Much like the Classic Space sets, LEGO® fans look upon the Castle sets with great fondness. The medieval-inspired sets debuted in the late 70s and have appeared in many forms since. Over the years, various factions were introduced and it’s those sets which are considered the golden age of LEGO Castle. With so many sets forming the various aspects of LEGO Castle, it’s a lot more difficult to pinpoint a singular set to celebrate this much-loved theme. Unlike the reimagined take on Galaxy Explorer, the castle-themed celebration of the LEGO Group’s 90th anniversary encompasses various eras of LEGO Castle and the result is the Lion Knights’ Castle. Think of it as the ultimate LEGO Castle set, filled with various features and Easter Eggs marking key castle moments and characters. But does a 4000+ piece set to mark this milestone moment magnificently? Here’s the first part of my review of the 90th Anniversary Lion Knights’ Castle set.
Product Details
A long time ago there was a child who loved to build with LEGO® bricks. Now that child is grown up and there’s a new quest to enjoy. Celebrating 90 years of LEGO history, the Lion Knights’ Castle (10305) building set is a new interpretation inspired by the original LEGO Castle System and a build requested by fans for years.
Tales of daring escapades
The impressive set is packed with surprises around every corner. Discover stunning details on every side of the buildable model, then open it up to explore the interior. There are hidden passages, moveable walls, secret hideouts, a medieval drawbridge and portcullis that open, a mill with a turning waterwheel, towers and turrets, living quarters, an armoury and more. With 22 minifigures, you can set the stage for epic battles and daring escapes time and time again.
- Set Name: Lion Knights’ Castle
- Set Number: 10305
- Pieces: 4514
- RRP: £344.99/$399.99/399.99€
- Number of Bags: Bags x 26 + loose elements
- Stickers: N/A
- Minifigures: 22
- Instructions: Booklet x 1 + LEGO Building Instructions App
- Availability: LEGO Stores & LEGO Online from August 1st – Available to Pre-order Now
The Castle-themed sets began life in the 70s with the now iconic Yellow Castle, but the theme really arrived in the mid-80s, when sets became more realistic, factions were introduced and it’s also where my LEGO journey first began. My very first LEGO experience was with set 6080: King’s Castle. I must have had it when I was around 6 or 7 years old, so a few years after its release. It’s that very castle which acts as inspiration for the new set. Although that inspiration does seem rather limited.
Due to the size of the set, my review will be broken into two parts. I’ve already taken a brief look at the minifigures here. They are found at various points throughout the build and see plenty of nods to past factions including the Lion Knights, Black Falcons and the Forestmen. Little bits of Castle lore are dotted throughout the two instruction books, with the first also giving a brief history lesson about the Castle theme. As the Castle is built in two halves, each instruction book is focused on each section of the build.
Unlike the Castles of old, the Lion Knights’ new digs are not built on a baseplate but rather on a selection of smaller plates. This allows the castle structure to be a little more unique in shape as well as having different surfaces such as grass, rock and water. Although this offers better and more textured detail, it is a little unstable when moving. With the grassy plates easily coming away from the foundations of the building.
As well as being one-half of the overall Castle, the section also opens out to give access to the interior of the Castle. This is where a few fun details and Easter Eggs can be found. The unique configuration of the building has allowed it to feature some interesting flourishes. There’s a neat little water feature hidden along the winding steps through the Castle. The Banquet Hall’s walls are adorned with various shields and there’s even a mini version of the very first LEGO Castle set in one of the upper rooms.
There are a few other details you’d associate with a Castle in this half of the building including a water wheel, which powers a mill stone inside the castle. There’s a kitchen, with various utensils and food. There’s also a brightly decorated bedroom. You’ll even find a room in the bows of the castle used as a hideout for Forestmen.
Back in the 70s, LEGO builds were a lot simpler, this Castle swings in the complete opposite direction with a high level of detail. A mix of elements and build techniques helps to achieve them. For example, the narrow windows are achieved with a pair of 1x1x2 bricks with side studs and a 1×4 flat tile. They are closely mounted together to create a common feature of castles. A similar technique is used to create the Tudor-style wooden structure nestled within the stone of the castle. It’s here you’ll also find a very effective use of parts to create a straw-like thatched roof to the white and black nook.
This is just one-half of the complete Castle and it’s extremely detailed, with plenty of nods to past LEGO Castle sets as well as real-life buildings. The mixture of different types of grey elements helps to give the walls of the Castle a unique look, nicely straddling the early LEGO Castles and a more challenging build associated with more modern-day sets. Look out for the second part of my review in the next few days. You can also check out my review of the Galaxy Explorer set here, for more 90th anniversary fun.
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This set was provided to BricksFanz by the LEGO Group for purposes of review. The thoughts within this review are that of BricksFanz and do not reflect those of the LEGO Group or Disney. Providing a set for free does not guarantee a favourable opinion of the set.
