Dover Shopping

Given that edible bread is a rarity in England- a country where restaurants do not automatically place a breadbasket on the table when you sit down and chips are the true staff of life- and that Dover is almost devoid of food shops (as far as I know M&S is the only place where you can buy coffee beans and it's a town where avocado is the colour of bathroom suites rather than a fruit) it's surprising that there is actually a decent bakers in town. They've two branches: one on London Road (where they also do the baking) and the other just off Market Square.

What to buy: Their lardy cake is to die for (probably of clogged arteries) and I'm very taken by the shortbread Teletubbies......

Snargate street, which used to be the street facing onto the harbour,is now a sort of extended lay-by on the A20, and is about the only shopping street of any character in Dover. Marine chandlers, fishing tackle shops and seedy-looking cafes that always seem to be closed.
Atmospheric in a run-down sort of way, which actually just about sums Dover up.

With a name like you would guess the shop has to be selling either home furnishings or sweets. It's the latter: and we're talking serious sweetie-shop sweets here, sherbet lemons and liquorice comforts, dolly mixture and so on. Generally a pretty impressive colletion, but the selection of liquorice is truly awe-inspiring.

This is possibly the only interesting shop in Dover. Mostly it's just charity shops.

De Bradelei Wharf is a row of what look like warehouses converted into one large discount shooping area. There are famous up market brand names at discount prices. Threre is someting for everyone, clothes, china, glasswear, sportswear, shoes, bed linen, candles and there is also a fairly good cafeteria in there too. There is ample parking at the rear (you have to pay but a refund is given if you spend over £5.00 and hand in your ticket.)

What to buy: Almost everything for people and their homes.

What to pay: Cheaper than the orginal price in the High Street.

A whole series of shops packed into renovated wharf building in the centre of Dover seafront between the two main ferry posts.

What to buy: mainly women's stuff.... but there are some houisehold places and a few men's retailers...

What to pay: up to you!

About thirty minutes drive or reacable by train. This group of factory outlet stores sell quality goods at sometimes greatly reduced prices.

Sorry not strictly a Dover tip but worth it if you are a shopaholic.

What to buy: Clothes, kitchen euipment, books