National Trust Visitor Centre Cafe in Dover

As a returning customer, we were very disappointed with the food. Macaroni cheese was in very small bowl which was not full. Limp lettuce and cucumber on the side was not asked for. Soup was Lentil & Dhal was very small portioned very bland. Fruit scone was not not good and my wife suffered with stomach problems all night. Seating needs to be rethought; several 4 seater table sets had only one customer, whereas the two tables ( which created the four seats) could have been separated to allow groups of three to sit together, instead with a complete on a four seater set.

This is your usual National Trust cafe offering the normal National Trust menu. However, although the staff are very friendly and helpful, the tables are cleaned as soon as the customers have left and it is light and airy, what makes it special is the magnificent view of the port of Dover from the tables outside.

Coffee was delicious, husband had a pasty which he said was fine too. I had a huge gluten free brownie which was squidgy and silky as it should be. Friendly service. Special mention too for the very helpful guy in the shop who checked shop stock and online for me for a birdbath NT sell as I wanted in a different colour. What a refreshing change from 'if it isn't on the shelf, we haven't got it' that I often get told elsewhere.

Ate something there, not sure if it was the milk or the clotted cream, that had my partner sick for the rest of the day. He's been fine for weeks while traveling, now it ruined our last day in Kent. Maybe the scones weren't fresh? But after we left, he started feeling sick.

Warning to all dog owners who think this is a wonderful place to go with your dog, the visitor’s centre and cafe are NO LONGER DOG FRIENDLY!!! We came in from the rain and were told that ‘due to them serving food’ that dogs were not welcome (erm, this is not the case in thousands of dog friendly food venues up and down the country!!). We were also told that the site is ‘dog friendly’ which is completely untrue if dogs are not allowed on site!!! Absolutely ridiculous policy for a National Trust outdoor site. We have been coming here for years but will look for somewhere else that is actually dog friendly to spend our money in future. Staff and food were great so a shame for them to lose custom over this. Bad decision, National Trust.

I visited the centre after a bracing cliff top walk. Despite having dog towels, dog treats, dog toys, dog "beer" and "wine" for sale in the entrance lobby and a free-standing advert for dog ice-cream, when I tried to take my impeccably behaved dogs in I was told that dogs were forbidden. Considering the amount of dog related products for sale, I thought it bare-faced cheek to deny my dogs access. "We'll take your money, but you can't come in" Not recommended.

Lovely gift shop, charming and knowledgeable staff and volunteers, affordable and delicious food in the cafe where allergies registered for, and stunning views and walks. Fabulous. And there is a bookshop!!! Hurrah!!!

This is where you have lunch (or just drinks) with a view. The fare on offer is the usual National Trust offerings (jacket potatoes, sandwiches) but what makes it special is the views on offer from the tables outside. After you have eaten, great walks across the top of "The White Cliffs of Dover" are available.

We've been here before six years ago. Now we came back. For another walk at the Cliffs. It was just around lunchtime, so we decided to grab a bite and go walk afterwards. Got a cornish pasty (filled with curry), a coke, some tea and a scone. With jam and clotted cream of course. There are a lot more items on the menu of course. As well as lots of sweets, cookies and cakes. Scones and clotted cream was wonderful. And the cornish pasty a nice surprise. Crispy, crunchy and a lot of curry inside. A bit too much on the sweet side maybe. Prices are very fair. It was nice to sit outside in the shade, enjoying our food and the views. Dogs are welcome outside as well (not inside though). Surely we'll be back next time we visit.

The café has a great location and is located at the visitor center next to the car park. The café is cozy and clean. They don’t have a huge selection of food and what we had did not taste good unfortunately. I would rather recommend to take something with you from somewhere else.

This National Trusty cafe is a little off the beaten track. It offers the usual selection of National Trust fare which is up to the usual standard you would expect from a National Trust establishment. However, what makes this restaurant stand out from other restaurants is its position. From the restaurant you can enjoy spectacular views of the Port of Dover.

Bra utgångspunkt för en vandring utefter Dovers vita klippor. Här serveras enklare rätter, fikabröd och dricka. Dessutom finns info om området och kartor över vandringsleder. Bra parkering i anslutning om man inte vill gå upp från centrum.

