Merlin Entertainments has just launched what might be the best value UK travel deal of 2026. Their "Stay for a Night, Play for a Year" promotion is back, offering a free Merlin Essential Annual Pass for every guest included in a short break booking.
If you are a fan of adrenaline pumping roller coasters, LEGO builds, or love to explore historic castle then this offer is perfect for you. Essentially, by booking one night at a Merlin hotel, you unlock entry to over 20 of the UK’s top attractions for the next 12 months.
Key Offer Details: What You Need to Know
This is a time sensitive offer with specific booking and stay windows. To make sure you don't miss out, keep these dates in mind:
- Booking Deadline: You must book by 23:59 on 1st March 2026.
- What’s Included: A Merlin Essential Annual Pass (worth £139) for every person in your booking.
- The Perk: The pass grants you 339 days of entry to 20+ UK attractions, including the Legoland Windsor, Thorpe Park, the London Eye and many more.
Eligible Resorts and Stay Dates
You can get this annual pass offer when booking staycations at Alton Towers Resort, Legoland Windsor, Chessington World of Adventures, Thorpe Park, Warwick Castle. Each resort has a slightly different window for when you can take your overnight stay:
| Resort | Stay Dates (2026) | Prices From (pp) |
|---|---|---|
| Alton Towers Resort | 14th March – 26th June | £95 |
| Legoland Windsor | 14th March – 26th June | £94 |
| Chessington World of Adventures | 20th March – 26th June | £90 |
| Thorpe Park | 27th March – 26th June | £66 |
| Warwick Castle | 28th March – 26th June | £77 |
Staying at Alton Towers Resort
For many, Alton Towers Resort is the crown jewel of this offer. When you book a stay between 14th March and 26th June 2026, you can choose from several immersive themed accommodations:
- Alton Towers Hotel: Classic explorer themed rooms.
- Splash Landings Hotel: Perfect for fans of the Caribbean themed waterpark.
- CBeebies Land Hotel: The ultimate treat for families with little ones.
- Enchanted Village Woodland Lodges: A cozy, fairytale escape.
What's included in an Alton Towers Short Break?
- An overnight stay in themed accommodation.
- A Merlin Essential Annual Pass for each guest.
- A delicious buffet breakfast.
- 9 Holes of Extraordinary Golf.
- Free car parking for hotel guests.
Where Can You Use Your Merlin Annual Pass?
The magic doesn't end when you check out of your hotel. Your Essential Pass gives you a years worth of access to over 20 attractions across the UK, including:
- Theme Parks: Alton Towers Resort, Legoland Windsor, Chessington World of Adventures and Thorpe Park
- London Landmarks: The London Eye, Madame Tussauds London, and The London Dungeon.
- Family Favourites: Warwick Castle, Cadbury World, and Sea Life Centres nationwide.
- Discovery Centres: Legoland Discovery Centres in Manchester and Birmingham.
- Plus more.
Important Terms & Conditions
Before you book, there are a few terms and conditions to be aware of:
- Direct Bookings Only: The offer is only valid for new bookings made directly via the official resort websites.
- Non-Refundable: These promotional stays are typically non changeable and non-refundable.
- Exclusion Dates: The Essential Pass has approximately 25 exclusion dates (usually peak bank holidays or major event days like Alton Towers Fireworks).
- Activation: You will receive a digital code after booking. You must activate your pass online before your stay to use it for entry.
Top Tip: You can actually activate your pass as soon as you receive the email. This means if you book now for a June stay at Alton Towers Resort, you could potentially use your pass to visit the London Eye or a SEA LIFE centre as early as February!
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