windsor safari park website

The incredible tale behind Windsor Safari Park before it became Legoland

You could visit killer whales, dolphins, lions and tigers

• 16:00, 26 JAN 2020

We now know it as the incredible tourist attraction Legoland Windsor .

But long before the Danish toy maker opened the second of its family friendly parks in the world in 1996, people headed to the site for a completely different experience.

Those of a certain age can remember visiting and enjoying the the most incredible attraction ever, on the exact same Windsor site - Windsor Safari Park and it was awesome.

As sister site MyLondon says the owners billed the attraction as the "African Adventure" - and as these pictures show, they weren't wrong. 

It was so popular, it is very difficult to convey just how upset thousands of families were when it closed its doors for good in 1992.

One of the best parts was the huge drive through enclosure, where families slowly manoeuvred their cars through what can only be described as 'Berkshire's Serengeti'.

The park's owners, who set up the attraction in 1969, did not mess about. Visitors would come nose-to-nose with all the big animals, from lions and tigers to cheetahs, bears and baboons.

It was well known when it came to the baboons especially that if you didn't have the aerial ripped off your car then you were probably due a refund.

There were even rumours that a tiger once bit a car's tyre until it exploded, but the danger of potentially ending up stranded inside the enclosure only added to an excited child's thrill.

In other areas of the park, guests could visit an elephant enclosure, a hippo lake, camels, llamas, giraffes, chimpanzees, birds of prey and parrots.

Another star attraction at the park was the Dolphinarium where members of the public witnessed a spectacular show involving a killer whale, dolphins and seals performing outrageous tricks.

Remembering Windsor Safari Park in 27 fantastic pictures

In the 1970s the killer whale was called 'Ramu', but due to his huge size he was transferred to SeaWorld in San Diego in 1976.

From the late 1970s until the park's closure, 'Winnie' was the star of the show and the public took her into their hearts.

In 1991 the laws changed in the UK that made it impossible to keep captive killer whales and Winnie was also transferred to SeaWorld in America. She died there in 2002.

The captive killer whales and dolphins at Windsor Safari Park often caused much controversy throughout the time it was open.

In 1988 the park was sold to new owners who wanted to bring more safari themed rides to compete with local rivals Chessington World of Adventures and Thorpe Park.

Until 1988, Windsor Safari Park had relied almost completely on the animals, apart from the amazing toboggan run and huge rainbow ball ponds.

Unfortunately, in 1992 the park announced it was closing. 

The days where thousands of visitors would flock to see the animals had faded away, and the park could no longer survive.

Today's top stories on BerkshireLive

It was a very sad time for many and the animals were shipped all over the world to different zoos and water parks.

You can still however capture a small bit of magic from the Windsor Safari Park days by jumping on the Hill Train when you next visit Legoland Windsor.

For a park that gave so much fun to those who visited it is sadly the only attraction that survived.

Download the Berkshire Live app

You can get the latest news for Berkshire straight to your mobile or tablet when you download the free BerkshireLive app. 

Keep up with breaking news, traffic and travel updates and what’s on from across the county plus unrivalled Reading FC coverage.

You can sign up to receive push notifications, which means you'll always be the first to know what's happening in the area.

You can find it for Apple devices here and Android devices here .

• Legoland Windsor
• Most Recent

Always Carry On.

Conquering the world one country at a time..

Windsor Safari Park memories, captive killers and whale watching dreams.

Winnie was the first whale I ever saw in the flesh – or perhaps that should be “in the blubber”?

Not that my four-year-old brain had any concept of size back then, but Winnie was a 14.5ft long killer whale , weighing a little under 2 tonne. She performed up to seven times a day in the Windsor Safari Park dolphinarium pool, which was 85ft long, 46ft wide and 11.5ft deep.

When she wasn’t entertaining the “Great” British public, Winnie was kept in a side pool that was just twice her length (32ft long, 25ft wide and 9.5ft deep).

The notion that it was inhumane to hold such a large, wild animal in such a small enclosure was also lost on my naive mind – as it probably was on those of many Brits in the 80s.

We didn’t need to jet off to Florida or California to see the infamous Shamu show at SeaWorld; we had Windsor Safari right on our doorstep. And the chance to see a real whale, in person, was one that couldn’t be missed. Seeing a whale was a dream.

Captive killer whales: dying to entertain us.

Half starved ( unbeknown to me at the time ) and “rewarded” with buckets of fish, I watched Winnie respond to whistled commands from her trainer: she swam the perimeter of the pool, flicked a football, gave the trainer a kiss, surfed the trainer from one side of the pool to the other, waved goodbye to everyone, then came back as an encore to splash those sat in the Splash Zone with a predictable-but-still-surprising belly flop.

There were cheers and clapping, then we left. Herded into the gift shop, I was allowed to pick one souvenir – I chose a small Winnie stuffed toy.

Though I still have my Winnie toy nearly 30 years later, my memory of her performance is hazy. I don’t remember how many people sat on the benches watching the show with me that day – but reading up on the history of Windsor Safari Park while writing this post, I doubt it was many.