Unless you go go the National Trust White Cliffs you wouldn't know this cafe was here. It is up to the usual good National Trust standard. The staff are friendly and helpful. It is clean and there is ample seating both inside and outside. At one end there is a National Trust shop and at the other there is a bookshop. The outside seating has lovely views across the Channel. It is also the start of the walks over the tops of the White Cliffs. Parking has to be paid for but is free to NT members.

Saturday trip, tables not cleared (and our table remained dirty the whole of our visit). Over priced sandwiches and soup too peppery. Staff behind the till too busy chatting. They don't allow dogs, slightly rude in letting you know. Won't visit again.

Situated directly above the port of Dover, this site commands a brilliant view. The coastal path emanates from the car park so you can walk the path as far as you want. We went to St Margarets and back. But it’s great to just sit and watch the ferries roll in and out again.

as someone who'd never visited the white cliffs, it for some reason didn't occur to me that there'd be a cafe at the top at first - but i was so glad to see it! my partner and i admittedly visited during august so there was limited options and eat out to help out was still active but we found the food itself to be lovely! reasonably priced too but unsure how much it would've come to if the eat out to help out discount wasn't on.

A really nicely laid out cafe and shop and other conveniences!. Well organised even in these troubled times. Everything very hygeinic. Superb views and a great place to watch the ships in and out of Dover Harbour. Start of some good walks along the cliffs to other lighthouses also

While walking along the White Cliffs of Dover we called in at the National Trust visitors centre. We had some nice coffee’s to wash down the flapjacks we had brought. It’s a great stopping point when walking along the Cliffs. There is a gift shop as well. Toilets are available as well. They are nice and clean with all the social distancing rules in place. Lots of car parking if you have drove there. Plus the views out to sea and the Dover Port are very good while sitting on their outside benches.

Ambiente piuttosto triste , causa maltempo e bassissima stagione. Alla richiesta di caffè ci hanno proposto un tea poichè avevano già pulito la macchina un quarto d'ora prima della chiusura; bene lo stesso purchè qualcosa di caldo... Gentilissime le signore dei souvenir. Passaggio quasi obbligato per chi visita le scogliere.

Decent coffee, sandwiches and cakes. Not as extensive for hot food as other NT properties but welcome on a chilly, windy visit. Good shop and second hand books on sale. Worth a visit.

Came here after our walk along the cliffs for a little warm up before we carried on with our day. Typical prices and snacks for this type of establishment. Nice little NT gift shop - but quite horrendous prices!

There was nothing exceptional about the Dover Cliffs visitor center cafe. It offered cafeteria style food that you select/take away on a tray to eat at your table. The prices were high (£8 for a small, pre-packaged cheese sandwich), but the barista coffee was surprisingly good. Since it's the only spot in the immediate area of the Dover cliffs, there aren't any other options to eat at so it serves its purpose.

Freezing cold day, after a good walk went to cafe for a much anticipated hot chocolate. Mistake! Two girls serving, two girls with serious attitude who obviously didn’t want to be there. The hot chocolate served in cardboard cups was undrinkable, vile taste and no noticeable chocolate, shame as we visit quite regularly. Answer is to take a flask and sit in your car, same view, cheaper, no attitude problem, can only be good!!

The white cliffs of Dover coastal path walks start from here with three routes mapped out. On a clear day the walk is amazing with outstanding views. Car parking is at the visitor centre with a large capacity. Visitor centre serves lunches, hot and cold refreshments with a very good selection of cakes. Good views from cafe.Toilets and shop onsight.Parking is £5 to non National Trust members.

Been here a few times and each time come away disappointed with poor quality overpriced refreshments. Most recently, cold coffee and hot chocolate which tasted of foul lukewarm chocolate water, two small sandwiches, and two small dry cakes £20.00 - such a shame that the National Trust is so overpriced for very poor quality food.

There are snacks to suit every taste. Teas and coffee or soft drinks are always available and lunches include jacket potatoes (fillings are numerous) or a tasty cream tea while sitting at a table overlooking the English Channel and watching ferries sailing to and from the Port of Dover.

