Unofficial Guide to Legoland Windsor

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UNOFFICIAL GUIDE TO LEGOLAND WINDSOR

Coastguard HQ

A gentle ride in a self-drive boat. Coastguard HQ is a very popular attraction and peak-time queues will be long. Up to 3 people can ride in each electrically-powered plastic boat which is, of course, styled like Lego in places.

Coastguard HQ ride at Legoland Windsor

Queuing is mainly under cover and within the queue there are Lego building areas (using DUPLO blocks) to make the time pass quicker for the younger ones. Once you are queuing on the bridge look for the windows above the boarding platforms - this is where the ride operators control the locking mechanisms which keep the boats steady(ish) when boarding.

Boarding the boat is sometimes an event in itself because it doesn't always stay stable. When you board you will find a "Go" pedal just to the right of centre and the steering wheel in the middle. Children love to steer the boat, however you will find the steering only works properly when you have the Go pedal down (this makes water shoot past the rudder).

Two Coastguard HQers aproach the end of the ride

There is a predefined route which you should follow, although you can go as fast or slow as you wish as there is plenty of room to overtake. Watch out for Lego animals on your journey - most notably the crocodile and the elephant (we won't spoil the surprise with the elephant).

You may see the Legoland Express train go overhead. This is a good example of how well the Legoland park is designed - it's almost as if the rides interact with each other. There are 30 boats on the water.

It doesn't always go smoothly! The boats only go forwards and so sometimes captains get it wrong and steer in to a corner, from which there is no escape! As you can see in this video, Legoland staff members will come along and help you out:

Can't use the screen above? Try the alternative video link.

This ride was called Boating School until 2015. Coastguard HQ is an oasis of calm once you are on the water - recommended.

Location: LEGO City.

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