The beginning of the end for Windsor Safari Park.

Originally opened in 1969, visitor numbers to the Park had been dwindling since the mid 80s. More and more families holidayed abroad during the summer months, and those that didn’t chose days out at amusement parks over zoos and safaris.

Mounting pressure from animal activists and Greenpeace lobbyists didn’t help the situation either.

Sensing the cultural shift, local rival Chessington Zoo began building a shiny new addition to meet the demand: a £12million state-of-the-art theme park. Chessington reopened on 7 July 1987 (coincidentally, at the same time as the M25 motorway opened) with a name change: Chessington World of Adventures.

Windsor Safari Park could not compete. And following the success of animal rights campaign “Into The Blue”, the UK government made standards of care for marine mammals in captivity so stringent, no dolphinarium in the country could afford to meet them. So, one by one, they shut down.

The UK’s last dolphinarium was Windsor Safari Park.

The strict new regulations about the size of pools meant star attraction Winnie – who had resided at Windsor since 1977 – had to find a new home. The Park didn’t have the funds to extend her enclosure, so she was shipped to SeaWorld Orlando in 1991.

Unfortunately Winnie’s tragic life didn’t get much better across the pond; the submissive orca was bullied by younger whales that were much bigger than her. Experts said that being kept in such a small pool in Windsor had stunted Winnie’s growth during her early years, though she did gain some weight in the US ( d oesn’t everyone? ).

Winnie sadly passed away in 2002; a necropsy found that she’d consumed over 12lb of indigestible debris (including British coins and broken tiles from the tank in Windsor) during her 26 years, which caused her intestines to become blocked and stop working.

What happened to Windsor Safari Park?

Well, without Winnie there were no visitors, and without visitors there was no money coming in. The Park opened its gates for the last time on Sunday 25 October 1992, and was then taken into receivership the next day. Its owners owed debts of £40million, and without a benefactor willing to swoop in and give the Park a vital cash injection, it closed indefinitely.

Some of the animals – which included 34 lions, seven elephants, 45 baboons, seven tigers, 13 wolves and eight dolphins – were rehomed at other zoos and safari parks around the UK. Sadly, however, newspaper coverage at the time reported that the animals that couldn’t be rehomed (because of old age or illness) were euthanised. With no dolphinariums left in the UK, Windsor Safari Park’s dolphins went to the Netherlands.

Fast forward four years and the gates to the Park were once again open, though in an entirely new guise. The animals that once lived there were forgotten, and the whale shows that had entertained families for over three decades were a distant memory. Windsor Safari Park had been completely redeveloped into, what is now, the UK’s most visited theme park : Legoland Windsor.

The only animals on display now are those made from colourful, plastic bricks – proving that the British public don’t want or need performing orcas and marine mammal acrobatics as a form of entertainment.

I’m from a family of animal lovers. I grew up surrounded by dogs, cats, rodents, fish and birds ( there are currently chickens and turtles at my parents’ house, too ).

While my school pals idolised pop stars and watched Byker Grove , Grange Hill and the latest Disney movies, I was watching The Animals of Farthing Wood , Animal Hospital and films like Ring of Bright Water. When I was older I wanted to be Michaela Strachan or Virginia McKenna, rescuing and rehabilitating animals. As mentioned in a previous post about the charity Save a Gato , I even named my first pet – a little white kitten – after Elsa the lioness from the Born Free trilogy.

Another childhood favourite was  Free Willy ; I wore the VHS out watching it over and over. Even now as an adult, the fictitious story of Jesse’s commitment to helping his 4.5 tonne ( notice the difference in size between him and Winnie ) cetacean friend escape captivity and return to the open ocean has me on an emotional roller coaster, with tears of joy and sadness interspersed with feelings of anger and triumph.

The end scenes of Willy swimming freely with a pod of wild killer whales have stuck in my mind for over 20 years. Ever since I first watched the film, going whale watching to see these magnificent creatures in their own environment – not just from the confines of what amounts to a giant bath tub – has been on my  bucket list .

From bath tub to bucket list.

Though I’ve never been to an official SeaWorld park ( and have now vowed I never will ), in 2009 my parents and I visited Miami Seaquarium on a family holiday to Florida. I do recall niggles of guilt at the back of my mind for being a person who paid money to keep a 22ft long orca in a tank, but the presenter did a great job in convincing everyone that the huge mammal was happy and content. So I watched Lolita the killer whale splash around her pool entertaining the visitors, reminiscing about my childhood trip to Windsor Safari Park.

It’s only as an adult, as I read and learn more and more about travel and the tourism industry, that I truly understand what animals in captivity go through, and how our entertainment is so often at the expense of the animal’s health and mental well-being. Last year for example, as Hurricane Irma ravaged the US East Coast, drone footage emerged of an abandoned Lolita, left alone and exposed to the elements, with no shelter from falling debris. My anger at Miami Seaquarium, and my own remorse at having visited somewhere that treats animals so inhumanely, is insurmountable.

