[From the questions: Is there anything to do LEGO fan wise in London? Where are the LEGO stores in London? Where is the place with the LEGO statues?]

Updated 10th September 2015

Considering the size of the population, London is not very well serviced in terms of things to see and do for the visiting LEGO Fan. If you only have limited time in London, there is bound to be something you are able to see and do.

Official LEGO Brand stores

If you have never been to an official LEGO Brand Retail store, then you really need to go to at least one of these, as they are both reasonably easy to access. There’s not a lot of difference between the two and you could happily visit one without visiting the other. They are both located in large, busy shopping complexes so be prepared for potential crowds if visiting on the weekend. If you are able to visit early in the month you’ll be able to build the Mini Monthly Model Build. This is often very popular so it may be a busy time. Check the store calendar for exact dates. You can expect the store to have a large range of sets from various currently available themes. They may have some items that are not normally available from retailers in your country – like polybags, key chains, magnets and other LEGO themed products. There will also be a “Pick a Brick” wall where you can purchase LEGO pieces in bulk.

Details of the two stores:

London Westfield

Location: Ariel Way, Shepherds Bush, UNIT 1081, W12 7GF, London

Nearest Tube stations: Shepherds Bush; Wood Lane

Opening hours:  Mon-Sat: 10:00 – 22:00,  Sun:12:00 – 18:00

London Stratford

Location: Westfield Stratford Shopping Ctr, E20 1EH, Westfield Stratford City

Nearest train station: Stratford (Overground and DLR); Stratford International (DLR)

Opening hours: Mon-Fri: 10:00 – 21:00, Sat:9:00 – 21:00, Sun:12:00 – 18:00

Hamleys

Hamleys Toy Store is infamous for being the first place LEGO was sold in the UK. It should be high on the list of places to visit for any LEGO fan passing through London. Not only do they have a great range but the staff are also very friendly and helpful. Highlight of the visit is the display of LEGO sculptures featuring the Royal Family and a classic red telephone box.

Location:  188-196 Regent Street, London, W1B 5BT

Nearest tube stations are: Bond Street; Oxford Circus; Piccadilly Circus,

Opening hours: Mon-Fri: 10:00 – 21:00, Sat: 09:30 – 21:00, Sunday 12:00 – 18:00

LEGOLAND Windsor

LEGOLAND Windsor is located outside of London but is worth a visit if you have a day or two spare. Check the website for opening hours as it varies according to the time of the year and the day of the week. The park is usually closed over winter. Advance ticket purchase via the website may save you some time and money.

The park primarily caters for children so this will be reflected in the attractions. Having said that, each ride contains LEGO sculptures and artwork that may not otherwise be visible making it worthwhile visiting them all no matter your age! The Miniland section of the park is full of fantastic models and it is very easy to spend hours looking at all of the details. The Star Wars Miniland display is the best of the three European LEGOLANDs and is worth including as part of your visit to the park. We recommend clearing the memory of your camera and taking extra batteries, as there is a lot to photograph!

Pricing for LEGO products is comparative to other retail outlets in Europe but you may find a bargain in the Last Chance Marketplace.

Location: Winkfield Road, Windsor, Berkshire, SL4 4AY

Nearest train station: (from London Paddington) Windsor & Eton Central via Slough on the First Great Western; (from London Waterloo) Windsor & Eton Riverside on South West Trains. There is a shuttle bus service to the park near to the two train stations. There is an additional fee to catch the bus.

Harrods Toy Department

Hidden away in the toy department of the iconic London Department store, Harrods, is a magnificent scale model of the store built out of LEGO bricks by the team from Bright Bricks.

Location: 87-135 Brompton Road, Knightsbridge, London, SW1X 7XL

Nearest train station: Knightsbridge on the Piccadilly line. Use the Brompton Road exit. The store is also only a short walk from South Kensington station on the Piccadilly, District and Circle lines, and Sloane Square, on the District and Circle lines.

Opening hours: Mon-Sat: 10am – 9pm, Sun: 11.30am – 6pm (browsing only until 12pm)

London AFOL (Adult Fan of LEGO) meetups

The Adult Fans of LEGO in London have regular meetups on the second Monday of the month at the Princess Louise pub in Holborn from 6pm. Activities may include building with LEGO bricks, swapping minifigs or generally chatting about LEGO products. You must be over 18 to attend these meetings.

Further details can be found at the group’s Meetup page.

Magazines

Though not strictly a LEGO themed activity, you might like to visit a newsagent (or larger supermarket) to look through the English magazines. There are currently four titles aimed at children (Friends, Chima, Ninjago and Star Wars) that may come with a free gift. Additionally, you may be able to pick up the latest edition of Blocks magazine.