Heaven for health freaks, Wykham Park Farm Shop offers an exclusive and extensive variety of fresh local produce, seasonal fruits, and vegetables, cheese, dairy, and butchery under one roof. This store is a renowned place for selling fresh quality produce in the region and you can find ample options for all products. Whether you want to cook a weekend brunch, are on a diet, or want to prepare a three-course meal, they can meet all your needs.
Waterstone's is a large bookstore on four floors, second only to Blackwell's. Whilst the latter may cater on a more diverse level for the academics of the city, Waterstone's is definitely a reasonable place to start for more popular titles - which tend to be conveniently located on the ground floor. There is also the added advantage that you can find any book you might need in one building. The general rule seems to be that the further up the building you go, the more specialized the subject, with medical reference books located right at the top.
The Covered Market is a delightful place to wander around. It offers protection from the elements, but looks nothing like your average shopping center. The avenues here are crammed with small shops and cafes, and the products on offer are all of good quality. The shops sell everything from clothes and fresh pasta to books and boots: you'll find butcher's shops alongside souvenir shops and greengrocers. After all that shopping there are plenty of small cafes where you can relax and soak up the atmosphere.
If you're looking for a book on art, art history, architecture, craft, design or photography, don't even venture into the main Blackwell's shop unless of course you want to experience the full Blackwell's effect and the crowds that often go with it. The art bookshop has everything you could need. It's also a great place to browse if you just like looking at beautiful books; it is guaranteed to brighten up even the grayest of days. If they haven't got what you're looking for, they'll order it.