As with all heritage places, this cafe offered tea and cream scone which was delicious. Plenty of options for both hot and cold drinks.

While sitting over looking Dover docks, we had lovey coffees and super flapjacks. There was a lovely choice at a good price.

This is a good place to visit if you enjoy watching the comings and goings of ferries into ports. Set high above Dover Port you get a birds eye view of ships docking, loading and leaving port. The cafe is ok, tad expensive but it is NT. Parking is free and on several levels and quite steep in places with steps between carpark levels.

Usual National Trust fayre. Meals, cakes and scones. Plenty of seating, inside and outside with amazing views of dover and dover ports. Drinking water is available.

I needed some food before venturing out for a walk, so stopped here first. I had a coffee and a jacket potato. Food is always a bit more expensive at the National Trust cafes, but it was good so I didn't feel too bad about it. The views of the water were nice from the cafe. A good spot if you don't have other options before or after your hike.

We visited this cafe when on White Cliffs of Dover, Kent. We were impressed with the variety of foods and drinks available and all reasonably priced with seating facilities outdoors and indoors with views of the channel. Access by car to this National Trust site is at a fee of £5 for the day which was worth every penny.

Just popped in for a coffee and hot chocolates. Lovely friendly service and great drinks too :-) good value

We enjoyed a couple of very tasty cakes to fortify us for a white cliffs walk, and enjoyed the views down to the ferry harbour. National Trust rarely disappoints, so thanks to all staff, once again

If you like watching the workings of a port, here must be the best place to view one. You can see the whole of Dover Port from the cafe balcony, with the ferries loading and coming in and out of Port. The food is usual National Trust Fayre . Plenty of room, plenty of parking, plenty to see.

Punto di ristoro situato all'inizio della passeggiata per le scogliere. Caffetteria, dolci, tramezzini, baked potatoes. Non ci sono molti posti a sedere e quindi è spesso piuttosto affollato, offrendo anche riparo in caso di pioggia. In conclusione: niente di eccezionale, ma utile!

Lovely location overlooking the Dover Docks see picture also could see the new Saga cruise ship which is being named by the Duchess of Cornwall on Friday 5th July

Just before the walk along the cliffs, we stopped for a "cuppa". The atmosphere is good and so are the easts.

Came in to get out of the rain, but nevertheless had a decent coffee and enjoyable visit. Will return on a better day to enjoy the views.

Situated by the National Trust car park high above the famous white cliffs, this is an airy modern building and well placed for having some refreshments before exploring the paths to the various view points.

On a clear day you can see the coast of France. Most days you can see the busy Dover port with ferries entering and leaving every 20 minutes and sometimes the HUGE cruise ships. But the range of scones, cakes and lunchtime soups and light snacks are worth a visit. Most of the staff are young but usually attentive and helpful. But one annoying thing day after day is they seldom open on the dot of 10.00. Usually the staff (in full view of visitors waiting to gain entry) are sitting around with their own cups of tea and coffee and chatting! Otherwise it is good!

Great National Trust cafe - good food and drink at reasonable prices - friendly staff and excellent tables outside with super views.

An amazing view. A lovely place to sit outside and watch the boats dock in the harbour. A nice gift shop. Cafe average.

On our return visit after last October, when I chose not to write a review, I found the very same niggles and irritations.

Service not great, rather rude staff who don't really want to be there the closer it gets to closing time.

Fabulous views over Dover harbour. Simple but really nice food. Lovely people serving on. Useful toilets (before you set off on your walk across the cliffs). Second hand books for sale as well as the usual NT shop. Being very busy is the main downside.

We visited on a damp/rainy day at end of October with our dog on tow. On a dry day this would have been fine as there is ample outdoor seating provided, however we had walked some distance in the rain and having stopped walking were beginning to feel the chill. The gentlemen in the shop couldn’t have beeb kinder. Although dogs are not allowed inside the shop and cafe(for obvious reasons) they cleared a space for us to sit in the porch where we were able dry off and have a warm. We also enjoyed one of their lovely cheese scones and tasty sausage rolls with a generous pot of tea which set us up for our walk to enjoy the views.

