Museum of Oxford Walks: Beer, Sausages and Marmalade

This 90-minute walk led by local historian Liz Woolley will take you on a tantalising tour of the quirky world of food and drink in 19th century Oxford.

From the ‘Celebrated Oxford Sausage’ to Frank Cooper’s famous ‘Oxford Marmalade’, Liz will expertly guide you through locations associated with Oxford’s unique food and drink heritage.

Find out how Oxford’s eponymous delicacies went hand-in-hand with the city’s growing importance as a desirable tourist destination as you visit sites including Morrell’s Lion Brewery, the 250-year old Covered Market and some iconic pubs.

You’ll also discover the city’s long history of malting and brewing, and how this important trade contributed to Oxford’s burgeoning industrial economy. Find out how the significant families which controlled these businesses influenced Oxford’s developing economic, social and political life.

Join a Beer, Sausages and Marmalade walking tour to see Oxford through the eyes of an expert and discover the unique food heritage embedded in the heart of Oxford.

As part of the tour, you will see: Frank Cooper’s Marmalade Factory, the old Swan Brewery malthouse, the street that was once described as a ‘dreadful sort of place’ – and more historic Oxford locations.

Accessibility and further information

Meeting point: Museum of Oxford shop (located inside the Oxford Town Hall). Please arrive 5 minutes before the start of the walk and check in at the Museum Shop with our friendly front of house team.

The walk lasts 1.5 hours.

The itinerary includes cobbled streets, uneven surfaces and narrow pavements. The walk will go through Westgate Shopping Centre and down a flight of stairs to Castle Street; lift access is also available there. Please email [email protected] if you would like to discuss any access requirements ahead of booking a walk.

Please note that this walk is recommended for ages 16+.

Tickets cost £15 and are available to purchase online (booking fee applies) or at the Museum shop.

is a local historian specialising in the history of Oxford’s ‘town’ – as opposed to ‘gown’ – and of the everyday lives of ordinary working people, chiefly during the 19th and early 20th centuries. Liz has lived in Oxford for forty years and has an MSc in English Local History from the University’s Department for Continuing Education. She is an experienced tour guide, speaker, tutor, researcher and writer, who enjoys helping people discover the perhaps less well-known history of Oxford and its citizens.

Access at the Museum

The Museum is accessible for wheelchair users, buggies and baby carriers. There is step-free, level entry access to the Town Hall via the entrance closest to Carfax (to the left of the main steps as you face the Town Hall). Inside the Museum, Museum Makers is accessible via a platform lift and lift to the basement level. Accessible toilets are available in the Museum (close to Museum Makers) and in the Town Hall on the ground floor, before entering the Museum.

Please contact the Museum team if you'd like to talk to a member of staff about your access requirements. Further access information can be found on our website: https://museumofoxford.org/plan-your-visit/access

Host or Publisher Museum of Oxford