Is a Merlin Pass worth it?
Merlin is running their annual discount meaning you can get a good deal on a Merlin Pass. But the question is, is it worth it?
A Merlin Annual Pass offers families unlimited access to over 30 UK attractions, including Alton Towers, LEGOLAND® Windsor, SEA LIFE centres, and The London Eye. But is it really worth the investment? Here’s a breakdown of the different passes, current prices, and how many visits it takes to get your money’s worth.
Merlin Annual Pass options and current prices
Merlin offers four tiers of annual passes, each with different benefits and restrictions:
1. Discovery Pass
Price: £79 per person (sale price)
Access: Over 200 days of entry; off-peak only with restrictions.
Benefits: Basic entry; peak dates are excluded.
2. Silver Pass
Price: £139 per person (sale price) or £12.99/month with a £19.99 joining fee.
Access: Over 295 days of entry; excludes peak dates including most of August.
Benefits: Up to 10% off food, drink, and discounted friends & family tickets.
3. Gold Pass
Price: £199 per person (sale price) or £17.99/month with a £24.99 joining fee.
Access: Over 340 days of entry; fewer exclusion dates.
Benefits: Free parking, 10% off Fastrack and Reserve & Ride, up to 20% off retail, food, and drink.
4. Platinum Pass
Price: £239 per person (sale price) or £22.99/month with a £29.99 joining fee.
Access: 364 days of entry; no exclusion dates except paid events.
Benefits: All Gold Pass benefits plus additional reservation slots and extra discounts.
Prices are subject to change; check the Merlin Annual Pass website for the latest updates.
How many visits do you need to break even?
It can be hard to figure out if a Merlin Pass is worth the cost. The easiest way to decide if a pass is worth it is to compare the average cost of an individual day ticket to the price of the pass itself, then work out how many trips you’ll likely make each year to see if this is realistic for you.
Average theme park day ticket price: £36 per person
Discovery Pass (£79)
2 visits to break even
After 3 visits, you save money
Silver Pass (£139)
4 visits to break even
After 5+ visits, you start saving
Gold Pass (£199)
6 visits to break even
After 7+ visits, you save money
Platinum Pass (£239)
7 visits to break even
After 8+ visits, you save
If you’re a family who plans multiple visits to Merlin attractions across the year, the pass quickly pays for itself.
Where in the UK is a Merlin Pass most beneficial?
Depending where in the UK you live may depend on how beneficial the pass would be for you.
Best areas for a Merlin Pass:
London & South East: The highest concentration of Merlin attractions (The London Eye, Madame Tussauds, SEA LIFE London, Shrek’s Adventure, Thorpe Park, Chessington, LEGOLAND Windsor).
Midlands: Good access to Alton Towers, Warwick Castle, SEA LIFE Birmingham.
North West: Blackpool is home to SEA LIFE, The Blackpool Tower, and Madame Tussauds, making frequent visits easy.
Where it might not be worth it:
Scotland & North East: Very few Merlin attractions nearby, making it harder to justify a pass.
South West & Wales: Fewer attractions, unless you’re willing to travel regularly.
Additional benefits to consider
With a Merlin annual pass, you don’t just get unlimited access to the attractions. You also get:
Discounts – Up to 20% off retail, food, and beverages.
Free parking – Included with Gold and Platinum Passes (can save £8-£10 per visit).
Fastrack discounts – 10% off Fastrack and Reserve & Ride services.
These perks add even more value, especially if you visit multiple times a year.
Spreading the cost: monthly payment options
If paying upfront feels like too much, Merlin offers a monthly payment plan to make the pass more affordable. With this option, you can spread the cost over 12 months, making it easier to budget. For example, a Silver Pass costs £12.99 per month after an initial £19.99 joining fee, while the Platinum Pass is £22.99 per month with a £29.99 joining fee. This can be a great way for you to enjoy Merlin attractions without a large one-time expense. However, keep in mind that once you commit to a monthly plan, you’re locked in for a full year, so it’s only worth it if you know you’ll use the pass enough times to make it worthwhile!
Final verdict: Is a Merlin Annual Pass worth it?
For families who visit Merlin attractions at least 4-5 times a year, an annual pass saves money and comes with extra perks like discounts and free parking. However, it’s less worthwhile if you live in an area with few Merlin attractions or don’t plan to visit regularly.
If you’re considering a pass, check which attractions you’d realistically visit and how often, then compare it to the break-even point!
Would you buy a Merlin Pass this year? Let me know in the comments!
