This is a good place to start you visit to Oxford. You can climb 99 steps to the top of this tower in central Oxford to get a birds eye view of the city's roof tops and spires. In 1818 St martins Church was rebuilt complete with a square Norman style castle church bell tower.

At the end of the 19th century increased traffic problems lead to a decision to demolish the main body of the church building for road widening. On the east side of the church tower is a clock adorned with two 'quarter boys' that hit bells every 15 minutes. It is by the cross roads of St Aldates, Cornmarket Street, High Street and Queen's Street. It is open April to September 10am to 5.30pm (October closes 4.30am)

Christ Church University College and Cathedral

On the map of Oxford you will see a wide road running north south called St Aldates. Walking south down this road from the Carfax Church tower on your left is the Oxford Town Hall and Museum of Oxford. For those interested in Modern Art take a quick detour up Pembroke Street which will be the first on your right. The Oxford museum of Morden Art is about 100 yards up the road.

Return back to St Aldates road and the magnificent imposing yellow sandstone building opposite Pembrook Street is the outer wall of Christ Church University College quadrangle. It is open to the public in the afternoon for an entrance fee. Carry on down the road to the end of the building.

Take the left hand walled tarmac track that leads towards Christ Church University Cathedral. It leads to the large open green fields of Christ Church Meadow and the attractive views of the rear of the main university buildings at the north end and the river Thames to the south. A great place to take some photos.

Do not explore the tree lined meadow at this stage. You will find a path that doubles back to the main road, St Aldates, that goes through a small park. As you walk down this path have your camera ready for the great views of the old stone outer buildings in front of the Cathedral.

Turn left at the parks iron gates and keep walking past the police station until you find the old stone bridge of the river Thames. To your left is one of the most attractive pubs in Oxford. The River Head Public House is situated on the river front and has a large pub garden with many seats and patio umbrellas. The food is good and the beer is even better. On a summers day this is a very special place to spend an hour or so in the sun. If you are unfortunate enough to visit on a rainy day the interior of the pub is a fine place to eat and drink.

The patio area used to be a wharf where boats bringing in supplies for the city and University would be unloaded. The old crane has been left in situ and preserved to add character. In the days before rail and road haulage all heavy loads were transported by waterways.

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