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Clarendon Centre Oxford: A Central Shopping Hub

Compact and convenient shopping in the heart of Oxford, linking Cornmarket and Queen Street with top high street brands and eateries.

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Located at 52 Cornmarket Street in the heart of Oxford, the Clarendon Centre is a compact shopping mall linking Cornmarket Street and Queen Street. Established in 1983 and designed by Gordon Benny and Partners, it hosts a variety of high street fashion brands including Zara, French Connection, Gap, and Swarovski. The centre offers convenient shopping hours Monday to Saturday and includes eateries and services, making it a practical retail destination in Oxford’s city centre.

A brief summary to Clarendon Centre Oxford

  • 52 Cornmarket St, Oxford, OX1 3JE, GB
  • +441865251493
  • Visit website
  • Duration: 1 to 2 hours
  • Mid ranged
  • Environment icon Indoor
  • Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
  • Monday 9 am-6 pm
  • Tuesday 9 am-6 pm
  • Wednesday 9 am-6 pm
  • Thursday 9 am-6 pm
  • Friday 9 am-6 pm
  • Saturday 9 am-6 pm
  • Sunday 11 am-5 pm

Local tips

  • Visit on Thursdays for late-night shopping when the centre extends its opening hours.
  • Explore both Cornmarket and Queen Street entrances to access different shops and eateries.
  • Take a break at Costa Coffee or Boost Juice for refreshments during your shopping trip.
  • Check store opening times individually, as some shops may vary their hours.
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Getting There

  • Bus

    Oxford’s city centre is served by multiple bus routes stopping near Cornmarket Street, with a typical travel time of 15-30 minutes from surrounding suburbs. Buses run frequently throughout the day, with tickets costing around £2-£3 one way.

  • Train

    Oxford Railway Station is approximately 1.5 km from the Clarendon Centre, reachable by a 20-minute walk or a short taxi ride costing around £6-£10. Trains connect Oxford with London and other regional cities.

  • Taxi

    Taxis and ride-hailing services provide direct access to the centre from anywhere in Oxford, with fares typically ranging from £5 to £15 depending on distance and time of day.

  • Walking

    If you are staying nearby, walking to the Clarendon Centre is easy via pedestrian-friendly streets. The terrain is flat and accessible, with journey times varying from 5 to 20 minutes depending on your starting point.

Clarendon Centre Oxford location weather suitability

  • Weather icon Any Weather
  • Weather icon Rain / Wet Weather
  • Weather icon Mild Temperatures

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A Central Retail Link in Oxford

The Clarendon Centre stands as a key shopping destination in central Oxford, connecting two of the city’s busiest streets: Cornmarket and Queen Street. Built in 1983, this shopping centre was designed by Gordon Benny and Partners to provide an undercover retail space that complements Oxford’s historic cityscape. Its location places it at the heart of Oxford’s bustling commercial district, making it easily accessible for locals and visitors alike.

Diverse Shopping Experience

Inside, the Clarendon Centre offers a range of well-known high street brands, making it a go-to spot for fashion and lifestyle shopping. Retailers such as Zara, French Connection, Gap, H&M, and Swarovski provide a mix of clothing, accessories, and beauty products. Beyond fashion, the centre also houses stores like Currys PC World for electronics and The Body Shop for cosmetics, ensuring a broad shopping appeal.

Dining and Amenities

Shoppers can take breaks at various cafés and eateries within the centre, including Costa Coffee and Boost Juice, offering refreshments and light meals. The centre’s design includes seating areas and practical amenities to enhance visitor comfort during shopping trips. This combination of retail and dining options creates a convenient environment for leisurely visits or quick stops.

Operating Hours and Accessibility

The Clarendon Centre operates Monday through Saturday, generally from 9am to 6pm, with extended hours on Thursdays. These hours cater well to both early shoppers and those who prefer evening visits. Its central location means it is well served by Oxford’s public transport network and is within walking distance of other major attractions and shopping areas.

Architectural and Urban Context

While the centre’s architecture is functional and modernist, it fits sensitively within Oxford’s historic urban fabric. The design prioritizes pedestrian flow between the two streets it connects, providing shelter from the weather and a compact shopping environment. This makes it a practical choice for shoppers seeking variety without the scale of larger malls.

Community and Local Impact

The Clarendon Centre plays a role in Oxford’s retail ecosystem by offering competitive prices and a curated mix of stores that complement surrounding shops. It contributes to the city centre’s vibrancy and supports local employment. Although it is smaller than some other shopping centres in Oxford, it remains a valued destination for both everyday shopping and fashion finds.

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