| Oxford City Centre
Various areas of Oxford such as Cowley and Headington have a range of shops from greengrocers to electrical superstores and even Oxford's largest shopping centre Templars Square which is in Cowley itself.
However, the concentration and variety of shops remain in the centre of Oxford. With parking being relatively limited and expensive, if you are driving into Oxford then it is advisable to use one of the many Park & Ride schemes.
The shops in the centre of Oxford are spread out but the two main shopping streets are George Street and Queen Street which is centred around Marks and Spencer. It is worth exploring the maze of side streets as well for a variety of shops.
There are also two shopping centers, the Westgate Centre and Claredon Centre. The Covered Market provides exciting shopping opportunities and is slightly less crowded than the other areas. Templars Square
Templars Square in Cowley is Oxford's largest shopping centre, and acts as a base for local community events - as well as having an extensive choice of stores that tempt you to pull out your purse. A temptation that gets easier when you realise that this shopping centre is open every day of the week and has enough car parking spaces to accommodate most visitors. There are shops here vary from well-known high street names (think WH Smiths and Boots) to a family run traditional butchers. Its nice to know you can stock up on your chemist products and your lamb tenderloins all under one roof. There are over 70 shops here, and the centre also plays host to regular Arts and Craft fairs, and an antiques market. Templars Square
Management Suite
129 Pound Way
Cowley
Oxford
OX4 3XH
Tel: 01865 748864 The Covered Market
The market was opened in 1774 mainly as a meat market but soon grew to encompass other traders and stalls as well. This is reflected in the mix of fishmongers, bakeries, flower shops, fresh fruit and vegetable sellers that exist today.
If nothing else then walking under these high-raftered roofs is a wonderful experience for your senses as the sights, sounds and smells of this historic place grab you. As is the case with any market, apart from the usual stalls there is an array of quirky shops to keep shoppers amused.
For example, a shop called 'Nothing' (because the owner couldn't think of a name for it) has an impressive frontage of 120 feet and offers a wide range of Scottish knitwear and a range of casual clothing in bright and subtle colours to suit all ages. It also has a selection of fine contemporary silver jewellery and fashion accessories.
Once you have had enough of the market, you can walk through to the Golden Cross, which borders the market, a 16th century courtyard which contains clothing and jewellery shops.
Then head through a 15th-century arch leading out on to Cornmarket Street where you can find HMV and Virgin record stores along one of the city's busiest streets. The Clarendon Centre
This one storey indoor shopping centre has enough shops to keep a browser happy for a short while, but does not quite warrent a whole day shop extravaganzer! However, it is nice to wander in from Cornmarket Street to look in stores such as French Connection, River Island and Gap. Maybe the shops border on mainstream, but their are times when you need a casual fleece or a comfy T-shirt. Honest! There are also sports, jewellery and shoe outlets inside. The Clarendon Ltd
Centre Management,
Clarendon House
52 Cornmarket St,
Oxford,
Oxfordshire,
OX1 3JE
Tel: 01865 251493 The Westgate Centre
This shopping centre has a good mix of stores including department store Allders, and shops where you can buy new fashion and perhaps even book a holiday! If you are a golf fan then you will love Sports Soccer - they have a specialist golf floor just for you! The centre is fully undercover with all the stores on one level - which makes it easier for older people or those pushing buggies. The multi-story car park in Oxford City Centre is diectly linked to the shops, and this helps to make this place the first port of call for many visitors to Oxford. While here why not spoil yourself with a beauty treatment from Clarins, or chill out for a break at one of the cafes - relax over a coffee or eat a full dinner! Westgate Shopping Centre
37 Westgate Galleries
Oxford
Oxfordshire
OX1 1NZ
Tel: 01865 725455
Must-See Shops!
Oxford's other department store is Debenhams on Magdalen Street and covers 100,000 square feet. Recently rebuilt, it offers a substantial range of shopping under one roof for locals and visitors.
Speaking of which, if you are showing someone from abroad around the town then they would not thank you if you missed out on The University of Oxford Shop on The High Street or Flaggs on Broad Street.
Both stores offer extensive ranges of University and Oxford related memorabilia in the form of everything from T-shirts and scarves to mugs and key rings.
Philanthropists may be impressed that all profits from the University shop contribute to the University's funds. They will also want to browse in the original Oxfam shop which is on Broad Street.
Sanders of Oxford is another landmark shop in Oxford. Located in a listed sixteenth century building on the High Street, the present business continues a tradition of trading in prints, maps and fine art, which dates back to the beginning of the 19th century.
It is one of the biggest galleries in the country, stocking an extensive range of antique prints and maps. The antiquarian map department upstairs offers maps of every part of the world, printed between the 16th and 19th centuries.
Frederick Tranter, established in 1898 provides another reminder of the past, offering a wide range of our own blended tobaccos, pipes, cigars, snuff and many smoking accessories and gifts.
As would be expected from a city that is dominated by its University, bookshops are not in short supply. In fact, Broad Street is a book lover's dream with the University libraries and the Old and New Bodleian libraries at its east end.
Blackwell's bookshop can boast the world's largest single collection of books in one room. Thornton's of Oxford, established in 1835, can on the other hand claim to be Oxford's oldest independent bookshop.
With four floors lined with both new and secondhand books, a staggering 70,000 volumes can be found on the premises. There is also a selection of finely printed and bound, rare and modern First editions, and large sections devoted to history and English literature.
If that puts you in a historical frame of mind then nearby Park End Street should be your next destination where there is a side range of antique shops. Antique and crafts markets are also held on Thursdays at Gloucester Green market.
So, if you are looking for a shopping experience that combines the best elements of the traditional with the everyday necessities of the contemporary then Oxford may just be the place to head for. | 
Oxford Features