Carfax Tower
A medieval church bell tower at the heart of Oxford's Carfax crossroads. Climb 99 steps for views over the old city, and mechanical figures strike the bells every quarter hour.
Carfax Tower is all that survives of St Martin's Church, a 13th-century building. Standing about 23 metres tall at the junction where Oxford's four main streets meet, it is regarded as the city's central point. On the tower's east side are two 'quarter jacks,' mechanical figures that strike the bells every 15 minutes. Visitors can climb 99 narrow steps to the rooftop platform for views over High Street, Tom Tower at Christ Church and the distant forest of spires. Under city regulations, no new building in the city centre may be taller than this tower. Admission is about £4, and the tower may close in bad weather.
Opening hours
Approx. 10:00–17:00 (until 15:00 in winter)
Nearby sights
- Covered Market, Oxford
- Christ Church, Oxford
- History of Science Museum, Oxford
- Sheldonian Theatre
- Ashmolean Museum
- Bodleian Library
- Radcliffe Camera
- University Church of St Mary the Virgin