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Alfred's Tower
Triangular tower named after King Alfred who raised his standard here in 870
Important notice
Alfred's Tower will be closed on Friday 17 May and Sunday 19 May. The Tower will be open on Saturday 18 May. If you'd like to volunteer and help share the history of this special place, please get in touch.
Opening times for 16 May 2024
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Ticket type Gift aid Standard Adult £6.00 Child £3.00 Family £15.00 1 adult, 2 children £9.00 Become a member and discover more than 500 places
Assistance dogs only
Assistance dogs only are allowed inside King Alfred's Tower
Car park
There is a small car park a short walk from King Alfred's Tower
Narrow corridors
There are no passing places on the 205 step staircase to the top of the tower.
Steps/uneven terrain
The ride up to the tower is uneven, there are steps at the door and a steep staircase to reach the top of the 160ft tower.
By road
King Alfred Tower car park is a 3 mile drive from Stourhead. To get there by car please turn right out of the main Stourhead car park and then left towards Frome on the B3092. The tower is clearly signed from this road.
Parking: There is a small car park a short walk from King Alfred's Tower
Highlights
Alfred's Tower
A 160ft (59m) high folly built in 1722, with views over three counties.
Things to see and do
Article
Explore the estate at Alfred's Tower
Explore the wider countryside around Alfred’s Tower including an Iron Age hillfort and ancient woodland. Listen to the wide variety of birds and creatures that call this place home.
Places to stay
89 Church Lawn
Sitting at the entrance to Stourhead, this secluded cottage has a world-famous garden on the doorstep.
Lytes Cary
Stay in the west wing of Lytes Cary Manor within the Arts and Crafts inspired garden.
3 Lytes Cottage
Stay in the grounds of the Lytes Cary estate in this pretty Victorian cottage.
About Alfred's Tower
This triangular tower, two miles north-west of Stourhead garden, was designed by Henry Flitcroft for Stourhead's second owner, Sir Henry Hoare II. The Tower is named after King Alfred who raised his standard here in 870. The tower commemorates the accession of George III in 1760 and the end of the Seven Years' War.
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Volunteer with us
Search for live volunteering opportunities, or register your interest with Alfred's Tower.