Oxford Covered Market Tours

Home to fishmongers and produce vendors, quirky hat specialists and trendy sandwich shops, Oxford Covered Market is both a bustling retail hub and a destination for food lovers. The market has operated continuously since its founding in 1774, and today it hosts more than 50 independent shops.

The Basics
Oxford Covered Market is a dining and shopping destination located in the center of town. Shop for unique gifts and high-quality, artisanal ingredients; or fill your belly with a meal, a small bite, or a sweet treat. The market's highlights include a milkshake bar, a specialty bakery, an artisanal cheese shop, and Oxford’s oldest supplier of tea and coffee, Cardews of Oxford. Its offerings even drew Prince Charles and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, in 2017.

The hop-on hop-off bus tour stops at Brasenose College, which is next to Oxford Covered Market. Stop at the market to browse and to nibble, and then climb aboard to see more of Oxford's sights at your leisure.

Things to Know Before You Go

• The Oxford Covered Market hosts several outdoor market days per year.
• Accessible public bathrooms are located on Market Street, just across from the Oxford Covered Market’s entrance.
• Guide dogs are permitted at the Oxford Covered Market; as the market is located all on one level, it is wheelchair-accessible throughout.

How to Get There
Conveniently located in the city center, the Oxford Covered Market is a 15-minute walk from the Oxford train station. It can also be reached by taxi and is served by several bus lines, including the 1, 4, 4A, 4B, 4C, and S1 Gold and the city's hop-on hop-off bus. The market has several entrances, which are located on High Street, Market Street, or through the Golden Cross shopping arcade on Cornmarket Street.

When to Get There
The Oxford Covered Market is open daily, from morning though late afternoon, with reduced hours on Sunday. Individual shop hours may vary, so plan ahead if there are particular shops and stalls you wish to visit.

Other Popular Oxford Markets
The Oxford Covered Market may be one of the biggest and best-known in town, but if you’ve got a yen for browsing, there are other markets to explore on your next Oxford trip. The Gloucester Green Market (held on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays) is the city’s largest open-air market, while the Wolvercote Farmers’ Market (held on Sundays) offers the perfect opportunity to sample local produce and meet friendly stallholders.