One of the best Places to Admire Oxford’s Skyline is from St. Mary’s Tower:
Oxford has always been referred to as the “City of Dreaming Spires” and if we take a look at the city from above, it’s easy to appreciate why it has earned this name.
One of the best places from which to admire Oxford’s famous skyline is from the 13th century tower of the University Church of St. Mary the Virgin on High Street, commonly referred to as St. Mary’s or SMV. From the top of this tower one can enjoy uninterrupted panoramic views of the city and Oxford attractions.
To get to the viewing platform of the tower one has to climb 127 steps. The stairs are narrow and steep and there is not a lot of room for two people passing. So if you’re going up and someone is coming down, you’ll be faced with a very ‘close encounter’. But once you’re at the top, the views are magnificent and rewarding.
There is a very narrow walkway around the tower that’s mostly wide enough for one person at a time. However, it does not go all round so at some stage you’ll find people turning around and trying to squeeze past you on the way back to get down.
From one face of the tower one gets the best view of the Radcliffe Camera building and Radcliffe Square. Walk around to the next side and you’ll see the amazing spires of the All Souls College as well as views of the buildings along High Street. Don’t forget to also look at the architectural features of the tower at the top.
If you’re interested in knowing what you’re looking at, you should buy the Church Guide Book from the Gift Shop before before you climb up. The guide book points out the major buildings to be seen.
We were lucky that the weather was good for us this time round in Oxford and the blue skies and white clouds formed the perfect backdrop to Oxford’s skyline. Time gets away when you’re enjoying such beautiful sights and all too soon, it was time to squeeze our way back down the tower.
The entrance to the tower is from the Gift Shop. Pay your £3.00 and you’ll be pointed to the way up. We were lucky as there was no queue when we went up. However when we got back down, a huge queue had formed to go up this hugely popular tourist attraction.
How about you, what do you think?
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