Mike the Knight’s Deluxe Glendragon Playset Review

Mike the Knight’s Deluxe Glendragon Playset Review

The Mike the Knight’s Deluxe Glendragon Playset Review takes us on a medieval adventure straight from the hit CBeebies series. Released in 2012 by Character Options, this large, action-packed playset let children explore the magical kingdom of Glendragon with Mike, his trusty horse Galahad, and a host of interactive features. Its combination of storytelling, castle action, and TV tie-in fun earned it a proud place on the Top 10 Christmas Toys 2012 list and cemented Mike the Knight as one of the standout preschool heroes of the year.

In this review, we’ll explore the design of the Glendragon Playset, its play value, and why it became a festive favourite for families looking for a toy that mixed imagination with adventure.

Design and Features

The Deluxe Glendragon Playset was a fully detailed castle environment, complete with towers, gates, a drawbridge, and secret passageways. Brightly coloured and robust, it captured the whimsical feel of the TV series while being sturdy enough for everyday play.

The set included a poseable Mike figure, Galahad the horse, and accessories such as shields, weapons, and treasure chests. Interactive elements like a working drawbridge, a spinning training wheel for jousting practice, and hidden compartments gave children plenty to discover. The playset folded out into different sections, allowing for larger adventures or compact storage when playtime was over.

Imaginative Play Value

Mike the Knight encouraged children to “be a knight, do it right,” and this playset perfectly captured that spirit. Kids could stage battles, defend the castle, or train for knightly duties. The inclusion of Galahad meant mounted adventures were part of the fun, while the trapdoors and secret hiding places added an element of surprise.

Parents observed that children often used the Glendragon Playset as a backdrop for wider play, mixing in figures from other lines like LEGO knights or Playmobil dragons. This versatility helped extend its life in the toy box and justified its place as one of the most popular Christmas toys of 2012.

Why Glendragon Was a Christmas Favourite

Several factors made this playset a standout choice for holiday gifting in 2012:

• TV Series Popularity – Mike the Knight was one of the most-watched shows on CBeebies at the time.
• Large, Interactive Playset – With working features like the drawbridge and training wheel, it offered dynamic play.
• Collectability – Compatible with other Mike the Knight figures and accessories sold separately.
• Durability – Character Options built it tough enough for preschoolers.
• Affordability – At around £40–£50, it was a major gift without breaking the bank.

Collector’s Perspective

Though primarily a children’s toy, the Deluxe Glendragon Playset holds nostalgic appeal for collectors of TV-based toys. Complete sets with Mike, Galahad, and the castle accessories remain sought after on secondary markets. Fans of the show also appreciate it as one of the few large-scale Mike the Knight products ever produced, giving it long-term collectible status.

Consumer Feedback

Parents left plenty of positive feedback in 2012. One review read, “Our son plays with this every day. The castle is full of surprises and keeps him entertained for hours.” Another parent wrote, “It’s sturdy, colourful, and sparks his imagination — the best present we bought that Christmas.”

A few minor critiques mentioned that some smaller accessories, like shields, could be easily misplaced, but most agreed this was a small price to pay for such an engaging playset. Many highlighted that their children continued to enjoy it long after the holiday excitement faded.

Buying Tips

Today, the Deluxe Glendragon Playset is no longer widely available, but collectors and second-hand toy markets often list it. If you’re hunting for one, check our best places to buy Christmas toys online guide for tips. Look for sets with the original Mike figure and Galahad, as these are the most frequently missing pieces.

Intact gates, drawbridge, and training features also add value. Original packaging and instructions, while rare, make a set especially desirable for collectors.

Verdict

The Mike the Knight’s Deluxe Glendragon Playset was a perfect blend of preschool charm, interactive features, and durability. Its place on the Top 10 Toys This Christmas list was well deserved, and it remains fondly remembered as one of the best castle playsets of the early 2010s. For young knights-in-training, this was a toy that encouraged creativity, bravery, and hours of storytelling adventure.

Explore more festive toy highlights from Character Options on our Character Options Christmas Toys brand page, or browse the full 2012 toy archive to see the complete lineup of holiday legends.

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