Carfax Tower Oxford
Climb the historic 74ft Carfax Tower for breathtaking 360° views of Oxford's iconic skyline. A central landmark with a rich past.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Fewer crowds, enjoy at your own pace
Carfax Tower Oxford
Best Time
Fewer crowds, enjoy at your own pace
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Climb the historic 74ft Carfax Tower for breathtaking 360° views of Oxford's iconic skyline. A central landmark with a rich past.
"The view from the roof of Carfax Tower is the finest in Oxford for the general public."
🎯 Climb the 99 Steps
Be prepared for a steep, winding climb to the top for amazing views.
📍 Central Location
Carfax Tower is right in the heart of Oxford, a great starting point for exploration.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Panoramic City Views
Top of the tower
Climb 99 steps for unparalleled 360-degree views of Oxford's spires and rooftops.
Historic St. Martin's Tower
Base of the tower
Explore the last vestige of a 12th-century church, a significant historical landmark.
The Quarter Boys
Clock face
See the replica 'quarter boys' striking the clock, a charming historical detail.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Climb for Iconic Views
Heart of the City
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Climb the 99 Steps
Be prepared for a steep, winding climb to the top for amazing views.
📍 Central Location
Carfax Tower is right in the heart of Oxford, a great starting point for exploration.
💰 Affordable Entry
The climb is reasonably priced, offering great value for the views.
🕰️ Clock Chimes
Listen for the clock chiming every 15 minutes, featuring the 'quarter boys'.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Climb the 99 Steps
Be prepared for a steep, winding climb to the top for amazing views.
📍 Central Location
Carfax Tower is right in the heart of Oxford, a great starting point for exploration.
💰 Affordable Entry
The climb is reasonably priced, offering great value for the views.
🕰️ Clock Chimes
Listen for the clock chiming every 15 minutes, featuring the 'quarter boys'.
🚶♀️ Mobility Alert
The steep stairs make it challenging for those with mobility issues or very young kids.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Carfax Tower for its stunning panoramic views of Oxford, calling the climb well worth the effort. The tower's central location and affordable entry make it a highly recommended stop. Some note the steep, winding stairs can be challenging for certain visitors.
"Going up the Carfax Tower is so worth doing. I got 360 view of the entire town. It's a tiny yet amazingly constructed tower that's just right at the heart of Oxford. I love the view up the tower. There was no queue on Sunday lunch time that let me enjoy the view at my own pace. The tower has a tiny steep stairs around 99 steps so not for very small children or people with mobility problems."
Larraine “Santos” Criss
"The view from the roof of Carfax Tower is the finest in Oxford for the general public. The stairs are winding, steep and tiring but well worth the effort on a fine day."
Keith Fielder
"Carfax Tower, a prominent landmark in Oxford, is the sole remaining portion of the 12th-century St. Martin's Church, which served as the city's official church for centuries. In 1896, the church was largely demolished to alleviate traffic congestion at the busy crossroads of Carfax, leaving the tower as a historical vestige. You can climb the 99 steps to the top for panoramic views of Oxford, and only £4."
Pete / Hel
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Carfax Tower is located at the central crossroads of Oxford, easily accessible by foot from most parts of the city center. It's a prominent landmark, so it's hard to miss!
Carfax Tower is about a 15-20 minute walk from Oxford train station. You can also take a local bus service towards the city center.
Driving directly to Carfax Tower is not recommended due to its central location and pedestrianized areas. There are several car parks nearby, such as the Westgate Shopping Centre car park, from which you can walk to the tower.
Numerous bus routes stop near Carfax Tower, as it's a major hub in the city. Look for stops on Cornmarket Street or St Aldate's.
Absolutely! Carfax Tower is right in the heart of Oxford, making it an ideal starting point to explore the surrounding colleges, shops, and attractions.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to climb Carfax Tower is very affordable, typically around £4 per person. This price offers excellent value for the panoramic views you receive.
