About Merlin
Merlin Entertainments Group is the leading name in location based, quality family entertainment. Now the world's number two visitor attraction operator, it aims to deliver unique, memorable and rewarding experiences to its 30 million visitors worldwide, through its iconic global and local brands, and the commitment and passion of its managers and employees. Merlin has 51 attractions, in 12 countries, across three continents - Europe, North America and Asia - and employs over 13,000 staff.
SEA LIFE
LEGOLAND®
Merlin Entertainments London Eye
Madame Tussauds
Gardaland
Dungeons
Heide Park
Alton Towers
Thorpe Park
Chessington World of Adventures
Warwick Castle
Earth Explorer
Merlin’s Magic Wand
SEA LIFE
The SEA LIFE London Aquarium is home to one of Europe’s largest collections of global marine life and the jewel in the crown of the 28 SEA LIFE attractions in the UK and Europe. Situated in the heart of London, the experience takes visitors on an immersive and interactive journey along the Great Oceanic Conveyor.
www.sealifeeurope.com
LEGOLAND
Pirate, explorer, fire fighter... whatever the kids aspire to be (and Mum and Dad also wish they were...) LEGOLAND® offers families the opportunity to let their imaginations run free, and 'have a go' in the wonderful world of LEGO and Europe’s No 3 visitor attraction brand. Kid-powered rides, cool building challenges, a unique mix of interactive attractions, exhilarating coasters, shows that pull the audience into the action and so much more. There is a surprise around every colorful corner, with lively music and astonishingly accurate LEGO® brick models. LEGOLAND has something for every family member, and dozens of things to enjoy together.
There are currently four LEGOLAND sites: in the UK, Denmark (including the LEGOLAND Hotel), Germany and the USA (California).
www.legoland.com
Merlin Entertainments London Eye
At 135m high, the Merlin Entertainments London Eye is the world's tallest observation wheel. During the graceful 30 minute flight, customers can see up to 40km from their fully enclosed, state of the art glass capsules. Since opening in 2000, it has welcomed over 25 million visitors and has won 75 awards for design and engineering, tourism, customer service as well as numerous people's choice awards. In a short period of time, it has become a 21st century symbol for modern Britain and a global icon.
www.londoneye.co.uk
Madame Tussauds
London's most famous visitor attraction, Madame Tussauds, has been providing entertainment, magic and wonder for visitors for over 200 years. Visitors are fully immersed in the world of celebrity, politics, history, music, film and sport, getting up close and personal with their icons and heroes in an inclusive, innovative and interactive environment. The red ropes are gone, and Madame Tussauds' unique experience is rolling out globally with attractions in New York, Washington, D.C., Hollywood, Amsterdam, Las Vegas, Shanghai and Hong Kong.
www.madame-tussauds.com
Gardaland
No 3 theme park in Europe and Italy's number one. Gardaland is a special combination of adventure, dream and strong emotions in a wonderful fantasy world. Discover the fascination of a submerged continent, challenge the fury of the rapids in the heart of the jungle, face the dangers of the ferocious sea or experience the emotion of flight aboard a supersonic jet... everything is possible in Gardaland. The park includes the Gardaland Resort Hotel, a magical place where you can spend a fantastic holiday. With over 40 rides, shows that pull the audience into never ending adventures, and its unique Hotel Resort.
www.gardaland.it
Dungeons
Merlin's Dungeons are not for the faint-hearted! A unique combination of real history, horror and humour bring gruesome historic events back to life in the 21st century. Each Dungeon offers a horror fest linked to their location - highlighting the local history's horrible bits. The Dungeon experience combines live actors, rides, shows and special effects to transport you back to relive those darker times. Led by the world famous London Dungeon, there are now four other Dungeon sites in Hamburg, Amsterdam, Edinburgh and York.