Bad enough that captive orca exist, but unlike other animals they can’t be evacuated during #Irma . Barbaric that Lolita has been abandoned. pic.twitter.com/jDLbIq9lw3 — Anna MacLaughlin (@AnnaGraceMac) September 9, 2017

Recently I watched a documentary on the real Free Keiko story and found out about the Free Willy-Keiko Foundation set up by Warner Bros. If you’re interested, you can watch the documentary here , but word of warning, have tissues at the ready.

But it was an unpredictable and overwhelming documentary on Netflix that I watched in 2013 that really changed my mindset:

The “Blackfish effect”.

Low-budget documentary Blackfish had a far greater impact than its producers and director ever thought it would. It opened the public’s eyes to the way captive killer whales (and other cetaceans) are treated, housed and cared for.

T he film drew wider attention to Dawn Brancheau’s death in 2010. Dawn was SeaWorld’s most experienced trainer, working with Tilikum, the company’s biggest killer whale (and the largest captive orca in the world until his death in January 2017 ). During a routine show she was pulled into the water by 6.7 tonne Tilikum and drowned, while a traumatised audience looked on.  Blackfish revealed that Dawn’s was not the first death linked to Tilikum, however. If you haven’t seen it, the documentary is available on Netflix and well worth a watch.

After the film’s release in June 2013, mounting protests against the holding of orca in captivity, an overnight drop in share prices and the continued decrease in visitor numbers saw SeaWorld report a loss of $25.4million in the fourth quarter of that year. And as of January 2017, SeaWorld’s shares have dropped by half since 2013.

While the downturn of the American institution’s fortunes can almost entirely be ascribed to Blackfish , SeaWorld has responded to public pressure. In March 2016, it announced it would end its orca breeding programme, making its current captive killer whales “the last generation of orcas in SeaWorld’s care”. In an attempt to rebrand from an entertainment company to a conservation company, it also announced it would be phasing out the daily theatrical performances and introducing “new, inspiring, natural orca encounters, focusing on orca enrichment, exercise and overall health.”

It hasn’t just been SeaWorld which has been caught up in the “Blackfish affect”, though. Other businesses in the tourism industry have also responded to the public backlash; in July 2014, Southwest Airlines stated it would not be renewing its partnership with SeaWorld. And most recently, ( my favourite ) British travel company Thomas Cook announced it would stop selling tickets to SeaWorld  as part of its holiday packages.

Like many others that have watched Blackfish , I have vowed firmly to never again pay to watch whales, dolphins and other marine animals perform.

My dreams of seeing these majestic creatures in their natural environment are very much still alive, though. And through everything I read about various species becoming endangered (or worse, extinct in the wild), I’m even more determined to tick whale watching off my bucket list, before it’s too late.

In fact, it very nearly happened earlier this year. When I was in  Iceland at the end of March, I went on a whale watching boat trip with Special Tours. But that’s a post for another day…

Note: Windsor Safari Park photos in this post have kindly been shared by Norman Griffin, Barbara Todd and Colette Buchanan-Grey, and were all taken between 1982-89. Miami Seaquarium pictures my own, regrettably. 

Share this:

• Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window)

227 thoughts on “ Windsor Safari Park memories, captive killers and whale watching dreams. ”

Thank you so much for further highlighting the issue of animal captivity. I remember visiting SeaWorld San Diego a few years ago, and I vividly remember the bitter taste that this visit left in my mouth. The way the whales and dolphins were taking advantage of just to entertain the shouting crowd was too much for me to digest! Since then I’ve never set foot in a zoo or aquarium.

Like Liked by 1 person

Sounds like very similar feelings to my own Chad 😦 thank you for your comment x

These photos are breathtaking, but the situation is so sad, and unfortunately it’s still a huge problem in todays world!

Unfortunately, yes it is 😦 x

I am all for animal rights for sure but I do enjoy the experiences of learning and watching animals in places like zoos or aquariums. I think it comes down to guidelines that should be followed on how animals are treated and if parks closed they should still be placed where they’re taking care of. I think their can be a compromise so that families being entertained can still enjoy some spectacular while not having any animals in danger.

Thanks for your comment Chastity – appreciate you taking the time to share your view. I don’t necessarily agree with you, but I don’t disagree either. But I do think that there are better ways to educate children about these majestic creatures other than making them watch a show with the whales performing in a tank that is the equivalent of you trying to swim in a bath tub 😦 x

I actually love seeing those animals in their own natural environment or habitant. Honestly, my hearts broken when I read that the Windsori Safari Park closed because of some reasons and Winnie died because of digesting inedible things from her tub. I hope all park owners follow the rules diligently and with conscience as these animals life are also important.

Thanks Catherine – I completely agree with you! x

i love them! your photos are so cool.

Such a heartbreaking story…Thank you for shedding light on this important story. It is so important to preserve and protect these animals and their homes.

Thanks Catherine – feel free to share the post to further highlight the issue with your friends and family x

I was not aware of Windsor safari park closure until just recently we visited Legoland I reconised the old open aquariam where the submarine sealife is Now it brought back so many good memories of my childhood, I cannot thank you enough for those memories I am grateful.

