Carousel cafe

Kettering NN15 6NJ, United Kingdom
$$$ Cafe
(32 Reviews)
Price Range £1–10

Carousel Cafe sits comfortably inside Wicksteed Park in Kettering, offering a casual stop for anyone needing a pause during a day out. It’s the sort of place that locals and visitors alike use mainly as a convenient spot to grab a coffee or a snack while spending time in the park, especially popular with families and weekend strollers.

The atmosphere here is relaxed and easygoing, with both indoor and outdoor seating options that work well whether you’re dodging a light drizzle or soaking up some sunshine. The outdoor area, in particular, draws people waiting on kids playing nearby or simply wanting to enjoy the fresh air.

Coffee at Carousel Cafe tastes steady and well-prepared, if not particularly budget-friendly — it leans a bit on the pricier side compared to other local spots. Still, there’s an evident care in the brewing craft, which has earned a quiet appreciation from those who linger over lattes that are consistently smooth and come with a bit of charm.

This cafe fits best with the rhythms of park life, offering a simple refuge for parents watching over their children or cyclists pausing mid-ride. The place tends to get busy during peak park hours, but queues move along fairly quickly, so it never feels overwhelming.

Families in particular appreciate the friendly service and the kid-friendly treats available, with occasional special moments like birthday celebrations happening in the adjacent indoor play center. Cleanliness and the fresh quality of food keep parents coming back when they need an easy, fuss-free meal option for their little ones.

Best time to visit: Late morning to early afternoon, when the park sees the most visitors and the cafe buzzes with a gentle activity but still offers seating options outdoors.

Highlights
Great coffee
Great dessert
Great tea selection
Popular for
Lunch
Solo dining
What they serve
Coffee
Quick bite
Best for
Brunch
Lunch
Dessert
Seating
Accessibility
Wheelchair-accessible car park
Wheelchair-accessible entrance
Wheelchair-accessible seating
Wheelchair-accessible toilet

Openings Hours

Checking

Monday

09:30 AM - 04:00 PM

Tuesday

09:30 AM - 04:00 PM

Wednesday

09:30 AM - 04:00 PM

Thursday

09:30 AM - 04:00 PM

Friday

09:30 AM - 04:00 PM

Saturday

09:30 AM - 04:00 PM

Sunday

09:30 AM - 04:00 PM

32 Reviews
Phil Johnson

26 Dec 2025

Called in during our club ride from Northampton. There is plenty of choice on the menu, although not the best value for money. Seating indoors and out, too. Cafe was busy, but the queue went down pretty quickly. Fairly pleased with the overall experience.

D mac

25 Dec 2025

Waiting for grandchild and daughter to come back from the lower end of the park. Nice, though slightly expensive coffee. Pleasant outside area to sit and enjoy the wait. Conveniently placed.

Neil F

11 Dec 2025

Carousel Café (now known as Garden Cafe) in Wicksteed Park isn’t just a café – it’s a sweet, frothy oasis in the land of roller coasters and dodgems. While others are queuing for ice creams the size of small children, the wise wanderers make their way to this magical corner where the coffee is brewed with love and possibly a touch of wizardry. The lattes are smooth enough to write poetry about, and the cappuccinos could convert even the most hardened tea-drinker. And the cakes? Oh, the cakes. Moist, fluffy, indulgent – like Mary Berry herself took up residence in the kitchen and decided to show off. Honestly, the lemon drizzle alone deserves its own commemorative plaque. Forget the snack shacks and lukewarm vending machines. If you’re in Wicksteed, Garden Café is the place to be – whether you’ve just survived the log flume or you’re hiding from the kids while pretending to check the map. Five stars and a bonus slice of Victoria sponge.

David Hugh Meagher

06 Dec 2025

Lovely service from a young lady. The third birthday boy loved his ice lolley!

Ashley Bull

03 Dec 2025

Been here a few times for multiple things, never had any issues. Most recent was the indoor play centre for a birthday and it was great, kids enjoyed it, everywhere was clean and tidy and the food came out fresh and hot and was pretty much what every kid wants to eat

Tracey M Parsons

18 Sep 2025

Lovely place, lovely people very friendly, good variety of food to choose from

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