We have visited several times and despite the high number of visitors have always been served within a reasonable time period. The food menu has variety example baked potatoes and various fillings, sandwiches, desserts. Staff pleasant and well presented. There is indoor and outdoor seating. Connected within the café is a photographic display of local scenes and animals, all of interest and good quality including the presentation. A small national trust shop is attached - useful if a gift is required. Also a second hand book stall and monies raised go towards the National Trust. Good view of Dover Harbour including the ships; watching them load and embark in an coordinated manner.

A regular haunt of ours. Join the NT to avoid car park charges. The views and walking are spectacular. Try the sausage rolls. Coffee is good. Can be very busy at peak times...But worth it.

30 yers since I last walked these cliffs, now there are well made paths, not dog-walker tracks as in days of old.

We started our visit with a trip to the NT cafe. Always great food and drink. We then followed the trails along to the designated photo spot. This was an amazing view of the cliffs, the port and the sea. Lots of parking and well marked trails. This a a great spot to start your exploring.

One of our favourite places near Dover to sit and watch the ferries with a coffee and cake from the lovely NationalTrust cafe. Clean, home baked food and a small shop too. Great for walking across the cliffs too!

Too expensive especially for tea ,coffee etc . £2 for a cup of tea ? Food usual NT fair , nothing to write home about

As N/T members, we come hear quite often during the year. There is a good range of hot and cold food and drinks on offer, but the prices have risen, and the quality has dropped. The cakes are no longer under cover, as they used to be, therefore open to all, along the couterfront, not very hygenic, or as fresh tasting, also smaller portion size. The staff however are friendly, and helpfull, there are splendid views over Dover harbour, and across the channel, so it's still worth a visit.

Wonderful views over Dover Harbour while sitting to have a cup of coffee and slice of cake. Very relaxing watching the ferries come and go.

There is a good selection of food available (basil sausage rolls are amazing) both hot and cold as well as cakes and sandwiches, jacket potatoes (which are huge!!!) and the cheesy wedges are nice. You can sit in or outside and you are looking at £10 for two sausages rolls and two fizzy drinks.

Always smiling faces, a welcome anywhere. Food and drinks fresh, tables clean. Prices very reasonable. Great views.

Helt greit sted for en lite pause, kaffe og matbit etter å gått langs klippene i regnværet. Ikke spesielt fristende utvalg å bite. Kaffen var heller ikke særlig god, men det var godt å komme inn hit for en liten pause.

Had a day out with family all decided to go to the national trust near Dover castle as the more energetic of us would go there after a walk around the the cliffs.

I don’t want to put people off coming to this NT site but beware the food and it’s not cheap; soup was massively over seasoned and despite mentioning it twice no alternative or refund was offered

First visit here in over 3 decades to the cliffs themselves, and first ever to the cafe. Had a chilli non carne with a lump of bread. Portion size would have been ok, but for over £5, poor value. Children’s jacket potatoes with cheese were £5.25 each! Over £32 for 2 adults and 2 children with drinks taking about £10 of that bill.

I used to visit this cafe regularly but avoided it for eighteen months after a truly awful sandwich served by surly staff. Today a friend and I decided to try it again. We had tea for two made from one teabag truly awful and a hard biscuit for £2. The cooking smell was of a badly run care home so we decided against lunch. None of the cakes or sausage rolls etc are covered as they used to be in the past. People are queuing up to be served and coughing and wiping their noses next to the food. The young woman who served us was not at all friendly. The views are magnificent the shop is great and of course the cliff walks are worth the effort to get to the lighthouse. It is £3.50 for non NT members. The one star is for the park the cafe is a minus 2. If you want a decent tea after your walk the seafront hotel is cheaper and also has stunning views and lovely staff.

We had a business meeting locally but needed somewhere quick to stop off for lunch.

We stopped for a cup of tea on a damp cold day. There is very little indoor seating so we sat outside - the views are better there though. There were additional indoor seats but these are adjustable 'stools' and the height mechanisms on many did not work.

