Block Party

There’s plenty to celebrate in the colourful world of Lego this spring, with new park openings, stores and a movie. Here are our top five attractions.

1. Off the bat: This February, Brucie is back (no, not that one), facing obstacles both old (The Joker, Harvey Two- Face) and new (studded floors) in The Lego Batman Movie. With voice work from Ralph Fiennes, Zach Galifianakis, Mariah Carey and Rosario Dawson, and a touch of Lego magic, it’s sure to be a real blockbuster.

2. Ton of bricks: In a city with so much building going on – it’s currently home to around 20 per cent of all the world’s cranes – what’s another
60 million bricks? Legoland Dubai opened in October last year with more than 40 rides and a way to beat the desert’s searing heat: a Lego-themed water park just next door. Cool!

3. Square deal: If you need another reason to visit Leicester Square, say hello to the world’s largest Lego store! Attractions include the Mosaic Maker, which gives you the chance to create and assemble a Lego version of your face, a 200,000-brick Big Ben – which took 2,280 hours to build! – and some talking Lego minifigures.

4. Sand castles: Legoland Beach Retreat opens in Orlando, Florida, this March, with 83 beach- themed bungalows, complete with outdoor play areas and shaded patios. Each bungalow is named after a Lego minifigure, and the beach and theme park are just next door. Now that’s a real (re)treat.

5. Galaxy quest: A sprinkle of Star (Wars) dust hits California in March when Legoland Star Wars: The Force Awakens Miniland Model Display opens, featuring characters such as Poe, Finn and baddie Kylo Ren, plus a 16ft Star Destroyer Finalizer. Well, this might be Legoland, but they don’t do small in America, do they?