The Covered Market is a group of permanent stalls in the heart of Oxford, where you can find all types of locally produced food, as well as gifts and souvenirs. Get a feel for local culture by interacting with the stall owners and asking about their specialties.
The bazaar dates back to 1774, when a covered structure was founded as a response to the untidiness of the market stalls. The market has been held here since, though the number of traders has increased.
With grocers and butchers, as well as cheese stands and vegetable stalls, the market is a popular destination for a weekly food shop. Try the local Oxford sausage, which is usually made with pork and veal and flavored with herbs and lemon. Make your way to the fish section to see what the catch of the day is. Sweeter tastes are also catered to, with shops for cookies, fruit and cakes.
Meander through the maze of stalls and admire the abundance of colours and scents. There are flower shops as well as clothes stores stocked with everything from leather goods to stylish shoes.
Enjoy a hearty meal at one of the many restaurants and bars at the market. Be sure to try traditional British dishes, such as pie and mash and fish and chips. For something a little lighter, call into a café for cappuccino and cake as you watch the locals going about their daily routines.
The market opens daily from morning until late afternoon, with restricted opening hours on Sundays. Admission is free.
The Covered Market is located just outside the university sections of Brasenose College and Jesus College in the centre of Oxford. Nearby landmarks include the Oxford Town Hall, Modern Art Oxford and the Museum of Oxford. There are plenty of bus stops next to the market and you can also walk there from many parts of the university.
