The best Merlin attractions for teenagers

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Entertaining teenagers can be tricky, but I reckon these are the best Merlin Attractions for amusing your less-than-impressed older kids – no-one is getting bored these places! From big thrill-seeking rollercoasters, to sudden drops, celeb wax-works and terrifying dungeon adventures these four Merlin attractions are ideal for teenagers – offering some of the best family days out for the older ones in the UK. Plus, I’ve added some money-saving tips to make your visits even more affordable – so let’s dive into my top four picks:

CRAZY DEAL! 😍 When you book a short break stay between 3rd February and the 1st March 2026, you’ll get an Essential Merlin Annual Pass included for each person staying for FREE! Check out my guide for all the details: How to get a FREE Merlin Annual Pass – short break offer! Click below to check out the terms, or to make a booking, on the relevant websites – I’ve included the stay dates below as they vary with each resort.

Alton Towers Resort Short Breaks: For stays between 14th March and the 26th June 2026.
Thorpe Park Resort Short Breaks: For stays between 27th March and the 26th June 2026.

1. Alton Towers Resort (Staffordshire)

One of the UK’s biggest and most famous theme parks, Alton Towers is home to iconic rollercoasters like Oblivion, Nemesis and The Smiler which is one of the world’s most intense coasters with 14 inversions! There’s something for all ages (with Cbeebies Land for the little ones) but the main park has some pretty big rollercoasters if you have thrill-seeking teens to amuse! It’s not far from the Peak District, so it can be a great one to include within a family UK staycation too. My kids absolutely love Alton Towers, and I reckon it’s one of the best Merlin Attractions for teenagers. For more info, check out my article: Alton Towers with kids – the ultimate theme park and hotel guide!

2. The Dungeons (London, Edinburgh, York)

For families with older children or teenagers who love a good scare, The London Dungeon is a thrilling way to explore the darker side of the city’s history. This experience isn’t your average museum – it’s a full-blown theatrical performance with live actors, jump scares, special effects and there’s even a ride thrown in too. You’ll journey through plague-ridden streets, encounter Sweeney Todd and meet the infamous Jack the Ripper. It’s great fun and surprisingly educational. For all the details, click here to head to The London Dungeon website. There are several different Merlin Dungeon attractions dotted around the country, each offering a different experience – Edinburgh focuses on Scottish history, while York delves into Viking lore.

3. Thorpe Park Resort (Surrey)

Of all of the UK theme parks, I would say that Thorpe Park is the most geared towards teenagers and adults – it’s definitely one of the best Merlin Attractions for adrenaline junkies with rides like Stealth, Saw and Colossus. As well as its terrifying rides, it’s also famous for its brilliant water rides (take some spare clothes!) and hosting popular seasonal events like Fright Nights in autumn for a bit of extra drama if you really want to scare your kids! 😂 Only an hour from London, it’s a pretty easy attraction to reach too. My children, 12 and 13, absolutely loved our day at Thorpe Park – it’s definitely one of their favourite places for a day out! For more info, check out my article: Thorpe Park with kids – the ultimate theme park and hotel guide!

4. Madame Tussauds (London)

Madame Tussauds London is located on Marylebone Road near Baker Street tube station and it’s the original home of waxwork wonders. From posing with Hollywood stars like Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson and Beyoncé, to standing alongside historical figures like Queen Elizabeth II, the attention to detail is genuinely impressive. One of the highlights is the 4D Marvel cinema experience, as well as the ‘Spirit of London’ ride which takes you through the city’s history in a black cab-themed carriage. This one can be a great option for teens who want to spot their favourite celebs and it’s a great rainy-day activity. Click here to find out more on the Madame Tussauds website.

How can I save money on visits to the Merlin Attractions?

Tickets can be pricey (most Merlin Attractions seem to be at least £30 per person) but luckily there are tons of ways to save money on your tickets. Also, make sure you book at least 24 hours in advance too – as the tickets are significantly cheaper if you avoid booking on the day. And, here’s how to hunt out the discounts to make your family days out affordable:

Look out for offers advertised directly by Merlin – kids could enter for free at The London Dungeons for 2025 February half term so keep your eyes peeled.
If you’re having a day out in London, one of the best ways to save money is by booking a multi-attraction ticket through Merlin Entertainments – the price can be as little as £12 per attraction! You get 90 days from the date of your visit to enjoy the other attractions, so it’s worth saving up and buying in bulk if there are other things you’d like to do too – click here to find ticket options and prices for your visit date, plus combo ticket deals.

Lots of the Merlin Attractions can be visited using Tesco Clubcard points so save your points and you could visit for free!
Another way to make some great savings is to use the National Rail 2-for-1 offers – if you’re travelling by train you can get 1/3 off lots of the Merlin Attractions.
Or, check for discounts on Kids Pass – you can sign up to a trial for just £1 and they often feature the Merlin theme parks.
Cereal brands like Kelloggs also often run promotions where you can find discounts or even free tickets (things like 2 for 1 tickets) by purchasing specially-marked boxes so look out for these in the supermarket.
If your thrill-seeking teenagers love the Merlin Attractions, and you’ll visit often, it might be best to opt for a Merlin Annual Pass – you can access absolutely loads of attractions (including everything mentioned above) as many times as you like. Check out all of the pass options and what’s included here: Are Merlin Annual Passes worth it and which pass is best?

Merlin also recently introduced annual passes that are cheaper and park specific – so if you always visit one particular attraction then those could be a good option too. You can get individual park annual passes from £64 for Chessington World of Adventures, Legoland, Alton Towers and Thorpe Park – just click the links for more info.

Final thoughts

These Merlin Attractions offer some of the best UK days out for teenagers, with plenty on offer to amuse even the most thrill-seeking fearless teens! By booking tickets in advance, or opting for a money-saving Merlin Annual Pass, you can ensure your family days out are both and budget-friendly – so hunt out the best deals, pack up a picnic and have some fabulous family days out. Let me know your favourites in the comments!