Oxford Covered Market

The Covered Market has been trading in the heart of Oxford since the eighteenth century, and it remains one of the best places in the city to eat and shop. The entrance on the High Street leads into a network of covered lanes lined with traders, from butchers and fishmongers to bakeries, cheese shops, florists, coffee roasters, cafes and gift stalls. It was created to clear the stalls from the streets and give the city a tidy marketplace, and the Georgian architecture and glass roofs still set the character. Today it mixes long-standing family businesses with newer food entrepreneurs, giving visitors an easy taste of everyday Oxford.

The market is a handy place for a quick lunch. Grab a pie, a sandwich, a slice of cake or a cookie from one of the stalls, or sit down for a coffee. Many traders have been there for decades, and some are known for particular specialities, so ask the stallholders for recommendations. There are also shops that sell gifts, clothes and accessories, making it a convenient place to pick up souvenirs without the crowds of the main shopping streets.

Opening hours follow a daily pattern with later opening on some evenings and shorter hours on Sundays, and individual traders set their own times, so check the market website for current details. The market is free to enter and step-free for most of its length, though the lanes can be busy at lunchtime and on Saturdays. Early in the morning is a good time to see the market at work, with deliveries arriving and bakers setting up.

The market is surrounded by colleges and streets of interest. Lincoln College and Jesus College sit on the same side of the lane, and the Radcliffe Square area is a few minutes away. A tour of the market can be combined with a walk through the lanes and a visit to the University Church tower. If you are planning picnic food for a punt or a day at Blenheim, the market is a good place to stock up on bread, cheese and fruit.

A little structure helps you enjoy the market, which has several lanes and a lot of variety. Walk the main avenues once to see everything, then return to the stalls that caught your eye. Look for traders who bake, butcher and roast on site, as their products are freshest. The market has become known for its cookies, coffee and pies, and some stalls attract queues at lunchtime, which are worth the wait. You can also buy flowers, cheese, cakes and picnic supplies for a punt or a day trip.

Most traders accept cards, but a little cash is handy for small purchases. The market is partially covered and the floors can be uneven in places, so take care with pushchairs. The nearby streets, including Turl Street and Market Street, have bookshops and cafes, and the High Street entrance makes the market a natural meeting point. If you are visiting with children, let them choose a treat from a bakery or sweet stall, which turns the market visit into a small adventure and gives parents time to look at the shops.