Yesterday, Tuesday 17th March, we were delighted to join Merlin Entertainments and South Western Railway (SWR) at London Waterloo Station for a very special unveiling. To celebrate the 30th anniversary of LEGOLAND Windsor Resort, which opened its doors exactly 30 years ago to the day on 17th March 1996, SWR has officially named one of its brand-new Arterio trains the LEGOLAND Locomotive.
A Grand Unveiling at Waterloo
The event kicked off on Platform 19, where the vibrant, LEGO-themed train was revealed to the public. The ceremony featured speeches from Ramesh Ganeson, Merlin’s Vice President of the LEGOLAND Windsor Resort, and James Wale, Fleet Director at South Western Railway.
The unveiling was a colourful affair, complete with a guest appearance by the LEGO character 'Brick Suit Girl' and several brick-tastic surprises for those in attendance. The naming of the train highlights the seamless connection between London and Windsor & Eton Riverside, encouraging families to leave the car at home and start their day of play on the railway.
https://www.themeparks.us.com/uk-theme-park-news/1628-all-aboard-the-new-legoland-locomotive-swr-and-legoland-windsor-celebrate-30-years-of-awesome#sigProId123b9fd328
The Maiden Voyage
Following the speeches, we were honoured to be among the first to travel on the newly named train. We boarded a private carriage for a smooth journey to Windsor & Eton Riverside.
The Arterio fleet represents a £1 billion investment for SWR, offering 50% more capacity than the trains they replace. As Fiona Eastwood, CEO of Merlin Entertainments, noted ahead of the event, this route is a vital link for theme park fans, connecting Waterloo to LEGOLAND at one end, and attractions like the London Eye and SEA LIFE London Aquarium at the other.
On arrival in Windsor & Eton Riverside it's just a short bus ride up to the theme park entrance.
https://www.themeparks.us.com/uk-theme-park-news/1628-all-aboard-the-new-legoland-locomotive-swr-and-legoland-windsor-celebrate-30-years-of-awesome#sigProIdb6d75bf9d2
30 Years of Memories at the Resort
Upon arriving at the park, the celebrations continued in style. LEGOLAND Windsor has pulled out all the stops for its 30th Birthday Celebrations, which kicked off earlier this year and will run throughout 2026.
Some of the highlights that we experienced:
- The 1996 High Street: We explored Miniland to see a brand-new installation, a nostalgic LEGO model of a 1996 UK high street, created specifically for the anniversary.
- Birthday Brick Bash: We joined the party at the 'Birthday Brick Bash' live show, featuring music, dancing, and plenty of audience participation.
- Meet the Birthday Brick Guy: Guests can snap a selfie with the 8-foot-tall LEGO birthday cake and meet the exclusive 'Birthday Brick Guy' character.
- Commemorative Souvenir Guide: We picked up a copy of the 1996 Resort Map Re-release. Available as a limited time, it’s a wonderful trip down memory lane for anyone who visited the park in its early years.
https://www.themeparks.us.com/uk-theme-park-news/1628-all-aboard-the-new-legoland-locomotive-swr-and-legoland-windsor-celebrate-30-years-of-awesome#sigProId81e774783a
Start Your Adventure
So if you’re planning a visit to LEGOLAND Windsor Resort for the 30th Birthday Celebrations, there’s never been a better time to travel by train. Not only is it a stress-free way to travel, but SWR Rewards even offers 1/3 off all 1-day entry tickets to the Resort when you travel by rail.
Whether you're there for the nostalgia of the 1996 models and maps, or the new live shows and characters, it's a milestone event you won't want to miss.
- Tickets: Book online at LEGOLAND.co.uk from £32.
- Travel: Look out for the LEGOLAND Locomotive on South Western Railway services from London Waterloo to Windsor & Eton Riverside.
