In the heart of Keswick, Cumbria, a unique café is attracting attention not just for its coffee and cakes, but for its unusual entertainment concept: a large indoor sandpit filled with realistic radio-controlled construction vehicles. The Sandbox Café, located at 74 Main Street, blends café culture with hands-on play, offering guests a chance to unwind with artisan coffee while operating 1:14 scale RC diggers, dumpers, and loaders.
Open Wednesday through Sunday from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm—and also on Bank Holiday Mondays—the café is quickly becoming a destination for families, couples, and curious tourists. The main attraction is the indoor sandpit experience, where visitors can book 30-minute sessions to take the controls of miniature construction equipment. Guests are advised to arrive 10 minutes early for a quick orientation, and all equipment is provided by the café.
The RC models operate in a carefully designed play zone, and while children under 12 must be supervised, the space is built for all ages. According to the café’s official website, “Even couples on a date night can relax, laugh, and dig together.” Visitors who aren’t using the RC area can still watch the action from the café seating upstairs or enjoy the on-site offerings, which include locally roasted coffee from Carvetii Coffee Roasters and baked goods from the Buttermere Baking Company.
Accessibility and inclusivity have also been factored into the design. The café features a ramp entrance, lower seating around the sandpit, and a dog-friendly policy—“Dogs are more than welcome! … we have fresh water bowls and a few treats ready for your furry companions,” reads one note on their site.
Advance booking for the RC digger sessions is recommended, especially during weekends and holidays. The Sandbox Café offers a novel twist on traditional leisure, inviting visitors to sit back, sip coffee, and quite literally dig in.
