Tower of the Five Orders

You'll find this striking Renaissance tower tucked away in Oxford, a proper architectural oddity that most visitors walk straight past. It's essentially a teaching tool made brick - a five-storey structure where each level demonstrates a different classical order: Tuscan at the base, then Doric, Ionic, Corinthian, and Composite at the top. It's the sort of thing that makes architects light up and leaves everyone else wondering why anyone bothered.

The tower stands as a remnant of the 16th century, built as a demonstration piece when Oxford's scholars were obsessed with getting the classical proportions exactly right. You can walk around it, study the column details, and if you're the type who cares about such things, spot the subtle differences between each level. It takes about twenty minutes to properly appreciate it, though you could manage it in five if you're just passing through.

This isn't a destination in itself. It's the sort of thing you fit in whilst exploring Oxford's college architecture - you're already there, you might as well have a look. History buffs and architecture students will get the most from it; young kids will be bored stiff. Since it's in the city centre, any of the nearby parks - Cedar Hollow Oxford, The Oaks, or Valley Farm Campsite are all within easy reach for a base. Free to view from the outside, naturally, since it's just standing there in the street. Worth a detour only if you're already wandering Oxford's medieval lanes.