Is the Merlin Pass worth it ? Review of the best 5-in-1 Family Pass to visit London

---

If you’re planning a trip to London and looking for an easy, budget-friendly way to visit its top attractions, you may be wondering: is the Merlin Pass worth it? 

London is a city bursting with iconic sights and family-friendly experiences, from the dazzling heights of the London Eye to the immersive storytelling of the London Dungeon.

For first-time visitors, the Merlin Magical London 5-in-1 Pass offers access to five of London’s most popular attractions, providing both convenience and savings. But is it the right choice for your trip? 

In this Merlin Pass review, I’ll break down the features, benefits, and potential drawbacks of the Merlin Pass, helping you decide if it’s worth adding to your itinerary.

What is the Merlin Pass ?

The Merlin Magical London Pass is your ticket to experiencing five of London’s most iconic attractions—all with one convenient pass. Perfect for first-time visitors or families, this pass bundles together some of the city’s most sought-after destinations, offering both incredible savings and seamless planning.

London’s top attractions, like the London Eye, Madame Tussauds, and The London Dungeon, are known for their high ticket prices. With the Merlin Pass, you can enjoy significant discounts, exclusive perks, and the flexibility to explore at your own pace.

Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or a longer visit, this pass makes discovering London easier, more affordable, and a whole lot more fun.

Validity of the Merlin Pass

One of the best features of the Merlin Magical London Pass is its 90-day flexibility. From the moment you visit your first attraction, you have three full months to explore the remaining ones—making it ideal for both short trips and extended stays.

While you’ll need to pre-select the date and time for your first attraction when booking, the pass offers plenty of room for changes. In fact, Merlin Pass holders can modify their booking dates up to five times through the user-friendly Merlin Booking Portal. This means you can adapt your plans to fit your schedule or unexpected changes.

How much is a Merlin Pass ?

The Merlin Magical London Pass offers flexible pricing based on whether you’re visiting during off-peak or peak dates, ensuring you can plan your visit according to your budget and schedule.

Off-Peak Prices:

• Adults (16+): £80
• Children (3–15): £72
• Infants (under 3): Free
• Check availability here >>

Peak Prices:

• Adults (16+): £114.90
• Children (3–15): £103.50
• Infants (under 3): Free
• Check availability here >>

By booking your visit during off-peak times, you can enjoy significant savings while still accessing the same incredible attractions. However, if you’re visiting during busy holiday periods or weekends, the peak pricing ensures you’ll have access to these top London experiences even during the most popular times.

Whether you opt for off-peak or peak tickets, the Merlin Pass still offers excellent value compared to purchasing individual tickets for all five attractions. With savings of up to 30%, it’s a cost-effective way to explore London’s must-see destinations. Ready to plan your trip? Choose your dates and lock in your savings!

Here’s a detailed breakdown of the Merlin Pass prices for 2025:

Where to buy the Merlin Pass ? Which Website?

Purchasing your Merlin Pass is quick, easy, and secure:

1. Visit the official website: Simply click on this link to go to the official Merlin Pass provider site.
2. Select your pass: Choose the Merlin Pass version that best suits your needs and select your preferred dates and times for your first attraction.
3. Add to cart and checkout: Add your pass to your cart (see on this page), fill in your details, and complete your secure online payment.
4. Receive confirmation: After purchase, you’ll receive a digital confirmation email with all the details.
5. Activate your pass: Your Merlin Pass is activated when you scan the QR code at your first attraction.
6. Book additional visits: For the remaining attractions, easily pre-book your time slots through the Merlin Booking Portal.
7. Enjoy 90 Days of Flexibility: You have up to 90 days from your first visit to explore all the included attractions at your own pace.

Merlin’s Attractions – Where can I use my pass in London?

The Merlin Magical London Pass offers flexibility to suit your travel plans. You can either purchase the full 5-in-1 pass to access all five included attractions or customize it by adding one or two attractions to your London Eye experience, depending on your trip length and budget.

Here’s what the Merlin Pass unlocks for you:

London Eye

Yes, the London Eye is included with the Merlin Pass! Enjoy a breathtaking ride over London in one of its iconic pods. On a clear day, you can see up to 40 miles in every direction, making it the perfect introduction to the city for first-time visitors.