Had a cream tea after a stroll along the footpaths - £4.95 for a mug of tea and a large scone. The cafe was very busy for a Thursday morning but I found a seat next to an elderly couple to eat and read my book.

Normally pretty nice place for lunch. Often meet my folks here for a lunch and catch up. Today I had chilli con carne - didn’t notice the v by it so it was veggie - lentils etc. More like a thick soup and not much chilli, in fact it tasted sweet. Not my thing so just ate the bread. Mum and Dad had ham and egg pie and enjoyed it. Hot drinks were nice but £2.70 for a hot chocolate is steep. Cakes are nice but would advise to arrange your bank loan before visiting if you want a cake and hot drink which would set you back north of 5 pound per person. Great views, bogs are clean, and despite the weather it’s nice and warm in there.

Had a great homemade Tuscan Bean soup and a ham and egg pie here after a leisurely walk along the cliffs. The food was very delicious and satisfying. The staff were very friendly and welcoming locals who love the cliffs and the town. Many locals having tea while I was there which lead to great conversations and insights. The Heritage staff are also very informative and offer free trial maps and advice for your walk.

Lovely location overlooking the Dover Docks. National Trust shop within the cafe. Food freshly made. Cakes fab. Sandwiches freshly made and good choice. Staff helpful and friendly . In fact a really nice cafe to visit.

I have often been eaten at this cafe in the past and have always enjoyed it. However my last visit was very disappointing. I took an elderly relative and she ordered the ham and egg pie which she thought would be easy to eat. However when it came it was a cold pie, solid, very difficult to cut up and tasteless. My husband also had some and thought it was very poor. I don't think this type of pie is suitable to be served cold and if it can't be reheated then shouldn't be on the menu! The menu choice was also very limited for hot food. Has there been a change of chef??

As always, there is a parking fee to visit this place (we were so over paid parking in the UK - it’s ridiculous). My husband and I spent time in the visitors centre and had decided on some things to buy after visiting the cliffs. Before we left for our walk we decided to get some refreshments. We originally intended on getting some tea and coffee and a bite to eat, however, my husband waited in line to order for so long that we instead got a couple of bottles of water and left, and didn’t bother returning to make our gift shop purchases. The reason he was kept waiting so long was because the man serving would complete each order before moving on to the next customer!

Like all National Trust Visitor centres I have been to this one has a lovely selection of food, nicely presented and plenty of seating. The shop is small but has a good selection.

Great place to start your walk along the cliffs to the light house and the scrumptious afternoon tea was welcome after a blustery adventure on the cliffs..

Really nice visitor centre by the car parks on the White Cliffs. From the centre there is easy access to all the paths and to the Lighthouse and Fan Bay tunnels.

The building, by the car parks contains, a gift shop and a restaurant and toilets.

In posizione intemedia sul sentiero delle scogliere. Si può mangiare, bere e acquistare souvenirs , alcuni interessanti.

The Cafe has more than just scones and tea/coffee, but that is what we had. After walking the Cliffs, this is an ideal way to rest, watch shipping in/out of the harbor, and contemplate how close France really is. Although not very big, somewhat noisy, and definitely crowded, this is still a worthwhile place to view the horizon.

We popped here after walking along the cliffs. The drinks were very good and not very expensive. However they should maybe update their cash till! Enjoy your beverage/food outside when it's a warm sunny summer day.

We visited the area in May 2017 and after a hike along the Cliffs to the lighthouse returned to the visitors center /cafe and had a bite of lunch. The food was fresh and delicious. We had soup of the day along with bread, and a cup of coffee. There was quite a bit of seating and we were able to sit outside and enjoy the sunshine. Bathrooms were clean and convenient.

Looked at the lovely food, looked at the price and took a deep breath, had some lunchtime snacks and good quality food it was lovely views over the white cliffs and the ferries going to and fro.

We had a cup of tea, shared a sandwich, and cake. Very friendly, pets welcome, clean bathrooms, both outdoor picnic area, and indoor tables. Small gift shop with a few local souvenirs, sweets and postcards etc.

