The Sandbox Café

The Sandbox Café combines specialty coffee and cakes with a purpose-built indoor sandpit where visitors hire and operate realistic radio‑controlled construction models. Staff run supervised 30‑minute sessions suitable for adults and children.

Open midweek and weekends, the café uses an online booking system (Bookwhen) but accepts walk‑ins when spaces are available. The space is wheelchair and dog friendly and also offers party and corporate hire options.

Try a supervised hour of hands‑on RC model driving in a purpose-built indoor sandpit while enjoying coffee and cakes from local suppliers.

What you'll do

• Hire a radio‑controlled construction model (adult hobby‑grade 1:14 scale or smaller child models) and drive it in the sandpit during a staffed session.
• Sessions are typically 30 minutes; bookings via Bookwhen recommended, walk‑ins accepted subject to availability.
• Café orders (Carvetii roasted coffee, Buttermere Baking Company cakes) must be purchased and consumed on site.
• Staff run safety briefings and supervise the sandpit; group and party hires are available by arrangement.

Best way to experience it

Book a 30‑minute session in advance for weekend slots to guarantee a machine, arrive 10 minutes early for the safety briefing, and plan to stay for coffee before or after your session.

• Sessions are usually 30 minutes; book via Bookwhen to secure a slot.
• Full refund only if cancelled more than 24 hours before; no refunds for no‑shows.
• Wheelchair access and lower counter seating available; dogs allowed on leads with water provided.
• Only food and drink bought on site may be consumed in the café.