Merlin Attractions in London: Full List + Money Saving Tips

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There are some fabulous Merlin Attractions in London for family days out – all indoors and perfect for fun with the kids whatever the weather. This guide will run through the different attractions, who they’re suitable for and where you can find them. Plus, there are loads of ways to save money on tickets for the Merlin Attractions – so keep reading for my tips and let’s dive in!

💥OFFER ALERT: Merlin has launched a London attractions deal for spring, where you can enjoy 5 days out for £59 and get a FREE theme park ticket. Book between 13th April and 5th May 2026, and you’ll be able to visit the London attractions for under £12 each and you’ll get a free ticket to a theme park of your choice. Just make sure you check the terms and conditions when booking, as attraction visits must take place by 21st May 2026. Here are the links you’ll need – simply choose your main attraction to book through and your tickets for the rest will be included:

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:

👉 SEA LIFE London Aquarium

One of the most popular Merlin Attractions in the capital, 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 interactive rock pools where the little ones can get hands-on, and there’s a VR room too, so it’s a great option for rainy-day fun with the kids. To find out more, check out my SEA LIFE London Aquarium Review.

👉 Shrek’s Adventure – London

Located next door to SEA LIFE London, 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.

👉 The London Dungeon

One of the best Merlin Attractions for older kids and teenagers (who love a good scare!), The London Dungeon is a thrilling way to explore the darker side of the city’s history in an immersive way. 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.

👉 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 and was built as a celebration for the new millennium. 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 in my ‘London Eye with Kids’ Guide.

👉 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?

Four of the Merlin Attractions – The London Eye, SEA LIFE London, Shrek’s Adventure! and The London Dungeon – are conveniently located in a cluster on the South Bank of the river Thames. This proximity allows families to plan multiple visits in a single day, without extensive travel, and it’s really easy to reach via public transport. The closest station is Waterloo (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 – so the kids can also let off-steam in the the Jubilee Gardens in between visiting the Merlin Attractions. (It’s also the perfect spot for a picnic which is a great way to keep costs down whilst you’re in the city!) There are usually street performers dotted around as well so it’s an interesting area to explore with lots going on. You can find toilets in The London Eye ticket office building.

Madame Tussauds is the only London Merlin Attraction that isn’t 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 takes about 10 minutes, followed by a brief walk to Madame Tussauds. Kids age 10 and under travel for free on the London Underground.

Are the Merlin Attractions in London worth it?

They’re definitely worth it but you do need to be smart with discounts and combination tickets to get the best value for money. Tickets can be pricey (most Merlin Attractions seem to be at least £30 per person) but luckily there are tons of ways to cut costs. 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. Pick your main attraction below and click through to see the multi-attraction deals:

Here’s a quick summary of how the Merlin Multi-Attraction Tickets work:

You book a time slot for your first attraction.
You then have a set period (usually up to 90 days) to visit the others.
The more attractions you include, the cheaper it works out per attraction (with all 5 it’s only around £12 per attraction!).
For most families, a 2 or 3 attraction ticket offers the best balance between value and not trying to cram too much into your trip. (Or split over multiple visits.)

Money saving tips:

Here are a few other ways to save money on the Merlin Attractions in London:

Book online in advance: Walk-up prices are significantly higher so book at least 24 hours ahead.
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 over February half term so keep your eyes peeled.
Use Tesco Clubcard Rewards: Save your points and you could visit for free!
Book through National Rail: If you’re travelling by train, you can get 1/3 off and 2 for 1 tickets for lots of London attractions.
Check lovetovisit.co.uk: Love to Visit sell discounted tickets for family days out – it’s worth checking their current prices for the London Merlin Attractions before you book.

Look 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.
Check the supermarkets: 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.
Travel off-peak: Midweek visits are usually cheaper and much quieter – weekends and school holidays are the busiest times.
Buy a Merlin Annual Pass: 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?

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 such a great time – check out my Chessington World of Adventures Guide and my Chessington Short Break Review 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 Thorpe Park Review for more information – it’s a fantastic theme park for teenagers with huge rollercoasters and great water rides!

Final thoughts

The Merlin Attractions In London 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! However, they’re not cheap if you turn up and buy tickets on the day. So, to keep costs down, use the tips above or opt for a multi-attraction ticket to see the biggest savings. The best combinations for families are:

For younger kids: SEA LIFE London + Shrek’s Adventure
For older kids/teens: London Eye + Madame Tussauds + The London Dungeon

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. Have fun and, for more rainy day ideas, check out my article on the 20 best indoor attractions in London for kids. Or, if you’re visiting over the festive season, my article on the best things to do in London at Christmas has loads of fabulous days out! And, if you’re trying to impress teens, my guide on the 15 best things to do in London with teenagers is the perfect place to start! 😊