Swalcliffe Barn
Medieval tithe barn near Banbury with a collection of Oxfordshire farm and trade vehicles and an exhibition on Swalcliffe’s history, open free on summer Sundays.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
Swalcliffe Barn was built for New College, Oxford, in the early 15th century and has an almost complete medieval timber roof. It is regarded as the finest medieval tithe barn in Oxfordshire and one of the best in England. The barn is Grade I listed and a scheduled monument.
It was acquired by the Oxfordshire Buildings Trust in 1990 and is leased to Oxfordshire County Council. The county museums service uses the barn to show agricultural and trade vehicles from the county, in particular Oxfordshire farm waggons. The Friends of Swalcliffe Barn run a permanent exhibition on 2,500 years of the history of Swalcliffe.
Among the exhibits are a fire pump made for New College in 1760 and an early 20th-century fruiterer’s trolley from Bicester. The Swalcliffe Society opens the barn on behalf of the museum and offers private tours on request.
Highlights
- Grade I listed medieval tithe barn with intact timber roof
- Oxfordshire farm waggons and trade vehicles
- Exhibition on 2,500 years of Swalcliffe’s history
- Free entry on open days
Permanent exhibitions
- Agricultural and trade vehicles of Oxfordshire – Farm waggons and trade vehicles from the county, including a fire pump of 1760 and an early 20th-century fruiterer’s trolley.
- Swalcliffe: 2,500 years of history – A permanent exhibition on the history of the village, run by the Friends of Swalcliffe Barn.
- Operated by
- Oxfordshire County Council
Admission & discounts
Admission is free.
Entry is free.
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible
- Elevator: no information
- Accessible restroom: no information
- Accessible parking: no information
- Service dogs welcome: no information
- Tactile models & exhibits: no information
- Sign language tours: no information
- Easy-to-read materials: no information
- Audio description: no information
The site has level access, though some surfaces are uneven.
Kids & families
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Getting there & parking
By car
Free parking
Free parking next to the barn.
The barn is about six miles west of Banbury.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes |
|---|---|
| Good to know | Private tours can be arranged through the Swalcliffe Society by email or phone. |
