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Oxford Covered Market

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Cafe
City Centre
Events
Family Friendly

Located right in the heart of Oxford city centre, the world famous Oxford Covered Market is home to over 50 specialist independent traders, each selling their own unique variety of goods, as well as offering a wide selection of cafes and bars. The Market is a hidden gem for lots of Oxford shoppers, shopping for that not so high street item.

The market dates back to the 1770s and has become famous for being one of the oldest continually operating markets in the country. Celebrating it 250 years in 2024, this Georgian market is more than a retail hot spot, it more of an attraction. While visiting be sure to look up and marvel at the historic roof.

There’s always something happening in the market from the latest seasonal offerings to bespoke experiences such as tastings, knitting classes, soap making and even walking on the moon. The main central area often turns into an events space too. See the website for the latest updates and the market events.

To celebrate their big 2-5-0 they’ve decided to dedicate the whole of 2024 to the 250th Anniversary. When you visit you’ll see the market is now bursting with 250th Anniversary bunting sporting a special Anniversary edition Covered Market logo, and they’ve got brand new Anniversary banners over all the entrances to welcome regulars and new visitors to the market.

Throughout the year the market will be offering a whole host of 250th-themed celebration events and activities in collaboration with the traders. Later in the year we’ll be hosting a super exciting 250th birthday party, so make sure you check the website for further details.

In addition they’ll be rolling out all kinds of 250th-related activities and historic facts and discoveries celebrating how the Oxford Covered Market has evolved over its long and fruitful history.

You’ll find events details, a gallery of their latest discoveries and links to all kinds of historic information on the website, so you can learn more about the market’s history, and the plans to ensure this historic hub continues to thrive well into the future.

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Google Reviews

The Covered Market

4.410842 reviews

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Laila Hassaballa

in the last week

Nice historic experience within this 250 year old market. Plenty of food options and small shops offering nice gifts and souvenirs options.

Daniel A M

3 months ago

The market is situated in the center of Oxford. It's very nice to visit where you can buy different food, sweets or drinks, but you also find clothes, jewerly and clothing accesories. The market is among the oldest markets in the country. Well worth visiting if you explore the city. Great place for lunch or just pop in find a tasty take away and coffee or tea and get back to explore the streets of Oxford.

Alyssa Becker

3 weeks ago

A really charming market area, easily accessible when walking through Oxford. We found excellent food at lunch, and came back near dinner to grab something quick to take away while closing. I was surprised it closed so early in the summer when so many tourists and summer students around. Great selection of eateries and cute shops. Pieminster was a stand out for us. Could not find any toilets here - which seemed surprising with so many eateries. Also limited seating available. The Alice in Wonderland references are a fun addition.

Abdulkarim ALZarouni

4 months ago

The market is a nice historic spot in the heart of Oxford, dating back to 1774. As a Grade II listed building, it beautifully blends history with a lively shopping experience. The variety of stalls and shops, from butchers selling Oxford sausage to bakeries, greengrocers, and unique gift stores, makes it an interesting place to explore. The market has a welcoming atmosphere, and the recent renovations by Oxford City Council have improved its facilities while preserving its historic charm. With multiple entrances, it’s easy to access and a convenient stop while exploring the city. The downside is that the number of businesses has declined over the years, and some areas could use a bit more variety. That said, it's still a good place to visit for fresh food, gifts, and a taste of Oxford’s history!

Dan A

2 months ago

We stopped by the Covered Market out of curiosity, and while it’s a charming and historic space, the actual shop selection did not quite live up to the hype. It was fun to walk through and take in the atmosphere—definitely quaint—but most of the stores just did not feel all that appealing to us. Worth a quick stroll if you’re nearby, but not a must-see unless you’re specifically hunting for something niche.

Oxford Covered Market

Hightlight

Google Reviews

The Covered Market

Laila Hassaballa

Daniel A M

Alyssa Becker

Abdulkarim ALZarouni

Dan A

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