Alice’s Shop is a little shop placed exactly where Alice Liddell (the “real” Alice who inspired the books) used to buy sweets. Located at 83 St Aldate’s, just across the road from Christ Church College, the shop is filled with all manner of curious things and is a must-visit for fans of Lewis Carroll’s beloved stories.
Stepping into Alice’s Shop feels like stepping into a part of literary history. The shop is small and cozy, with a quaint charm that transports visitors back to the Victorian era. The walls are adorned with Alice-themed artwork and memorabilia, creating a delightful atmosphere that fans of the books will especially appreciate.
In addition to shopping, visitors can also learn more about the history of Alice Liddell and her connection to Oxford. The shopkeepers are knowledgeable about the store’s history and the stories of Lewis Carroll, making a visit to Alice’s Shop as educational as it is enchanting.
You can learn more about Lewis Carroll in Oxford here:
The History of Alice's Shop
The book “Through the Looking-Glass”, published in 1872, actually contains two illustrations of the shop. In the story, the dark little shop is run by an old sheep. Alice is mesmerized by the things on the shelves, which float away when she looks at them. Many have wondered if the sheep represents the then owner of the shop, an elderly lady who had a bleating voice! Another interesting thing: The shop was easily flooded – which might have been the inspiration for the objects flowing away.
Alice’s Shop was a local newsagent and sweetshop for over a hundred years. It kept its sign, “Alice’s Shop”, as a beacon to attract literature pilgrims.
Today, the shop has fully embraced its heritage and has officially become “the Alice in Wonderland shop”. It now houses a treasure trove of Alice gifts, souvenirs and memorabilia.
Why You Should Visit
What makes Alice’s Shop particularly special is its direct connection to the real-life Alice who inspired Lewis Carroll’s stories. The shop was originally a small grocery store during the 19th century, and it was a favorite spot for Alice Liddell, the young girl who inspired the character of Alice in Wonderland. Alice would often stop by this shop to buy sweets, a detail that has woven its way into the fabric of the store’s history.
Lewis Carroll, the pen name of Charles Dodgson, was a mathematics tutor at Christ Church College and a friend of the Liddell family. His tales of Wonderland, originally told to entertain the young Alice and her sisters, have since become world-famous, and this little shop played a small yet significant role in the real Alice’s life.
How to Visit Alice's Shop
Today, Alice’s Shop is a treasure trove of all things related to Alice in Wonderland. The shop’s interior is filled with an array of themed merchandise that appeals to both children and adults alike. Visitors can find everything from beautifully illustrated editions of Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland and Through the Looking-Glass to whimsical teapots, playing cards, bookmarks, and postcards featuring iconic characters like the White Rabbit, the Cheshire Cat, and the Mad Hatter. If you’re in Oxford, this is a shop you should definitely visit. The one-of-a-kind sweet shop turned jewel is open every day of the week.
Alice’s Shop is conveniently located on St Aldate’s, just a short walk from Oxford’s city center and many of the university’s famous colleges. Its proximity to Christ Church College, where Alice Liddell lived and where Lewis Carroll worked, makes it an ideal stop for anyone exploring Oxford’s literary heritage.
