The Covered Market
Shopping Center | Oxford | England | United Kingdom
Historical shopping center in Oxford
The "Covered Market" in Oxford, England, is a historic shopping center and one of the city's most well-known attractions, located in the heart of the city center. It opened on November 1, 1774, making it one of the oldest continuously operated covered markets in Britain. The center was born out of a desire to remove the "untidy, unsanitary, and unappetizing stalls" from the main streets of Oxford and was designed by architect John Gwynn, who was also responsible for Magdalen Bridge. Originally equipped with 20 butcher stalls, the market has significantly expanded over the centuries through various extensions, renovations, and roofing in the 19th century. Today, it spans an area that accommodates over 50 independent traders and attracts millions of visitors each year.
Top attractions in Oxford
The shopping offerings at the Covered Market are diverse and emphasize local and independent traders, many of whom have been in business for generations. About half of the shops focus on food, including traditional butchers, greengrocers, and bakeries that offer fresh products such as the famous Oxford Sausage or Oxford Blue cheese. Notable names include Feller & Daughter, a long-established butcher, and Hamblin Bread, a bakery that has been located in the renovated units 46-48 since 2020 and is known for its artisanal breads made with organic, stone-ground flour. In addition to food, there is a wide range of specialty shops selling gifts, fashion, flowers, jewelry, hats, and toiletries, including stores like The Hat Box and Atelier Galleries for artworks. This mix makes the market a unique "one-stop shop" that stands out from standardized shopping centers.
Local vendors at Covered Market
Beyond shopping, the Covered Market offers a rich selection of culinary experiences. There are numerous cafés and restaurants that provide a variety of foods, from traditional English breakfasts to international dishes. Highlights include Brown's Café, serving classic British cuisine, and Teardrop, a tiny "nanopub" bar featuring local beers. Many of these venues are particularly popular during the extended evenings from Thursday to Saturday when the center is open longer and often hosts live music, comedy, or workshops. These events reinforce the market's role as a social meeting point and cultural hub.
Food and drink at Covered Market
The architecture of the Covered Market is another standout feature. The building, which has been a Grade II listed structure since 2000, showcases a blend of historic and functional elements. Visitors can admire the original iron beams from 1839, cast by the Dewer Foundry in London, as well as the market fronts from the 1830s with their pilasters and carved cornices. The high, polygonal wooden ceilings and the iron bars that were once used for hanging meat have been preserved, giving the market an authentic Victorian atmosphere. The three-bay façade on the High Street is a remnant of Gwynn's original design, while the incremental development of the market over the centuries shapes its unique character.
Cultural events at Covered Market
The center is excellently accessible, with several entrances from High Street, Market Street, and Golden Cross Alley, which connects it to Cornmarket Street. It features a bicycle parking area with over 500 spaces, one of the first specifically built for a shopping center in the country, as well as good public transport connections, including nearby bus and train services. This accessibility makes it attractive to both locals and tourists, who often also visit nearby attractions such as the university or the Radcliffe Camera.
Throughout its history, the Covered Market has experienced numerous changes. In 2017, the Oxford City Council invested £1.6 million in renovating the roof, public facilities, and the external paving, while from 2020 to 2021, units 46-48 were restored with the support of the Oxford Preservation Trust to reveal historic details such as stone floors and iron grilles. In 2023, a £6.87 million master plan was announced, which includes enhancing the pedestrian-friendliness of Market Street, new entrances, and improved lighting to prepare the center for the future. In 2024, the market will celebrate its 250th anniversary with special events honoring its long tradition.