We regulary stop here when driving around this part of the county for a day out, great walks for the dog and us, then sit down for a nice cuppa

It's aways great to to look down on Dover Docks from up here on the white cliffs. There are beautiful walks nearby and plenty of disabled parking spaces (my mum has just had her hip done). Really friendly staff in the cafe. Fab coffee and snacks. They also serve proper lunches.

Once we got to White Cliff. Decided first stop was toilets and drink. Toilets very clean, Cafe very nice, good sandwiches. The lady taking orders and money could have done with some help as she was also having to make hot drinks. Nice atmosphere.

We stopped at the National Trust's White Cliffs Centre for a look around and a hot drink. The Cafe overlooks the Port of Dover, and it was nice to sit in the cafe and watch the ferries coming in and out of the harbour. The service was attentive, and the coffee and tea good. The fruit scone, was a little dry, but not bad, and the clotted cream and blackcurrant jam more than made up for it. The Trust shop has the usual souvenirs, and the Centre provides a good base for walks along the cliffs and to just watch the sea.

Offers a view. Outdoor and indoor seating. Fresh cakes available + hot and cold food for lunch. Dover non food & food products available to buy and take home. Great stop for travelling groups

Great views over the harbour are always a treat. This time we had "Angus" on our side - spectacular views over the Channel. And add to that a nice cuppa with great cakes ... what more do you need? Okay - we bought something nice to take home :)

After a long walk on the cliffs we were ready for a cup of tea and a piece of cake. The cafe didn't disappoint. Dogs are only allowed outside though.

Good choice on the menu ...can recommend lunch menu and scones and the cafe has fab views over Dover harbour and across the channel

Cup of tea with excellent scone, jam and cream before our expedition to Fan Bay Deep Shelter. Jacket Potato etc when we returned. Both good quality accompanied by enjoyable views over the Channel and the Port Dover.

The visitor centre offers good food in an excellent location. The cliff top walks are great but can be muddy after rain.

As usual lovely food , great staff and clean toilets. Oh and this one had a fabulous view too. You simply can't beat it for a relaxing break from whatever you happen to be doing

After leaving the Eurotunnel we came here for a quick look at the Cliffs. And we walked a lot longer than planned. So we were pretty hungry after the extended stroll.

My wife and I went for a coffee and breakfast here after walking the White Cliffs at sunrise. Good food.

Fantastic clifftop views of Dover Harbour and the channel, can see France on a clear day. Car Parks, and walks to the Lighthouse. There is a nice veranda outside the Cafeteria and gift shop, were you can sit and eat or drink, as well as seating area inside. Good selection of Tea's and Coffee's cold drinks, meals and snacks. It can get very busy at weekends. The staff are always cheery and helpful. There's lots to see and do, price's are reasonable, and it all go's to help the National Trust maintain place like this!

It can get crazy busy up here especially during the summer. Go midweek it's so less stressful. They do fun things like occasional sales of plants and the once lamented and now stopped apple festival. The shop is good. The view is simply stunning and the walks nearby amazing. I so take it for granted as a local but boy it's cool to have this on your door stop. But at £3.50 to park it's steep (like the top car park) the white cliffs are amazing history beauty it has it all. The range of food and drink has improved greatly.

Went here after our walk along the cliffs. Had a fantastic view of the port, decent pot of tea and a cream tea. Would well recommend a visit.

Lots of parking, friendly, helpful staff, lots of other facilities. Toilets are clean and well maintained. The café is clean with a fair selection of food and drink and has an outside seating area with great views. Great start/finishing point for visiting the cliffs and the other attractions on offer nearby

Abbiamo pranzato ma, a parte la vista dall'alto del porto commerciale, il cibo è abbastanza normale cioè British con inflessioni indiane. Il curry è dappertutto.

We stopped here for something to eat and drink before walking along the cliffs. Food, drink and cost were what you would expect from the National Trust; limited selection, but just what we needed. The views from terrace were great - could have sat there all day, but the cliffs beckoned!

Whilst the selection isnt extensive and is better described as wholesome and hearty, the food is good, hot when necessary and the service is good.. Lovely views out over the channel and a National Trust shop as well