Sani Resort Greece

Legoland, Billund, Denmark

Well, when the three co-founders of BROOD and six of the mini BROOD’s set off on an adventure to Legoland Denmark there was bound to be plenty of ‘brood moments’ along the way and that there was! 

BROOD crew in LEGOLAND

Legoland Billund – flight

It was an extremely short flight from Manchester to Denmark – which is always welcome when travelling with little ones – in fact it was such a short flight that if you live in the north of England, it will actually take you less time to get to Legoland Denmark than it would to drive to the one in Windsor! When we arrived in Billund, it was only 15 minutes to get to the Legoland hotel from the airport, which again was perfect for the children especially as we arrived late at night. Despite it being so late when we checked in the kids couldn’t contain their excitement as to how amazing the Legoland Castle Hotel was, and neither could the adults if truth be told! 

The hotel rooms themselves were set up perfectly for children and adults alike. Especially for a family of six, as it’s very rare that you can get a hotel room so fitting for your family. We had two bunk beds and a king-size bed in our room, both slightly segregated into their own little areas, which was perfect for the evenings. Once we had managed to bring the kids down off the ceiling of excitement, they each jumped into their beds with a promise of an exciting day ahead when they woke up. 

Legoland-peppa-pig
Legoland-peppa-pig
Arion Athens Hotel, Athens, Greece
Lalandia Billund Denmark

Lego house and Lalandia

The next morning once we’d got the kids ready, they sat nicely and played with the Lego that was provided in the room, which meant we were able to get ready in peace – this is not something to be underestimated! Then we headed downstairs for the hotel breakfast, it was a buffet with plenty of choices. Scheduled for our first day was a trip to Lego house and Lalandia – which is home to Scandinavia’s largest water park. We decided to go to Lego House first, thinking it was probably best for them to go swimming towards the end of the day. The hotel reception staff had informed us that Lego House was approximately a 20 minute walk from the hotel, and just as the nine of us were about to set off the heavens opened! Even though we all had coats on, the rain was so heavy that we decided to buy some of the yellow Legoland ponchos for backup. In hindsight, instead of the ponchos we probably would have been better off getting a taxi there. The rain didn’t dampen the children’s spirits though and they couldn’t wait to dive into all of the various activities that greeted you as soon as you entered Lego House. There was an array of mind blowing Lego models from huge dinosaurs, and miniature villages, to a tree that was the centrepiece of the staircase that went up three floors! The children were thoroughly entertained throughout their time at Lego House and it was so refreshing to see them diving into Lego bricks to build things and not once asking for any kind of technology. As we prepared to leave Lego house to go to our next destination, we couldn’t believe it had started snowing! Only when team brood go somewhere at the end of April, could it snow! So we figured out how to get a taxi and went straight to our next destination Lalandia – which was only a two minute walk from our hotel, so it was very handy to go back there for changes of clothes, etc. As well as being home to Scandinavia’s biggest waterpark, Lalandia was also filled with restaurants, trampolines, soft play areas and shops, including a supermarket – which was very handy to get the children’s drinks and snacks from. 

Arion Athens Hotel, Athens, Greece

The kids absolutely loved it in the waterpark and spent around two hours in there up and down slides, in and out of the pool, riding the waves. The youngest two couldn’t go in for that long, but there was a seating area with a viewing platform which had an enclosed play area so they were equally as happy as the older ones. It was a great afternoon and afterwards, we all enjoyed pizza from the takeaway pizzeria, which was really reasonably priced, and a few pizzas to share with drinks from the supermarket was perfect for us all.

After their tea settled, we let the kids go into the soft play area and ensured that they were worn out in time for bed. As we came out of Lalandia to go home the sun was shining and it was really warm – we’d enjoyed all four seasons in one day!