Visit if you dare, but be careful you never know who - or what - is just around the corner.
www.thedungeons.com
Heide Park
Based in Soltau, Heide Park is North Germany's largest theme park and is situated in 850,000 sq meters of countryside, approximately 65 km from Hamburg. Amongst the 40 rides, the Park is home to the world's tallest drop tower, Scream, as well as Colossus - one of the steepest wooden roller coasters in the world. The Heide Park complex includes a 440 bed holiday center with Caribbean style huts.
www.heidepark.de
Alton Towers
The UK's leading and most extraordinary theme park, with something for everyone, whether on a short break with family or a day out with friends. Alton Towers is located in 500 acres of Staffordshire countryside and as well as having rides and attractions for all ages; has two fully themed hotels, a huge indoor and outdoor waterpark, a luxurious Spa, plus a unique Conference Centre just a stone's throw away from all the action. Thrill seekers enjoy adrenalin fun on some of Europe's top rides such as Air, Nemesis, Oblivion and Rita - Queen of Speed; and there are special events throughout the season for all the family to enjoy - from Easter to Halloween.
www.altontowers.com
Thorpe Park
One of the UK's top theme parks for thrill seekers, with over 25 rides and attractions offering breathtaking speeds, death-defying drops and gut-wrenching loops as well as a calendar of exciting events throughout the season. Stealth - Europe's fastest rollercoaster - just got faster, as the Nitrogen Booster system has been tweaked for a 'new and improved' super acceleration of 0 - 80mph in under two seconds! Colossus, the world's first ten looping rollercoaster and Nemesis Inferno, a 4.5 G-Force experience, make up the Unholy Trinity of rides guests just HAVE to brave.
www.thorpe-park.co.uk
Chessington World of Adventures
Home to a unique blend of exciting rides, amazing animal encounters, live shows and unrivalled excitement for kids from 0-99. From Bubbleworks to tiger cubs, Dragon's Fury to a Squirrel Monkey Walk through Chessington World of Adventures and Zoo promises a hassle-free, action-packed family day out everyone will want to share.
www.chessington.co.uk
Warwick Castle
Warwick Castle, undoubtedly Merlin's oldest attraction, is Britain's Greatest Mediaeval Experience with fantastic themed attractions and a year-round programme of interactive entertainment. Highlights include the world's biggest siege machine, thrilling jousting tournaments, breathtaking birds of prey, daredevil knights, a new fully immersive experience - Dream of Battle; and magical winter/Christmas events including an ice rink. Warwick Castle guarantees a mighty day of mediaeval fun.
www.warwick-castle.co.uk
Earth Explorer
Earth Explorer is an up-close and personal experience of what makes our amazing Earth tick, and what makes it roar, crack, erupt, tremble, howl, shudder, heave, freeze and boil. A more than interactive adventure among the fascinating natural forces.
An exciting, educational voyage of discovery for all ages, Earth Explorer involves you totally. You will see and feel how the four natural forces of earth, wind, fire and water have shaped our world, and how they continue to influence our daily lives.
www.earthexplorer.be
Merlin's Magic Wand - Charity for children
As one of the world’s leading operators of visitor attractions, with 58 attractions in 12 countries and across 3 continents, Merlin Entertainments welcomes over 32 million people to its attractions every year – many of them children. Merlin Entertainments’ special charity – Merlin’s Magic Wand – has been set up to provide magical experiences to many more children who are seriously ill, disabled or disadvantaged and who might not otherwise be able to visit one of our many attractions around the world.
Through Merlin’s Magic Wand charity, we seek to provide the means for kids to visit us, or to take part in another similar experience appropriate to their circumstances. Grants towards the cost of travel and accommodation may be provided if needed, in addition to providing entrance passes to the attraction or experience.
To find out more about Merlin's Magic Wand, eligibility criteria, and how you can apply for an award, go to www.merlinsmagicwand.org, from where application forms can be downloaded.
Merlin’s Magic Wand has been established as a UK charitable trust, registered with the Charities Commission in the UK. The Charity will be run by a Board of Trustees, who will administer the funds and make awards. Awards may be made in any of the countries in which Merlin operates.