Carfax Tower

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.

Spiral staircase may make you feel dizzy, but nice view at the top.. totally worth it.. 💜

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.

Carfax Tower is a historic and iconic landmark located in the heart of Oxford, England, at the junction of four major streets: Queen Street, Cornmarket Street, St Aldate’s, and High Street. Here's a detailed overview of its history and significance: 🏰 Historical Background Originally part of St Martin’s Church, built in the 12th century, Carfax Tower is all that remains of this once-important parish church. The church served as the official City Church of Oxford from 1122 to 1896, where the Mayor and Corporation were expected to worship. In 1896, the main body of the church was demolished to improve road traffic flow, leaving only the tower standing. 📏 Architectural Features The tower stands 74 feet (23 meters) tall. By city council regulation, no building in central Oxford may be taller than Carfax Tower—a rule that was later broken by the Blavatnik School of Government. It is a Grade II listed building, recognized for its architectural and historical importance. The tower contains a ring of six bells, five of which were recast in 1676, and a clock that chimes the quarter hours. 🔭 Visiting the Tower Visitors can climb 99 steps to the top for panoramic views of Oxford, including sights like the Radcliffe Camera, Magdalen College, and the city's famous "dreaming spires". It’s open to the public with seasonal hours: November–February: 10:00–15:00 March: 10:00–16:00 April–September: 10:00–17:00 October: 10:00–16:00 🕰️ Cultural Significance The name "Carfax" comes from the French word carrefour and Latin quadrifurcus, both meaning "crossroads", reflecting its central location. During the English Civil War, Oxford was the Royalist capital, and Carfax Tower stood witness to key events. It has also served as a fire lookout, helping monitor the city’s safety.

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.