Carfax Tower

You'll spot Carfax Tower the moment you walk into Oxford's city centre - it's the chunky medieval structure that refuses to be ignored at the intersection of four streets (hence the name, from the French 'carrefour'). Climb the 99 steps and you get proper panoramic views across the college spires and the surrounding countryside. It's tight at the top, mind you, and the stairs are steep, but the payoff is worth it if you want photos that actually show Oxford's scale rather than just another angle of the high street.

The tower itself dates back to the 11th century, though what you see today is largely medieval rebuild. You can walk around the viewing platform on a clear day and spot the Cotswolds stretching away to the west. It's the kind of climb that takes maybe 30 minutes all in - enough to stretch your legs without derailing a day of college visits and museum hopping.

This works best if you're spending a few days in Oxford with the family. It's manageable for older kids and teenagers; younger ones might find the stairs a slog. Several caravan and glamping sites sit within a few miles - Valley Farm Campsite and Cedar Hollow Oxford are both close enough for a quick trip into town. Entry is modest, and it's absolutely worth the detour if you want to actually understand Oxford's layout before wandering the colleges. Best visited early morning or late afternoon when the light's better and crowds thinner.