With 360-degree panoramic views of landmarks like Big Ben and The Shard, it’s no wonder the London Eye is the city’s most popular attraction year after year. By the way, there are plenty of free rooftop views in London you can enjoy.

Shrek’s Adventure! London

Dive into the chaotic, fun-filled world of Far Far Away! This immersive attraction features live actors, interactive sets, and exciting shows. It’s an unforgettable experience for kids and adults alike, where the whole family can star in their own fairy-tale adventure.

The London Dungeon

Located near the London Eye, the London Dungeon brings the city’s gruesome history to life through thrilling storytelling, live performances, and over 350 spine-tingling sets. From Jack the Ripper to the Great Fire of London, this experience is sure to captivate and thrill.

Madame Tussauds London

Walk the red carpet and mingle with wax figures of Queen Elizabeth II, David Beckham, and hundreds of other British and international icons. Whether you’re a fan of celebrities, historical figures, or fictional characters, Madame Tussauds offers plenty of photo opportunities and a truly unique experience.

SEA LIFE London Aquarium

Discover an underwater world at the SEA LIFE London Aquarium, home to a wide variety of marine life, including sharks, penguins, and rays. While we acknowledge the ethical concerns surrounding aquariums, this attraction remains a favorite among families. For more details on their conservation efforts, visit the SEA LIFE website.

Analyzing the value of the Merlin 5-in-1 Pass

Is the Merlin Magical London Pass worth it? Let’s break down the pros and cons of this popular city pass to see if it delivers on its promise of value.

Merlin Pass London Pros

• Flexibility to Pre-Book Slots : With the ability to pre-book time slots, the pass makes planning your day hassle-free. Whether you’re visiting during peak times or need to adjust your schedule, the flexibility ensures you get the most out of your visit.
• Combines Paid Attractions with Free Experiences : While you enjoy the included attractions, the savings can free up your budget to explore some of London’s incredible free offerings, such as world-class free museums and historic parks. It’s a great way to balance paid and free activities.
• Streamlined Entry : Skip the lines at major attractions, saving time and energy for what matters most—enjoying your London adventure.

Merlin Pass London Cons

• Limited Number of Attractions : While the 5 included attractions are excellent, the pass might feel restrictive if you’re looking for a more comprehensive London experience.
• Lack of Transportation Options: The Merlin Pass does not include public transportation or a Hop-On Hop-Off Bus.

Why choose the Merlin 5-in-1 Pass vs other London City Passes ?

The Merlin Magical London Pass offers a budget-friendly way to visit some of London’s most iconic and typically expensive attractions. It’s designed with flexibility in mind, allowing you to tailor your experience to suit your interests and travel style.

Customizable options for maximum flexibility

Not a fan of aquariums? No problem! You can choose to visit just 4 of the 5 included attractions, ensuring you’re only paying for what you truly want to see. While you’ll save slightly less by skipping an attraction, this customization means you’re not stuck with a ticket you won’t use.

Add-ons for an enhanced experience

Want to make your visit even more special? The pass offers several exciting upgrades, such as:

• Thames River Cruise: Add this scenic experience to enjoy unique views of London from the water.
• London Eye Upgrades: Opt for champagne or fast-track entry to elevate your ride on the iconic observation wheel.

These add-ons make the pass especially appealing for first-time visitors and families traveling with kids, offering a blend of convenience and memorable experiences. Whether you’re looking to pack in as many sights as possible or enjoy a more relaxed pace, the Merlin Pass ensures you get excellent value and flexibility for your London adventure.

Comparison table of London Sightseeing Passes

Is the Merlin Pass London worth it – My opinion

Best for families and first-time visitors

The Merlin Magical London Pass is an excellent choice for first-time visitors to London, particularly families traveling with children. This pass provides access to some of the city’s most iconic attractions, making it an easy and convenient way to explore London without worrying about individual tickets.

The London Eye ticket included in the pass is a highlight, allowing you to pre-book and guarantee your time slot—perfect for avoiding disappointment during busy periods. Similarly, Madame Tussauds is a must-visit, offering a one-of-a-kind experience that’s both entertaining and memorable. For families with kids, attractions like Shrek’s Adventure! and The London Dungeon ensure there’s something fun for everyone.

If you’re planning to visit London’s top attractions and want a straightforward, budget-friendly solution, the Merlin Pass is a fantastic option.

