Looking for the perfect gift for an adventure lover? As we approach the start of the 2025 season, there has never been a better time to experience the magic and adrenaline of the Merlin theme parks. Whether it’s the record-breaking rollercoasters at Alton Towers Resort and Thorpe Park, the immersive family adventures at LEGOLAND® Windsor Resort, or the wild encounters at Chessington World of Adventures Resort, a Merlin Gift Card unlocks access to unforgettable experiences for customers, employees, or clients. 2025 is shaping up to be an unmissable year across the UK’s favourite theme parks.
A Merlin Gift Card offers complete flexibility – redeemable online against park tickets, annual passes, short breaks and VIP experiences, making it the ultimate reward or incentive. Here’s a closer look at what’s new across the Merlin theme parks in 2025 and why a Merlin Gift Card is the perfect way to enjoy it all.
Alton Towers Resort – Submit to the spin with Toxicator!
For thrill-seekers, Alton Towers Resort continues to push boundaries with Toxicator, the latest addition to the Forbidden Valley area. Opening on March 15th, 2025, Toxicator is the first of its kind in the UK, standing at an impressive 78ft tall, thanks to its placement on an elevated 16ft platform.
Designed to continue the Nemesis storyline, Toxicator will put riders back-to-back before flipping them upside down over a bubbling pool of toxic alien acid. With extreme spin patterns and intense centrifugal forces, this high-adrenaline attraction is expected to be one of the most thrilling rides Alton Towers has ever introduced.
Alongside Toxicator, Alton Towers continues to offer its legendary rollercoasters, including The Smiler, Wicker Man, and the newly reimagined Nemesis Reborn, which reopened in 2024 with an upgraded ride experience. With a Merlin Gift Card, visitors can make the most of these world-class attractions while also enjoying themed accommodations such as the Alton Towers Hotel, CBeebies Land Hotel, and Enchanted Village lodges.
Thorpe Park – Find Your Fearless on Hyperia
One of the best Merlin theme parks for thrills! In 2025, Thorpe Park is continuing to focus on delivering the ultimate thrill experience with Hyperia, the UK’s tallest and fastest rollercoaster. Opened last year, this incredible 236ft rollercoaster reaches speeds of 81mph, and is one of the most weightless and exhilarating rides in the country. Hyperia is not just a ride; it’s a symbol of courage and has already established itself as a must-ride attraction for adrenaline lovers.
For those who love spooky thrills, Fright Nights, the park’s award-winning Halloween event, is set to return for another terrifying season in October 2025. This annual event has earned a reputation as one of the UK’s most intense Halloween experiences, featuring horror mazes, scare zones, live actors, and spine-chilling attractions. Whether guests dare to explore the terror-inducing immersive mazes or take on the park’s rides in the dark, Fright Nights delivers an electrifying blend of fear and fun.
Thorpe Park’s 2025 season provides a great opportunity for visitors to conquer their coaster fears, starting with smaller rides like Flying Fish and working their way up to Stealth and The Swarm. With a Merlin Gift Card, visitors can not only experience Thorpe Park’s record-breaking rides but also enjoy overnight stays at the Thorpe Shark Cabins for the ultimate thrill-filled getaway.
LEGOLAND® Windsor Resort – A Year of Adventure and Creativity
LEGOLAND® Windsor Resort is a top destination for families, and 2025 brings exciting new experiences for visitors of all ages. One of the most anticipated returns is LEGO® City Deep Sea Adventure, where guests board a LEGO-themed submarine and dive into a world filled with sharks, stingrays, and incredible LEGO sea creatures.
For those looking for a short break, the brand-new LEGOLAND Woodland Village offers a unique way to stay overnight. Surrounded by nature, these lodges provide a tranquil retreat with immersive LEGO-themed play areas, making it a perfect escape for families. Guests staying at the village can enjoy:
- Themed accommodations designed to bring LEGO adventures to life.
- Exclusive early park access before the crowds arrive.
- Campfire-style dining at The Clubhouse Restaurant & Bar.
Adding to the excitement, LEGOLAND Windsor is hosting the LEGO Festival from May 3rd to June 8th, 2025. This global event features interactive play zones, creative challenges, and live entertainment, celebrating the power of play in true LEGO fashion.
With a Merlin Gift Card, visitors can enjoy all these attractions, as well as LEGOLAND’s other popular rides like Minifigure Speedway, the world’s first dueling forward and reverse LEGO rollercoaster, which debuted in 2024.
Chessington World of Adventures Resort – The UK’s Wildest Adventure
Chessington World of Adventures is ready for an exciting year in 2025, the park continues to provide fun seasonal events as well as some unique VIP experiences. This year’s highlights include:
- Easter 2025 – A festive trail featuring Bonnie the Easter Bunny and interactive experiences around the park.
- Summer Holidays – A mix of live music, street performers, and themed food stalls, creating a lively summer atmosphere.
- Howl’o’ween 2025 – A spooky event during October half-term, with spellbinding shows, themed attractions, and immersive scare experiences.
- Winter’s Tail – A magical Christmas celebration featuring Santa’s Grotto, twinkling lights, and festive entertainment.
For those looking for extraordinary experiences, Chessington is also known for offering a range of VIP packages that allow guests to step behind the scenes of their favorite attractions. Adventurers can take on the Tiger Rock Lift Hill Climb, offering breathtaking bird’s-eye views of the park, or delve into the secrets of one of Chessington’s most iconic rides with the Vampire Behind-the-Scenes Tour. Meanwhile, wildlife enthusiasts can get up close to incredible animals such as Rothschild’s giraffes and Southern White rhinos through exclusive VIP Animal Experiences. Whether exploring the park after hours, enjoying exclusive encounters, or seeing how the magic comes to life, these premium experiences offer something truly special for Chessington fans.
With a Merlin Gift Card, guests can book these premium experiences and make their visit to Chessington even more unforgettable.
Why a Merlin Gift Card is the Ultimate Experience Gift for 2025
A Merlin Gift Card is one of the most versatile and exciting rewards for employees, clients, and customers. It can be redeemed across all Merlin theme parks in the UK, offering flexibility and choice for recipients. Whether it’s for a thrill-seeker looking to ride Hyperia or Toxicator, a family planning a short break at LEGOLAND, or someone looking to enjoy VIP animal encounters at Chessington, the Merlin Gift Card provides access to unforgettable experiences.
How to Get Yours
For businesses looking to offer memory-making rewards and incentives, a Merlin Gift Card is the perfect choice. Available through Virgin Incentives, this flexible gift card ensures that employees, clients, or customers can create lasting memories at some of the UK’s most exciting attractions including the Merlin theme parks. Find out more information and get a quote below:
