The Dice Box Stockport
BEST FOR
Ages 2+
ENTRY
from £1.25
WHERE
Stockport
What it’s like
A table booked by the hour, over a thousand board games to pick from, and staff who'll teach you the rules on the spot.
You turn up, get shown to a table, and someone talks you through how it all works before you've even taken your coat off. From there it's pick a game, or a few, from a library the site says runs past a thousand titles, or head to the building bit if there's a LEGO session on. Nobody expects you to know the rules already, which takes the pressure off if the only board game in your house is a battered set of Snakes and Ladders.
It's priced by the hour rather than a flat entry fee, which is either handy or a bit of a trap depending on how long your six-year-old takes to lose at Connect 4. Standard lounge access is £2.50 an hour, kids eight and under are £1.25, and under-3s play free, so a family table adds up fast if you're all in for a couple of hours. Food and drink is ordered to the table so you can keep playing while you eat, but they're firm that you can't bring your own snacks in unless you've cleared it with them first.
Two to eight year olds get the cheaper rate and there's plenty in the games library pitched at that age, though the appeal stretches well beyond small kids if older siblings or grandparents fancy joining in. Booking's recommended rather than compulsory, particularly at weekends and in the holidays, and walk-ins are taken if there's room. Just don't skip a booked slot without cancelling. They charge £15 a head for no-shows, and cancelling with less than three hours notice can still land you a cover charge.
Facilities
Need to know
- Best for
- 2 to 8, though older siblings and adults play on too
- Booking
- Recommended especially weekends and school holidays
- Food
- Hot and cold drinks and food options designed to be enjoyed at the table while playing
- Pricing is per hour, not a flat fee, so a long family session adds up.
- Staff will pick a game for you if you don't know where to start.
- You can browse and buy board games, LEGO and puzzles on site.
- Some sessions are dedicated to LEGO building rather than board games.
Plan your visit
How much does it cost?
It's charged by the hour rather than a flat entry price. £2.50 an hour for standard access, £1.25 an hour for ages eight and under, and free for under-3s.
Do we need to book?
It's recommended, especially at weekends, evenings and school holidays. Walk-ins are welcome if there's a free table.
What happens if we cancel or don't turn up?
A no-show costs £15 a person, and cancelling within three hours of your slot can still get you a cover charge. Worth cancelling early if plans change.
Can my toddler come along?
Yes, under-3s go free and there are games suitable from age two up. Kids need an adult keeping an eye on them the whole time.
Can we bring our own snacks?
Outside food and drink isn't allowed unless you've agreed it with them beforehand. You order from their food and drink menu at the table instead.
Do we have to play games to visit, or can we just eat?
You can come just for food and drinks without playing anything. The table cover charge still applies either way, since that's what covers the games and bricks on offer.
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