Way back in 2001 LEGO® made Diagon Alley Shops and then in 2003 they made Knockturn Alley. Technically, what was in those two sets is also in this set but they don't hold a candle to what you get in the 2011 version of Diagon Alley!
This is a truly amazing set. It is also the only Harry Potter LEGO® playset that has a recommended age of 14+. All the others sets range in age from 6 - 8. The reason for the increased age is the technical complexity that went into creating these three buildings. But if you are willing to invest the time needed to build them then you will end up with what is arguably the best of all the Harry Potter sets. Yes, it is that great.
Set 10217 - Diagon Alley
Year Released: 2011
Set Number: 10217-1
Name of Set: Diagon Alley
Book Set is Based On: Harry Potter and and the Sorcerer's Stone
Number of Parts: 1,977
Minifigures: 12 - Fenrir Greyback, Fred Weasley, Garrick Ollivander, George Weasley, 2 goblins, Hagrid, Harry Potter, Hermione Granger, Lucius Malfoy, Ron Weasley, and a skeleton
Creatures: 8 - Bat, fish, frog, 4 owls, and rat
Minimum Recommended Age to Build This Set: 14+ years old
There are three different buildings - Ollivander's Wand Shop, Gringott's Bank, and Borgin and Burke's. I don't think I can do justice to what is contained in each building so I encourage you to look at the pictures.
Then there are the minifigures, of which there are plenty! Not only are there a lot of minifigs, but there are several that are unique to this set. The most exciting minifigs for Harry Potter fans are Fred and George Weasley. Finally we get to see the LEGO® version of the twins! Is it too much to hope that LEGO® will someday renew their license with Harry Potter so we can see what they would do with Weasley's Wizard Wheezes? No, no it's not!
Mr. Ollivander, too, is only found in this set. There are also several minifigs that are available in only two sets or the versions seen here are unique to this set. These include the goblins, Fenrir Greyback, Hermione Granger, and Ron Weasley.
I cannot recommend this playset enough. Not only will kids of all ages have seemingly endless opportunities for recreating scenes or making up new ones, but it fills in a lot of blanks with characters that can be used in other sets. It also makes a great collectible for fans of all the Harry Potter sets.
More Pictures of This Set
This LEGO® set contains small pieces that could be a choke hazard and is not meant for children age three and younger. LEGO® is a trademark of the LEGO Group of companies which does not sponsor, authorize or endorse this site.
