The Swingboats

Swing your sweetheart and impress your friends – see how high you can fly!

About The Swingboats

Swingboats used to be a common sight at small fairs around Britain in the 19th and early 20th centuries, up until the desire for new and fast began to take hold after the second world war. Swingboats were so popular that they gave root to the phrase “the fair is in full swing” — but nowadays there are only a few working examples left. 

We have two swingboats at the fair:

Park Swings – these are larger sized boats suitable for riders over 1.05m. 

High Flyers – these are the junior sized version suitable for any age. 

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Who can ride, and what does it cost?

You’ll need 1 new 2022 token per person to ride.

The Park Swings (adult swingboats suitable for riders over 1.05m tall)

The White Waltham High Flyers (children’s swingboats suitable for any age) Adults can ride with children if required.

Riders under 90cm can ride for free with a paying adult or older child on the High Flyers children’s swingboats.

A brief history of the swingboats

Find out more

Want to feature the fair in a video or photoshoot?

If you’d like to talk to us about hiring the fair, or about a feature for film or television, you’ll find our hire section has lots of information.

Want to find out more about our rides and fairground art?

At selected locations you can join Joby Carter for a 1 hour guided tour talking about the history of our rides and fairground art through the decades. Book tickets here.

Find your nearest fair

Excited to try out our vintage steam fair rides and attractions? Find out when Carters are visiting a location near you.