The 49-metre-high (161 ft) triangular tower has a hollow centre and is climbed by means of a spiral staircase in one of the corner projections.

[5][6] It is the start of the Leland Trail, a 45 km (28 mi) footpath which runs south-west to Ham Hill Country Park.

[11] In addition to the commemorative function, the tower was also intended to serve as an eye-catcher for those touring the parkland of the Stourhead Estate.

[8] Restoration work in 1986 included the use of a Wessex helicopter to lower a 300 kg (660 lb) piece of masonry onto the top.

[17][18] The south-east face of the tower has a Gothic-arched entrance door, a statue of King Alfred, and a stone panel bearing an inscription (see below).

AD 879 on this Summit Erected his Standard Against Danish Invaders To him We owe The Origin of Juries The Establishment of a Militia The Creation of a Naval Force ALFRED The Light of a Benighted Age Was a Philosopher and a Christian The Father of his People The Founder of the English MONARCHY and LIBERTY The tower is mentioned in Thomas Hardy's poem "Channel Firing" (written in April 1914) as a place "far inland".