An Honest Review of LEGOLAND’s Brand New Woodland Village

This honest review of LEGOLAND Woodland Village contains affiliate links.

LEGOLAND has recently unveiled its newest accommodation.

Having already offered its guests access to a magical medieval realm thanks to its Castle Hotel, and eye-popping LEGO themes inside its Resort Hotel, this time visitors are invited to explore something a little different – a charming Woodland Village.

Offering lodges rather than hotel rooms, this nature-themed site offers visitors a whole new short-break experience; including a brand new restaurant, playgrounds and characters.

On paper, it all looks incredible – but, is a stay here worth the money?

Our family were lucky enough to be some of the first visitors to the new site, visiting over the May Bank Holiday weekend. Having experienced all this brand new accommodation had to offer, below is my honest review of LEGOLAND Woodland Village.

Accommodation at LEGOLAND Windsor

LEGOLAND Windsor already boasts two of its own official hotels, which are bookable via their short-break option.

These are the LEGOLAND Resort Hotel and the popular Castle Hotel. Last year, we stayed at the Castle Hotel – you can read our honest review of it here – and really enjoyed it. The package came with a number of perks, including free parking next to the hotel, a discounted ticket for a second day in the park, breakfast, a little gift (and treasure hunt) in our room, early park access and entry to the LEGOLAND playroom.

For those staying in the hotels, you’re also able to book a slot at the LEGO pirate-themed indoor swimming pool, which our son loved.

The hotels are all intricately themed and the level of detail really does make for a magical experience. Even as a thirty-something, I was excited by all the hidden features, meticulously made LEGO figures and thoughtful additions.

However, and as I mention in my review of the Castle Hotel, there were a few things that made our stay just shy of perfect. The Castle Hotel was pretty noisy and we could hear our neighbours all night long, alongside families coming and going from the early hours.

As a result, we all slept terribly.

Furthermore, breakfast at the Bricks restaurant was very chaotic and disappointing – with slow service, food all over the floor and families crowded in together. The food was basic, at best.

However, and given the fact that we still had a fantastic LEGOLAND short-break, we were still keen to visit again (at some point).

When I saw that LEGOLAND were therefore launching their brand new Woodland Village – a cluster of 150 lodges set across 10 acres, surrounded by a lake and woodland, I knew it was time to head back.

The lodges looked much quieter than the hotel – with each spaced out from one another and surrounded by trees. Despite being marketed as lodges, this was not self-catering accommodation. Instead, guests would have access to the brand new Clubhouse Restaurant and Bar –  a brand new dining facility decorated with adorable LEGO squirrels and a canopy of leaves.

It looked (on paper, at least) idyllic and a lovely place to decompress after the chaos of the park. Although a little pricey, we decided to bite the bullet and book – staying over the Village’s opening weekend.

LEGOLAND Woodland Village Prices

Firstly, and most importantly, how much does it cost to stay at LEGOLAND Woodland Village? And is the LEGOLAND Woodland Village more expensive than the Castle Hotel or Resort Hotel?

LEGOLAND Woodland Village Price

Surprisingly, the Woodland Village is actually much cheaper than both the LEGOLAND Resort Hotel and significantly less expensive than the Castle Hotel.

I know, I was surprised, too.

When we booked our own stay as a family of three (over May bank holiday, so therefore a little more expensive than off peak times), the cabin cost £330. According to LEGOLAND, prices officially ‘start’ from £295, but I haven’t seen these prices as of yet. By contrast, the Castle Hotel would have cost £537 and the LEGOLAND Resort Hotel £452 over the same weekend.

That is quite the saving.

During off peak times, this difference in price is less significant – but you’ll still save around £100, which is a lot when it comes to a one night break.

In terms of LEGOLAND Woodland Village parking – there is a free car park for guests, just outside of the main village itself. Unlike hotel guests, you’ll enter the park via its main entrance, rather than through the hotel entrance – which is at the other end of the park.

This is a possible downside of staying at the Village, as this main entrance is much busier than the hotel’s. However, it’s just a short five minute walk away – so not too far.

Let’s face it, regardless of where you stay, a short-break to LEGOLAND is expensive. However, by offering the LEGOLAND Woodland Village, visitors at least have a somewhat cheaper alternative to the hotels.

It’s important to remember that the above prices don’t include a number of other items you’ll need to budget for. Whilst breakfast is free, you’ll still need to pay for dinner, your second day in the park (if you want to go back in) and any additional extras, like digital photos, snacks, or treats (e.g. birthday packages).

In total, if staying at the LEGOLAND Woodland Village, I’d therefore put aside age least £450 to cover your one night stay.

What’s Included with a LEGOLAND Woodland Village Short-Break?

