Block party.

Byline: By Mark Bloom South Wales Echo 

Mark bloom and daughter Gemma discovered Denmark's not all Hans Christian Andersen - there's Lego too...

IF you're looking for a short family break with the kids, Denmark doesn't automatically spring to mind.

But it would be top of my list after a mind-blowing weekend across the North Sea among Lego bricks and Hans Christian Andersen fairytales.

Situated literally five minutes from Billund Airport, the world's first Legoland complex complete with its own themed hotel, is built of concrete bricks and not the plastic type.

Although it would be silly to say that this is not just about Lego, there is so much more to do in this theme park that has been built way beyond a child's imagination.

The first thing that strikes you is the amazing amount of detail that goes into the model airports, harbours, race tracks, railway scenes and famous landmarks of the world - it's quite incredible the inspiration and perspiration that's gone into the landscaping.

But the bonus point high on the list for parents is the fact there is no pressure to buy tacky souvenirs, which can be pretty costly. Consequently it makes the visit that much easier to enjoy and puts mums, dads and children in a more relaxed mood.

Legoland is full of surprises with 3D cinema, rollercoaster and water rides with even grey coloured Lego sharks and fish adding to the overall effect. Great care has been taken to blend the rides into a forest that is easy to get around despite the rain we experienced.

The hotel itself is full of - you guessed it - Lego. Lego-marked carpet, lamps full of Lego, marked bed covers of Lego - c'mon what do you expect, it even got to the stage where my daughter Gemma and I checked the food wasn't plastic.

But after a day of excitement dashing from one ride to another, the following day we were transported into the fairytale world of the best known children's fairytale writer Hans Christian Andersen with a trip to his birthplace, the town of Odense.

At the Radison Hotel in Odense, a solider boy bangs the drums for attention and the arrival of the man himself, well an actor since Andersen died in 1872.

After a brief introduction, the writer guides the group on a magical tour of his best known works though the quiet narrow streets of his native town - Thumbelina, The Emperors's New Clothes, The Brave Tin Soldier, the Ugly Duckling, plus others are acted out.

Fully-costumed artists act out the roles to give a flavour of just a few of his 190 tales that put Odense on the world map.

The whole town is shaped around Andersen. Even the traffic lights have silhouetted figures of the great writer.

Denmark might also be famous for Carlsberg lager - but the locals are so proud of their literary export they think he's the best writer in the world - probably.

n STORY TELLER Hans Christian Andersen All about Lego: Founder Ole Kirk Christiansen, hit upon the name Lego in 1934. The first two letters of the Danish words Leg Godt - Play well The Lego group employs more then 7,300 people worldwide. 90 different colours are used. More then 50 million bricks have been used to create Legoland, coupled with 50 activities. At the start of the Millennium is was acclaimed the toy of the century. There are four Lego parks, in California, Denmark, England, Germany. Getting there: Maersk Air flies directly to Billund from Gatwick Airport, return flights start from pounds 70 per person or pounds 210 for two adults and one child Hotel Legoland, one adult plus a child pounds 145 Hotel Radison Odense, double room pounds 125 More information at www.visitdenmark.com or telephone [phone]