Five attraction pass including Madame Tussauds & The London Eye

Exploring London with the Merlin London Attraction Pass: A Complete Review

Visiting London can feel both exhilarating and overwhelming—so many iconic sights, so little time. That’s where the Merlin London Attraction Pass comes in, offering access to five of the city’s most popular attractions for a single price, valid for 90 days. Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned Londoner, this combo ticket promises flexibility, value, and a chance to see some of London’s key highlights at your own rhythm.

From the whimsical world of wax figures at Madame Tussauds to panoramic city views from the London Eye, this pass packs a punch. One thing we really like is how easy it is to customize your experience—explore attractions when it suits your schedule, not the other way around. But a word of caution: some reviewers mention long queues at Madame Tussauds, which can eat into your sightseeing time. Still, for those who love cultural, fun, and slightly quirky adventures, this ticket is a crowd-pleaser.

Ideal for families, couples, or groups wanting a comprehensive London experience without the hassle of buying tickets separately, this pass offers convenience and savings. It’s especially suited to travelers who want to maximize their time and cover multiple attractions without the stress of planning every detail.

Key Points

• Flexible Validity: You can use your ticket anytime within 90 days, giving you freedom to plan your days.
• Cost-Effective: At around $94.58 per person, it offers savings compared to individual ticket prices.
• All-In-One Access: Includes five major attractions: Madame Tussauds, London Eye, SEA LIFE Aquarium, London Dungeon, and Shrek’s Adventure.
• Self-Guided Exploration: No fixed schedule—explore each attraction at your own pace.
• Close to Public Transport: Most attractions are within walking distance of Underground stations, easing your movement around the city.
• Mixed Reviews on Queues: While some have benefited from skipping long lines, others faced waits—so plan accordingly.

An In-Depth Look at the London Attraction Pass

What makes this pass appealing?

First off, the major draw is the ability to visit five top attractions in London without purchasing separate tickets. It’s perfect for travelers who want variety and flexibility. We appreciate that the pass is valid for up to 90 days, allowing you to stretch out your sightseeing or pack it into a single day—whichever suits your style.

Most reviewers seem to agree that it offers good value for money, especially since purchasing each attraction separately can be costly. The combined ticket often costs less than buying individual entries, and the fact that all attractions are in central London means you’re not wasting time commuting far.

How does the itinerary work?

You start your day at Madame Tussauds, which is their designated first stop. This wax museum is a fun and engaging experience, perfect for snapping photos with lifelike figures of celebrities, royalty, and superheroes. Reviewers mention that the experience begins with the Royal Balcony, where you can get up close with the Royal Family figures, and enjoy a nostalgic taxi ride through 400 years of London history. For many, this is a highlight and a good way to kick-start the day.

Next, you can head to the SEA LIFE London Aquarium, a captivating underwater world where you’ll see everything from Gentoo penguins to sharks. Several travelers found the close-up encounters impressive, with one noting the penguins and turtles were “awesome to see.” The aquarium’s bright, interactive displays make it engaging for kids and adults alike.

Following that, the London Dungeon offers a theatrical, slightly spooky walk-through of London’s darker moments. Reviewers describe it as funny, scary, and immersive, with actors and special effects creating a memorable experience. However, some mention the tour involves a fair amount of standing and waiting, which could be tiring if you’re not prepared.

The London Eye provides spectacular panoramic views of the city. On clear days, you can see up to 40 kilometers of London’s skyline, including landmarks like Buckingham Palace, St. Paul’s Cathedral, and Westminster Abbey. The ride lasts about 30 minutes and is praised for its smooth rotation and breathtaking scenery. Several reviews highlight the views as a definite “must-do” highlight.

Finally, Shrek’s Adventure is a lively, humorous tour that takes you into the fairy tale world of Far Far Away. Driven by Donkey, you explore scenes and meet characters like Princess Fiona and Puss in Boots. Reviewers say the experience is cheesy but fun, particularly great for families and kids. It’s a more interactive, light-hearted way to end your day.

What to Expect at Each Attraction

Madame Tussauds is the starting point with timed entry—you select your preferred time when booking. Once inside, the wax figures are remarkably lifelike, and the experience includes a Marvel Super Heroes 4D movie. Reviewers mention that queues can be long, with one stating, “the queue is too long, taking more than an hour to get inside,” so arriving early or booking in advance is advisable.

SEA LIFE London Aquarium offers close encounters and photo opportunities with marine animals, with new interactive Rainforest Adventure displays. The highlight here is the diverse animal collection, from the playful penguins to the sleek sharks, which makes for a memorable visit.

The London Dungeon is a theatrical horror experience. Expect actors, special effects, and immersive scenes that narrate London’s darker historical episodes. It’s both fun and slightly spooky, with the sensory experience involving sights, sounds, and smells.