For visitors who like everything pre-planned

If you enjoy having a well-organized itinerary, the Merlin Pass is a good fit. The ability to pre-book time slots for each attraction makes planning your day seamless and stress-free. However, the pass’s limited scope (just five attractions) may not satisfy those looking for more variety or flexibility.

Who might want to look elsewhere?

While the Merlin Pass works well for its intended audience, it might not suit everyone. Here’s why:

• Limited Attractions: If you’re more interested in historical landmarks, galleries, or museums, this pass won’t cover those experiences. In this case, options like the National Art Pass or a more comprehensive city pass might be a better fit.
• No Transportation Options: Unlike some other London city passes, the Merlin Pass doesn’t include a Hop-On Hop-Off Bus or public transport, which can be incredibly useful for navigating London’s vast cityscape.
• Not for Everyone’s Taste: If aquariums or wax museums aren’t your thing, some of the included attractions may not appeal, making the pass feel less valuable.

Consider alternatives for more flexibility

For travelers who want more variety or customization, the London Explorer Pass or the London Pass offer a broader range of attractions and more flexibility in crafting your itinerary. 

These alternatives may better suit visitors who have been to London before or prefer to focus on off-the-beaten-path experiences. This is especially true if you are more into historical buildings, galleries and museums. Then I’ll recommend the National Art Pass.

What can I save with the Merlin London Pass

The Merlin Magical London Pass offers significant savings, making it a fantastic value for visitors planning to explore London’s top attractions. By bundling 5 major attractions into one pass, you’ll save both money and the hassle of buying individual tickets.

Here’s a breakdown of what you’d pay for single tickets purchased individually:

• London Eye (standard entry): £42
• Madame Tussauds: £45
• SEA LIFE London: £40
• The London Dungeon: £35
• Shrek’s Adventure!: £32

If you were to visit all five attractions without the pass, the total cost would be £194. With the Merlin Pass (peak pricing) at £114.90, you save an impressive £79—a deal that’s hard to beat!

For off-peak pricing, the savings are even more substantial, as the pass costs just £80 for adults, reducing the cost of all five attractions by a whopping £114.

Is the Merlin Annual Pass the same as the Merlin 5-in-1 Pass ?

It’s easy to confuse the Merlin Annual Pass with the Merlin Magical London 5-in-1 Pass, but they’re designed for different audiences and purposes.

The Merlin 5-in-1 Pass is tailored for visitors to London, offering access to 5 of the city’s most iconic attractions. 

On the other hand, the Merlin Annual Pass—sometimes referred to as the Merlin Pass UK—is geared toward UK residents or frequent visitors to the United Kingdom. This pass provides year-round access to a vast array of Merlin Entertainments attractions across the country.

With over 30 top attractions nationwide, the Merlin Annual Pass unlocks access to a wide range of experiences. Here are just a few highlights:

• Thorpe Park: A thrilling theme park for adrenaline junkies.
• Alton Towers: A family-friendly resort featuring roller coasters and immersive attractions.
• Legoland Windsor: Perfect for kids and LEGO enthusiasts.
• Sea Life Centres: Located throughout the UK, showcasing marine life.
• Warwick Castle: A historic castle with interactive exhibits and live shows.

Merlin Annual Pass prices start at £79 (see last prices of this page) for a Discovery Merlin Annual Pass per adult. 

Platinum adult annual passes cost £239 per adult, which includes free parking, priority entry, and other exclusive perks.

FAQs – Merlin 5-in-1 Pass

Is the London Eye free with a Merlin Pass ?

Yes, it is! Your Merlin Pass includes entry to the London Eye, but remember to pre-book your time slot online to guarantee entry, especially during peak times.

What is included in The Merlin Pass

You can select up to 5 attractions – the London Eye, Madame Tussauds, Sea Life, Shrek’s adventure and the London Dungeons

Where can I use my Merlin Pass in London

You can use your pass exclusively at the five included attractions listed above. While it’s a great way to see these iconic sites, it does not cover additional destinations or transportation.

What is the Merlin Family Pass?

The Merlin Family Pass is a version of the Merlin Annual Pass designed to offer savings for families. Pricing is significantly reduced. Premium Pass cost £189 per adult and Standard Pass cost £139 per adult. A family must consist of at least three people, with a maximum of three adults (ages 12+). This is a fantastic option for frequent UK travelers or residents looking to enjoy Merlin attractions throughout the year.