The old ferry lane on the east bank still runs to the river immediately north of the bridge and at the river’s edge stands the Ferry House, which was large enough to accommodate travellers who were unable to cross when the river was too dangerous. On the west bank stood the old hostelry called the ‘Holt Fleet Inn’, which for centuries had provided shelter and good fare for travellers on that side. It was certainly in existence in 1607. When Holt Bridge was opened and the ferry ceased, the Ferry House became a private residence but the Holt Fleet Inn entered a new lease of life for, throughout the 19th century, until the 1930s, the old Georgian hostelry and its tea gardens became the most popular resort on the Severn.
Thomas Telford’s fine bridge was built under a Private Act of Parliament. There were two toll houses, one on each side of the river, and the one on the east bank remains, witha little cobbled path in front, though in 1980, it was altered drastically. Tolls ceased in 1900. It was the last of the toll bridges in Worcestershire.