meadows

Swinford Meadows was purchased by OPT in 2000 to preserve these water meadows, where historic ridge and furrow can still be seen from medieval times when it was cultivated in strips by the monks from Eynsham Abbey. Various historic artefacts have been found here including Romano-British coins, pottery, buckles, earrings and a stud; medieval and post-medieval iron objects and a paved linear feature. This peaceful spot with its species-rich grassland is managed as hay meadow which is grazed by cattle in centuries-old style, and this allows the lines of the ridge and furrow to be preserved. Alongside the meadows, the Thames runs in a striking horseshoe meander.

Swinford Meadows is open to the public. When walking through these fields, please ensure dogs are kept under control and within sight especially when livestock is present.