Deal Alert. Get a Free Merlin Annual Pass Worth £139 With a Short Break
Merlin Entertainments is offering a free Annual Pass to anyone who books a short break at selected resorts before 1 March 2026. For families planning theme park visits this year, the maths is compelling. If you are wondering whether the pass is right for you, read our forensic cost-benefit analysis of the Merlin Annual Pass first.
The Offer
Book a short break at participating Merlin hotels between 3 February and 1 March 2026 for stays from 27 March to 26 June 2026, and each guest receives a free Merlin Essential Annual Pass worth £139. For another way to get a discounted pass, see our guide to the £95 Merlin loophole.
The pass grants access to over 20 UK attractions including Alton Towers, Thorpe Park, Chessington World of Adventures, LEGOLAND Windsor, Madame Tussauds London, SEA LIFE centres nationwide, The London Eye, and Warwick Castle. Planning a visit to Alton Towers? Check out our guide to the February Half Term Pirate Takeover.
The Numbers
A family of three booking a short break at roughly £299 would receive £417 worth of Annual Passes. For families planning multiple visits to Merlin attractions this year, the deal effectively makes the hotel stay free.
The Merlin Essential Pass typically includes: 12 months of entry to participating attractions, 20% discount on food and retail, reserved ride times at selected parks, and access to exclusive passholder events.
Participating Hotels
The offer applies to stays at official Merlin resort hotels including Alton Towers Resort Hotels, Thorpe Park Shark Cabins, Chessington Resort Hotels, and LEGOLAND Windsor Resort. Nearby partner hotels are excluded.
How to Book
Visit the official short breaks page for your chosen resort, select dates between 27 March and 26 June 2026, complete your booking before 23:59 on 1 March 2026, and Annual Passes will be issued to each registered guest.
Should You Book?
This deal works best for families who plan to visit Merlin attractions multiple times this year. The booking window closes at the end of February. For a broader view of what is opening this year, see our 2026 UK Theme Parks Reopening Guide.
Offer Details
Booking window: 3 February to 1 March 2026. Stay dates: 27 March to 26 June 2026. Pass value £139 per person.
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