BOOKING ALWAYS RECOMMENDED (especially on weekends and school holidays)

Welcome to the sandbox café, Keswick

The Lake District’s most playful coffee spot!

Enjoy artisan coffee, homemade cakes, and the chance to operate realistic radio-controlled construction models in our giant indoor sandbox!

Our Opening Times

Wednesday to Friday: 10am – 5pm

Saturday & Sunday: 10am – 6pm

(Open Monday 25th & Tuesday 26th May too!)

About Us

At The Sandbox Café, we’ve created something you won’t find anywhere else in the Lake District – an indoor scale construction site where both kids & ‘big-kids’ alike can operate detailed radio controlled excavators, loading shovels and tipper trucks in a purpose-built sandpit!

Founder Lawrance White, a former plant hire and machinery specialist wanted to create a unique space where big-kids, families, friends, and even couples on a date night can relax, laugh, and dig together.

Inspired by parenthood, The Sandbox Café is Keswick’s first ever café where you can sip locally roasted coffee while operating 1/14 scale die-cast construction vehicles.

Our hobby-grade models look, feel, and operate just like the real thing.

Dogs are more than welcome!

We believe that no one should have to leave their best friend at home, which is why we’re proud to be a dog-friendly cafe. We have fresh water bowls and a few complimentary treats ready for your furry companions. We just ask that all dog owners keep their K9 friends on leads and keep a close eye on them. And, of course, owners are always considerate of other guests.

The Experience

Step into the Operator’s seat for your unique day out in Keswick!

We wanted to make this awesome RC experience for everyone so in order to cater for that we have a fleet of 1:14 scale hobby grade models for the grown-ups (big kids) and smaller, easier to control versions for the younger operators.

Our team will be able to partner you up with a grade of model that best suits your age and ability.

Choose your machine type. Take the controls. Move real material. Complete real tasks.

You might:

– Dig and shape trenches

– Load and transport material

– Work as a team to transport material

– Test your precision and operator skills

Our machines are realistic, powerful and surprisingly technical, making every session engaging.

Want to relax instead? Our upstairs lounge offers a cosy space for anyone who simply wants coffee, cake, and a chill.

We ask that children are closely supervised and assisted by an adult at all times.

WE ALWAYS RECOMMEND BOOKING TO AVOID DISAPPOINTMENT (especially on weekends and school holidays)

Accessibility

We believe fun should be for everyone.

Wheelchair-friendly design with lower counter seating around the sandpit.

Side entrance with a ramp for pushchairs and wheelchairs.

A welcoming space designed for all.

Click here for out terms and conditions & FAQ's

Bookings

Reserve your 30-minute play session in advance below to guarantee a spot, or pop in and enjoy a coffee while you wait.

The Sandbox Café is perfect for:

Big kids, Families & friends, Date nights, Corporate team-building, Private parties & birthdays.

Our team will be able to partner you up with a grade of model that best suits your age and ability.

Get in Touch

Quick Contact

Terms & Conditions

1. General Use

• The Sandbox Café provides food, drink, and RC model hire in our sandpit area.

• By entering the café or hiring RC models and equipment, you agree to follow our rules and respect other customers.

• We reserve the right to refuse service to anyone acting in a disruptive, unsafe, or disrespectful manner.

2. RC Model Hire

• All RC models (cars, trucks, diggers, etc.) must be used only within the designated sandpit area.

• Hire is subject to availability and is charged per session.

• Users must follow staff instructions on safe and proper use of equipment.

• All children must be supervised by a responsible adult at all time.

3. Safety

• RC models are not toys – please operate them responsibly to avoid damage or injury.

• No rough play, deliberate crashes, or throwing sand at models or other guests. There is no public access allowed physically into the sandpit and this area is strictly for staff use only

• Anyone misusing equipment may have their session ended without refund. These are scale models and we ask that they must be respected. It’s not robot wars or bumper cars.

4. Liability

• While every effort is made to ensure a safe environment, The Sandbox Café accepts no responsibility for injuries, loss, or damage caused by misuse of equipment or failure to follow instructions. Under no circumstances are children able to enter the sandpit area or lean over the counter and touch the models.

• Customers are liable for any deliberate or negligent damage to equipment.

5. Food & Drink

• Only food and drink purchased at The Sandbox Café may be consumed on the premises.

• Please keep food and drink away from the sandpit area.

6. Bookings & Refunds

• RC hire sessions can be pre-booked or purchased on the day (subject to availability).

• Refunds are only given if The Sandbox Café is unable to provide the booked service.

• No refunds for no-shows (because we have held your slot for you) or early finishes.

• You may cancel your 30 minute session up to 1 day before your booking and you will receive a full refund. Cancellations on the day may be refused.

7. Photography & Media

• We sometimes take photos or videos for marketing purposes. If you prefer not to be included, please let a member of staff know. If we are not notified, then you consent to potentially appearing in the background of promotional photos or videos.

FAQs

Q: How many seats do I get for my bookings?

A: Typically it is one seat per RC model hire but we can usually cater for at least two seats if you decide to only book one model for your child and you are there to help them. If you arrive as a party of 8 for example and have only booked one machine then I’m afraid you won’t all get a seat around the sandbox to watch as these are of course for the other operators in that session. You are welcome to stand and watch or we have tables & chairs upstairs.

Q: Do I need to book the RC models in advance?

A: Walk-ins are welcome, but we always recommend booking at busy times (weekends, holidays) to guarantee a slot.

Q: How long does each RC hire session last?

A: Sessions are typically 30 minutes. If you would like 1hour then feel free to book two back to back sessions.

Q: Is there an age limit?

A: In short no, but we ask that children are closely supervised by a responsible adult at all times and some RC models may be restricted to older children or adults for safety reasons as some models can be complex to operate.

Q: Can my child enter the sandpit?

A: Unfortunately we’re not a soft play, the sandpit area is strictly reserved for the RC models staff access only. Please also do not lean over and touch the models.

Q: Can I bring my own RC model?

A: At present, only café-hired models can be used in the sandpit to ensure safety and fairness. If you would like to bring your own, please contact us directly and we’ll see what we can do! 🙂

Q: What happens if an RC model breaks while I’m using it?

A: If it’s normal wear and tear, no problem. If it’s due to misuse or deliberate damage, you may be charged for repairs.

Q: Can I eat and drink in the sandpit area?

A: You are welcome to place your drink or food on the counter top around the sandpit area. Please note, this area of seating is reserved for those who have booked an RC model session. If you are not participating in that current session, please allow those who are priority with the seating. We have tables and chairs upstairs if you would just like to enjoy a coffee and a cake.

Q: Do you host parties or group bookings?

A: Yes! We offer party and group hire packages – please ask our staff for details.

Q: Is the café dog-friendly?

A: Yes, well-behaved dogs on leads are welcome in the café area (not in the sandpit). Dogs remain their owners responsibility at all times.