Merlin Annual Pass Attractions
The Merlin Annual Pass
The Annual Pass includes 20+ attractions UK wide.
Attractions and theme parks close to London:
- LEGOLAND Windsor Resort
- Thorpe Park
- Chessington World of Adventures
- London Eye
- The London Dungeon
- SEA LIFE London Aquarium
- Madame Tussauds London
- Shrek’s Adventure! London
Attractions and theme parks outside London:
- Alton Towers
- Warwick Castle
- LEGOLAND Discovery Centres
- Madame Tussauds Blackpool
- The Dungeons
- Blackpool Tower
- Peter Rabbit Explore & Play
- Cadbury World
- Chessington World of Adventures
- National Sea Centre Birmingham
- Sea Life (Various City’s)
- LEGOLAND Discovery Centre Birmingham & LEGOLAND Discovery Centre Manchester
- The Blackpool Tower Dungeon, Edinburgh Dungeon, York Dungeon
A Merlin Pass for a family of four for a full year will set you back a few hundred pounds; therefore, it’s important to consider this investment thoughtfully before ultimately determining if the savings from the discounts are, in fact, worthwhile for you.
Merlin Annual Pass – Essential, Gold or Platinum?
Choosing the right type of Merlin Annual Pass really depends on how much flexibility you want. The key distinction between the least expensive pass and the pricier ones is the availability options.
Pass Levels & Prices 2026
Please note as of late 2025 and for 2026 the Merlin Annual Pass has discontinued its Discovery and Silver passes. While existing passes will remain valid until they expire, you cannot purchase or renew Discovery or Silver passes.
There are three main tiers, each with different perks and access levels:
Essential Pass – Annual Only
- Around 339 days access to 20+ attractions
- Exclusion dates apply (busy periods/weekends)
- Basic entry without most perks
Check exclusions calendar for details.
Gold Pass – Annual & Monthly Membership
Good middle-tier choice for regular visitors.
- 364 days access (fewer exclusion dates)
- Perks like free parking, up to 20% off food and retail
- Friends & family ticket discounts
Please note that the Gold pass does not grant entry on Alton Towers Fireworks dates.
Platinum Pass – Annual & Monthly Membership
A great option if you plan frequent visits and want flexibility.
The Platinum Pass includes all Gold pass perks as well as:
- 364 days access with no restrictions
- Free one-shot Fastrack per visit at theme parks
- Free tickets for friends/family each year
- Coca-Cola Freestyle cup + refills
- Free game of golf at selected resorts
Check the Merlin exclusions calendar for details of availability and exclusions.
Other considerations
Prices and perks are standard but may vary during sales periods (e.g., Black Friday offers) or with promotional deals.
Please note that simply owning a Merlin Annual Pass does not provide priority access or guarantee park entry on any specific day. You must still reserve your tickets online ahead of time and book early enough to ensure availability for your preferred date.
How much will I save will a Merlin Annual Pass?
A savings calculator on the official website allows you to estimate how many times each year you might visit the attractions and how much money could save based on this.
As a general guide, it is reckoned that you would need to visit at least three to four attractions in the calendar year to break even (on the cheaper passes). Clearly you would want more money saving than this so at least five visits would be recommended, with at least two of these needing to be the more expensive theme park entries.
If you only visited the more affordable attractions like the London Eye, the Dungeons, or Madame Tussauds a single time, a pass would not be worth purchasing.
Real savings come from any of the four major theme parks – Alton Towers, Chessington World of Adventures, LEGOLAND Windsor and Thorpe Park.
How do I apply for a Merlin Annual Pass?
To apply simply go to the Merlin Annual Pass website select which type of pass you wish to purchase, and then enter your personal details such as name, address and contact details as well as uploading a recent photograph which is required in order to complete your registration.
There is currently no option to purchase a family pass – all passes are the same price, whether adult or child. Additionally, Passes are only required for guests 90cm and over.
All Merlin Annual Pass-holders now receive a digital pass. This will be e-mailed to you and is ready to use instantly once your purchase is complete.
Gold and Platinum Pass-holders will receive their privilege packs (including lanyard, pop badge and vouchers) in the post within 30 days.
Additional benefits to the Merlin Annual Pass?
If you value flexibility and are excited about the Halloween events, you might want to think about the Gold Merlin Annual Pass.
For some, both Thorpe Park’s Fright Nights and Alton Towers’ Scarefest are not to be missed. The parks stay open until 10pm, and experiencing the rides in the dark adds a unique thrill; paired with terrifying mazes and plenty of eerie entertainment!
The cheapest pass of all – the Essential Pass – does not include any of the ‘frills’ of the more expensive passes. Therefore discounts on food and drinks, merchandise, hotels and other experiences are not available.
Benefits for Gold and Platinum passholders:
- Friends and Family discounts: Receive 25% off tickets for friends and family
- Dining & Retail: Up to 20% off shopping and dining
- Parking: FREE parking at Merlin Theme Parks and Warwick Castle
- Fastrack: 10% off Fastrack/Reserve & Ride
- Welcome Break: 20% off at Welcome Break locations (Starbucks, PizzaExpress, etc.)
Events & New Attractions (2026 Highlights)
During 2026, passholders can enjoy special events at included attractions, such as LEGO Festival at LEGOLAND Windsor from 20th July – 31st Aug and seasonal celebrations at theme parks and castles. There are also new rides and themed lands coming for example, PAW Patrol at Chessington and a Bluey ride at Alton Towers, both due to open in spring 2026.