I have a never been to an aquarium performance and now I think I never will. I can’t believe they found so much trash and coins inside of that poor orca! The only dolphin watching we will be doing is out on a boat in the ocean.

I’m so happy to hear that my post has persuaded you not to visit aquariums and SeaWorld parks Jimmy 🙂 x

This post is so heartbreaking – and as a child I also visited a similar park here in Canada. As a kid and back in the late 80s/early 90s the awareness just wasn’t the same. I won’t ever support a marine park like this in my life again, but also hope I can see these animals in their own natural habitats.

It seems many children growing up in the 80s/90s were taken to parks like this 😦 and yes, back then there just wasn’t the awareness that there is now 😦 x

I have been to zoos and safari but never watched an aquarium show before. 3 weeks ago I and the husband brought my mom and my in-laws all in their late 60’s to an open safari and it was their first time to see a tiger, giraffe, leopard, cheetah, those beautiful birds, monkeys and a lot more. These are what they said “I never thought in my entire life to see such animals, I thought I can only see them in books or tv” all of them teary-eyed. I think Zoos and safari are great as long as strict guidelines are being imposed and followed.

Ahhh it sounds like your in-laws had an amazing experience! x

Animals in captivity suffer a lot – be it in a zoo or anywhere else. I commend your effort that you have tried to bring forward this issue. Just before reading this post, I was reading a newspaper article about a tiger being killed in India. I was appalled by the news. It is always important to protect the animals in their natural habitat. Hope people understand that someday.

That’s shocking! Do you have the link to the story, I’d love to read it and share it x

Its inhuman to captivate animals in enclosed spaces for entertainment. I am with you on that. Sad to hear about Dawn’s story, I never knew that trainers get killed so frequently.

It’s really sad isn’t it – and something SeaWorld tried to cover up for a long time! If you Google, you find all the details about everyone who’s been hurt, harmed or even killed by a whale x

This is certainly one of those posts that make you think. Those poor whales, Isn’t it funny how times change and we go from being so excited about this display to realising actually that they are suffering for our viewing pleasure and so fighting for a change.

Society has gone full circle, that’s for sure! x

This act should be stopped. Animals are not made just to played by a human being they should be loved and cared by us.

Or even better, left in the wild where they belong! x

That is a really heartbreaking story. I love visiting zoo’s and safaris and sad to know why Windsor Safari Park is closed. It is really important to follow the guidelines for the sake of the animals. and sad to hear about what happened to Dawn.

Do you still think you’ll continue to visit Zoos and Aquarium parks like this? Now knowing that the animals are suffering? x

Thank you for bringing much needed awareness to this topic. It’s one of those things that people either don’t realize, or don’t want to think about, and your post is helpful in educating people! My heart breaks for suffering animals.

I do think for many it is a case of burying the head in the sand, so they don’t have to think about it 😦 x

I agree that the best way to see animals is in their natural habitats. It’s so sad to see that some of the animals are treated carelessly and they suffer.

Yes – leaving animals like this in their natural habitat would definitely be for the best! x

I was one of those who as a kid and adult loved to see Shamu at Sea World. I knew there was some backlash, but didn’t know much about it. So much of this is so sad to hear. What’s hard also is when a baby whale is born into this, it’s very difficult for them to then survive out in the wild.

Yes, taking the infants away from their mothers is just heartbreaking 😦 x

Heartbreaking. Just heartbreaking. I do have to say that I loved seeing all of your old photos. It made this article beautiful despite the heartbreak.

The old photos just go to show how small the tank was, and the conditions Winnie was kept in 😦 c

I had mixed emotions reading this post, keeping animals captive saddens me but at the same time, I would have loved to see such a majestic animal in person. I also loved your sharing and photos of your visit when you were young.

I think there is a far bigger problem in America – Beagle testing! 60,000+ Beagles are crewly tested on every year for your shampoo, moisturiser, soap etc. They have shampoo ladened sponges rubbed in their eyes to see the effect. Many have their eyes gouged out and then are carried on tested on. How disgusting! These are loving, adorable, TRUSTING animals who undergo despicable suffering for YOU. Watch videos on what they do to these gorgeous animals and do something about it. Don’t burry your head in the sand and ignore what is happening in YOUR country.

Not sure how this comment relates to my post about captive whales – but thanks for sharing your feelings 😀

On June 5th 1983 I saw Winnie perform at Windsor Safari Park. Prior to her show my 10 year old Brother and I were able to walk into the enclosure. There was no one there, no staff and no people. Winnie was in the main pool and surprisingly surfaced bobbing her head out of the water right next to me. She was so graceful and gentle and allowed my brother and I to smooth her nose. She repeated this quite a few times submerging and then popping back up to us. She then submerged and was gone.

That day will remain in my mind and heart forever. My experience was amazing and so unexpected. However like you, although a young adult, something just wasn’t right. I didn’t rationalise it immediately but seeing this beautiful animal held in such a small pool left me with a sadness I still carry with me today. There was some sort of connection, whether it was her looking for food or just something to do I’ll never know. For me it was so special.

