Which Merlin Attractions are in London? (And money-saving tips!)

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If you’re wondering which Merlin Attractions are in London then you’ll be pleased that you’ve stumbled across my guide. If you’re planning family outings in London, and aiming to get the most bang for your buck, exploring the city’s Merlin Entertainments attractions can be a fantastic option because there are loads of ways to save money on the tickets – so keep reading for all of my tips and let’s dive in!

So, which Merlin Attractions are in London?

Merlin Entertainments has a strong presence in the capital, with five main attractions that are perfect for family fun, rainy days or as part of a sightseeing adventure. Each one offers a different experience, and the best part is that four of them are within walking distance of each other (they’re literally all in the same spot!) – making it easy to bundle your day out, save some cash and avoid dragging the kids all over London. Here’s a closer look at the London Merlin Attractions to help you to decide which are the best options for your day out:

1. The London Eye

One of the most recognisable landmarks in London, The London Eye perches proudly on the South Bank of the River Thames. This giant observation wheel offers incredible 360° views across the capital – built as a celebration for the new millennium, it’s celebrating its 25 year anniversary this year. As you slowly ascend in one of the enclosed glass capsules, you’ll spot major sights like Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament and Buckingham Palace. Each full rotation takes around 30 minutes, giving you plenty of time to take photos and spot the landmarks with the kids. Find out more about our visit with my article: The London Eye with kids – a family guide and money-saving tips!

2. Shrek’s Adventure – London

Located just next door to the London Eye and the SEA LIFE London Aquarium, Shrek’s Adventure is an interactive storytelling attraction that immerses little ones in the magical world of Shrek and his friends. Recommended for kids under 10 years old, the experience is full of fun with live shows and hilarious characters like Donkey and Princess Fiona. The little ones can join in on the adventure, explore various themed rooms and meet the beloved characters along the way. It’s another indoor attraction too which is helpful for entertaining the kids when the weather isn’t great, and under 2s can enter for free. For more information, click here to head to the Shrek’s Adventure website.

3. The London Dungeon

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. It’s also on the South Bank, alongside the other attractions, making it easy to slot into your day. 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 definitely best for braver kids aged 10+ but, while it’s spooky, it’s also great fun and surprisingly educational. For all the details, click here to head to The London Dungeon website.

4. SEA LIFE London Aquarium

Just opposite the London Eye, SEA LIFE London is a wonderfully immersive aquarium that brings the underwater world to life. It’s home to over 500 species from across the globe – from graceful rays and curious sea turtles to colourful tropical fish and jaw-dropping sharks. The layout guides you through different themed zones starting with the Shark Walk – a glass platform suspended above a tank of sharks – and taking you on a journey through coral reefs, rainforest rivers and deep ocean tunnels. There are also interactive rock pools where little ones can get hands-on, interactive areas and a VR room too, so it’s a great option for rainy-day fun with the kids. Find out more about our visit in my SEA LIFE London Aquarium review.

5. Madame Tussauds London

A little further afield, 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 and Albert Einstein, 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 another indoor bad weather option! Click here to find out more on the Madame Tussauds website.

Where are the London Merlin Attractions located and how do I get there?

Four of these attractions – the London Eye, SEA LIFE London Aquarium, Shrek’s Adventure! London and The London Dungeon – are conveniently clustered together on the South Bank of the river Thames. This proximity allows families to plan multiple visits in a single day without extensive travel, and this area is really easy to reach via public transport – it’s well signposted and only a short walk from the various nearby tube stations. The closest station is Waterloo, which is just a five minute walk away and served by the Bakerloo, Jubilee, Northern and Waterloo & City lines. If you’re coming from other directions, Westminster Station across the bridge is also nearby – giving you a scenic walk over the Thames. Plus Embankment and Charing Cross are also within a 10 minute walk.

There’s a large grassy area near the London Eye with a playground too – so the kids can also let off-steam in the the Jubilee Gardens in between attractions, and it’s the perfect spot for a picnic which is a great way to keep costs down whilst you’re in the city. There are street performers dotted around there too, along the water’s edge, so it’s an interesting area to explore with lots going on. There are free toilets in the London Eye ticket office building, so pop in there to use the loo.

Madame Tussauds is the only London Merlin Attraction that isn’t located on the South Bank – it’s located approximately 2.5 miles (4 km) away in Marylebone. Travelling between the South Bank attractions and Madame Tussauds is straightforward via the London Underground – from Waterloo Station take the Bakerloo line northbound directly to Baker Street Station. The journey lasts about 10 minutes, followed by a brief walk to Madame Tussauds. Kids age 10 and under travel for free on the London Underground.

What about Chessington World of Adventures?

If you fancy a family-friendly Merlin theme park day in London – Chessington World of Adventures Resort (Greater London) is easily accessible by car and public transport. If you’re driving, it’s just off the A243, with ample on-site parking available. For those using public transport, Chessington South Railway Station is about a 10 minute walk from the park (half a mile), with regular services from London Waterloo, Clapham Junction and Wimbledon. We had an awesome time on our Chessington visit so make sure you read my articles: The Ultimate Family Guide for Chessington World of Adventures and Chessington Resort Guide: Is the Safari or Azteca hotel better? for more information.

Is Thorpe Park in London?

Thorpe Park is located in Chertsey, Surrey, just 20 miles southwest of Central London, making it a convenient day trip for families based in the capital. If you’re driving, the park is easily accessible from the M25 – simply take junction 11 or 13 and follow the signs for Thorpe Park Resort. For those travelling without a car, you can catch a direct train from London Waterloo to Staines railway station. Once at Staines, there’s a dedicated Thorpe Park shuttle bus (number 950) that operates regularly and drops you right at the park entrance. We adored our day there – check out my review of Thorpe Park for more information – it’s a fantastic theme park for older kids and teenagers with huge rollercoasters and great water rides!

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

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 more affordable:

Look out for offers advertised directly by Merlin – kids could enter for free at the SEA LIFE London Aquarium, The London Dungeons and Shrek’s Adventure 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 – you can actually visit for less than £12 per attraction. This includes SEA LIFE London Aquarium, The London Eye, Shrek’s Adventure, Bus Tours, Madame Tussauds and the London Dungeon. 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 options.

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 London Merlin Attractions.
The lovetovisit.co.uk website offers discounted tickets for family-friendly days out with the kids all over the UK – so it’s worth checking their current prices for the London Merlin Attractions before you book.
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 and attractions.
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.
But for huge savings, if you love the Merlin Attractions, opt for a Merlin Annual Pass – you can access absolutely loads of attractions including all of the London days out mentioned above, Alton Towers, Thorpe Park, Legoland, Chessington World of Adventures, Warwick Castle, tons of SEA LIFE Centres and more! (Kids under 90cm don’t need a pass – they can enjoy the attractions for free.) Check out all of the pass options and what’s included here: Are Merlin Annual Passes worth it and which pass is best?

Final thoughts

London’s Merlin attractions offer loads of fun in the capital, without too much travel, and lots of rainy-day entertainment which is perfect for the unpredictable UK weather! To make the attractions as affordable as possible, use my money-saving tips to make your days out with the kids more budget-friendly. Remember to check each attraction’s official website for the latest information on opening hours, ticket prices and any ongoing promotions – and book at least 24 hours in advance as prices on the day can be significantly higher. Have fun and let me know which of the London Merlin Attractions is your favourite. And, if you’re visiting over the festive season, don’t forget to check out my article: London with kids – the 15 best things to do at Christmas for even more fab days out in the capital!