![\"LONDON](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/pinkoddy.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/london-merlin-attractions.jpg?resize=781%2C691\")
<\/p>\nIf you are going to London it makes so much sense to have a Merlin Annual Pass as there is just so much to do there that it really will entertain you and save you money. This is also one of the really good reasons to have a premium annual pass as there are some restrictions on dates in London on a standard pass – plus a premium means you do not always have to wait in line as long (nothing like a bit of VIP treatment).<\/p>\n
Four of the London Merlin attractions are located together over on the South Bank <\/strong>of the River Thames in Central London: SEA LIFE London Aquarium<\/strong>, Shrek\u2019s Adventure<\/strong>, Coca-Cola London Eye<\/strong> and London Dungeons<\/strong>. Plus there\u2019s 50% off on the London Eye River Cruise for Merlin Pass Holders.<\/p>\n The home to one of Europe\u2019s largest marine collections London SEA LIFE Aquarium takes visitors of all ages on an interactive and immersive adventure. Including a walk through a glass tunnel, feeding stingrays, touch pools, a rainforest area, you can see divers (with VIP packages available including snorkelling with sharks). Not forgetting seahorses, clown fish, octopus, zebra sharks, the ever popular penguins and an amazing jellyfish section! Not only is there so much to keep everybody entertained but also informed – with the SEA LIFE network playing an important role in safeguarding the seas and their inhabitants for the future. Allow for plenty of time for your visit and try to avoid times where it is likely to be busy such as school holidays as it is a very popular attraction. Decide whether your party is likely to be able to wait to experience the whole attraction in one go or whether it is best to target different areas.The beauty of having a Merlin Annual Pass is that is not going to cost you any extra to break it up into a few visits. The SEA LIFE London has plenty of toilet facilities throughout the whole experience. Optional photos to purchase of your experience – these can also be skipped to save time. Another attraction suitable for the whole family (suitable for ages 3-12 years) is Shrek\u2019s Adventure. An interactive family walk-through experience which takes you on a tour inspired by Dreamworks\u2019 Shrek. As well as meeting some of the favourite characters from Shrek such as Donkey and Fiona (and also some baddies including Witches and Rumpelstiltskin), there\u2019s a 4D bus ride, story-telling, and ingredients to collect for the muffin man\u2019s magic spell! This experience lasts approximately 75 minutes with the opportunity to meet some of Shrek\u2019s other Dreamworks friends after you leave Far Far Away. It is an accessible adventure and we saw ourselves that a wheelchair user was comfortably able to experience the whole experience (children are also asked to be allowed to see with adults standing at the back and we were asked to do the same for the wheelchair user). I will say that it did get a bit awkward in the mirror maze when they thought that they couldn\u2019t go forward though!<\/p>\n No phones or photography are allowed during this attraction. You may also be interested in Emma’s Review of Shrek’s Adventure<\/a><\/p>\n This is Europe\u2019s tallest Ferris wheel offering a 30 minute 360 experience of stunning London views. Situated across the River Thames to Big Ben and the houses of Parliament and from another angle experiencing the height of The Shard! Each pod has an interactive touch-screen display to help explore and identify the London Landmarks (such as Westminster Abbey, The Royal Albert Hall, Buckingham Palace, Tower of London, Tower Bridge, British Museum, St. Paul\u2019s Cathedral, and Piccadilly Circus). In the day you get beautiful clear views but at night it is all lit up and you get to see how magical London is in the dark.<\/p>\n Here we come to the London Merlin Attraction that certainly isn\u2019t suitable for the whole family as it recreates gory and macabre events from history. It has a mixture of special effects, live actors and even rides! Note they are not only not suitable for young children due to them being scared but also due to their content; for example Jack the Ripper! Note this attraction is very educational – notably teaching about Guy Fawkes, the Plague, Sweeney Todd and much much more.<\/p>\n Although it can be scary this is a great fun attraction – with plenty of interaction and wit. Our children are very brave and probably the youngest that went in at around 6\/7 years old. However, we did experience children probably around 12ish at the Dungeons at Warwick Castle (which is very similar) absolutely hysterical and needed to leave. It is up to the parents\u2019 discretion to make that decision – but do remember that if it is likely that your child will start screaming it isn\u2019t nice for them or anyone else (especially as we had our torturer section cut short because of this).