In the centre of Oxford, you’ll find the covered market which dates back to the 1770s. The building has been updated a bit since then, but it still has a real sense of history when you’re walking along the alleyways between the stalls. You’ll find posh chocolates, smoothies, lovely looking fruit, quality shoes, hand made cakes, fine tea, nice soaps and jewellery for starters.
The first thing to do when you step inside the market, is look up! It seems an odd thing to suggest when the shop units in here are so eye catching, but when you do, you’ll see the network of wooden beams supporting the roof. It’s this that gives you the feeling that you’re shopping in a place with history, so do it first, then look around the stalls. We were really impressed with the range and the quality of stalls in the market. For many years, traditional indoor markets in Britain have been on the decline, but you can quite clearly see that this one is bucking the trend and you can also see why. The produce and various goods on sale are good quality and all of the units made you want to look further at what they had to sell.
There are around 55 retailers in the market. On top of the products mentioned above you can also get your hair cut here, buy beauty products, get your nicest photo framed or buy quality shoes, clothes and accessories. Many of the retailers have been trading here for decades. For instance Cardew’s, which sells roasted coffee and speciality teas, joined the market in 1965. Feller’s came in 1979 and Ben’s cookies just a few years later. The market is also home to some of Oxford’s smartest public toilets with fresh flowers in them!
If you’re a fan of the British TV detectives Morse and Lewis, a number of episodes have been filmed in the market. One of the most notable was a chase scene at the end of an episode of Lewis. If you’re a fan of Colin Dexter’s characters, then consider taking the Morse, Lewis & Endeavour Tour which visits a number of key locations in Oxford.
Oxford Covered Market is open from 9am, to 5.30pm, Monday to Saturday and 10am to 4pm on Sundays. You’ll find more information on others stores and retailers in Oxford on our Oxford Shopping page.
MORE THINGS TO DO IN OXFORDLOCATION & CONTACT
Address: The Covered Market, Market Street, Oxford OX1 3DZ
Tel: +44 1865 250133
MORE ON OXFORD COVERED MARKET
Covered Market – Offical website
Covered Market – Wikipedia
Visit Oxford & Oxfordshire – Official Website
Oxford Hop-on, Hop-off Bus Tour – Stops near the Covered Market
Hotels in Oxford – We recommend Hotels.com
Oxford Guide Books – Amazon.co.uk
Travel Through Oxford Guide Book – Amazon.com