As a guest to this new village, you’ll enjoy a number of benefits and free access to some of the resort’s latest activities.

Breakfast and Dinner at the Brand New Clubhouse Restaurant

Rather than heading all the way to the Bricks restaurant for breakfast or dinner (found in the Resort Hotel), guests to the Woodland Village have access to their very own Clubhouse Restaurant and Bar.

If you stay at the Castle hotel, you can have dinner at its own Tournament Restaurant. However, you’ll still have your breakfast at the Bricks restaurant – which means twice the number of guests. By having its own restaurant, Woodland Village guests are therefore guaranteed a much quieter morning meal – something that definitely appealed to me.

The Clubhouse is nature themed, featuring a terrace for evening drinks, a well-stocked bar, a LEGO campfire in the middle (surrounded by LEGO for free play, of course), and an area for live entertainment.

Free Access to LEGOLAND’s New Adventure Golf Course

LEGOLAND Windsor has recently opened a brand new Adventure Golf Course – offering mini golf to its guests.

If you stay at the Village, you automatically get free access to the venue, rather than having to pay £7.50 – £10 online, or £13 for walk-up entry.

The course takes place across four different zones (space, LEGO City, a Medieval village and pirates) and is a great evening activity after a busy day in the park.

A quick note, they do recommend that the course is best suited for kids over 3 – definitely something to consider before taking your toddler along (alas, our 3 year old got frustrated within 5 minutes).

Junior Rangers – New Play Areas and Games

The LEGOLAND Woodland Village is supervised by two new characters – Alex and Lena the Rangers. Based on adventures in the great outdoors, the Woodland Village encourages its young visitors to join forces and become Junior Rangers.

To promote this, the Woodland Village site is covered in pathways filled with hidden LEGO models (rabbits, tiny moles, foxes, badgers, little snails), and in your room you’ll discover a Rangers’ book filled with puzzles and games.

Outside, each cluster of lodges have their own small play area (each is different) and all guests have access the main play area – found just outside the Clubhouse.

Staying here is a much more outdoorsy experience than staying in the LEGOLAND hotels, and the parks and walks are a lovely tonic after a day in the park.

Free Parking

A little boring – but important – if you stay at the LEGOLAND Woodland Village, you’ll get free parking, just outside the village. Normally, if you were visiting LEGOLAND for the day, you’d have to pay for parking separately, so this is very handy.

Types of Accommodation at LEGOLAND Woodland Village

There are three different types of accommodation available inside the new Woodland Village – with three different price tags.

Standard Woodland Lodge

During our own stay, we stayed in one of the Woodland Village’s Standard Woodland Lodges.

These cabins sleep up to five (a double bed, a bunk bed and a pull out bed), and are on one level.

The children’s area is separated from the main room with a curtain (like the hotel rooms), and there is a bathroom – with shower. As there had been a bath in our Castle Hotel room, we assumed there would be one here too, so were a little caught out when it came to my son’s bath time.

The rooms have two TVs (in the main room and in the kid’s area), a LEGO build pit, alongside a lovely outdoor veranda – the perfect place to relax with a glass of wine.

Premium Woodland Lodge

If you’re after a bit more room, then the Premium Woodland Lodge are a good option.

Set over two floors – the top floor is a mezzanine – these lodges sleep up to 7 people and have a lot more room downstairs, with a sofa (that can turn into a bed) and small TV area.

If, like us, you have a toddler that can’t sleep if you’re right next to them, then this is a better option.

Woodland Barrels

The cheapest accommodation at the LEGOLAND Woodland Village are the Woodland Barrels.

These are marketed as a ‘glamping experience’ and can sleep four – featuring a main double bed at the back, followed by two single beds near the front. Although they have lighting, heating and charging points, there are no TVs or LEGO build pits.

Furthermore, there are no bathrooms, so guests need to use the nearby toilet and shower block (just across from the barrels).

We had a look at the barrels and thought that they actually looked a lot of fun. However, if I was travelling with young kids, I’d perhaps want more room – particularly if the weather wasn’t very good. I can’t imagine wanting to spend too much time in there altogether, as things might get a bit claustrophobic.

That said, if the weather was good, you’d likely be outside anyway – exploring the new parks, or enjoying the evening entertainment at the Clubhouse. So it perhaps wouldn’t matter.

My Honest Review of LEGOLAND Woodland Village: What I Liked

With all of the above detail covered, let’s get onto the main act: my honest review of LEGOLAND Woodland Village.

Firstly, let me start by saying we had a great stay and I was extremely impressed by this new venue. The Woodland  Village was immaculate, fun and full of beautiful details – and far less overstimulating than the Castle Hotel.

Below are some specific things we loved.

1. The Theme and Level of Detail

First off, the theme and design of the Woodland Village is, well – incredibly cute.

