Merlin Pass Annual: Merlin Pass Attractions and Honest Review
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Are you a thrill-seeker, an adventure lover, or someone who just enjoys a great day out with family and friends? If so, the Merlin Pass might just be the golden ticket to an entire year of fun and excitement. Sold by Merlin Entertainments, a leading name in the world of amusement and entertainment, the Merlin Pass offers access to a plethora of top attractions across the UK.
Before you begin, please note that changes to Merlin Passes are frequent. For the most up-to-date information please visit the official Merlin Annual Pass Website.
What is the Merlin Pass?
The Merlin Pass is an annual theme park and attraction pass that works at many of the top themed entertainment and tourist destinations in London and across England.
Where Can You Use Your Merlin Pass?
The Merlin Pass grants you entry to an impressive array of attractions across the UK.
Merlin Theme Parks
Alton Towers Resort: Experience thrilling rides, enchanting gardens, and a water park.
Thorpe Park Resort: Home to some of the UK's most exhilarating roller coasters.
Chessington World of Adventures: Enjoy a mix of rides, a zoo, and a sea life center.
Legoland Windsor Resort: A fantastic family destination with Lego-themed rides and attractions.
Legoland Discovery Center Manchester: a fun, interactive experience with hands-on Lego building zones, rides, and a miniature city made from Lego bricks.
Legoland Discovery Center Birmingham: features creative play areas, exciting Lego-themed attractions, and a 4D cinema perfect for families and Lego enthusiasts alike
Merlin Zoos and SEA LIFE Aquariums
SEA LIFE Centres & Sanctuaries: Discover marine life at various locations including London, Birmingham, Manchester, Blackpool, Brighton, Weymouth Adventure Park, Great Yarmouth, Hunstanton, Scarborough, and Loch Lomond.
Chessington Zoo: A part of Chessington World of Adventures, featuring a variety of animals from around the world.
Merlin Pass Attractions
The London Eye: Take in breathtaking views of London from this iconic observation wheel.
Madame Tussauds: Get up close with lifelike wax figures of your favorite celebrities in London, Blackpool, and other locations.
The Dungeons: Explore the dark history of cities like London, York, Blackpool, and Edinburgh through interactive exhibits and live performances.
Warwick Castle: Step back in time and explore this stunning medieval castle with daily shows and attractions.
Shrek’s Adventure! London: Join Shrek and his friends on a magical 4D bus ride and interactive adventure.
Blackpool Tower: An iconic seaside landmark featuring a circus, observation deck with stunning views, and a ballroom known for its elegance and historic charm.
The Bear Grylls Adventure: Adrenaline-pumping activities like indoor skydiving, diving with sharks, and high ropes courses inspired by Bear Grylls' survival challenges.
Peter Rabbit Explore and Play: Located in Blackpool, this immersive experience allows children can step into the world of Beatrix Potter's beloved characters through interactive games and themed play areas.
Cadbury World: A must-visit for chocolate lovers, offering guided tours, interactive exhibits, and the opportunity to learn about the history and making of Cadbury chocolates.
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Let’s dive into the details of the different passes available, their costs, and where you can use them.
Types of Merlin Passes
Merlin Entertainments offers several types of passes, each designed to cater to different needs and preferences. Here’s a rundown of the options:
Discovery Merlin Annual Pass
Silver Merlin Annual Pass
Gold Merlin Annual Pass
Platinum Merlin Annual Pass
Discovery Merlin Annual Pass
The Discovery Merlin Annual Pass is perfect for those who want to enjoy a wide range of attractions at a great value. It offers access to over 30 top UK attractions with some date restrictions.
Discovery Merlin Annual Pass Key Benefits:
Access to all above-listed UK attractions
Discount entry to special events
Discovery Merlin Annual Pass Restrictions:
Excludes entry on certain peak days such as school holidays and during the summer high season. (Includes over 200 days of admission).
Some attractions may have restrictions on certain days.
Monthly Payment Plan not available.
Discovery Merlin Annual Pass Cost:
Individual Pass: £99
Silver Merlin Annual Pass
The Silver Merlin Annual Pass is the next step up, it adds some additional perks like food and discounts and the ability to subscribe monthly.
Silver Merlin Annual Pass Key Benefits:
Access to all above-listed UK attractions
Discount entry to special events
Up to 10% Food, Beverage, and Retail Discount
Discounts on Merlin Hotel Stays
Half Price Family and Friend Tickets (5)
Silver Merlin Annual Pass Restrictions:
Excludes entry on certain peak days such as school holidays and during the summer high season. (Includes over 295 days of admission).
Silver Merlin Annual Pass Cost:
Individual Pass: £169
Monthly: £39.99 fee, then £11.99 Monthly
Gold Merlin Annual Pass
The Gold Merlin Annual Pass packs in all the benefits of the lower passes. This pass doubles the food and retail discount to up to 20% off. It also includes free parking at the theme parks.
Gold Merlin Annual Pass Key Benefits:
Access to all above-listed UK attractions
Discount entry to special events
Free Parking at Theme Parks and Warwick Castle
Up to 20% Food, Beverage, and Retail Discount
Discounts on Merlin Hotel Stays
Half Price Family and Friend Tickets (5)
Discounted fast track vouchers (3)
Gold Merlin Annual Pass Restrictions:
Excludes entry on certain peak days. (Includes over 340 days of admission).
Gold Merlin Annual Pass Cost:
Individual Pass: £239
Monthly: £49.99 fee, then £16.99 Monthly
Platinum Merlin Annual Pass
This is the ultimate pass for theme park lovers. The Platinum Merlin Annual Pass is a great value for those of us who plan to visit multiple parks and attractions across the UK with multiple visits to local attractions.
Platinum Merlin Annual Pass Key Benefits:
Access to all above-listed UK attractions 364 days a year. (Closed Christmas)
Discount entry to special events
Free Parking at Theme Parks and Warwick Castle
Up to 20% Food, Beverage, and Retail Discount
Coca-Cola Cup with 2 refill vouchers
Discounts on Merlin Hotel Stays
Half Price Family and Friend Tickets (5)
£19 Friend and Family Tickets (3)
Discounted fast track vouchers (6)
Platinum Merlin Annual Pass Cost:
Individual Pass: £299
Monthly: £59.99 fee, then £21.99 Monthly
Merlin Pass Review
The cost savings and benefits of the Merlin Pass for those living in the UK is pretty remarkable. The variety of attractions that are included makes the pass a solid investment for families with children, allowing access to Legoland Resorts, SEA LIFE centers, and Chessington.
For young people and adults who love theme parks, access to your local theme park starting at £99 is a no-brainer, as long as you are sure you buy a pass that closely corresponds with the times you can visit. Be sure to review the block out days carefully.
As tourists with plans to visit the UK only once the Discovery Pass proved to be quite valuable. In London, we visited the London Dungeon, Madame Tussauds, SEA LIFE London, and The London Eye. We took two separate day trips from London to Chessington and Thorpe Park. We also took the train to Manchester and Blackpool allowing us to visit Alton Towers, Blackpool SEA LIFE, and the Blackpool Tower.
The cost to do all the attractions separately would have been £400. The Discovery Pass, at £99 each, saved us £602 total. Even if we stayed in the city of London the combined cost of the London Dungeon, Madame Tussauds, and SEA LIFE London is over £99.
To Learn more or to buy a Merlin Annual Pass please visit the Merlin Annual Pass Website.