10 Places To Buy Unique Souvenirs In Oxford

Not only is Oxford a city full of beautiful buildings, a vibrant culture and fascinating history, it’s also home to a fantastic selection of cool, independent shops. Here are 10 places to visit to find the perfect memento of your unforgettable trip…

Alice’s Shop

Shop, Historical Landmark

Oxford is a city with a staggering number of literary connections, but perhaps none as famous as its link to Lewis Carroll’s Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland. This quaint little shop features in Carroll’s story and is now a treasure trove of all things Alice in Wonderland. Head here to pick up cute gifts, souvenirs and memorabilia.

The University of Oxford Shop

Shop

Don’t worry if your academic qualifications don’t quite stretch to the Oxford University requirements, you can still look the part with a visit to the University of Oxford shop. Whether you’re after some university-branded pyjamas or the full sub fusc formal gown works, you’ll find it here.

Oxford Cheese Co.

Market

This much-loved cheese shop in the city’s covered market is home to the world-famous Oxford Blue – one of the most popular blue cheeses in the country. No visit to Oxford would be complete without stocking up on this local delicacy, from the very place where it all began.

Fudge Kitchen

Probably not the best place to visit if you’re on a diet, but if you’re looking for an excuse to indulge then this is it! You can watch the fudge being made in large copper cauldrons, then worked by hand on a marble slab, before picking which flavour takes your fancy. And with everything from Vintage Vanilla to Lemon Meringue Pie, that’s easier said than done…

Blackwell’s of Oxford

Bookstore

Blackwells bookshop, 48-50 Broad Street, Oxford UK

Worth a visit just to see the world-famous Norrington Room, with 10,000 square feet of books for sale, this iconic bookstore is a great place to pick up a souvenir you’ll treasure forever. Whether you opt for a new release, a hefty academic tome or a rare edition, buying a book from Blackwell’s is a rite of passage for bibliophiles the world over.

Boswell & Co.

Store

This stylish, 18th century department store has a whole department dedicated to souvenirs. Whether you’re looking for a keepsake to remind you of your time in the ‘city of dreaming spires’ or your visit to the UK in general, you’re sure to find something here. It’s also a great place to stock up on affordable gifts for your family and friends.

Jericho Coffee Traders

Oxford has a thriving independent coffee scene, with Jericho Coffee Traders leading the pack. Visit the micro-roastery for lots of passionate coffee chat and to sample the latest favourite blends, before picking up some coffee to take home.

Podarok

Shop

Packed with quirky, unique and beautiful handmade pieces by British designers, Podarok is a fantastic independent gift shop in the heart of Oxford. Selling everything from individual homeware to one-off jewellery pieces, it showcases the best of home-grown creative talent.

Ashmolean Museum Gift Shop

Museum

You’ll find an eclectic mix of souvenirs and gifts in the on-site shop at Oxford’s museum of art and archaeology. Along with the usual suspects of pencils and fridge magnets (and who doesn’t love a fridge magnet, hey?), you’ll find prints of some of the favourite pieces in the museum, colourful ceramics and quirky gems like The Oxford Colouring Book.

Sanders of Oxford Ltd.

Building

Step inside this charming 1500s building and you’ll be transported to a different world. Sanders, something of an Oxford institution, sells antique maps, prints and books covering a huge range of subjects and styles. Invest in a rare piece of history for yourself.