Carfax Tower, Queen Street / Cornmarket Junction
Ninety-nine steps, one medieval tower and an unobstructed 360-degree panorama of the city of dreaming spires — Carfax Tower is the cheapest and most satisfying viewpoint in central Oxford. At just 74 feet, it punches well above its height.
The Last Piece of a Lost Church
Carfax Tower is all that remains of the 12th-century St Martin's Church, which served as Oxford's official city church from 1122. In 1896, most of the church was demolished to ease the growing traffic at the junction of Queen Street, Cornmarket, St Aldate's and High Street — the very crossroads from which the tower takes its name, derived from the French 'carrefour' meaning crossroads.
The tower's clock features the famous Quarterboys — decorative figures that strike the bells every fifteen minutes — a cheerful mechanical detail that has marked time for Oxonians for centuries. Halfway up, a small information room with a short video gives context before you emerge into the open air.
The View: Spires, Rooftops and Beyond
From the top you get a sweeping panorama that takes in Christ Church's Tom Tower directly downhill to the south, the dome of the Radcliffe Camera to the east, and the green fringe of University Parks beyond the colleges to the north. On a clear day the Chiltern Hills are visible on the horizon.
By law, no building in central Oxford may be constructed higher than Carfax Tower's 74 feet — a rule that has kept the skyline remarkably intact and makes this viewpoint uniquely powerful for a city of this size.
Practical Matters
The climb involves 99 narrow, winding steps with no lift, so wear sensible shoes and allow 30–45 minutes for a comfortable visit including time at the top. Tickets are purchased on-site and no advance booking is required for individuals.
The tower sits at the dead centre of Oxford's tourist map, making it the perfect orientation stop at the start of a day — get your bearings from above before diving into the streets below.
Carfax Tower, Queen Street / Cornmarket Junction on video
More of Broad Street
Discover where to stay, what to do and the best deals for your trip.
Explore Broad Street →