Thank you for this article, I always wondered what happened to Winnie. Now I know and am still saddened.

Shame on all those removing such beauty from its natural environment in the name of entertainment. And shame on those who sill perpetuate this bad practice by visiting these parks and funding captivity.

really helpful article thank you for sharing

Thank you for this wonderful article. This is actually the second time I’ve read it because although it makes me so sad, I love learning about Orcas, and partly how far we’ve come! It gives me hope that one day there won’t be one Orca in captivity.

A bloke starts his new job at the park and is given three tasks. The first Is to clear the exotic fish pool of weeds. As he does this a huge fish jumps out and bites him.

To show who is boss, he beats it to death with a spade. Realising his employer won’t be best pleased he disposes of the fish by feeding it to the lions, as lions will eat anything.

Moving on to the second job of clearing out the chimp house, he is attacked by the chimps who pelt him with coconuts. He swipes at two chimps with a spade killing them both. What can he do?

Feed them to the lions, he says to himself, because lions eat anything. He hurls the corpses into the lion enclosure.

He moves on to the last job which is to collect honey from the South American bees. As soon he starts, he is attacked by the bees. He grabs the spade and smashes the bees to a pulp. By now he knows what to do and shovels them into the lions’ cage because lions eat anything.

Later that day a new lion arrives at the zoo. He wanders up to another lion and says, “What’s the food like here?”

The lions say: “Absolutely brilliant, today we had Fish and Chimps with Mushy Bees”.

I went to Windsor safari in about 1970 aged 7. I can’t remember the show but I have a post card I got at the time. Think that’s when I first got to love these beautiful creatures. I know now it’s not good to keep animals in captivity but I think a lot of people from my age have now got behind the animals and are doing the right thing by them. These early zoos and to an extent zoos of today give us a first look at the wildlife around us that most would never see and hope will move more people to look out for them. I think seeing these animals shows us they are real and not just something on tv. I would love to see orcas in the sea and I’m sure one day I will and take my boys to show them the wonderful life we have on this plant.

Oh My Goodness. I saw Winnie once when I was about 8 or 9 in the early 80’s. She left a lasting impression on me, I thought she was amazing. I had no understanding of her life and situation. I feel so sad at what happened to her after the park closed, almost feel like she should have stayed there. So sad. Thank you for telling the story, I always wondered what happened to her. You have really struck home with the bath tub comment. How can we be so cruel to these barely understood animals.

Thanks for your comment Natalie – I’m glad my post has resonated with you, but sad that it’s about this topic.

Vergogna, sono animali meravigliosi ed intelligentissimi…stop a zoo e delfinari!!!!gli animali devono stare liberi!!

I also still watch free Willy and I am 31 since the age of about 5 I wanted to see Orca but I vowed at the age of 9 I would never go to an aquarium or zoo (which I have stuck to) however I do plan on hopefully free diving with an Ireland pod in the future the things behind the scenes of the flashy shows is disgraceful the orcas and dolphins especially find themselves chewing on concrete, self mutilating, starvation depression then like all that wasn’t bad enough they spend most of their time with a cocktail of drugs in their system while also having a high risk of twisted intestines which rapidly kills them

Thanks for taking the time to write this comment Sarah – it’s great to hear how you’ve stuck by your vow 🙂

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

• Already have a WordPress.com account? Log in now.
• Subscribe Subscribed
• Copy shortlink
• Report this content
• View post in Reader
• Manage subscriptions
• Collapse this bar

History of Legoland Windsor

Legoland Windsor, one of the most successful family theme parks in the UK, has been entertaining guests since 1996 and is located on the former site of Windsor Safari Park. It was the second Lego branded park to be built after the original in Billund, Denmark.

Situated on the current site of Legoland from 1969 to 1992 was Windsor Safari Park, a large and popular safari attraction located on the former grounds of a mansion on St Leonards Hill. The park was established by the Smart family of ‘Billy Smart’s Circus’ fame, who purchased the grounds and the 110 room country house, which can still be found at the top of the park today.

Windsor Safari Park owed its success in part to the natural roaming habitats that had been created for lions, tigers, cheetahs and baboons. A Serengeti zone was added, featuring camels, llamas, giraffes, zebras and buffalo, an elephant enclosure, a hippo lake, and a monkey jungle. A key attraction was Seaworld, a dolphinarium complex housing dolphins, a killer whale, penguins and sea lions, who would all perform various displays for guests.

At its peak, the park attracted up to 2.5 million visitors per year. It grew significantly throughout the 1970s and 1980s and was eventually sold to Themes International in 1988. The new owners planned to develop an African-themed park, introducing themed eateries, games and new attractions such as the African Queen Riverboat Ride.

Themes International continued to invest heavily in the business, but after nine years as owners, ran into financial difficulties. The safari park started to experience dwindling visitor numbers, and the situation was exacerbated by the early 1990s recession and the cost of building an expensive new Egyptian-themed entrance courtyard and similarly themed market streets. Themes International and Windsor Safari Park entered receivership in January 1992, with debts of £40m and closed shortly afterwards. A frustrating time for the company considering how much recent investment had been made in to the attraction.

