Carfax Tower

Queen Street, Oxford, OX1 1ET, GB

Rating: 4.4 ★ (2809 ratings)

Details

The 23-metre high Carfax Tower stands as a prominent Oxford landmark at the historic junction of Queen Street, Cornmarket Street, High Street, and St Aldate's, a crossroads from which it derives its name – 'Carfax' comes from the French word 'carrefour'. This stone structure is all that remains of the 12th-century St Martin's Church, which served as the official city church from 1122 until 1896. In that year, the main body of the church was demolished to ease traffic congestion, but the tower was preserved, a lasting reminder of Oxford's medieval past. Visitors can ascend the 99 steps to the viewing platform at the top. It is a Grade II listed building and, by city council stipulation, no building in central Oxford may be built higher, though this rule has seen a rare exception.

From the summit, breathtaking panoramic views of Oxford's famous 'dreaming spires' and rooftops unfold, offering a unique perspective on the city's layout and iconic buildings like the Radcliffe Camera and the Sheldonian Theatre. Along the climb, you'll pass the tower's six bells, some of which date back to 1676, and the intriguing 'quarterboys' – two wooden figures that strike the quarter hours on bells above the clock face. The clock itself, with its current dial designed by Sir T.G. Jackson, was installed in 1898, though the mechanism is now electric. The tower has witnessed centuries of city life, from bustling markets and civic ceremonies to protests.

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Location

Opening Hours

Monday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM; Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM; Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM; Thursday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM; Friday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM; Saturday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM; Sunday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Contact

+44 1865 792653