The Oxford Covered Market is located right in the heart of Oxford city centre, sitting between High Street and Market Street, near Cornmarket Street and Turl Street.
What kind of shops are in Oxford's Covered Market?
Oxford’s historic The Covered Market features around 60 independent shops split into three main types: food and drink stalls, lifestyle and fashion boutiques, and fresh produce sellers.
Leeds Kirkgate Market. One of the largest indoor markets in Europe, Kirkgate is a shopper's paradise from fresh food, drink and fashion to jewellery, flowers, hardware and haberdashery.
In 2017, Oxford City Council, which owns the Covered Market, announced a £1.6m investment in the fabric of the building, including roof repairs, improved public conveniences, external paving and new signage.
The Covered Market in Oxford is a premier, historic spot with a wide variety of independent, high-quality, and local food options for lunch, snacks, and quick bites, featuring many new additions in 2026.
Historic Covered Market in Oxford, England| 250 Years Old
Where is Oxford Covered market?
The The Covered Market is located right in the center of Oxford city centre, nestled between Cornmarket Street and Turl Street, with main entrances facing Market Street and the High Street.
Parking: No suitable parking onsite for event attendees; nearest public car parks are Worcester Street, Gloucester Green, Oxpens and Westgate Car Park; pay & display bays on Broad Street.
The programme will continue through detailed design, technical assessments and ongoing engagement during 2026. Construction is currently anticipated from mid 2027, subject to planning approval and detailed delivery planning. The market will remain open and trading throughout the works.
Since its opening in 1774, with its initial 20 butchers' shops, the Covered Market has been an architectural and cultural landmark. Designed by John Gwynn, also known for Magdalen Bridge, it's a testament to Oxford's heritage.
Leeds Kirkgate Market is widely recognized as the largest indoor market in the UK (and one of the largest in Europe), featuring over 800 stalls in a magnificent Grade I listed building.
Leeds Kirkgate Market in Leeds, England, is widely cited as the largest indoor/covered market in Europe. It features hundreds of stalls and holds notable historical significance as the birthplace of Marks & Spencer.
Market Street public toilets are open until 5.30 every night. After these have closed if you are using the market after 5.30 during later opening times (Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays) different toilets are provided inside the market.
The Oxford Outdoor Market at Gloucester Green is open Wednesday through Saturday. Operating hours are 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM on Wednesday and Thursday, and 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM on Friday and Saturday.
The main shopping streets in Oxford are Cornmarket Street and Queen Street, which form a busy, pedestrian-friendly core packed with popular retail chains.
Only official assistance dogs are formally allowed inside the The Covered Market corridors, though many general shoppers do bring well-behaved pet dogs on leads into the communal areas.
The The Covered Market is located right in the center of Oxford city centre, nestled between Cornmarket Street and Turl Street, with main entrances facing Market Street and the High Street.
As a member of the Oxford community, you're encouraged to take advantage of all that Oxford has to offer. It is home to beautiful nature trails, sporting events, performances, festivals and many locally-owned family restaurants and stores.
The historic Oxford Covered Market is open Monday to Wednesday from 8:00 AM to 5:30 PM, Thursday to Saturday from 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM, and Sundays from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Finding truly free, all-day parking directly in central Oxford is extremely difficult, but you can find free options at Shotover Country Park car park, the end of Whitehouse Road in Grandpont, or selected outer residential areas like Littlemore and Risinghurst.
Finding free parking in central Oxford on a Sunday is extremely difficult, as most on-street bays enforce a two-hour maximum stay and require payment. Your best alternatives are specific college car parks, nearby residential streets, or official Park & Ride facilities.
Oxford was originally known by Old English names such as Oxnaford and Oxenaforda, meaning "ford of the oxen". These early terms describe a shallow river crossing on the River Thames where cattle could safely walk across.
Based on 2026 data, Oxford offers a diverse range of top-rated dining experiences, with high-energy modern Indian cuisine, authentic French bistro fare, and creative tasting menus among the most popular choices.
Oxford features wonderful off-the-beaten-path spots like the Pitt Rivers Museum, the Vaults & Garden Café, and Port Meadow. Beyond the main university grounds, you can find quiet corners and unique local history away from the big crowds.