While the Resort Hotel and Castle Hotel are both beautifully decorated, the themes are geared towards dazzling LEGO knights, wizards and loud NINJAGO figures. At the Woodland Village, however, the theme is a little more laid back and (quite frankly) adorable.

Get your camera ready, as you’ll want to photograph every tiny LEGO bunny, bee, fox, mole, badger and bird you’ll come across.

First impressions count and when we walked into reception, found in the Clubhouse, we were immediately blown away.

Above our heads was a canopy of LEGO leaves and a meandering forest, filled with lanterns and twinkling lights. At the centre was a LEGO tree, filled with little critters – and the sound of birdsong filled the room. Across the walls were little photos of LEGO people hard at work in nature, and the room was wonderfully light and airy.

We were incredibly impressed.

Throughout the site, this level of detail and quality continues. Even the toilets are filled with the sound of birdsong, and the site is filled with hidden figures to uncover.

This is a new theme for LEGO and they’ve executed it beautifully. The new mascot, a little LEGO man inside a fox costume and the ‘Acorn Man’ are great finishing touches and bring the whole experience together.

It’s fun and engaging, but (thankfully) free of the loud and overstimulating elements of some of the other LEGO themes.

2. Our Woodland Lodge

As per the rest of the site, our lodge was beautifully decorated and filled with fantastic little surprises. As it was brand new, it was immaculate and we loved the new wallpaper – decorated  with LEGO animals and bright colours.

The bathroom, despite the lack of bath, was perfect – and had new Brick toiletries, which smelt surprisingly good. Our bed was much comfier than the bed we had in the Castle Hotel, and the bedding and pillows were gloriously plump.

We also had a big TV in both rooms and the one in my son’s room was much bigger and more modern than the one in the Castle Hotel.

Overall, it was definitely our son’s little alcove that was the biggest hit.

Again, like the hotel rooms, the kid’s section is separated by a curtain and comes with a bunk bed (with a roll out bed underneath), a LEGO build pit and a TV. Unlike in the hotel, my son also had his own window – which meant his room was lovely and sunny.

Although small, this space is perfect for little kids and was magical to explore. One of our favourite features was the ‘sleep under the stars’ lamp – which projected stars and galaxies onto the ceiling of the room (in keeping with the camping and adventure theme). Once we turned the lights out, the room looked absolutely magical.

The LEGO build pit was brilliantly kitted out with brand new LEGO and occupied my son for ages.

We also enjoyed the treasure hunt (there is a safe under the build pit), and was thrilled to discover the activity book, flag, free LEGO kit and badge once we’d cracked the code.

Overall, the room was a pretty good size – with a fair amount of room between the bed and the wardrobes (plenty of room for a travel cot). It was also lovely to be able to sit out on the porch once evening came.

For me, this was yet another reason why I believe the Woodland Village is much better than the Castle Hotel (or Resort hotel). It was a relief to have some outside space to relax, while my son played in the park just in front of us – and lovely to have a place to sit while he slept.

3. The Clubhouse Restaurant – Much Better Food and Ambience

As I mentioned, during our last visit we stayed at the Castle Hotel and therefore had dinner at the Tournament restaurant. As required, we had our breakfast in the Bricks restaurant, which comes as part of the short-break package.

Although the Tournament restaurant was well-themed, the food was bizarre (think modern-medieval fare) and it was a bit quiet and lacking in atmosphere. The Bricks restaurant, by contrast, was jam-packed, noisy and breakfast was terrible. None of us ate much and we felt that for the price of the package, it was a bit of a rip-off.

Thankfully, the Clubhouse Restaurant and Bar was so much better than both of these restaurants.

Firstly, just the lay out of the restaurant was more pleasant. It was large with a big, wraparound veranda – perfect for al fresco meals come the summer. It was also beautifully decorated, with the woodland canopy overhead and had genuinely comfy chairs – perfect for a glass of wine as the evening entertainment started.

Furthermore, the food wasn’t just an improvement on the meals in the other hotels, it was genuinely great in its own right.

For a theme park restaurant, it really did deliver.

The menu at the Woodland Village was based on more plant-based meals (given the nature and foraging theme, I presume), and had some great options, including charred cauliflower, blackened cod (which I enjoyed), linguine and some great looking pizzas. The kids’ menu was just as good and actually healthy, which was a pleasant surprise.

As dinner isn’t included in the short-break package, we did have to pay – but it was reasonable. Under threes eat for free (three courses), and our own mains, desserts and two beers came to a respectable £39.

After the disaster that was breakfast at the Bricks restaurant last year, we were a bit skeptical about what it would be like at the Woodland Village.

However, we needn’t have worried.

Alongside a continental breakfast (featuring cereal, toast and pastries), guests could also choose between pancakes or a Full English (and a smaller version for children).

