The Covered Market, Oxford
Oxford's Covered Market has been trading since 1 November 1774, tucked behind the High Street between Cornmarket and Turl Street. It is a Grade II-listed warren of permanent shops where traditional butchers and greengrocers sit beside bakers, cafes and gift shops, and it is an easy place to graze or shelter from the rain.
Photos
María José Villafranca
A market with a long history
The market was planned by John Gwynn, the architect who also designed Magdalen Bridge, to clear untidy stalls off the city's streets. It began with twenty butchers' shops, and stalls for produce, dairy and fish followed. The building was listed in 2000, and the shops today are mostly larger than the original stalls, so the alleys feel busy but manageable. It has fed the city for more than 250 years.
What you'll find
About half the traders still sell food, including greengrocers and butchers; some of the butchers make the traditional Oxford sausage. Bonner's greengrocer has been here since 1952. Newer arrivals add bakeries, sandwich shops and gift shops, and Ben's Cookies is a long-standing favourite with students and visitors.
How to use it
There are entrances from the High Street, from Market Street, and through Golden Cross alley off Cornmarket, so it makes a handy shortcut through the centre. Come for a coffee and a snack between sights, or to pick up picnic food for Christ Church Meadow. Carfax Tower is a couple of minutes away if you want views over the rooftops, and The Ivy is just across the High Street.
Highlights
- Trading since 1774
- Grade II-listed building
- Traditional butchers and greengrocers
- Bakeries, cafes and gift shops
- Entrances from High Street, Market Street and Cornmarket
Good to know
- Entrances are on the High Street, Market Street and via Golden Cross from Cornmarket.
- It is all under cover, which makes it a good wet-weather stop.
- Individual traders keep their own hours, so check before making a special trip.
Frequently asked questions
Nearby
Sources: en.wikipedia.org