<\/p>\n No phones or photography are allowed during this attraction.<\/p>\n The closest underground station for the Southbank is Waterloo<\/strong> which is served by the Northern, Bakerloo, Jubilee or Waterloo & City lines<\/em>. Other stations nearby are Blackfriars (District and Circle lines), Southwark (Jubilee line), Embankment (District, Circle, Bakerloo and Northern lines) and Westminster (District, Circle and Jubilee lines). Jubilee line stations have disabled access and all stations are in zone 1.<\/p>\n Another great London Merlin Attraction but away from South Bank is Madame Tussauds. This famous waxworks museum hosts a number of famous faces that feel like you are standing next to the real person. With over 250 lifelike waxworks, an insight into how they are produced and a 4D Marvel experience. This can be a very popular attraction so it is again better to visit during quieter times if possible. Some of the waxwork figures are going to demand more patience in waiting to get that all important selfie than others. Some children I guess could be frightened by how realistic they are!<\/p>\n Read more about what Kara thought about on her Visit to Madame Tussauds London with Kids.<\/a><\/p>\n Madame Tussauds London is located on Marylebone Road<\/strong>, just a minute walk from Baker Street<\/strong> underground station (which is on the Bakerloo, Circle, Jubilee, Metropolitan and Hammersmith & City lines). By train Marylebone Station<\/strong> is within 10 minutes walking distance of Madame Tussauds: Euston, St.Pancras, Paddington, Victoria, Waterloo and Charing Cross mainline stations are all within five stops on the underground. The following bus numbers travel to Madame Tussauds: 13, 18, 27, 30, 74, 82, 113, 139, 189, 205, 274 and 453.<\/p>\n You can also receive money off food, drink and merchandise with your Merlin Annual Pass – including 20% off at The Rainforest Cafe<\/strong>.<\/p>\n Of course LEGOLAND Windsor<\/strong><\/a>, Thorpe Park Resort<\/strong><\/a> and Chessington World of Adventures<\/strong> are all within 22 miles of London. In conclusion I think that, like Blackpool<\/a>, London is definitely a place to own a Premium Merlin Annual Pass because it will save you so much money and provide the whole family with a lot of entertainment, knowledge and experiences. Plus it makes it more likely you can access attractions.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n You may also be interested in my previous post about Teaching Children about London<\/a>.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n We are Merlin Annual Pass Ambassadors. Information correct to my knowledge and opinions are my own.<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"SEA LIFE London Aquarium with a Merlin Premium Annual Pass<\/strong><\/h3>\n
![\"penguins](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/pinkoddy.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/penguins-sea-life-london-aquarium.jpg?resize=800%2C563\")
<\/p>\n![\"facts](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/pinkoddy.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/sharks-endanger-facts.jpg?resize=800%2C1174\")
<\/p>\n![\"jellyfish](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/pinkoddy.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/jellyfish-sea-life-london-aquarium.jpg?resize=800%2C986\")
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Shrek\u2019s Adventure<\/strong><\/h3>\n
![\"shreks](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/pinkoddy.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/shreks-adventure-tour.jpg?resize=800%2C600\")
<\/p>\n![\"Fiona](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/pinkoddy.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/shreks-adventure-fiona.jpg?resize=800%2C1103\")
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Coca-Cola London Eye<\/strong><\/h3>\n
![\"Coca-Cola](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/pinkoddy.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/coca-cola-london-eye.jpg?resize=800%2C658\")
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London Dungeons<\/strong><\/h3>\n
![\"Blackpool](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/pinkoddy.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/04\/wicked-women.jpg?resize=533%2C800\")
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Other London Merlin Attractions<\/u><\/h3>\n
Madame Tussauds<\/strong><\/h3>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/pinkoddy.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/12\/madametussards.jpg?resize=273%2C300\")
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Theme Parks near London<\/u><\/h3>\n
![\"Merlin](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/pinkoddy.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/07\/premium-merlin-pass-at-amity-beach.jpg?resize=800%2C1067\")
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