Generally, you can purchase tickets on the day at the tower. However, during peak tourist seasons, it's always a good idea to check their official website or inquire locally if advance booking is recommended to avoid disappointment.
Opening hours can vary seasonally. It's best to check the official Carfax Tower website or local tourist information for the most up-to-date hours before your visit.
While there isn't a strict age limit, the steep and winding stairs make it unsuitable for very young children or individuals with significant mobility issues.
Refund policies can vary. It's advisable to check the terms and conditions when purchasing your ticket or inquire at the ticket office. On a very poor weather day, the views might be significantly obscured.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
There are approximately 99 steps to reach the viewing platform at the top of Carfax Tower.
From the top, you get fantastic 360-degree views of Oxford's historic skyline, including college spires, rooftops, and the surrounding city. +1
The climb involves narrow, steep, and winding stairs, which can be tiring. It's a good workout, but manageable for most reasonably fit individuals. +1
Restroom facilities are typically not available within the tower itself. You'll find public restrooms in the nearby Town Hall or other public facilities in the city center.
The 'quarter boys' are two figures on the clock face that strike the bells to mark the quarter hours. The current ones are 1970s replicas, with the originals housed at the Museum of Oxford.
📸 📸 Photography
Early morning or late afternoon often provide the best light for photography, with softer shadows. A clear, sunny day will offer the most vibrant views from the top.
Yes, absolutely! The panoramic views from the top are perfect for capturing stunning photos of Oxford.
Tripod policies can vary. It's best to check with the tower staff upon arrival, especially during busy periods, to ensure you can use one without obstructing other visitors.
You can capture wide-angle cityscapes, detailed shots of the clock mechanism, and interesting architectural details of the tower itself.
The stairwell is dimly lit, so you might need a higher ISO or a camera with good low-light performance if you plan to photograph the interior. The views from the top are, of course, in natural light.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
However, parents should be aware that the stairs are steep and winding, so very young children might need to be carried or closely supervised. For a more relaxed experience, simply admiring the tower from the outside and learning about its history as the last part of St. Martin's Church can still be engaging. The central location also makes it easy to combine with other family-friendly activities in Oxford.
🚶 Budget Travelers
Its central location means you can easily walk to it from many parts of the city, saving on transportation costs.
Combine your visit with a self-guided walking tour of Oxford's colleges, which are often free to admire from the outside, to maximize your exploration on a budget. 📸 Photography Enthusiasts
From the top, you'll capture iconic Oxford cityscapes, perfect for wide-angle lenses. +1Aim for a clear day for the best visibility and vibrant colors. Early mornings or late afternoons can offer beautiful golden hour light.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The History of Carfax Tower
This act of demolition highlights the historical tension between preserving heritage and the practical needs of a growing city. The tower now stands as a testament to Oxford's past, a silent witness to centuries of change. Its survival is a reminder of the city's medieval roots and its evolution into a bustling modern center.
Today, climbing the tower offers not just a physical ascent but a journey through time, connecting visitors to the very foundations of Oxford's urban landscape. The views from the top provide a unique perspective on how the city has developed around this ancient landmark.
Climbing to the Top: The Experience
Upon reaching the viewing platform, visitors are rewarded with breathtaking 360-degree panoramic views of Oxford.
It's important to note that due to the nature of the stairs, this climb is not recommended for individuals with mobility issues, very young children, or those who find enclosed, steep spaces challenging.
The 'Quarter Boys' and Carfax Clock
The ones visible today are replicas from the 1970s, preserving the tradition of the clock's mechanism. The original 'quarter boys' are carefully preserved and can be found inside the Museum of Oxford, allowing visitors to see the historical artifacts up close.
This detail offers a glimpse into the ingenuity and craftsmanship of past eras, where public clocks were vital for daily life. Hearing the chimes every 15 minutes adds to the atmosphere of being in the heart of historic Oxford. Observing the 'quarter boys' is a small but memorable part of the Carfax Tower experience, providing a unique historical anecdote that enriches the visit beyond just the panoramic views.
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