Legoland Denmark

We were up early again the next day as the children were super excited to go to Legoland Park, which was once again just two minutes from our hotel, with just one road to cross, that was a zebra crossing so it was nice and easy. There was so much to do at Legoland Park, we started by asking all the children what was the one thing that they most wanted to visit that day, and taking into account the two little ones Iris, 2 and Hartley, 4, would most love the new Peppa Pig land. We visited attractions like the Ninjago Land and a host of different rides that were all suitable for all different ages. Archer at only five-year-old proved to be the biggest daredevil of them all! We actually got to see an awful lot in one day and packed in lots of activities. Legoland Park doesn’t stay open too late either, which we only realised as it approached 5 o’clock that the park was starting to close rides – which helped us to get the children out of there and wind down for teatime. We knew we had the next day in the park to continue the fun which definitely helped take any stress off trying to cram everything in, so I would definitely recommend having two days in the park if you can. It’s definitely worth having a buggy for the little ones too, you can hire from Legoland, although I’d say whenever you travel anywhere having a little buggy at the airport for any child even under the age of five is super helpful. Our five year-old wanted to hop in it occasionally as you do end up doing an awful lot of steps in one day. I think we counted 16,000 steps one day, and 17,000 steps the next, so definitely get prepared in that sense. 

The next day we visited the sea life centre inside Legoland Park, as we hadn’t got around to that the day before, which the kids loved and we also had the opportunity to revisit some of their favourite rides and places, which cemented that Ninjago Land and Peppa Pig World were right up there. Then of course came the gift shop, but as they had all been so well behaved we did promise them that they could pick something out of the gift shop on the last day. The choice was overwhelming for them, so I would allow plenty of time for them to keep changing their mind and decide on what they want, especially when you are sticking to a budget. 

Is Legoland Billund worth it?

Absolutely! The children all enjoyed Legoland so much that they got quite teary when they were leaving and we had to make a promise that we would one day all go back together. And as adults, although it was tiring, it was so worth it. The children’s faces were lighting up each and every day with all the different things that were going on and we would all highly recommend Legoland Billund. We will definitely be returning and it would probably be nice to add on a few extra days to explore some of Billund as well. The Danish people and teams at Legoland were particularly helpful, and it felt very clean and safe. So if you’re looking for a fun mini break with the children, then I would put Legoland straight to the top of your list!

https://www.legoland.dk/en/

legoland Billund
Interview with Mother Pukka – AKA Anna Whitehouse

Interview with Mother Pukka – AKA Anna Whitehouse

Anna is formidable in her pursuit for equality in the workplace, fuelled by her passion to ensure that her girls, or any girls, don’t face a future where you can have your career snatched away from you just because you dared to have a baby; sadly this is something that Anna experienced first hand.

School Attendance at an all time low, but what’s the reason?

School Attendance at an all time low, but what’s the reason?

School attendance is at a crisis level, but the key issue is not a cheaper couple of days at Center Parcs, but the very serious issue educational settings not being able to meet children’s needs be that for children with SEN needs, or the who are experiencing bullying and experiencing anxiety, especially post-Covid and the experience of lockdowns on children and young people.

How to Handle Sleep Regressions Without Losing Your Sanity

How to Handle Sleep Regressions Without Losing Your Sanity

Just when it finally feels like sleep is under control thanks to a rigid bedtime routine you made, everything falls apart. The baby who used to sleep through the night is now waking up every hour. Naps are a battle. The bedtime routine that once worked like magic suddenly does nothing. Plus, exhaustion takes over, patience runs thin, and suddenly, drinking coffee feels like a personality trait.

HOW TO MANAGE THE CLOCKS SPRINGING FORWARD

HOW TO MANAGE THE CLOCKS SPRINGING FORWARD

Twice a year when the clocks change, we are inundated with questions and parents asking what they can do. Although the spring clock change can play havoc with our bodies (an increase in heart attacks and strokes the day after this happen) but it can really help you if you have a little one who likes waking before 5am!

Benefits & Considerations of Pensions for Children

Benefits & Considerations of Pensions for Children

One solution that often goes unnoticed is setting up a pension for your children. It may come as a surprise, but even newborns are eligible for a pension, just like working adults. Parents and guardians have the option to establish pensions for their little ones and make contributions on their behalf.