Shopping in Dover

Located in the heart of Dover, Charlton Shopping Centre is the main shopping hub in town. With over 20 stores, most of which are independent businesses, you’ll find mirror art, international foods, affordable fashion and a whole host of other unique items on offer here – you can even get a haircut or have your eyebrows threaded. If all the retail therapy has tired you out, take a break at Charlton Centre Coffee. This fantastic café offers excellent service and even better food with a dedication to quality. Charlton Shopping Centre is open Monday to Saturday, 7am–6pm.

If you’re always on the hunt for a bargain, De Bradelei Wharf is the shopping destination for you. A discount outlet offering up to 75% off brand favourites, it also has a beautiful setting looking out onto Dover Marina. When it comes to the shops, expect big-name brands like Tog 24, TIGI Hair, Julian Charles and Peter England. De Bradelei Wharf is also home to Dover’s best coffee shop, The Boardwalk Café. The baristas here specialise in latte art, so expect an Instagram-worthy cup of coffee along with a selection of light bites including pastries, paninis, quiches and baked potatoes.

A small market held in Biggin Hall, right next to Dover Town Hall, The Dover Farmers’ Market is your go-to place for locally grown healthy food and produce. There is all sorts on offer here, from meat and dairy products to home-made jams and soaps, so it’s a great place to find interesting gifts for friends and family back home. Held on the fourth Sunday of the month, it’s open from 10am–2pm.

Dover’s Bluebird Market is a vibrant bazaar in Market Square next to Dover Museum. A bustling street market, there are countless stalls so you can expect to pick up anything from birthday cards and home accessories to freshly baked bread and cheese. The atmosphere is top-notch and the stallholders love to barter, so you’ll have a lot of fun walking round too. The market is held every Tuesday from 9am and it’s just a 10-minute walk from our Dover Central hotel so you can get there early to catch the bargains.

Part of Dover’s White Cliffs Christmas – a series of events that celebrate the festive season – the Dover White Cliffs Christmas Market is an indoor event at the stunning Port of Dover. Open Saturdays and Sundays from the end of November – and the whole of Christmas week – there’s a fantastic collection of stalls selling personalised gifts, unique arts and crafts, delicious baked goods and the finest Kentish produce. You won’t go hungry either as there are plenty of stands for foodies offering delicious roasted chestnuts, festive cheese, warming mulled wine and much, much more.