Deal Alert. Merlin's Stay for a Night, Play for a Year Offer Ends 1 March

Merlin Entertainments has launched a promotion that could reshape how UK families approach theme park visits in 2026. The "Stay for a Night, Play for a Year" deal offers a free Merlin Annual Pass to everyone in a booking when they reserve a short break at selected on-site hotels at LEGOLAND Windsor Resort, Alton Towers, Chessington World of Adventures, or Thorpe Park.

The booking window runs from **3 February to 1 March 2026**, with eligible stays valid from **28 March to 1 June 2026**.

What the Deal Includes

The promotion covers the **Merlin Essential Annual Pass**, which typically retails between £89 and £99 per person depending on the attraction. This pass grants unlimited entry to top UK attractions including Alton Towers, Thorpe Park, Chessington, LEGOLAND Windsor, the London Eye, Madame Tussauds, SEA LIFE centres, and the Dungeons.

Pass holders also receive:

- Priority entry at selected attractions

- Discounts on food, beverage, and retail purchases

- Exclusive member events and early ride time

- Partner offers and discounts

How the Numbers Stack Up

A standard one-night stay at Alton Towers Resort starts from approximately £150-£200 for a family of four during the promotional period. The included Merlin Annual Passes would cost roughly £350-£400 if purchased separately. For families planning multiple visits, the maths is compelling.

**Break-even analysis:** A family of four would need to visit just two major attractions in a year to recover the value. Three or more visits puts them firmly ahead.

The Catch (Because There Always Is One)

The deal applies to **selected dates only** within the 28 March to 1 June window. School holiday periods will book quickly. The Merlin Essential Pass also carries blackout dates during peak periods, though these are fewer than the standard day ticket.

Hotel availability at on-site properties is limited, and Merlin has a history of promotional rooms selling out within days of launch. The 1 March deadline is absolute; no extensions have been announced.

Who Should Book This

This deal suits three groups particularly well:

1. **Families with children under 12** who will revisit attractions multiple times

2. **Thrill-seekers** planning visits to both Alton Towers and Thorpe Park

3. **London-area residents** who can maximise the LEGOLAND, London Eye, and Dungeon benefits

For single-visit tourists or those with inflexible schedules, standard day tickets may still represent better value.

Booking Strategy

The promotional rates are available through each attraction's official website. Comparison shopping against third-party booking sites is advisable, though the free pass element is exclusive to direct bookings.

Alton Towers reopens fully on **14 March 2026** following its Pirate Takeover February half-term event. The new Bluey ride at CBeebies Land will be operational by the promotional stay period.

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**Sources:**

- [Merlin Annual Pass Deal - UK Theme Park Spy](https://www.ukthemeparkspy.co.uk/stay-for-a-night-play-for-a-year-merlin-launches-huge-free-annual-pass-deal-for-2026-short-breaks/)

- [Radio Times Merlin Offer Details](https://www.radiotimes.com/going-out/tickets/merlin-annual-pass-short-break-deal/)

- [Alton Towers Official Site](https://www.altontowers.com/)