Oxford’s are a 4th generation, traditional Dorset, artisan English bakery.
What we do
We are the original artisan bakery. A place where you can get a beautiful sourdough made using stoneground organic flour, at the same time as choosing which Dorset Lardy Cake you’d like to take home!
We’ve been baking since 1911, during world wars, supermarket dominance and through times where baking was, well, just not fashionable.
We’ve harnessed the skills and techniques that other bakeries crave, to give you a premium quality product, from a bakery with real heritage.
We also only use untreated, unbleached flour. The wheat for our flour is predominantly U.K. Grown, some sourced from as little as 20 miles of the bakery!
About our bakery
The bakery itself has been standing for well over 200 years.
Frank and Olive Oxford bought the village bakehouse in Alweston, near Sherborne, and they began our journey in September of 1911.
The ovens we use today were installed in 1921. Our largest dough mixer, the last working one of its kind anywhere in the world, is 75 years old.
The terracotta tiled floors and whitewashed walls are a step back in time, but the dedicated bakers and skills learnt from generations past, within these walls, are what carry us ahead into the future.
More than just bread
Find out about the services we offer here at Oxford’s.
Our Brilliant Bakery Shops
From our brilliant barista coffee to our in-bakery deli, we’re all about memorable food and drink. With fully barista-trained staff, we proudly serve what we believe is the best flat white you’ll find in a baker’s, a skill we’ve honed by adapting and evolving over decades of business. Think beyond a sandwich and enjoy delicious lunches made with great local produce and our finest baked goods, from quiches and savouries to vibrant salads and soups.
A Space Meant for Sharing
Set in the heart of Dorset, Oxfords offers a truly unique and inspiring setting for special occasions. Our luscious lawns and charming Bread Shed are free to use, providing a relaxed and welcoming alternative to the usual function room or village hall.
This special space is something Steve has always wanted to share. Nestled beside our 1911 Bakery, it offers a beautiful backdrop for celebrations of all kinds — from intimate gatherings to unforgettable events.
Having only recently opened this space for events, you’ll be among the first to enjoy this exclusive hidden gem. Soak up the fresh country air, beautiful surroundings, and the irresistible aroma of freshly baked bread and pastries from the bakery next door.
We’d love to help you plan your gathering.
Get in touch to find out more.
📧 oxfordsbakery.ops@gmail.com
The space is free to use, subject to availability. Food and drink options can be arranged with us — just ask when you get in touch.
Baking Courses at Oxford’s Bakery
We have been teaching bread baking classes for decades, to schools of children, as well as the thousands of adults, keen to learn what nearly became a dying craft.
We run a regular schedule of courses, throughout the year, with various bakers and teachers.
Tuesday Talk & Tour
Where Dorset Dough meets Dorset Tales! An invitation to Oxfords Bakery Talk, Tour & Lunch. Starting again in October on Tuesdays through October & November 2026! Arrive at the Bakery Cafe at 1 pm. Vouchers to attend are £15.00 per person and available via our website. For group bookings of more than four, please get in touch to arrange a date at oxfordsbakery.ops@gmail.com.
Book a bakery course
Oxfords Bakery Courses dates for 2027 are now on sale!
Lamination Day
Super Sourdough
Traditional English
Tuesday Talk and Tour
Bookings can be made in groups of up to 8 or individually, via the Oxfords Shop website, or we can take block bookings for bespoke courses and corporate days via email as well.
The courses we offer here are accessible for all, from complete novices to those who are used to a little flour on their fingertips.
They are fun, informative and, best of all, give you the confidence and experience you need to be able to make top class bakery produce, from your own home using your own kitchen!
Customer Reviews
“This was my second baking day at Oxfords Bakery in Alweston … both have been immense fun. Not only do you learn to make lovely food but also get an insight into the life of the bakery, the people who work there and the goodness that goes into every yummy thing that ends up in one of the shops and cafes.” Sue, Sourdough Course
“It was unusually rewarding to have a complex subject carefully explained in an engaging and jovial manner that set out the conditions for easy learning. I am looking forward to another course in the future.” Ian, Sourdough Course
“I just wanted to say a massive thank you to the Oxfords bakery for the lamination course yesterday. It was absolutely fantastic, and Mum and I had an incredible day and learnt a lot!” Georgie, Lamination Course
“Saturday’s course was brilliant, I was very proud of my finished products! Due in no small part to Steve’s excellent teaching skills. Loved hearing about the history of the bakery and the science behind baking bread – I know where I’ve been going wrong now.” Lisa, Traditional English
Tuesday Talk & Tour
Starting again in October, every Tuesday throughout October and November 2026
Traditional English
New dates coming soon!
BOOK HERE
Lamination
Saturday 23rd January 2027
BOOK HERE
Our Gallery
Talk to us
We are passionate about providing you with Dorset’s finest freshly baked goods.
Call our shops:
Alweston
Email enquiries only
Monday – Saturday – 8am – 3pm
Sunday – 9am – 2pm
34a Cheap Street, Sherborne
01935 815225
Monday – Saturday – 8.30am – 4pm
Sunday – 9.30am – 2pm
Canford Cliffs
01202 701700
Monday – Saturday – 8.30am – 5pm
Sunday – 9am – 4pm
1 Market Place, Sturminster Newton
01258 472834
Monday – Friday – 8.30am – 4pm
Saturday – 8am – 4pm
Sunday – 9am – 3pm
35 South Street, Dorchester
01305 756006
Monday – Saturday – 9am – 4pm
Sundays – 9.30am – 3pm
27 West Street, Bridport
01308 801201
Monday – Saturday – 8.30am – 4.00pm
Sundays – 9am – 3pm