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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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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
OMA completes New Museum transformation with landmark expansion and Oberon restaurant
OMA has completed a major transformation of New York's New Museum, creating a larger cultural campus that combines expanded exhibition spaces with learning, performance, hospitality and public programming.
David Rockwell creates immersive magic destination, The Hand and The Eye
A US$50 million (£44.2 million, €51.2 million) transformation of Chicago's historic McCormick Mansion has created a new destination that combines live magic, immersive theatre, dining and private membership under one roof.
Montana Heritage Center opens with immersive exhibits and US$107 million investment
The Montana Historical Society has officially celebrated the opening of its new Montana Heritage Center, a US$107 million (£79 million, €92 million) destination that combines immersive storytelling with cutting-edge audiovisual technology to bring the sta
Universal launches new theme park model with Kids Resort
Universal Destinations and Experiences has launched a new regional theme park model with the opening of Universal Kids Resort in Frisco, Texas.
San Antonio Zoo reports $283 million economic impact as expansion plans progress
San Antonio Zoo has reported a US$283 million economic impact for 2025, following a decade- long transformation programme that has seen almost US$200 million invested into the Texas attraction.
Great Barrier Reef attraction set for AU$180 million reinvention
Plans for the AU$180 million redevelopment of Reef HQ Aquarium in Townsville, Australia, are progressing, with the project set to transform the attraction into a global centre for reef education and conservation.
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COMPANY PROFILES
iPlayCO

iPlayCo was established in 1999. [more...]
TechnoAlpin Indoor

TechnoAlpin is the world leader for snowmaking systems. With the Indoor snow division, TechnoAlpin c [more...]
Alterface

Alterface’s Creative Division team is seasoned in concept and ride development, as well as storyte [more...]
Vekoma Rides Manufacturing B.V.

Vekoma Rides has a large variety of coasters and attractions. [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  
 


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Tel: +44 (0)1462 431385

©Cybertrek 2026

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