Blackpool Council has announced that a number of attractions in Blackpool, which are currently operated by Merlin Entertainments on their behalf, will be managed by Blackpool Tourism Ltd from 1st August 2025.
Because these attractions will no longer be operated by Merlin, any new and renewing Merlin Annual Passholders and new Merlin Monthly Memberships purchased from 1st August 2025 onwards will not have access to the following attractions included with their Pass:
- The Blackpool Tower (incl. the Blackpool Tower Eye, the Blackpool Circus and the Blackpool Tower Ballroom)
- Peter Rabbit™: Explore & Play
- Madame Tussauds Blackpool
- The Blackpool Tower Dungeon
However, we’re pleased to confirm that existing Merlin Annual Passholders and Merlin Monthly Memberships will still be able to access these attractions until 31st December 2025, excluding any applicable restricted or closed dates and subject to membership fees being paid continuously during this time. After this, the terms and conditions will then change, meaning that these attractions will not be accessible with your Merlin Annual Pass or a Merlin Monthly Membership from 1st January 2026 onwards.
For more information about our T&Cs, please visit https://www.merlinannualpass.co.uk/important-information/terms-conditions/.
FAQs
What has been announced?
On 4th June, Blackpool Council announced that two buildings it owns will in future be managed by the Council’s wholly-owned tourism company, Blackpool Tourism Ltd. These buildings (and the attractions within them) are:
- the Blackpool Tower building (including the Blackpool Tower Eye, the Blackpool Tower Dungeon, the Blackpool Tower Circus, the Blackpool Tower Ballroom and the Fifth Floor); and
- the Madame Tussauds building (including Madame Tussauds Blackpool and Peter RabbitTM: Explore and Play).
These arrangements mean that the attractions within these buildings will no longer be managed by Merlin Entertainments, who have operated them on the Council’s behalf since 2010.
What is the current situation – and when will the change happen?
Merlin will continue to manage and operate the attractions up to and including Thursday 31st July. Blackpool Tourism Ltd will commence management and operation of the attractions from Friday 1st August.
What is happening with the other Merlin attractions in Blackpool?
Merlin will continue to operate SEA LIFE Blackpool and The Gruffalo & Friends Clubhouse, in a building leased from Blackpool Council.
What is happening with Merlin employees who work at the attractions in the Blackpool Tower and the Madame Tussauds building?
We are proposing that all employees who work in these attractions would transfer across to Blackpool Tourism Ltd. We are currently consulting with affected employees about these proposed changes. Out of respect to our employees currently going through this process, during this period we will be answering any questions that arise, whilst listening carefully to their feedback on what is proposed. No decisions have yet been made.
What is happening with Merlin employees who work in SEA LIFE Blackpool and The Gruffalo Clubhouse?
They will continue to be employed by Merlin. These sites are not part of this announcement – and therefore are not affected, and SEA LIFE Blackpool remains part of the Merlin Annual Pass attraction line-up.
Does Merlin still have an interest in the future of these attractions?
Merlin remains absolutely committed to the ongoing success of tourism in Blackpool, not least so that the two brands we are franchising to Blackpool Tourism Ltd can continue to flourish with our creative input. We look forward to continuing to work collaboratively with Blackpool Council over the months and years ahead.
I have a Merlin Annual Pass or a Merlin Monthly Membership, will I still be able to access these attractions?
Yes, you will still be able to access these attractions until 31st December 2025, excluding any applicable restricted or closed dates – and subject to membership fees being paid continuously during this time. The terms and conditions will then change, meaning that these attractions will not be accessible with the Merlin Annual Pass or a Merlin Monthly Membership from 1st January 2026 onwards.
Anyone taking out a new or renewed Merlin Annual Pass or a new Merlin Monthly Membership up to and including 31st July 2025 will also be able to access these attractions until 31st December 2025, excluding any applicable restricted or closed dates – and subject to membership fees being paid continuously during this time.
From 1st August 2025, new and renewing Merlin Annual Passholders and new Merlin Monthly Memberships will not have access to the Blackpool Tower Eye, the Blackpool Tower Dungeon, Madame Tussauds Blackpool and Peter Rabbit: Explore and Play included with their passes.
Will I get a partial refund or a reduced future price on my Merlin Annual Pass or Merlin Monthly Membership from 1st January 2026 to reflect the reduction number of attractions available?
No. From 1st January 2026, there will still be a wide range of attractions across the UK which can be accessed using the Merlin Annual Pass and Merlin Monthly Membership – continuing to offer great value for money.
Why wasn’t this made clear before I renewed my pass?
This change has come about as a result of recent discussions between Blackpool Council and Merlin. Because the Council owns the buildings in which these attractions are located, it is for them to decide how they are managed and operated. An agreement on this change was only recently made, and is being communicated now - at the earliest opportunity - to new and existing Passholders on the same day as the announcement.
If you renew your Pass before 31 July 2025, you'll still have access to the affected attractions until 31st December 2025. After that, your Pass will continue to offer access to many other top Merlin Entertainments attractions across the UK!
So, I’m paying more for less?
While the affected Blackpool attractions will transition to new management, your Merlin Annual Pass will still give access to over 20 of the top UK attractions – including Alton Towers Resort, Thorpe Park, the LEGOLAND® Windsor Resort, the London Eye and many more. We’re committed to ensuring your Pass remains great value, and are focused on providing excellent experiences at our attractions for all of our guests, included you our valued Passholders.