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King Alfred's Tower

Hidden Gem

Terrain:

Activities

Best Time To Visit

Woodland

Walking, Photography

Spring and Autumn

Photo: Lewis Clarke via Geograph.org.uk

Climbing the narrow, dark spiral staircase reveals an astonishing secret about King Alfred's Tower. This massive brick folly rises forty-nine metres into the sky on Kingsettle Hill, resting right on the borders of Somerset and Wiltshire within the grand Stourhead estate.

Master builders laid more ...

5

Parking nearby

0

Food Spots nearby

3

Staycations nearby

Parking:

Food:

Staycations:

5 overnight parking

Hardway Safari Lodge, Charlton Shepherds Hut, Redlynch Yurt

Nearest Hidden Gem 1

Nearest Hidden Gem 3

FAQ's/Things to Know

Where is King Alfred's Tower?
Kingsettle Hill hosts this massive brick structure right on the border of Somerset and Wiltshire. Walkers frequently spot its dramatic silhouette while exploring the high ridges of the surrounding grand estate.

What type of place is King Alfred's Tower?
King Alfred's Tower is a hollow triangular brick monument standing within the Stourhead estate.

When is the best time to visit King Alfred's Tower?
Spring and autumn offer the crispest morning air and clearest visual conditions for taking in the vast three-county view. Severe gales regularly batter the exposed summit gallery during winter, making seasonal planning essential.

What can you do at King Alfred's Tower?
Climbing the hundreds of steps up the narrow spiral staircase grants access to an open-air viewing platform at the very top. People also enjoy hiking along the leafy forest trails that surround the base.

How long should I spend at King Alfred's Tower?
Allocating roughly an hour provides plenty of time to tackle the stairs and admire the panoramic countryside. Combining the visit with longer woodland walks easily extends your stay.

Where do I park at King Alfred's Tower?
Vehicles can utilise five available spaces nearby, providing five overnight parking spots. Full details are available on the UK Hidden Gems app.

Where can I eat near King Alfred's Tower?
There are no food spots recorded immediately near King Alfred's Tower, check the UK Hidden Gems app for the nearest options.

Where can I stay near King Alfred's Tower?
Hardway Safari Lodge, Charlton Shepherds Hut, and Redlynch Yurt supply three places to stay in the vicinity. Full details are available on the UK Hidden Gems app.

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Last Updated:

02 July 2026

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