The Lego Group began research for the development of a second Legoland park after Legoland Billund in 1987, with over 1000 sites considered. In January 1992, with Windsor Safari Park going into receivership, the ideal site was chosen. Throughout 1992 and 1993, planning, design, site preparation and the creation and construction of models began, whilst new homes were secured for all of the safari animals. 1994 saw the installation of services, foundations and infrastructure, and in 1995, one year prior to opening, Big Ben and the rest of the recognisable landmarks were installed in Miniland. By this time, buildings and attractions were becoming established, and in September, advance bookings were made available for entry tickets. Final installations were completed by the beginning of 1996 and at this point, park staff were recruited. Legoland Windsor opened on 17th March 1996 and during its first season attracted over 1.4 million guests.

On opening, Legoland Windsor was completely unrecognisable in comparison to its predecessor. The car parks were moved to the top of the site, accessed via a long winding entrance road which feature large letters made from Lego, spelling out ‘welcome’. With the park entrance area now being located at the highest point of the park, incredible views of the park and beyond were offered to guests, and in particular, a beautiful view of Windsor Castle in the distance.

The only attraction retained was the funicular railway which was upgraded and renamed Hill Train. Taking guests in to the middle of the action, three brightly coloured carriages travel between the entrance area and centre of the park. The only other recognisable landmark to feature in the new park was the grand mansion at the top of the hill, now repurposed as the central management offices and a corporate events venue.

Due to increasing losses across the Lego Group, the Legoland parks were put up for sale in 2005. They were acquired by the Blackstone Group and control of the parks passed to Merlin Entertainments, with Lego keeping a smaller share. A few years later, Merlin would purchase the Tussauds Group, which brought Alton Towers, Chessington World of Adventures and Thorpe Park in to a new cluster of theme parks, positioning Merlin as the leading operator of theme parks in the UK, with a clear monopoly of attractions.

The original line-up of attractions at Legoland Windsor was modest, offering guests a mix of family rides and creative experiences. The park would steadily expand over the years, installing original attractions such as Raft Racers, Laser Raiders and Atlantis Submarine Voyage, and rides found in the original Billund park such as The Dragon, Wave Surfers and now removed Jungle Coaster .

With Merlin’s focus on guests spending multiple days at their attractions, hotels have been built on the property that feature exclusive entrances in to the theme park for those who are staying. On completion of the first hotel in 2012, the park was rebranded as Legoland Windsor Resort, which emphasised that the park was now a short break destination.

As the Lego brand has continued to evolve, and new ranges of toys have been launched, many of the original attractions have been updated to incorporate new branding which has been a continuous success story for the park. Legoland Windsor now welcomes over 2 million visitors per year, overtaking Alton Towers as the UK’s most popular theme park.

A safari experience like no other

Spend the Night

Welcome to Safari West

Go on safari.

Unleash Your Wildheart

Start the Adventure Group visits click here

Safari Glamping

Arrive as a Guest - Return as a Wild Friend

Dining in the Wild

Sonoma's South African Braai Experience

Private Adventures

Come face-to-face with the wildest animals around on your very own Private Safari Adventure!

A true Sahara specialist and one of the most endangered antelope in the world.

Read More Show another animal

Safari West Happenings

See all Happenings

Safari West Presents! Sonoma County Wildlife Rescue

Conservation Dinner Series:   Taylor Thomas of Sonoma County Wildlife Rescue joins us in the elephant room after dinner to give a talk about wildlife rehab and rescues.

Explore Share

Safari West Presents! River Otter Ecology Project

Conservation Dinner Series: Eric Jones of River Otter Ecology Project  joins us in the elephant room after dinner to give a talk about the river otter.

Inspiring Wildlife Posts

See all News

You OTTO know it's my birthday!

Otto was born to proud parents, Eesha and Ongava on April 2nd, 2023. Named in honor of Peter Lang's father,...

The Incredible Story of the Laysan Duck

People usually come to Safari West to see the showstoppers—giraffes, rhinos, cheetahs, or zebras. While these are all incredible animals,...

Think Your Family is Bananas? So is Ours​

​​The Holidays are here and it’s no secret that getting your troop together can be as stressful as fun. But...

THE PUBLIC TRAVELER

• May 13, 2023

Unlocking the Magic of LEGOLAND Windsor: The Ultimate Family Adventure

Updated: Jun 2, 2023

Hello, fellow wanderers! Stephen Stromberg, aka 'The Public Traveler,' here with another thrilling escapade to share with you. This time, I ventured across the pond to Windsor, England, where I explored the wondrous world of LEGOLAND Windsor Resort. If you're looking for an unforgettable family adventure that will transport you to a land of imagination and creativity, look no further. Buckle up and join me as we discover the history, culture, and incredible experiences that await at this iconic theme park.

