If you’re a thrill-seeker, animal lover, LEGO® enthusiast, or just someone who loves a great day out, a Merlin Annual Pass (MAP) might just be your golden ticket to fun… and savings!
From Alton Towers and Thorpe Park Resort to Chessington World of Adventures, SEA LIFE aquariums, LEGOLAND® Windsor Resort, and many more, the Merlin Annual Pass gives you access to the UK’s top attractions all year round.
Whether you’re planning spontaneous weekend adventures or regular family staycations, here’s everything you need to know about Merlin Passes in 2025 including prices, perks, and how to choose the right one for your lifestyle.
🎟️ What is a Merlin Annual Pass?
A Merlin Annual Pass is your all-access pass to a world of fun. For a small monthly fee (or a one-off payment), you’ll unlock year-round entry to Merlin’s biggest attractions, along with exclusive discounts, freebies, and perks that make every visit extra special.
Let’s break down the different pass options to help you decide which one suits your adventures best!
🧭 Merlin Annual Pass Options & Benefits
🟢 Discovery Pass
- Entry Days: 200+ off-peak days per year
- Best For: Visitors who avoid busy weekends, bank holidays, and school breaks
- Perks: No extra perks, but incredible value
- Cost: £99/year (or £79 during promotional sales!)
💡 Perfect if: You can visit on quieter days and want the cheapest way to access the fun.
⚪ Silver Pass
- Entry Days: 295+ days per year (excluding August and peak days)
- Perks:
✅ 10% off food, drinks, hotels, and retail
✅ Access to exclusive Passholder previews and offers - Cost: £139/year or £12.99/month (plus a small joining fee)
💡 Perfect if: You want a great balance between access and perks without breaking the bank.
🟡 Gold Pass
- Entry Days: 340+ days per year
- Perks:
✅ 20% off food, drinks, hotels, and shops
✅ FREE parking (save £12 per visit!)
✅ 10% off Fastrack passes - Cost: £199/year or £17.99/month (plus a joining fee)
💡 Perfect if: You visit frequently, want those money-saving perks, and need free parking.
🔵 Platinum Pass
- Entry Days: 364 days per year (no exclusions!)
- Perks:
✅ All Gold benefits
✅ FREE Freestyle Refill cup + 2 extra refills
✅ 3 ‘Bring a Friend for £19’ vouchers - Cost: £239/year or £22.99/month (plus a joining fee)
💡 Perfect if: You want unlimited access, maximum perks, and love bringing friends along for the ride.
💸 Which Merlin Pass Is Best for You?
Choosing the right Merlin Pass depends on your schedule, how often you plan to visit, and how much you value perks like discounts and free parking.
👨👩👧👦 Our Family Setup:
After years of all five of us having Gold and Platinum passes, we realised that only one pass gets scanned when paying for meals or souvenirs. So, we switched it up:
- I have a Gold Pass (for the 20% off and free parking)
- My partner and kids have Silver Passes (plenty of access for less money)
It works perfectly for us! We stay overnight often and save £40–£60 per night on hotels, plus discounts on food and gifts. Our passes easily pay for themselves within just a couple of visits.
