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NEWS
Legoland Discovery Centre removes Northern Rail replicas from attraction in wake of public travel woes
POSTED 13 Jun 2018 . BY Tom Anstey
Britain's rail network is currently in such a state, that even its Lego alternative has cancelled its services.

A statement to operator Northern Rail, the Legoland Discovery Centre in Manchester has echoed the British public's frustration over recent timetable changes by publicly removing the trains from its Mini Land attraction.

In the north of England, more than 2,000 trains have been cancelled completely, with a further 2,000 "part cancelled". Hundreds of trains have also had the number of carriages reduced with a new timetable causing chaos on the lines.

According to the Merlin-run attraction, 29 per cent of its visitors live in affected areas including Stockport, Warrington, Liverpool, Stoke-on-Trent, Bolton and Wigan. Over the last 8 weeks, footfall from some of those areas has decreased by half, says the operator.

“The shift in visitor patterns marries with the Northern Rail change to timetables and surge of cancellations and delays.” said Jenn McDonough, general manager for Merlin's Manchester cluster.

“The suggestion from staff that the Northern train should be removed from the attraction, we feel, reflects events from the region.

“As a Northern business, we depend on visitors from neighbouring areas, and I know we’re not alone. Northern Rail’s ongoing problems are such that it’s impacting on business."

The blue and purple train was built by Alex Bidolak, a Lego master model builder. Bidolak created the entire Mini Land, which is a miniature version of Manchester and features more than 15,500 bricks.
The statement is in acknowledgement of the millions of commuters affected by the current Northern Rail chaos
The blue and purple train was built by Alex Bidolak, a Lego master model builder
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  Expansion for Legoland Windsor on the cards after Merlin submits 2024 masterplan


Merlin Entertainments is planning a grand expansion of Legoland Windsor, after the operator filed a planning application to include new attractions and accommodation as part of an eight-year masterplan to develop the UK theme park.
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NEWS
Legoland Discovery Centre removes Northern Rail replicas from attraction in wake of public travel woes
POSTED 13 Jun 2018 . BY Tom Anstey
Britain's rail network is currently in such a state, that even its Lego alternative has cancelled its services.

A statement to operator Northern Rail, the Legoland Discovery Centre in Manchester has echoed the British public's frustration over recent timetable changes by publicly removing the trains from its Mini Land attraction.

In the north of England, more than 2,000 trains have been cancelled completely, with a further 2,000 "part cancelled". Hundreds of trains have also had the number of carriages reduced with a new timetable causing chaos on the lines.

According to the Merlin-run attraction, 29 per cent of its visitors live in affected areas including Stockport, Warrington, Liverpool, Stoke-on-Trent, Bolton and Wigan. Over the last 8 weeks, footfall from some of those areas has decreased by half, says the operator.

“The shift in visitor patterns marries with the Northern Rail change to timetables and surge of cancellations and delays.” said Jenn McDonough, general manager for Merlin's Manchester cluster.

“The suggestion from staff that the Northern train should be removed from the attraction, we feel, reflects events from the region.

“As a Northern business, we depend on visitors from neighbouring areas, and I know we’re not alone. Northern Rail’s ongoing problems are such that it’s impacting on business."

The blue and purple train was built by Alex Bidolak, a Lego master model builder. Bidolak created the entire Mini Land, which is a miniature version of Manchester and features more than 15,500 bricks.
The statement is in acknowledgement of the millions of commuters affected by the current Northern Rail chaos
The blue and purple train was built by Alex Bidolak, a Lego master model builder
RELATED STORIES
Legoland Florida announces Lego Movie expansion plans


Merlin has announced the largest expansion for Legoland Florida since it opened in 2011.
Legoland bringing VR coaster racing experience to Florida, Malaysia and Germany parks


Merlin Entertainments has revealed plans to introduce a high-adrenaline virtual reality (VR) experience to rollercoasters in three of its parks.
Expansion for Legoland Windsor on the cards after Merlin submits 2024 masterplan


Merlin Entertainments is planning a grand expansion of Legoland Windsor, after the operator filed a planning application to include new attractions and accommodation as part of an eight-year masterplan to develop the UK theme park.
MORE NEWS
Expo 2030 Riyadh will create a permanent global destination
Expo 2030 Riyadh is being planned as a permanent visitor destination, with organisers confirming the six-million-square-metre site will become a Global Village after the event closes.
Australian waterpark acquisition creates new leisure attractions group
The owner of one of Australia's best-known waterparks has acquired a major competitor, creating a new attractions business spanning two of the country's largest visitor destinations.
London Museum reveals 2026 opening date for new Smithfield home
The London Museum’s new site will open in Smithfield, East London, on 28 November 2026.
Toverland unveils €98m expansion plan as park prepares to launch resort development
The Toverland theme park in the Netherlands has announced a €98m expansion programme that will add a resort, new attractions and staff facilities as it pursues plans to become a multi- day destination.
Butterfly sanctuary to host hot yoga during retreat at Jersey Zoo for Hotel de France
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COMPANY PROFILES
Sally Corporation

Our services include: Dark ride design & build; Redevelopment of existing attractions; High-quality [more...]
DJW

David & Lynn Willrich started the Company over thirty years ago, from the Audio Visual Department [more...]
Alterface

Alterface’s Creative Division team is seasoned in concept and ride development, as well as storyte [more...]
Simworx Ltd

The company was initially established in 1997. Terry Monkton and Andrew Roberts are the key stakeh [more...]
+ More profiles  
CATALOGUE GALLERY
+ More catalogues  
DIRECTORY
+ More directory  
DIARY

 

23-26 Aug 2026

Elevate Spa Riviera Maya Edition

The Riviera Maya Edition Kanai, Playa del Carmen, Mexico
29 Sep - 02 Oct 2026

Synergy - The Retreat Show

Pical Resort, Valamar Collection, Porec, Croatia
+ More diary  
 


ADVERTISE . CONTACT US

Leisure Media
Tel: +44 (0)1462 431385

©Cybertrek 2026

ABOUT LEISURE MEDIA
LEISURE MEDIA MAGAZINES
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