Carfax is the junction of St Aldate's (south), Cornmarket Street (north), Queen Street (west) and the High Street (east) in Oxford, England. It is considered to be the centre of the city. The name "Carfax" derives from the Latin quadrifurcus via the French carrefour, both of which mean "crossroads". The Carfax Tower, also known as St. Martin's Tower (it is the remaining part of what was the City Church of St. Martin of Tours) is a prominent landmark and provides a look-out over the town.
St Martin's Tower, popularly called "Carfax Tower", is on the northwest corner of Carfax. It is all that remains of the 12th-century St Martin's Church and is now owned by Oxford City Council. It was the official City Church of Oxford, where the Mayor and Corporation were expected to worship, between about 1122 and 1896, when the main part of the church was demolished to make more room for road traffic and All Saints' Church in the High Street became the City Church for 75 years. All Saints then became the library of Lincoln College, and St Michael at the North Gate became the City Church.
Monday | 10:00 AM – 4:30 PM |
Tuesday | 10:00 AM – 4:30 PM |
Wednesday | 10:00 AM – 4:30 PM |
Thursday | 10:00 AM – 4:30 PM |
Friday | 10:00 AM – 4:30 PM |
Saturday | 10:00 AM – 4:30 PM |
Sunday | 10:00 AM – 4:30 PM |
Marek Kaszlewicz | Feb 19, 2018
Can't go up with my child, and I couldn't leave him alone downstairs obviously... Lady on the counter not really bother to solve anything, she just there to sell tickets...
Peter Chan | Jan 26, 2018
Do you like towers ? Well you're in luck, this is a tower. I'd describe it as towerlike, being tall and quite solid. Summary: it's a tower.
Cynthia Moyo | Feb 26, 2018
Best meeting place in oxford for those that are new as you can't miss it. It can tend to get rather crowded in summer anD weekends
Ian White | Nov 26, 2017
Set at the centre of the city, where Cornmarket Street, Queen Street and St Aldate's meet The High (as the High Street is known by the locals), Carfax Tower is interesting for a number of reasons. Firstly, it has a clock with animated figures who strike two bells on the hour and every quarter of an hour. Secondly if you can manage the climb there are great views of the city from the top. Not for those who suffer from vertigo or who are not fit! Thirdly it is easy to find as a meeting place!
Daniel Pizarro de Olazabal | Feb 12, 2018
Beautiful place, a bit expensive though (7£ general entrance). Unless you come with a Oxford student, which it’s free then for two guests. I wanted to meet the dinner hall but bare in mind that it is not always open.
Telma Feliciano | Apr 1, 2018
For a panoramic view of the city of oxford you can buy a ticket and climb the tower. Nice to do it with your students or even with your other half. :)
Rodrigo Iridologo | Mar 15, 2018
A must visit point in Oxford. There you can have a plain sight of all the surroundings. Plus have an amazing staircase that's go round and round. A historical place with a small museum. Really good for pictures, selfies and for a refreshing wind. An obrigatory Point to know Oxford better from a privileged point of view.
Fieryawesomeness | Mar 22, 2018
Awesome views from the top. However since it's become a tourist attraction it is usually very busy. The man on the desk was rude and patronising. At the time I went, under 15s were not allowed up unaccompanied (due to insurance apparently).
Travel Addict - Foodie Lover | Apr 17, 2018
Carfax Tower is one of the most important tower in Oxford city. Though the name Carfax is often used to refer to the tower, it is actually the name of the crossroads where the St Martin's Tower (the real name of the Carfax Tower) stands. The Tower is all that remains of the 12th century St. Martin's Church. Carfax Tower is open year-round (with shorter hours in winter) for anyone fits enough to climb the tower, and there is a small charge. The view from the top is quite amazing.
pallavi vora | May 4, 2018
Very slim climbing and roof top has lead top sides have wooden planks to walk around small space. View is very good
jane bailey | Apr 22, 2018
Only for the fit and those with a head for heights as you have to climb a winding staircase of about over a hundred steps to get to the top of the tower but the panaramic view is amazing.
Rufus Mathews | Jun 9, 2018
It's a bit of a trek to get all the way up the stairs to the top of the tower, but the view that awaits is well worth it.
Leonardo Jordan | Jul 16, 2018
Essentially a staircase leading upwards, followed by a room full of information regarding the structure, followed by stairs then leading to the roof. The roof has a great view but the experience is quite underwhelming.
Gary Standke | Jul 27, 2018
Tall tower with fine views of Oxford. Nice and inexpensive, great way to rid yourself of small change.
richard elderfield | Jul 5, 2018
It's in the centre of Oxford. A good place to visit from the top of the tower good views around the city.
Wander is a travel search engine that allows you to find the perfect travel destination that fits your budget and preferences.
Get compensated for late flights
The Ultimate Long Haul Flight Guide
Winter Wonderland: Top Destinations for Winter 2018
The Ultimate Travel Checklist!
What is it about Inspirational Travel Quotes?
Top Destinations for a Romantic Getaway