Legoland

This a great day out for those with younger kids (ages 3–12) - gentle, with friendly staff, a good variety of rides, and thoughtful planning, including loads of loos! It's within very easy reach of London, and there's a variety of accommodation options nearby, many offering great-value packages (tickets alone are expensive - £37 adults, £28 ages 3–15; discounts available by booking online). 

Best for: All ages, especially the younger ones!

What to Expect:

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Advance tickets Cafe/Restaurant Family tickets Great for babies Great for kids 4-12 Great for teens Great for toddlers Pay on day Seasonal opening Special events

What to Do

Check out the new LEGO® Star Wars™ Miniland Experience - a top experience any child (or adult) with an interest in Star Wars will love. Plus check out the Atlantis Submarine Voyage - a fun family underwater adventure - a world first!
 
Head for the Land of the Pharaohs with its Laser Raiders dark ride and its catapulting Scarab Bouncers ride. Then watch Bob the Builder in 4D.
 
Explore Miniland with its model cities from Europe and the USA, complete with moving parts - from the Leaning Tower of Pisa to Cape Canaveral space center.
 
With older kids (above 1m in height) hop aboard the Vikings' River Splash and go for a ride through a fantasy Viking land created from Lego bricks.
 
Get wet at Pirate Falls (min. height 1m), a boat ride past animated pirates and creatures warning of danger ahead.
 
For those feeling brave, head for the scariest ride, the Jungle Coaster (min. height 1.1m), a speedy rollercoaster with a 16m drop.
 
These are just some of the highlights. See the website for details of all rides and shows, plus height/health restrictions and age guidelines.

Where to Stay

Opening in March 2012 is Legoland Resort Hotel, meaning you can experience all things Lego day through to night. A real treat for the kids with indoor play areas, splash pool, entertainment and themed bedrooms.
 
There are also several hotels in the area which offer Legoland packages. See our 'Bookings Specials' box in the right-hand column of this page for themepark breaks including hotels.

When

It's open roughly mid-March to early November, with times varying from 10am to 5/6/7pm. To avoid queues, try to arrive at 9.30, when the car park, pay points, shop and hilltop restaurant open. It also helps to book online tickets that you print out before you come.

How

Legoland is about 3.5km from central Windsor and easily accessible from the M25.

Eat

The park has five family restaurants and several 'Quick Service outlets', among them the well-reputed Baguette Bar. There are also a few pleasant picnic areas.

Cost

Tickets alone are expensive - £44 adults, £35 ages 3–15, under 3's go free; discounts available by booking online and short break packages are available. Parking charges also apply.