Legoland Windsor evacuated after water main bursts

The Legoland Windsor theme park in southern England was suddenly closed at lunchtime on Sunday, with visitors told to get off rides and leave the resort. The cause was a burst water main that disrupted the park's water supply.

Water utility Thames Water said it had to shut off the damaged pipe near St Leonards Reservoir to prevent flooding. The company added that some local residents had reportedly seen their gardens flooded, and it apologised for the disruption.

Merlin Entertainments, the operator that runs Legoland, said it was continuing to work with local partners and thanked guests for their patience and understanding. The resort stayed closed while Thames Water worked to restore normal service.

What visitors experienced

One visitor, who travelled from Cornwall with her children and asked not to be named, described the evacuation as surreal. She said her family had been queuing for a ride and had reached the front when everything stopped moving. Staff then told everyone to get off, and an announcement said a Thames Water problem in the area meant the park had no water.

The woman said the family had booked a hotel night and stayed there the previous evening, so they were very disappointed to have to drive home. She said a five-hour journey was a long way to travel only to return after half a day.

After the burst

Thames Water said supplies had been restored and repairs were under way, with an update promised for Monday. The BBC understands the resort will reopen on Monday under normal operating hours.