Vintage Book Fair
Do you love the smell, feel, and look of old books? Why not come and browse our large collection of vintage books? They make wonderful keepsakes and are available for sale at a fraction of their online price.
- Booking not needed
- Free event (admission applies)
Our Vintage Book Fair will be held at the White Cliffs Visitor Centre. There will be hundreds of books on offer for you to buy. Some items in our vintage book collection are well over 100 years old, including some first publications. The books are on sale at a fraction of their online price and they make ideal gifts. All proceeds from the Book Fair go towards our conservation work here at White Cliffs, so you can enjoy your book knowing you'll be helping our vital work in restoring rare habitats. Our volunteers will be on hand each day, to serve or advise you, and help you get those hard-to-reach items. Our other bookshops, Edith's and the marquee will also be open as usual. Depending on the weather, we will also be showcasing some of the books outside.
Times
Prices
Event ticket prices
This event is free, but normal admission charges apply for the venue.
Check admission pricesThe basics
- Suitability
Supervised children are welcome.
- Meeting point
Come to the castle end of the White Cliffs of Dover Visitor Centre, CT16 1HJ, www.what3words.com/frames.saying.begins, where the entrance lobby will be the vintage bookshop for the week.
- What to bring and wear
The bookshop is indoors and there is covered standing if there is a queue. If you wish to walk along the cliffs during your visit, please come prepared as the weather can change suddenly.
- Accessibility
The Visitor Centre is wheelchair-friendly and has level access throughout, including the toilets at the back of the building. There are 14 disabled parking places next to the Visitor Centre that are level access and a further six places opposite the building, which are step-free. Our other car parks are either gravel or grass and can only be accessed by a steep hill but are step-free.
- Other
Entrance to the Vintage Book Fair is ticketless and free of charge. Normal parking charges apply – National Trust members can park for free. Refreshments are available in the cafeteria next to the Vintage Book Fair. Many books are very old and have been in much-loved private collections before being donated to the National Trust. The condition of the books varies. All are offered for sale on a ‘sold-as-seen’ basis, with most bargain-priced, considerably less than an online valuation, depending on condition. Please be aware that as with all vintage books, content may be consistent with language, customs and values that existed at the time of writing. You can pay for your purchases using cash or card. Sorry, no cheques. All proceeds from the book sale go directly to funding White Cliffs conservation projects. Dogs are welcome in the outside seating area adjacent to the book fair. Dog water bowls are provided. Assistance dogs only are welcome in the Visitor Centre building.
Upcoming events
National Lottery Thanks to You Open Days - Wanstone Rediscovered 2025
As part of the National Lottery Open Week 2025, take a guided tour of the newly uncovered remains of the largest guns installed on the British mainland. Also, visit the nearby D2 heavy anti-aircraft battery.
Plant Fair
The White Cliffs of Dover Plant Fair is your opportunity to revitalise your garden, window box or window ledges with top-quality plants at bargain prices. Lovingly tended by our volunteers, these plants will satisfy the most discerning gardener.
Heritage Open Days - Wanstone Rediscovered 2025
Take a guided tour of the recently-uncovered remains of one of the largest guns installed on the British mainland and the D2 heavy anti-aircraft battery.