What is a Merlin Annual Pass and why is it a must-have for families?

If you have young children, you'll know how hard it can be to keep them entertained. Whether it's a weekend, half term or the 6-week summer holidays, that common whine, "I'm bored", is never far away. And even if you manage to find an activity that can keep everyone happy, chances are it comes with a high price tag that makes it a once a year event.

This is where a Merlin Annual Pass can help. Offering access to some of the UK's best theme parks, resorts and attractions, it's a way to save money on days out with the kids and easily find options to entertain the whole family.

What is a Merlin Pass

A Merlin Annual Pass is a fantastic investment that keeps on giving, opening up a world of entertainment for all the family. With a Merlin Pass, your family will be able to enjoy access to some of the UK's most popular family days out, including Chessington World of Adventures Resort, Legoland Windsor Resort, SEA LIFE Aquariums, Cadbury World and more. So, regardless of your children's age and interests, there's something for everyone to enjoy. And the best part is, little ones under 90 cm don't even need a pass.

Pass holders can visit the 29 Merlin attractions for free (though some passes have restrictions on the days you can visit) and enjoy fantastic benefits, including up to 20 per cent off meals and beverages. This discount can save you a significant amount when planning days out, especially since excited kids tend to eat even more than usual.

If your family loves days out, one of the premium passes (Gold or Platinum) may be worth considering as these also entitle you to free parking at theme parks and greater access to attractions during peak times.

Is a Merlin Pass worth it?

There's no denying that a Merlin Pass can be a big investment but if you're a fan of theme parks and the UK's best days out, it allows you the flexibility to visit almost 30 Merlin attractions throughout the year. To find out if it's value for money for your family, Merlin has a handy Savings Calculator which shows how much you can save, depending on your circumstances and how often you visit the attractions. For instance, a family of four who visits Alton Towers twice a year could save £148 with a Discovery Pass.

Merlin Passes 2024:

What attractions are included in a Merlin Annual Pass

Amongst others, the attractions you can visit for free with a Merlin Pass include:

Theme Parks:

• Alton Towers

• Thorpe Park Resort

• Chessington World of Adventures

• LEGOLAND Windsor

Aquariums:

• SEA LIFE Centres across the UK including Manchester, Blackpool, Hunstanton, London and Birmingham.

Experiences:

• The Bear Grylls Adventure

• Shrek's Adventure! London

• Madame Tussauds, London and Blackpool

• The Dungeons - York, London, Edinburgh and Blackpool

• Warwick Castle

• Peter Rabbit Explore & Play

• LEGOLAND Discovery Centres, Manchester and Birmingham

• Warwick Castle

• The London Eye

• The Blackpool Tower

• Cadbury World

Passholder Pre-book Hub

The Merlin Annual Pass also allows you access to the new Passholder Pre-book Hub, where you can log into your personal account, pre-book tickets for the family, view all your upcoming trips in one place and easily amend or cancel any bookings.

Tips for maximising your Merlin Pass

• Pack the car the night before: Check your car seat, install sun shades, and fill up the petrol tank.
• Plan Ahead: Check attraction opening times, events, and any maintenance schedules.
• Visit Off-Peak: For shorter lines and a more relaxed experience, visit during off-peak times.
• Pack Essentials: Bring snacks, water, sunscreen, and comfortable clothing to maximise your day.
• Stay Updated: Follow Merlin attractions on social media or subscribe to their newsletters for the latest news and special offers.

Do Merlin do Black Friday deals?

Black Friday Merlin Pass deals could be just round the corner. With Black Friday coming up on 29th November 2024, there's a chance you could see some Merlin Pass discounts. While we don't yet know what to expect from 2024, there were big reductions in 2023, with a 12-month entry-level Discovery Pass down to £79 and further money off deals to be found on Silver, Gold and Platinum Passes. So if you're planning to buy a Merlin Pass, it could be worth waiting to see what discounts you can get on a Merlin Annual Pass on Black Friday.

Hannah Carroll is our Senior Digital Writer. In her capacity, she curates top-notch listicles, crafts insightful how-to guides, and delivers expert product reviews. As a mother of three, Hannah draws upon her comprehensive understanding of all facets of family life to bring true insight into all the products that make running a home easier.