Legoland Windsor evacuated guests and abruptly closed its theme park after a burst water main near St Leonards Reservoir severely disrupted water supplies to the resort. The unexpected incident occurred at lunchtime on a Sunday, leaving visitors halfway through their day out.
According to Thames Water, utility crews had to temporarily shut off the damaged water main to prevent widespread flooding in the local area. The emergency shut-off directly impacted water services at the popular theme park, while some nearby residents experienced flooded gardens as a result of the pipe failure.
Visitors Evacuated Mid-Visit
Families and tourists were instructed to leave rides and exit the resort grounds as operations came to a sudden halt. One visitor who travelled with her children from Cornwall described the sudden evacuation as “surreal.”
We were queuing for a ride and had got right to the front when, all of a sudden, everything stopped moving. Then they came out and said, ‘Right, come on, everybody off,’ said a visitor affected by the sudden closure.
Many ticket holders who had booked overnight stays at the Legoland hotel expressed disappointment after being forced to cut their weekend short and drive home early.
Thames Water and Merlin Entertainments Response
Merlin Entertainments, the operator behind Legoland Windsor, confirmed that the resort worked closely with local partners while the attraction remained closed. Representatives thanked visitors for their patience and understanding during the unexpected disruption.
Thames Water later confirmed that water supplies had been successfully restored to the area and that repair work on the damaged infrastructure was well under way. The resort resumed normal operations and reopened its gates to the public following the resolution of the water supply issues.
Broader Updates at Legoland Windsor
The temporary water closure comes amid a period of ongoing development and infrastructure changes at the Windsor resort. Earlier in the year, planning documents submitted to the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead revealed proposals to demolish the former Viking River Splash ride, which closed permanently in September 2023. Additionally, the park has explored plans to introduce a modern 4D cinema on the site of the existing Imagination Theatre.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Legoland Windsor close unexpectedly?
Legoland Windsor closed after a burst water main near St Leonards Reservoir disrupted water supplies to the resort, forcing operators to halt rides and evacuate the park.
Who is responsible for the water supply issue?
Thames Water managed the infrastructure failure, shutting off the damaged main to prevent local flooding before carrying out repairs and restoring service.
Were hotel guests affected by the closure?
Yes, visitors who booked overnight stays at the Legoland hotel experienced disruptions to their trip and were forced to leave early.
When did the theme park reopen?
Following successful repairs and the restoration of water supplies by Thames Water, the resort resumed normal operating hours.
Who operates Legoland Windsor?
The theme park is operated by Merlin Entertainments, which oversees multiple major attractions across the United Kingdom.
