Ole Kirk Kristiansen founded the toy company LEGO in 1933. The name came from an abbreviation of ’leg godt’ meaning ’play well’ in Danish, but it wasn’t until 1958, when the brand created the iconic brick, that everything changed.
Since then, the colourful building pieces have opened up a world of possibilities. Whether you spend hours meticulously working through a mammoth set with thousands of pieces, or use as a quick stress-busting build with the old blocks you retrieved from the depths of the attic, LEGO unapologetically brings out our inner child and is the perfect gift for all ages.
As demand for adult LEGO grows, we’ve been treated to a huge 18+ range expansion which now includes builds from iconic TV shows such as Friends as well as timeless films like Harry Potter and Star Wars.
It’s been found that LEGO, as well as being immensely fun, can have a number of mental health benefits. The relaxation and disconnection from the world that it provides helps improve mindfulness - perfect for those of us who can’t sit still long enough to meditate. Working on a build can also help boost creativity and problem solving skills as you engage a part of your brain that is less used day-to-day.
So whether you’re after a few hours of fun on a Sunday afternoon or are testing your skills on the biggest challenge yet, we’ve rounded up the best adult LEGO sets.
Get your F1 fix from the comfort of your own home with the latest set from the LEGO and McLaren collaboration: the 1432-piece McLaren Race Car. Racing fanatics will be impressed with the attention to detail throughout the model with everything thought through from the authentic branding on the car, to the additional features that the real car has such as a V6 cylinder engine. The extra detailing allows you to see the exact technology used in the race car and although this was a relatively quick build, you’ll spend days exploring and admiring your hard work.
From the offset, the LEGO Star Wars collaboration has been one of the most successful for the brand and features hundreds of sets. The Dagobah Jedi Training Diorama is the perfect addition to the wider collection but is also great as a standalone. With 1000 pieces, this display has iconic and recognisable details from the film scene that true fans will adore. It also features two minifigures - Luke Skywalker and Yoda with his walking stick - as well as a LEGO droid figure. As far as the sets go, it’s not too wide (29cm) so is perfect to put on display without taking up too much room.
If the last time you embarked on a LEGO build was longer than you’d like to admit, then this London set is the perfect way to ease yourself back into it.
A fantastic starter set, the build features 468 pieces and is pretty straightforward to make, taking only a couple of hours to fit together - the perfect weekend relaxation activity.
The design features London’s most iconic landmarks; Tower Bridge, London Eye, Big Ben, Nelson’s Column and the National Gallery. With an age appropriate rating of 12+, it’s a great build to get the whole family involved in and at a reasonable price tag of £34.99.
Clear your table and make sure you’re sitting comfortably because this set is for the true Harry Potter fanatics. Measuring over a metre in length with a whopping 5544 pieces, building Diagon Alley is not for the fainthearted.
The most detailed Harry Potter set yet, prepare to be wowed by the details and clever features at the likes of Ollivanders Wand Shop, the Weasleys’ Wizard Wheezes and Quality Quidditch Supplies.
Unlike most Lego models, this one can be built in four different ways including closing it into a real alley for role-playing activities. The set also features four new minifigures that you won’t find anywhere else - making this set a must have collectors item.
This enormous new Spiderman set is the largest LEGO set in the Marvel universe so far - reaching the lofty height of 82cm once built. The 3,772-piece recreation of the Daily Bugle office features various storylines across the building from the Spider-Verse to the Sinister Six. It includes an impressive 25 minifigures meaning that once built this set will provide endless entertainment as you mix and match characters to create your own epic action sequences.
Finally a piece of lego that won’t be discarded to the corner of a room (before inevitably making its way to the shed or loft). This mesmerising LEGO globe will enthral the whole family and you’ll be giving it pride of place in the house.
Featuring 2585 pieces and measuring 40cm in height, this vintage-style globe is not for the easily deterred - especially considering most pieces are the same shade of blue. Decorating the globe is great fun for the whole family as the pack features glow-in-the-dark tiles that can be stuck on oceans and continents. Once completed give the globe a spin and admire your hard work.
Friends fans and 90s babies rejoice as LEGO’s collaboration with the hit TV show brings us the iconic apartment complete with every minor detailing and features so you can step into the heart of the action.
Relive your favourite episode with the whole gang as the set comes with seven minifigures - the core gang and Janice - each wearing authentic and well known outfits such as Rachel’s tartan skirt. The set is a decent size (64cm wide) and has just over 2,000 pieces.
Overall the build is clever and engaging and has a decent price tag considering the extensive details.
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