Breakfast was actually really tasty and beautifully presented – and our son devoured his pancakes. It was also relaxed and calm, and we sat with a cup of tea as the sun streamed in and  birdsong played around us.

It was a world away from the chaos of the Bricks restaurant.

4. More Peaceful and Relaxing

While the LEGOLAND hotels are fun, vibrant and – well, busy, the Woodland Village offers a slightly different vibe.

A vibe that this thirty something was very pleased about.

Although it was opening weekend, the site had an incredibly chilled and relaxed atmosphere. Families were sat out on their porches, while kids played on the different play areas, and there were new trees and plants at every turn.

Despite there being 150 cabins, they are designed in little cul-de-sacs, with their own private play areas – meaning that nowhere feels particularly crowded. Instead, it’s well spaced out and everyone has plenty of room to walk, run around or read a book in peace.

As we fell asleep that night, we even heard an owl somewhere in the woodland behind us – making for a very authentic ‘ranger’ experience.

5. Amazing for Families and Bigger Groups

During our own visit, we noticed that families had come together in big groups – booking multiple lodges next to one another.

This meant that families could sit out on their porches together, while the kids played around them, and could explore the site together – spotting hidden LEGO animals along the way.

This is a very different set up to the hotels, where families are cut off from one another in separate rooms. Instead, the Woodland Village feels more like a Centre Parcs, perhaps, where families and all generations can come together and share accommodation.

6. Much Better Value for Money than the LEGOLAND Castle Hotel

Having now stayed at the LEGOLAND Woodland Village, I honestly can’t believe that it’s not only cheaper – but significantly less expensive – than the Castle Hotel.

We loved our stay at the Castle Hotel, it was genuinely fantastic. However, I don’t think it warrants being as expensive as it is, especially when I think the Woodland Village offers a far nicer experience, better accommodation and a more enjoyable atmosphere.

My Honest Review of LEGOLAND Woodland Village: What I Didn’t Like

To ensure this LEGOLAND Woodland Village review is as honest as possible, it’s important that I include a few things that perhaps were disappointing, or underwhelming, about the accommodation.

1. Still Noisy (Not Detached Accommodation)

When I first booked our stay at the Woodland Village, photographs of the outside of the lodges were not yet available. Instead, the site just showed illustrations and photographs of the interior of the lodges.

As such, and perhaps this was naive of me, I assumed that each lodge was fully detached – as lodges so often are. This was something I was pleased about, given how noisy I found the Castle Hotel and its paper thin walls.

I was therefore a bit surprised when we checked in and discovered that the standard lodges are in fact attached to another lodge (think a triangle shape, split down the middle) – or semi detached.

As the lodges have wooden floors, you can hear next door walking around very clearly – in fact, the sound is probably exaggerated and so it sounds like baby elephants are next door. You can also hear people’s conversations pretty easily (we heard our neighbours’ at least).

Thankfully, we had an older couple next door who were fairly quiet, but I imagine had it been another family, it would have been pretty noisy.

Again, this is perhaps something just to expect from a theme park hotel aimed at families, but I had been expecting quieter, detached accommodation.

2. Still Expensive for What It Is

Although cheaper than the official LEGOLAND hotels, the lodges at the LEGOLAND Woodland Village are far from a budget option.

In fact, and given that one night is going to set you back around £400 in total, they probably aren’t affordable for most.

Yes, the theme and detail is brilliant, however, it’s still a fairly small lodge, with pretty basic furnishings and amenities. Considering you could stay at a luxury London hotel for £400 a night, some might say the lodges are ultimately overpriced.

My Honest Review of LEGOLAND Woodland Village: Verdict

Having been one of the first guests at LEGOLAND Woodland Village, I can confidently say it’s a fantastic new accommodation, with a theme that (in my opinion, at least) surpasses both the Castle and Resort Hotels.

We had a brilliant short-break here and were extremely impressed by not only the accommodation, but by the restaurant, the quality of the food, the more tranquil atmosphere and the hidden surprises throughout.

I’d honestly say that when it comes to which is better, the Woodland Village or the Castle Hotel, the Woodland Village wins.

Of course, the prices are expensive and the cost perhaps doesn’t match the quality of the accommodation on offer. However, what you are paying for is the experience – the thoughtful soundtracks that play throughout the site, the tiny LEGO moles hidden amongst the grass and the expression on your kid’s face when they see the stars projected across their room.

LEGOLAND is never a cheap break, especially if you’re staying onsite. However, what they do, they do brilliantly – and the Woodland Village was everything we hoped for (and some).

So, if you’re wondering is a stay at the LEGOLAND Woodland Village is worth it? My answer would be a resounding ‘yes’.