A Colorful History: LEGOLAND Windsor

LEGOLAND Windsor, located in beautiful Windsor, England, first opened its doors in 1996. Since then, it has become one of the UK's top family attractions, drawing millions of visitors from around the world. Built on the former site of Windsor Safari Park, LEGOLAND Windsor is the second LEGOLAND park in the world, boasting over 55 rides, attractions, and shows spread across 12 themed lands. With its unique blend of LEGO-themed fun and educational experiences, it's no wonder this park has captured the hearts of children and adults alike.

A Playground of Culture and Creativity

The magic of LEGOLAND Windsor lies in its celebration of creativity and imagination. As you journey through the park, you'll encounter a wide array of themed lands, each offering its own unique cultural experiences. From the medieval charm of the Knight's Kingdom to the futuristic allure of Star Wars Miniland, LEGOLAND Windsor is a melting pot of inspiration and artistic expression. The park also pays homage to its British roots, with the captivating Miniland, where you can marvel at intricate LEGO recreations of iconic British landmarks.

A Day to Remember: Experiencing LEGOLAND Windsor

From the moment I arrived at LEGOLAND Windsor, I knew I was in for a day of non-stop fun and excitement. The park's vibrant atmosphere was contagious, with the sounds of laughter and delighted shrieks filling the air. The scent of freshly made popcorn and other tempting treats wafted through the park, while the kaleidoscope of colors and imaginative LEGO sculptures captivated my senses.

From thrilling roller coasters to interactive building stations, each attraction offered its own unique sensory experience, leaving me with a treasure trove of unforgettable memories.

Top 10 Reasons Why Visitors Should Visit

Experience over 55 rides, attractions, and shows

Immerse yourself in the world of LEGO with themed lands

Get hands-on with interactive building stations

Marvel at the incredible LEGO sculptures and models

Learn and play at the park's educational attractions

Take a splash in the DUPLO Valley Splash & Play

Meet your favorite LEGO characters in person

Enjoy live shows and entertainment for the whole family

Explore Miniland and discover iconic British landmarks

Create lifelong memories with friends and family

Top 10 Interesting Facts about LEGOLAND Windsor

Opened in 1996, the second LEGOLAND park in the world

Built on the former site of Windsor Safari Park

Boasts over 55 rides, attractions, and shows

Features 12 themed lands, including the largest LEGO model in the world

Contains over 80 million LEGO bricks throughout the park

Miniland alone took over 100 model makers more than three years to build

The park hosts annual events like the LEGO Star Wars Days and Brick or Treat

The LEGOLAND Hotel offers themed rooms for an immersive overnight experience

The park is committed to sustainability, with many eco-friendly initiatives

LEGOLAND Windsor offers special accommodations for guests with disabilities, ensuring an inclusive experience for all

Helpful Insider Travel Tips

Purchase tickets in advance online for the best deals and to save time at the entrance

Arrive early to maximize your time in the park

Plan your day using the LEGOLAND Windsor app for ride wait times and show schedules

Wear comfortable shoes and weather-appropriate clothing

Bring your own water bottle and snacks to save on food costs

Top Free Things to Do in Windsor

Stroll through the charming streets of Windsor town center

Take a leisurely walk along the scenic River Thames

Explore the historic Eton College, just a short walk from Windsor

Visit the beautiful Windsor Great Park

Admire the impressive public art installations throughout the town

Discover the fascinating exhibits at Windsor Museum

Attend one of the many free events and festivals in Windsor throughout the year

Enjoy a picnic on the riverside Alexandra Gardens

Take a self-guided tour of the Windsor Royal Shopping Centre

Spot planes at the nearby Heathrow Airport viewing platforms

Money Saving Tips

Book your tickets online in advance for discounted rates

Look for special offers and promotions on the LEGOLAND Windsor website

Bring your own food and drinks to avoid expensive in-park dining

Consider purchasing a Q-Bot device for your group to save time queuing and maximize your day

If you plan to visit multiple attractions in Windsor, check for combo tickets or discounts

Getting There

LEGOLAND Windsor is located at Winkfield Road, Windsor, SL4 4AY, England. The park is easily accessible by car or public transportation. If traveling by car, there's ample parking available on-site for a fee. Public transit options include trains from London to Windsor & Eton Central or Windsor & Eton Riverside stations, followed by a shuttle bus or taxi ride to the park.

How Much Time to Spend

To make the most of your LEGOLAND Windsor adventure, I recommend allocating a full day to explore the park. This will give you ample time to experience the rides, attractions, and shows without feeling rushed. If you're planning a multi-day visit, consider staying at the LEGOLAND Windsor Resort Hotel for an immersive LEGO experience.

ips and Crime Prevention

Keep an eye on your belongings at all times

Follow all ride safety guidelines and instructions

Stay with your group and utilize the buddy system

Make use of LEGOLAND's child identification wristbands for young children

If you have any concerns or need assistance, don't hesitate to approach LEGOLAND staff

Best Place to Eat Nearby

After a fun-filled day at LEGOLAND Windsor, refuel at the nearby GOGO'S Waterfront Restaurant. Just a short drive from the park, this riverside gem offers a mouthwatering selection of dishes with stunning views of the River Thames. Indulge in their famous peri-peri chicken or a sumptuous seafood platter while you unwind and reminisce about your unforgettable day.

