The Covered Market — Attraction in Oxford

The Covered Market in Oxford is a historic and vibrant market located in the heart of the city. It has been a central part of Oxford’s life since it first opened in 1774, providing a wide array of goods and services to both locals and visitors.

History: Established in 1774: The market was initially established to centralize the various markets and shops that were scattered around Oxford, providing a cleaner and more organized shopping environment. Architectural Heritage: The market has retained much of its historic charm, with many of the original 18th-century buildings still standing. The market’s layout and design reflect its long history, with narrow lanes and traditional shopfronts.

Shops and Stalls: Variety of Goods: The Covered Market is home to a diverse range of independent retailers. You can find everything from fresh produce, meats, and seafood to baked goods, flowers, clothing, and gifts. Local Produce: Many stalls sell locally sourced products, including meats from nearby farms, fresh fish, artisan bread, and handcrafted items. Unique Boutiques: There are several unique boutiques offering clothing, accessories, and home goods that you won’t find elsewhere in Oxford. Florists: The market is known for its vibrant flower stalls, which add a splash of color to the space.

3.The market is also famous for its range of cafés, bakeries, and food stalls. Options include traditional English fare, international cuisine, and trendy spots like Ben’s Cookies, a well-loved bakery known for its freshly baked cookies. Sandwich Shops and Delis: Popular with locals, several sandwich shops and delis offer freshly made sandwiches, salads, and other quick bites, making it a great spot for lunch. The market is also home to several stalls selling artisanal cheeses, chocolates, and other items . The Covered Market is always bustling with activity, providing a lively atmosphere where shoppers can interact with stallholders, many of whom are long-time traders with deep roots in the community. Despite its modern uses, the market has retained its historic character, offering a unique shopping experience that blends tradition with contemporary retail.

Community Hub: The market is not just a shopping destination but also a community hub where people gather, socialize, and enjoy the unique atmosphere. Due to its historical importance and central location, the Covered Market is a popular stop for tourists exploring Oxford.

It’s centrally located near Cornmarket Street and High Street, making it easily accessible from other parts of the city.

The Covered Market is a must-visit destination in Oxford, offering a unique blend of history, culture, and shopping that captures the essence of the city. Whether you're looking to buy local produce, enjoy a meal, or simply soak in the atmosphere, it's a place that embodies the...

Update for The Oxford Covered Market – Monday, November 11, 2024

We didn't plan to revisit this hidden gem, but it's always worth the trip. This time, the absence of large tourist crowds and long queues made it a much more enjoyable experience, allowing us to walk freely without constantly dodging people. However, we noticed that the long table benches were unavailable as they had been during our previous visit. The air was also devoid of the pungent smell from the butcher shop, as it was closed that day. Several shops were not open, and some displayed signs indicating they were going out of business with prices reduced to clear stock.

The service at each place we visited was prompt. I enjoyed a Moo Moo milkshake and some pastries for dessert without any wait. A delightful souvenir shop near the last entrance, just after the restrooms, features a large Winnie the Pooh bear priced at half off from £1,099 to £499. The friendly shop worker shared that this plush Pooh bear is a collector's item made by Steiff, a renowned German company that manufactures plush toys. He explained that the shop cannot change the prices of Steiff merchandise without prior approval.

The shop worker reminisced about a time when their merchandise would sell out quickly due to the high volume of foreign university students and tourists. However, that has all changed, especially after the worldwide Covid-19 pandemic. Times have been tough for businesses since then.

We had another wonderful excursion at the Covered Market in Oxford, and it's quickly becoming one of our favorite shopping spots. I can't believe we missed this hidden gem during our first visit to Oxford two years ago! It's a fantastic place to explore unique shops and enjoy delicious food and treats in one location.

The only downside is that with all the market space available, there should be more benches for patrons. Additionally, I’ve noticed that European visitors tend to be more courteous in sharing bench space compared to Americans, who often claim empty spaces for themselves. It is a first-come, first-served situation!

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historic market with permanent stalls and shops in a large covered structure in central Oxford. Very peaceful place

The Covered Market was officially opened on 1 November 1774 and is still active today. It was started in response to a general wish to clear 'untidy, messy and unsavoury stalls' from the main streets of central Oxford.

John Gwynn, the architect of Magdalen Bridge, drew up the plans and designed the High Street front with its four entrances. In 1772, the newly formed Market committee, half of whose members came from the town and half from the university, accepted an estimate of nine hundred and sixteen pounds ten shillings, for the building of twenty butchers' shops.

Twenty more soon followed, and after 1773 meat was allowed to be sold only inside the market. From this nucleus the market grew, with stalls for garden produce, pig meat, dairy products and fish

Today the covered market is still home to numerous traders, around half of which are food retailers, including traditional market shops selling fresh food such as greengrocers and butchers (including some who produce the distinctive, local Oxford sausage). There are also newer gift shops, bakeries and sandwich shops. Most of the shops now are quite a bit larger than the original stall sizes, and so the number of businesses in the covered market is smaller than in the past. It is a bustling area, especially...