Real-world Castles We Want to See as LEGO Sets

In our previous blog, we looked at the best LEGO castle sets ever released. There are more than enough modern and classic brick castle models to keep any collector happy, though that isn’t to say a few more would go amiss. In today’s article, we’re taking a look at some of the grandest real-world castles we would like to see realised as official LEGO sets.

Whether through the LEGO Ideas program or as the latest addition to the LEGO Icons or Architecture range, these buildings would all translate as epic build-and-display structures.

Which Real LEGO Castles Can You Buy?

Himeji Castle 21060 was released recently to honour the Japanese landmark of the same name, offering collectors a chance to display a micro-scale version of the famous castle. Built in the hirayama fortress style with curved, fan-like walls and stylised roofs, this castle translated perfectly into a creative brick project. Beyond the Himeji release, most other LEGO releases have been fantasy castles, such as the Lion Knight’s Castle 10305, built to honour the LEGO 90^th anniversary, Hogwarts Castle 71043 and Disney Castle 43222. Let’s hope LEGO rectifies that with a few more real-world castle replicas soon.

Bodiam Castle

Sussex  |  UK

Ask anyone to imagine a cartoon medieval castle, and it would probably be Bodiam – a square fortress surrounded by a moat on all sides, with a classic drawbridge leading to a single-entry gatehouse. Picturesque and romantic, this 14^th-century monument holds spiral staircases, battlements, and giant towers that hug each of its four corners. It would be fun to imagine this ancient building in LEGO brick form, filled with minifigure characters taking on the role of knights, squires, maids and peasants.

Windsor Castle

Berkshire  |  UK

Windsor Castle was first built by William the Conqueror during the Norman invasion (most English castles were!) and is currently occupied by the British royal family following many additions over the centuries. Unlike many others, Windsor Castle’s architecture has been neatly maintained as it still functions as a working building rather than just another ruin for tourists to visit. This would be an interesting castle to imagine in LEGO micro-scale form as the exterior includes many iconic features, such as the grand Round Tower in the Middle Ward, initially constructed by Henry II and remodelled in the 19th century.

Neuschwanstein Castle

Schwangau  |  Germany

This stunning Bavarian citadel nestled in the German Alps has influenced numerous depictions of fairytale castles over the years and was strongly rumoured to be the inspiration for Walt Disney’s Sleeping Beauty Castle. The white limestone façade and blue pearlised turrets are beautiful to look at, and the whole structure is raised above the surrounding forests by tall cliffs below, making it a truly epic structure. We’re surprised LEGO have not created a brick version of this well-known castle yet, though a few MOCs have made their way onto the LEGO Ideas program in the past.

Peleș Castle

Sinaia  |  Romania

This neo-Renaissance-style castle is located in a quaint mountain village and was constructed in the 1860s by King Carol I. The castle features a stunning mix of Tudor-beam style exteriors combined with shining stonework and tall spires. With a large amount of exterior detail and green surroundings, this would be a pleasant LEGO model to display in any collection.

Château de Chambord

Chambord  |  France

This French chateau is a magnificent example of  French Renaissance architecture, combining medieval and classical Renaissance structures and striking surroundings. This huge castle comprises a centralised keep with four bastion towers hugging each corner and grounds stretching before it. With the numerous windows, hidden facets and roof elements, this would make an epic LEGO set for AFOLs and collectors who enjoy a challenging build.

The Tower of London

London  |  England

This iconic World Heritage Site has become a fun and popular tourist destination, though once upon a time, it would have struck fear into the local populace. More than simply a castle, the Tower served as a prison for political prisoners, a location for gruesome executions, and even a place to store treasures such as the Crown Jewels. With iconic features such as Traitor’s Gate and the Bloody Tower, this would be a wonderful model to realise as a culturally significant LEGO set.