If you’re around Leicester Square, you’d better visit the LEGO store. It might not be the biggest like in Sydney, but it’s still one of the coolest places to see in London.
Have kids with you? That’s even better news because it’ll feel like a treat for them!
Our Wunderlust team did all the exploration for you and listed the different things to do in the LEGO store in London. Check out some activities to try that’ll bring out your creative and childish side.
Things to know about the LEGO Store in London
Location: 3 Swiss Ct
Operating hours:
- Monday – Saturday: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- Sunday: 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Nearest tube station: Leicester Square (Northern and Piccadilly lines)
Nearby attractions: M&M’s World, Chinatown, Covent Garden, National Gallery
Crowd levels: Very busy during holidays and weekends
Pricing: From £4.99 – £50
Website
Things to do in the LEGO Store in London
Take a picture of LEGO displays
Media credit: sxcrei09
Since you’re not always in London, it’s better to store some great memories by taking pictures of the LEGO displays. You can also post on your social media, which is a real flex!
First things first, don’t forget to capture the 6.5-meter-tall Big Ben! You’ll be amazed when you see that even its clock is working. The big London Underground carriage and the LEGO versions of the Wizarding World are also worth capturing.
Aside from that, you’ll see James Bond’s Aston Martin, Sherlock Holmes, and William Shakespeare on a double-decker bus.
There are also other smaller displays like the Tube roundel and telephone box, which are worth your phone’s storage – we’re telling you!
Pro Tip:
Use the 0.5 feature of your camera to highlight the size of these LEGO displays.
Buy some LEGO sets
Media credit: legoman_scotland
If you’re a LEGO collector, this is your chance to get some new sets! You can get those limited editions or those that are only available in London.
Some great sets worth splurging on are the LEGO Architecture London Skyline set and the LEGO Creator London Bus. There’s also the LEGO Red London telephone box and tube roundel complete with the signage “Mind the Gap”.
If you’re a Potterhead, then get the LEGO Harry Potter Diagon Alley set! This recreates the famous fictional shopping street in Harry Potter.
So, whether you’re a curious kid or buying for someone, there are lots of tempting options to choose from!
Pro Tip:
Ask the staff for their limited editions or London-inspired sets that you can’t just buy at any LEGO store.
Witness how LEGOs are made at the demonstration table
Media credit: inboundfrog
One of the features of the LEGO Store in London is the demonstration table. Also called the storytelling table, you’ll see how designers bring new sets to life.
The designers will share their creative thought process through short videos or interviews while you look at the prototype displayed in front.
You’ll appreciate the artistry behind the existing sets and find some great inspiration on making your next LEGO masterpiece!
Pro Tip:
Ask the staff what’s currently featured on the demonstration table since it changes.
Build your minifigure
Media credit: minifigure.mania
The cool thing is that LEGO London has a Build a Minifigure (BAM) section, so you can create your minifigure and take it home.
You just need to mix and match LEGO elements like legs, torsos, and heads to make your look-a-like. You can even add hairpieces to personalise it.
Not satisfied with their torso collection? They have a Minifigure Factory where you can design your custom torso and even print it right away!
Also, if you want to see some rare parts, you need to dig deep. You might find printed legs (weird but cool), costumed torsos, and even novelty accessories!
Pro Tip:
Don’t rush to create your minifigure because staff often restock throughout the day. You can check back later to snag some great parts.
Climb on the huge LEGO tree
Media credit: robinhullbuilds
This vibrant LEGO tree in the centre of the store is such a head turner that you don’t want to miss. Due to its huge size, it extends through the upper floors of the shop.
Also known as a Tree of Discovery, this centrepiece tells a story interactively. The LEGO Group created this tree to demonstrate its commitment to inclusivity and a positive impact on the planet.
As you proceed, you can find windows on the trunk that contain models inside, which you can explore. If you want to take your time seeing the windows, you can go on weekday mornings or late evenings to avoid crowds.
Pro Tip:
You can take a picture below the tree using the ultra-wide angle of your camera to get that epic shot.
Make a custom mosaic of yourself
Media credit: malikamcc
If you want a more personalised experience, then this mosaic maker is for you. You can turn your face into a unique LEGO portrait.
To do this, go to the mosaic maker kiosk and upload your picture. The machine will convert your photo to a LEGO mosaic (black and white portrait). You can then print your mosaic and add some instructions or bricks to build yours at home.
Just be ready with your budget since the full experience costs start at £69.99. It already includes all the parts and your custom set. It might look very pricey, but it’s worth the experience, especially if you’re a LEGO fan.
Pro Tip:
If you want to have a nice-looking mosaic, wear high-contrast tops to help define your facial features.
Visit the Pick & Build wall
Media credit: theravenbrick
For a more fun and exciting experience, this Pick & Build Wall is a must-try. You’ll have 84+ containers full of assorted LEGO bricks.
Depending on your preferred colour, shape, and size, you can build your own LEGO. You can choose from a small tub or a large box. There’s no limit as long as you can still close the lid.
Note that the pricing is per container. For a small tub, it costs £6.99, while for a large box, it’s £11.99.
Pro Tip:
Bins are kind of low, so make sure that you’re ready with some kneepads for some crouching.
Shop for individual LEGO pieces for your existing set
Media credit: robinhullbuilds
The LEGO store is definitely your house for loose bricks. So, don’t you cry if you can’t finish your set because you can drop in the store and find your missing piece.
The store features a rotating selection of plates, bricks, and tiles. If you want to save time, just bring your set instructions or at least a parts list so you can match the parts you need.
Also, you can ask the staff directly. Present them the set number or the missing piece you’re looking for, and they will recommend similar or spare parts.
Pro Tip:
Take pictures of your unfinished set from different angles and show them to the staff so you can find what’s missing quickly.
Participate in events
Media credit: bricked1980
The LEGO Store holds some events, like seasonal or themed experiences. For instance, there’s this Christmas Storytelling Zone, which includes letter hunts for children and photo ops with LEGO Santa.
Sometimes, there are also some workshops or what they call tie-in experiences that feature interactive building. Also, some sessions are more focused, like, for instance, LEGO botanical.
Since events are not always available, you need to check the website for the schedule. Also, you can book an RSVP in advance since most events have limited slots.
Pro Tip:
They typically announce events weeks in advance, so make sure you have something to attend to before heading out to the store.