Twice the Fun: How to Get a Free Family Day Out with Merlin in 2026

Published on 5 April 2026 at 18:09

If you’re looking to squeeze every drop of excitement out of your spring, Merlin Entertainments has just dropped a deal that’s hard to ignore. The Twice the Fun offer is back for 2026, essentially giving you a 2-for-1 pass to some of the UK’s most iconic theme parks.  Whether you're a family of four or a group of dedicated thrill-seekers, here is the full breakdown of how to snag this deal, where you can go, and the fine print you need to know.

Merlin Twice the Fun

What is the Merlin Twice the Fun Deal?

The concept is simple: Buy one day ticket to a participating Merlin theme park and get a second day at another (or the same) park for free.  With prices starting from just £32, this is a massive saving compared to standard on the day gate prices, which can often soar above £60. It’s the perfect way to enjoy family days out between Easter and the May half term without breaking the bank.

Participating Parks

You can chose to return to the same Merlin theme park for a 2nd visit completely free or you can mix and match your adventures across Merlin’s Big Four UK theme parks:

  • Alton Towers: Home to the legendary Nemesis Reborn and CBeebies Land for the little ones.

  • Thorpe Park: Where you’ll find Hyperia, the UK’s tallest and fastest rollercoaster.

  • Legoland Windsor: The ultimate destination for builders and creative minds.

  • Chessington World of Adventures: A unique blend of theme park, zoo, and the brand-new World of PAW Patrol (opening May 3rd!).

     

Key Dates & Deadlines (Don't Miss Out!)

This isn't a year-long offer, so you’ll need to act fast.

  • Booking Deadline: You must purchase your Twice the Fun ticket by Sunday, April 19, 2026.

  • Visit Window: Both of your visits must be completed by May 15, 2026.

  • Eligible Dates: This includes the Easter holidays, making it a prime choice for a budget friendly family getaway.

How to Book and Redeem

Merlin has made the process relatively straightforward, but there are a few "must-dos" to ensure your second day is actually free:

  1. Select the Right Ticket: Head to the official website of your first chosen park (e.g., Alton Towers).  Look specifically for the Twice the Fun ticket option.  If you book a standard day ticket, you won't qualify for the free second day.

  2. Keep Your Barcode: After your first visit, do not throw away your ticket!  You will need the barcode number from your original purchase to book your second date.

  3. Pre-book the Second Visit: You cannot just turn up at the second park.  You must go to the Twice the Fun redemption page on the park's website, enter your barcode, and secure your date.

  4. Proof of Entry: On the day of your second visit, bring your new booking confirmation along with you.

Is it Worth it?

Absolutely. If you were already planning to visit a theme park this spring, you’re essentially getting a 50% discount on two days out.  Ready to ride?  Head over to the official Merlin attraction websites before the April 19th cut off to lock in your double dose of fun.

Cooke's Top Tip: If you live in the North, you could start your journey at Alton Towers, then use your free second day for a trip down south to Thorpe Park or Legoland Windsor later in the month.

Add comment

Comments

There are no comments yet.