Merlin Entertainments Group 

The LEGOLAND® theme parks are a part of Merlin Entertainments Group. Merlin Entertainments Group ranks first in Europe and the second in the world in terms of attractions operators. With 87 attractions, six hotels and two holiday villages worldwide, Merlin Entertainments Group entertains 46 million guests across 19 countries. The group’s holdings include LEGOLAND, SEA LIFE, Dungeon and Earth Explorer, Madame Tussauds, The London Eye, Gardaland, Alton Towers, Thorpe Park, Chessington World of Adventures, Heide-Park, Warwick Castle and LEGOLAND Discovery Centre.
         

SEA LIFE

SEA LIFE champions the cause of marine conservation through education, awareness and wherever possible, direct action. The 26 SEA LIFE attractions (with 2 mobile SEA LIFE Centre) and 3 Marine Sanctuaries are an ideal friendly and authoritative guide to the last great frontier…the seas and oceans of the world and their myriad mysterious and amazing inhabitants. Unrivalled display technology, biological expertise and entertainments skills combine to provide seamless journeys through European and tropical waters, and astonishing close encounters with everything from humble shrimps and starfish to seahorses, sharks and stingrays. See more under www.sealifeeurope.com.

 

LEGOLAND®

No 3 visitor attraction brand in Europe. 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®. 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 colourful 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 USA (California). Two new LEGOLAND concepts were launched in 2007 – the first, LEGOLAND Discovery Centre and LEGOLAND ATLANTIS by SEA LIFE.

 

LONDON EYE

At 135 m high, the British Airways London Eye is the world's tallest observation wheel. During the graceful 30 minute flight, customers can see up to 40 km from their fully enclosed, state of the art glass capsules. Since opening in 2000, it has welcomed over 29 million visitors and has won 80 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. See more under www.londoneye.com.

 

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, Amsterdam, Las Vegas, Shanghai, Hong Kong, Washington DC and Berlin – with brand new attractions opening in Hollywood in 2009. See more under 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 - including new MAMMUT, Italy's largest family coaster, shows that pull the audience into never ending adventures, and its unique Hotel Resort. See more under 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. See more under the www.thedungeons.com.

 

HEIDE PARK RESORT

Based in Soltau, Heide Park is North Germany’s largest theme park and is situated in 850,000 sq metres 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 Colossos – one of the steepest wooden roller coasters in the world. The Heide Park complex includes a 440 bed holiday centre with Caribbean style huts. See more under 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. Mutiny Bay – a whole new ‘Land’ comprising Battle Galleons, Marauders Mayhem, Heave Ho tug boat, themed catering and games – and new pirate rooms at the Splash Landings Hotel. See more under 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. See more under www.thorpepark.com.

 

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. 2007 saw the opening of a new hotel adjacent to the Park. See more under 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 like the Great Battle March in February, 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. See more under www.warwick-castle.co.uk.

 

LEGOLAND® DISCOVERY CENTRE

Our first LEGOLAND® Discovery Centre opened in Berlin in 2007, and takes you on a journey through a colourful and creative LEGO® world, where interaction, family fun and learning go hand in hand. See real LEGO bricks being made in the fun factory, visit the amazing 4D Spellbreaker cinema show, build and test your own models, enjoy an exciting ride through the medieval castle on the dragon’s back…and lots, lots more all under one roof. See more under www.legolanddiscoverycentre.com.

 

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. See more under www.earthexplorer.be.