Best Areas for Shopping in Oxford
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Are you looking to do some serious shopping in Oxford? Here are seven different areas in and around Oxford that are totally-spree-worthy.
Where to Shop in Oxford
Oxford is a beautiful city, but if you are wondering where to shop, there are more places to go than just the high street.
Oxford Covered Market
Long one of Oxford’s quirkiest shopping destinations, the Covered Market is packed with independent shops, cafes and stalls selling everything from fresh produce to handmade accessories.
As the name suggests, this near 250-year-old market is covered – so no need to worry about your typical rainy British day either.
Head to one of the butchers, like Feller’s in the market and grab some traditional Oxford sausages, or nab one of Ben’s Cookies’ indulgent snacks as they’re hot out of the oven. Make sure you have a sturdy tote with you to handle all the delicious snacks you’ll get from here.
Westgate Centre
The new Westgate Oxford is a recently renovated shopping centre with over 800,000 square feet of space, enough for over 100 different stores.
The mall contains all of the leading retailers you would expect to find – like the three-floor John Lewis & Partners brimming with three floors of beauty, giftware, fashion, and more – but there are also a few quirkier gems in there too.
Either way, if you’re looking for a one-stop shop, the Westgate Centre is the best place to get all of your purchasing done in one location.
Cornmarket
Interestingly, what you’d call Oxford’s main shopping street isn’t the High Street itself – it’s Cornmarket.
Cornmarket (and a few of the streets in its immediate surrounds) is where you’ll find a lot of Oxford’s standard high street shops like WhSmith and Clark’s – you know, the Oxford town centre shops where everyone goes to grab the items that they need.
The majority of the well-established stores sit along Cornmarket Street as well as the entrance to the small Clarendon Shopping Centre.
Little Clarendon Street
A small street in Oxford, Little Clarendon Street is lined with boutique stores (definitely check out the chic Central Living) that sell trendy items and delectable food, with some more up-market and designer furniture thrown into the mix.
Places to Shop Near Oxford
Burford Oxfordshire
The small village of Burford is just outside of central Oxford and is known for its antique dealers. This quaint village is in the Cotswolds region and is the place to go for anyone who loves unique items.
Here, you can step into any of the range of antique stores and take home some exciting antiquities. This is a different pace and style of shopping, away from the immense crowds, and offers a more relaxed atmosphere.
Wallingford
Wallingford is an interesting blend between the high street stores and a group of independent sellers. This town has slowly built a steadily growing reputation for its more specialist stores with unique gifts and collectibles.
While you’re here, consider going to the Lamb Arcade. It is an old 14th-century inn that hides over 40 different shops behind its doors. Something a little different from the more traditional Oxford city shopping centre experience.
Bicester Village
Bicester Village may be outside Oxford, but it is only a short 20-minute train ride away. The trip will be well worth it. This small open-air shopping centre near Oxford is an outlet village that’s home to outlets for some of the most prestigious designer brands in the world.
Go for boutique stores offering items from top luxury brands at up to 60% off the normal price. This is a must-see for fashionistas who want to try and find their next Gucci or Dolce & Gabbana item for a steal.