Hours and Reservations

LEGOLAND Windsor's operating hours vary throughout the year, with the park typically open from 10 AM to 5 PM or 6 PM during peak seasons. It's essential to check the park's website for up-to-date information on hours and any special events or closures. Advance reservations are highly recommended for dining and hotel stays.

There you have it, fellow travelers! LEGOLAND Windsor is the ultimate family adventure, offering a magical world of creativity, imagination, and fun. I hope this guide has inspired you to embark on your own LEGOLAND Windsor journey and create lasting memories with your loved ones. So pack your bags, bring your sense of adventure, and get ready to experience the enchanting world of LEGO in all its glory. Until next time, happy travels!

Disclaimer: The information in this post was accurate to the best of our knowledge at the time of publication. However, we encourage readers to call the location or visit their website to obtain the most up-to-date information before planning their visit.

• World Locations

Recent Posts

Discover the British Magic of Kelsey Park: A Day in Nature's Wonderland

Discover the Timeless Magic of Kensington Gardens: A Royal Oasis in the Heart of London

Unlock the Secrets of Kensington Palace: A Royal Adventure Awaits in London

• Yekaterinburg
• Novosibirsk
• Vladivostok
• Top Sights in Moscow

• Tours to Russia
• Practicalities
• Russia in Lists

Rusmania • Deep into Russia

Around Rechnoy Vokzal Metro Station

Park druzhby.

Park Druzhby (Friendship Park) in Moscow's Levoberezhny District was opened in 1957 by delegates of the 6th World Festival of Youth and Students which was held in the Soviet capital. In addition to its natural attractions, including some ponds, there are also several statues and sculptures in the park. Two works by the famous Soviet sculptor Vera Mukhina entitled 'Bread' and 'Fertility' can be found by the entrance on Leningradskaya Shosse. Many of the other monuments in the park were donated by foreign countries or cities including Spain (a statue of the writer Miguel de Cervantes), India (a statue of the writer Rabindranath Tagore), Helsinki (a sculpture entitled Children of the World), Hungary (a Hungary-Soviet Friendship monument), Kyrgyzstan (a statue of Manas, the hero of a Kyrgyz epic poem) and Demark (a monument in gratitude of the Soviet war effort). The park's centrepiece is the Friendship Monument depicting a man and a woman releasing doves. In the north of the park there is also an Afghan War memorial.

Plan your next trip to Russia

Ready-to-book tours.

Your holiday in Russia starts here. Choose and book your tour to Russia.

REQUEST A CUSTOMISED TRIP

Looking for something unique? Create the trip of your dreams with the help of our experts.

• Bahasa Indonesia
• Eastern Europe
• Moscow Oblast

Elektrostal

Elektrostal Localisation : Country Russia , Oblast Moscow Oblast . Available Information : Geographical coordinates , Population, Area, Altitude, Weather and Hotel . Nearby cities and villages : Noginsk , Pavlovsky Posad and Staraya Kupavna .

Information

Find all the information of Elektrostal or click on the section of your choice in the left menu.

• Update data

Elektrostal Demography

Information on the people and the population of Elektrostal.

Elektrostal Geography

Geographic Information regarding City of Elektrostal .

Elektrostal Distance

Distance (in kilometers) between Elektrostal and the biggest cities of Russia.

Elektrostal Map

Locate simply the city of Elektrostal through the card, map and satellite image of the city.

Elektrostal Nearby cities and villages

Elektrostal weather.

Weather forecast for the next coming days and current time of Elektrostal.

Elektrostal Sunrise and sunset

Find below the times of sunrise and sunset calculated 7 days to Elektrostal.

Elektrostal Hotel

Our team has selected for you a list of hotel in Elektrostal classified by value for money. Book your hotel room at the best price.

Elektrostal Nearby

Below is a list of activities and point of interest in Elektrostal and its surroundings.

Elektrostal Page

• Information /Russian-Federation--Moscow-Oblast--Elektrostal#info
• Demography /Russian-Federation--Moscow-Oblast--Elektrostal#demo
• Geography /Russian-Federation--Moscow-Oblast--Elektrostal#geo
• Distance /Russian-Federation--Moscow-Oblast--Elektrostal#dist1
• Map /Russian-Federation--Moscow-Oblast--Elektrostal#map
• Nearby cities and villages /Russian-Federation--Moscow-Oblast--Elektrostal#dist2
• Weather /Russian-Federation--Moscow-Oblast--Elektrostal#weather
• Sunrise and sunset /Russian-Federation--Moscow-Oblast--Elektrostal#sun
• Hotel /Russian-Federation--Moscow-Oblast--Elektrostal#hotel
• Nearby /Russian-Federation--Moscow-Oblast--Elektrostal#around
• Page /Russian-Federation--Moscow-Oblast--Elektrostal#page
• Terms of Use
• Copyright © 2024 DB-City - All rights reserved
• Change Ad Consent Do not sell my data