The London Eye is iconic, giving panoramic city views from a high-tech glass capsule. It’s a relaxing, scenic ride, ideal for photos and taking in landmarks from above. The 30-minute duration gives plenty of time to soak in the scenery.

Shrek’s Adventure is a lively, interactive journey that combines humor and storytelling. Board Donkey’s bus, meet beloved characters, and laugh your way through the fairy tale world. Reviewers recommend it especially for families, noting it’s a hilarious and engaging experience.

Practical Tips and Insights from Travelers

While most reviewers found the pass to be valuable and convenient, some pointed out challenges with queues, especially at Madame Tussauds. “The queues for tickets are very long, taking over an hour,” one reviewer shared. To mitigate this, it’s best to arrive early or book your tickets in advance for Madame Tussauds and other attractions where possible.

Many appreciated the flexibility—being able to pick when to visit each attraction meant they could avoid busy times, especially during peak seasons. The self-guided approach allows you to spend more time in the attractions that interest you most, rather than rushing through.

The location proximity of attractions is also a plus. Since all are in central London and within walking distance of major Underground stations, you won’t waste precious time commuting. This is especially helpful if you’re on a tight schedule.

Price and Value Analysis

At just under $95 per person, this pass offers significant savings compared to individual ticket prices, which can add up quickly. For example, Madame Tussauds alone can cost around 40 pounds (~$55), with the London Eye and other attractions adding to the cost. The pass makes sense financially, especially if you plan to visit all five sites.

That said, some reviews suggest that if queues are long, the overall value diminishes slightly, as waiting time can cut into your sightseeing. Still, the overall convenience and cost savings make this an attractive option for most visitors.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This pass works well for families wanting variety and flexibility, as well as groups or couples eager to tick off several iconic attractions in one trip. It’s ideal if you’re comfortable exploring at your own pace and don’t mind some waiting at popular sites.

It’s less suitable if you prefer guided tours or if you’re short on time—since the attractions are in different parts of the city, fitting everything into a single day might be a squeeze, especially if queues are long.

Travelers who appreciate panoramic views, interactive experiences, and historical storytelling will find plenty to enjoy. Plus, if you love snapping photos of London’s skyline from above, the London Eye is a definite highlight.

Final Thoughts

This London attraction pass offers a cost-effective, flexible way to see some of the city’s most famous sights. It combines entertainment, education, and stunning views, making it a versatile option for many travelers. While queues can sometimes be a concern, arriving early and planning your day can help maximize your experience.

Whether you’re visiting with kids or exploring solo, you’ll appreciate the ease of having multiple tickets sorted in one easy package. It’s a chance to enjoy London’s highlights without the stress of juggling separate bookings and long lines.

In the end, this pass is best suited for those who want a balanced mix of fun, panoramic views, and a taste of London’s history—all at a good value. If you’re after a hassle-free way to hit the highlights, it’s definitely worth considering.

FAQs

Does the pass allow me to visit the attractions at any time within 90 days?
Yes, you can use the ticket at your preferred times within the 90-day validity period, giving you flexibility to plan your visit.

Are the attractions close to public transportation?
Most of the destinations are within walking distance of London Underground stations, making it easy to navigate the city.

Can I use the tickets for multiple days?
Yes, the pass can be used over a span of up to 90 days, so you can spread out your visits or do everything in one busy day.

Do I need to pre-book specific times for each attraction?
For Madame Tussauds, yes—you select your time when booking. The other attractions can be booked via the supplier portal or at the location, but pre-booking is recommended to avoid long waits.

What if I want to visit just a few attractions?
You can choose to visit only some of the five included sites, as the pass is flexible within its validity.

Are there any age restrictions?
Most attractions are suitable for all ages, but the London Dungeon is run in English and involves theatrical storytelling, which might not be ideal for very young children.

Is the ticket valid for same-day visits?
Yes, you can plan your visits on the same day, but keep in mind the need to account for travel time and potential queues.

What should I bring to the attractions?
A valid ID matching the lead name on your tickets is recommended. Also, consider comfortable shoes and weather-appropriate clothing, especially if you plan to spend a lot of time outdoors on the London Eye.

Can I cancel my booking?
Yes, the booking is eligible for free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience start time.

Is the pass suitable for non-English speakers?
Most attractions are in English, and tours like The London Dungeon are primarily run in English. However, sensory experiences like Shrek’s Adventure are enjoyable for all, regardless of language.

The Merlin London Attraction Pass offers a well-rounded, budget-friendly way to explore London’s top sights, perfect for travelers seeking flexibility and value without sacrificing memorable experiences.