A Comfortable Return to Middle-earth
By the time I'd finished the first few bags, it was clear – this was going to be a nostalgic, gentle journey rather than an all-guns-blazing, Rivendell-style epic. And honestly? That suits the theme perfectly.
From the moment you open the box, you know you're in Tolkien territory. This build is an invitation to Bilbo’s 111th birthday, with a front-row seat at Bag End and a warm cup of something strong waiting inside.
The Build
With 2,017 pieces split across a surprisingly quick build time, this is one of those sets that doesn't try to test your limits – and that's not necessarily a bad thing. The first half is largely focused on shaping out the iconic hobbit-hole structure and laying down the garden path. Bag End is as welcoming as ever: rounded door, circular windows, inviting parlour, and stacks of well-placed details that would make even a Took jealous.
Highlights? The fireplace mechanism is chef's kiss. I won't spoil it, but it ties in with a particularly famous item and a rather sneaky trick of Bilbo's.
The Party Tree and dragon firework add a splash of visual theatre, though neither quite reaches the scale you'd expect for a set with this RRP. Likewise, the tree design in particular feels a little clunky and undercooked compared to what we've seen from LEGO trees in previous Icons sets.
Minifigures & Details
Nine minifigures, and thankfully, not a lazy one among them. Exclusive torso prints, expressive faces, and some top-tier accessories make this a real highlight. Gandalf, Bilbo, Frodo, Sam, Rosie, Pippin, Merry, and both Proudfoots (or is it Proudfeet?) – all present and correct.
There are some lovely Easter eggs hidden throughout: Sting, Bilbo's Mithril shirt, the Book of Westmarch, and some delightful party details.
Interactivity
LEGO has packed in some fun little surprises here: Bilbo vanishing at the turn of a dial, a burning letter transforming into The One Ring™, and the aforementioned fireplace mechanism. It’s playful, just like Hobbiton itself.
That said, while charming, these interactive elements don’t quite justify the price point. They feel like thoughtful touches rather than standout features, and it’s hard to shake the feeling that a few more substantial builds – perhaps a fuller Party Tree or expanded landscaping – could’ve added far more perceived value.
At a Glance: Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Excellent build experience | Overpriced for the piece count |
| Lovely Easter eggs (Sting, Mithril, Bilbo’s Book) | Tree design feels underwhelming |
| Great minifigure selection | Standalone elements are easy to misplace |
| Charming interactive elements | Quick build relative to price |
Display Value
Once built, it looks fantastic – the rounded architecture of Bag End is faithful and instantly recognisable. But... and it’s a big ‘but’ – it needs a LEGO display case. The freestanding elements are small and could easily get lost, and it deserves to be protected from dust if it’s going to stay on show.
Final Thoughts
The Shire is the LEGO equivalent of your favourite jumper – warm, familiar, and surprisingly comforting. But comfort comes at a cost, and for many, that price will feel a touch too steep. It doesn’t have the ambition or scale of Rivendell, but that’s not what it sets out to do.
If you’re a hardcore Tolkien fan, you’ll likely smile through the whole build (I did). If you’re looking for value-for-money bricks or a challenging build, this might not hit the mark.
But if your heart belongs in Hobbiton? It’s worth a visit.
