By Tilly Rose
Dating back to 1770s, Oxford's Covered Market oozes charm and character. Its lovely little passageways, adorned with old fashioned signs, twinkling lights and bursting with independent shops and cafes, make it the perfect spot for your Christmas shopping.
The Covered Market is located right in the city centre and can be accessed through Golden Cross, the High Street or Cornmarket. Absolutely ideal at this time of year, as it's all under cover, meaning regardless of the weather, you'll be able to wander around at your leisure.
I did my Christmas shopping there this week and it 100% got me into the festive spirit! With Christmas lights hanging from the beamed ceilings, beautiful festive window displays and Christmas trees on sale in the centre, it was a magical experience.
The Covered Market is all about local independents, meaning you come across some truly unique gifts. I bought a gorgeous selection of handmade soap from 'The Oxford Soap Company', some fab prints, tea-towels and candles from the 'Indie Marketplace', artisan chocolates from 'Wicked Chocolate', some cheese from 'The Oxford Cheese Shop' for all those cheese and wine evenings on the horizon and some pretty little Christmas decorations for some festive wreath-making from 'The Garden'. A warm drink was on the cards, so next stop was a cappuccino at 'Columbia Coffee Roasters', followed by a delicious slice of cake at 'Taylor's'.
Whether you're a student, resident or visitor to the city over the festive period, I highly recommend popping for a quintessentially Oxford shopping experience!
For more info visit: http://oxford-coveredmarket.co.uk/