The £95 Merlin Loophole and How to Get a Free Annual Pass in February 2026

Budget travellers in the United Kingdom have stumbled upon a significant saving this month. Merlin Entertainments is currently offering a flash sale that effectively gives away an annual pass for the price of a single night away. If you book a short break at one of their theme park hotels for £95, you receive a complimentary 2026 Merlin Annual Pass. This deal is creating a stir because the pass usually costs significantly more than the stay itself. It is a rare occurrence in the travel industry where a luxury add-on is bundled for less than its standalone price.

The mathematics of this offer are quite simple and highly favourable for the consumer. A standard Merlin Discovery Pass typically retails for around £99 while the Silver Pass sits at over £160. By spending £95 on a hotel stay at Alton Towers or Chessington World of Adventures, you are securing access to over 25 attractions for the entire year. The hotel stay includes breakfast and parking which adds even more value to the total package. You are essentially getting a night of accommodation and a full year of adventures for less than the cost of a basic membership.

This offer represents a massive snag for anyone looking to explore more of the country on a budget. The word snag is often used by savvy shoppers to describe a deal that seems almost too good to be true. The 2026 pass covers popular sites like Thorpe Park, Legoland Windsor, the London Eye and Warwick Castle. Instead of paying for individual tickets which can cost upwards of £35 per person, this loophole allows for unlimited visits during off-peak times. It is a moment where the marketing department has created a pricing structure that heavily favours the explorer over the corporate profit margin.

Explorers who take advantage of this deal will find that their leisure budget goes much further this year. The inclusion of the pass means that future trips to London or various theme parks only require the cost of transport. You can visit the Sea Life centres, the Blackpool Tower, Madame Tussauds and the Alton Towers Waterpark without reaching for your wallet again. The savings compound with every visit you make throughout the seasons. It turns a single weekend away into a platform for a dozen more day trips across the UK.

For families or solo explorers, the February flash deal is the most cost-effective way to unlock a year of entertainment. The availability is limited and dates are filling up quickly as word spreads through travel forums. If you can find a midweek slot for £95, you should secure it immediately to enjoy the benefits throughout 2026. This is easily the best value offer available in the current travel market and shows that careful planning can lead to incredible rewards. Make sure to check the official Merlin Holidays website to find the remaining dates before the window closes at the end of the month.

Ready to snag the loophole? Book your short break on the official Alton Towers offer site here to claim your free 2026 pass.