A limited-time offer allowing enthusiasts of theme parks to ‘stay for a night, play for a year’ at Merlin’s various UK attractions is set to conclude this weekend.
Merlin Entertainment, the owner of popular attractions like Alton Towers, Thorpe Park, Warwick Castle, LEGOLAND, and Chessington World of Adventures, is currently running a promotion. Families booking an overnight stay on select dates in March will receive a complimentary Essential Merlin Annual Pass (MAP) for each guest. This pass grants unlimited access to over 20 theme parks and attractions for 339 days.
Interested patrons must act swiftly as bookings must be finalized by Sunday, March 1, leaving just a couple of days to take advantage of the offer. The eligible stay dates include specific periods.
To determine if a booking qualifies for the promotion, look for the ‘Merlin Pass Included’ banner. Accommodation options and amenities vary across the theme park resorts, with many offering themed lodging, breakfast, and two days of theme park admission with a one-night stay. For instance, guests at Alton Towers can access a golf course, while Chessington visitors can enjoy the SEA Life Centre.
Upon booking, customers will receive their Merlin Annual Passes via email, which can be activated immediately for use before the overnight stay. The pass, in its Essentials tier, provides access to various attractions beyond theme parks, such as the London Eye, Madame Tussauds, and The London Dungeon.
Passholders can also explore SEA Life centers, Cadbury World, Shrek’s Adventure! London, and LEGOLAND Discovery Centres throughout the UK. Refer to Merlin’s exclusions calendar for specific dates when the Essentials pass cannot be utilized. While some holidays and Saturdays in August are restricted, July remains open, allowing pass holders to enjoy their benefits during the summer holidays.
The potential savings for families depend on the chosen hotel stay and pass usage. For example, a family of four booking a night at the Warwick Castle Hotel in May for £429 would receive four complimentary passes. If purchased individually, these passes would cost £139 each, totaling £556 for four people. Therefore, this offer presents a cost-effective option for those planning multiple theme park visits.
For example, day passes to Alton Towers range from £32 online to £68 at the gate. By making use of the annual pass for several visits, families can save significantly over the year.
For more details, visit merlinannualpass.co.uk.
