Covered Market Taste Tour

A 1.5-hour walking tour through Oxford's Covered Market, a Victorian marketplace operating since 1774. You'll taste from long-established traders including Oxford sausages, artisan cheeses, fresh seafood, and bakery items. The guide shares vendor histories and sourcing practices. Ideal for families and those interested in local producers. Saturday mornings are busiest - weekday visits are quieter. Best for families and local food enthusiasts. This is a easy activity lasting 1.5 hours. Group size: 2-20. You meet at Market Street entrance. Key highlights: Victorian market building (1774) with original cast-iron arcades, Oxford sausages - traditional recipe unique to the city, Artisan cheeses from Oxfordshire producers.

Price: £28

Duration: 1.5 hours

Difficulty: easy

Group size: 2-20

Minimum age: all ages

Best for: families and local food enthusiasts

Best time: Tuesday to Friday mornings are quietest. Avoid Saturday mornings (peak tourist and shopper crowds). Weekday mid-morning provides best stall selection and vendor availability.

Meeting point: Market Street entrance

Languages: English

Here is how the experience unfolds:

Start Meet at Market Street entrance to the Covered Market - Guide explains the market's 250-year history and introduces key traders you'll visit.

First 25 min Stops 1-2: Oxford sausages and butcher demonstrations - Taste traditional Oxford sausages and learn about local meat sourcing practices.

25-55 min Stops 3-4: Cheese and deli vendors - Sample artisan cheeses from Oxfordshire producers and cured meats with tasting notes.

55-90 min Stops 5-6: Bakery, seafood, and produce stalls - Conclude with fresh baked goods, smoked fish, or seasonal vegetables with vendor anecdotes.

The whole experience takes 1.5 hours. Difficulty: easy. You meet at Market Street entrance.

• Victorian market building (1774) with original cast-iron arcades
• Oxford sausages - traditional recipe unique to the city
• Artisan cheeses from Oxfordshire producers
• Family-friendly environment with activities for children
• Direct interactions with market traders and producers
• Accessibility: Level ground throughout market. Wide corridors suitable for wheelchairs. Market has accessible toilets. Some stalls have high counters - request assistance from vendors.

What is included: Tastings from approximately 5-6 stalls, Guided walking tour of the market, Vendor commentary on sourcing and preparation, Market history explained by guide.

Not included: Full meals or large portions, Drinks beyond samples offered by vendors. You will need to arrange these yourself.

What to bring: Small bag or backpack for purchases, Cash (some traders cash-only), Comfortable shoes for standing and walking. Having these with you makes the experience smoother.

Best time to go: Tuesday to Friday mornings are quietest. Avoid Saturday mornings (peak tourist and shopper crowds). Weekday mid-morning provides best stall selection and vendor availability..

Tip: Saturday mornings busiest

Tip: Some stalls closed Sundays

Accessibility: Level ground throughout market. Wide corridors suitable for wheelchairs. Market has accessible toilets. Some stalls have high counters - request assistance from vendors..

Operator: Market Traders Association

After this activity, these are within easy reach:

• Bodleian Library (3 min walk)
• Christ Church College (8 min walk)
• Ashmolean Museum (10 min walk)

This activity is run by Market Traders Association.

Cancellation policy: Free cancellation 24h before. Tours may be rescheduled if fewer than 3 people book..

Accessibility: Level ground throughout market. Wide corridors suitable for wheelchairs. Market has accessible toilets. Some stalls have high counters - request assistance from vendors..

Best time to go: Tuesday to Friday mornings are quietest. Avoid Saturday mornings (peak tourist and shopper crowds). Weekday mid-morning provides best stall selection and vendor availability..

What exactly are Oxford sausages?

Oxford sausages are a traditional British sausage made with pork, breadcrumbs, suet, and sage - no rusk filler. They're skinless and distinctly crumbly in texture. Dating back centuries, they're unique to Oxford. The Covered Market tour includes a tasting from the market's traditional maker.

Can young children join the Covered Market tour?

Yes. The tour is family-friendly and all ages welcome. At 1.5 hours, it's short enough for young attention spans. Market vendors often engage with children. Check with Market Traders Association if you have children under 5 for pacing advice.

Which days are best to visit the Covered Market tour?

Tuesday to Friday mornings are quietest with better vendor availability. Saturday is peak time (crowded). Some stalls close Sunday-Monday, reducing tasting options. Weekday mid-morning visits provide the best experience for talking with producers.