Oxford is a vibrant and bustling city that offers a wide range of shopping options, from independent boutiques to high street brands. Whether you’re looking for the latest fashion trends or unique gifts and souvenirs, Oxford has something for everyone. Here’s a guide to some of the best shopping destinations in Oxford.
Westgate Shopping Centre
Located in the heart of Oxford, the Westgate Shopping Centre is a vibrant and modern shopping and leisure destination, offering a wide range of shops, dining options, and leisure activities to suit all tastes and budgets. With over 100 shops, including high-street brands, luxury boutiques, and independent stores, the Westgate Centre is the perfect destination for a day of shopping and exploring.
Visitors can enjoy browsing popular stores such as Zara, H&M, and John Lewis, as well as discovering new and exciting independent shops and boutiques. The centre also has a range of services, including a beauty salon, a nail bar, and a hair salon, providing a full range of beauty treatments and services.
One of the main attractions at the Westgate Centre is the Curzon cinema, which features state-of-the-art screens and sound systems, as well as a bar and lounge area.
The Westgate Centre also offers a variety of dining options, from casual eateries to high-end restaurants, including Mowgli, Wagamama and The Alchemist. Visitors can choose from a range of cuisines, including Italian, Japanese, Indian, and British, among others. The centre also has a rooftop terrace, offering stunning views of the city and a great place to relax and enjoy a drink or a meal.
The Westgate Centre is not only a fabulous shopping destination but also a hub for leisure and entertainment. It hosts regular events, pop-up shops, and activities for children, making it a fun and enjoyable place for all the family.
Covered Market
The Covered Market is a historic indoor market that has been a staple of the city for over two centuries. The market is a vibrant hub of independent shops, boutiques, and eateries, offering a unique and eclectic shopping experience.
The current building was constructed in 1893 and has been in continuous operation ever since, serving as a hub for the local community and attracting visitors from around the world. The market is home to over 40 independent traders, selling everything from fresh produce and flowers to handmade crafts and vintage clothing.
One of the most famous shops in the market is The Oxford Cheese Company, which has been trading in the market since the 1980s and offers a wide selection of local and international cheeses. Other popular shops include The Cake Shop, selling delicious cakes and pastries, and The Collectors Company, offering many items which are limited edition and something you won’t find on the high street.
The Covered Market is not just a shopping destination, but also a cultural landmark in the city of Oxford. It has been featured in numerous books and films, including the Harry Potter series, and has become an iconic symbol of the city’s history and heritage. It is a must-visit destination where you can experience the charm and atmosphere of one of Oxford’s most iconic landmarks.
High Street
Oxford’s High Street is a bustling and vibrant shopping destination, lined with a mix of high street and independent stores, offering a wide range of shopping options. From the latest fashion trends at Marks and Spencer and Anthropologie to unique gifts at The Shop of Secrets, there’s something for everyone on the High Street.
The High Street is not just a shopping destination, but also a hub for culture and history. The street is home to several famous landmarks, including the iconic Radcliffe Camera and the historic Covered Market, providing a unique and fascinating backdrop to the shopping experience.
Cowley Road
Cowley Road is a vibrant and multicultural area of Oxford that is home to a range of independent shops and boutiques. The area is particularly known for its vintage clothing stores, offering a wide range of unique and one-of-a-kind items. Music lovers can enjoy browsing at the Truck Music Store, an independent music store selling vinyl records, CDs, and other music-related merchandise or visit the Big Scary Monsters Social Club which is part record store and part craft beer bottle shop . Visitors can also catch live music performances at venues such as The Bullingdon and The Library Pub.
The area also offers a range of international food stores and restaurants, including Caribbean, Middle Eastern, African, and South Asian. Visitors can enjoy delicious and authentic food at restaurants such as Spiced Roots and Arbequina Mediterranean Bistro.
Oxford is a fantastic shopping destination that offers something for everyone, from high street brands to unique independent boutiques. Whether you’re looking for the latest fashion trends or unique gifts and souvenirs, Oxford has something to suit all tastes and budgets. So, grab your shopping bags and head out to explore the wonderful world of shopping in Oxford.
