Oxford Attractions

Carfax Tower

The photo opportunity afforded from the top makes it worthwhile climbing the 99 stairs of the Carfax Tower in the centre of Oxford's shopping district. The tower top is the best place from which to view the 'dreaming spires' of this architecturally beautiful city. The tower is the only remnant of the 14th-century St Martin's church, demolished in 1896 to improve the traffic flow at the junction of Cornmarket and Queen Streets. On the first floor a display depicts the history of the church, while information boards on the tower top identify the landmarks and spires in the panoramic view. On the eastern side of the tower is a clock with two figures that strike the quarter hours.

Address: Corner of St. Aldate's, Cornmarket Street, Queen Street and High Street; Telephone: (0)1865 792 653; Opening time: Open daily from 10am to 3pm November to February and from 10am to 4pm March to October; Admission: £2 (adults), £1 (children)