Big adventures don’t have to mean long drives. This May half term, families can find excitement for all ages within a 25-mile, adventure-packed zone bringing together eight standout attractions – from top UK theme parks to sky-high views on the London Eye and immersive experiences at The London Dungeon and Madame Tussauds – offering thrills, storytelling, wild discoveries and exploration without complicated planning, just easy, memorable days out together.
FOR FAMILIES WHO LOVE TO DISCOVER, TOGETHER
Brand new at Chessington World of Adventures Resort, step into the World of PAW Patrol, where teamwork, imagination, and everyday heroism come to life. Little (and big) adventurers can join their favourite pups on the UK’s first ‘Drifter’ ride, soar into action on Skye’s Helicopter Heroes, and take on Chase’s Mountain Mission, a fun-filled family coaster experience.
At LEGOLAND® Windsor Resort, families can join the Resort’s 30th birthday celebrations – be wowed by a spectacular 13ft tall LEGO® birthday cake, explore the brand new nostalgic Miniland 1996 High Street and enjoy the high-energy 30th Birthday Brick Bash show. And for the ultimate LEGO® adventure, swing into family fun at LEGOLAND® Adventure Golf and get set for a super-soaking time with the 2026 reopening of Drench Towers, the UK’s largest water play structure.
If the weather takes a turn, there’s plenty of discovery to be had in Merlin’s indoor London attractions. At Shrek’s Adventure! London, families can step into a laugh-out-loud immersive journey where they can hop aboard a magical 4D flying bus, meet Shrek, Fiona and the Muffin Man, and explore nine live shows along the way. Right next door at SEA LIFE London Aquarium families can dive into an underwater world with 14 interactive zones and over 500 species, from sharks to seahorses to jellyfish. Plus, a brand-new story-led audio tour, the SEA LIFE Discovery Tour, brings the experience to life even further blending playful storytelling, fascinating facts and conservation messages.
MADE FOR THE THRILLSEEKERS OF THE FAMILY
At Thorpe Park, adrenaline takes centre stage, with record-breaking coasters and high-energy rides offering the ultimate playground for thrill-seeking families. In between the action, The Launch Pad, a brand-new events space, offers a chance to pause, recharge and reconnect while Thorpe Park Lates (23rd–25th May) will extend the excitement into the evening, keeping adrenaline high until 9pm – perfect for making even more of every thrilling moment.
Over at The London Dungeon, older and braver family members can step into a darker kind of adventure brought to life through immersive live shows and theatrical storytelling. Encounter infamous characters from Jack the Ripper to Sweeney Todd on a thrilling journey through London’s past, packed with surprises, shocks and plenty of laughs.
WHERE FAMILY ADVENTURES MEET CULTURE
At Madame Tussauds London, families can step into a world of fame, fun and immersive storytelling with over 150 lifelike celebrity figures and themed zones to explore – from the glamour of the Awards Party to the action of the Marvel Hall of Heroes and the adventure of Star Wars. Plus, don’t miss the Spirit of London ride or the limited-time Icons of India (1st May–1st July), a vibrant celebration of Bollywood stars and cricket greats.
For a change of pace, the London Eye offers a calm yet unforgettable experience, rising 135 metres above the city and offering sweeping 360-degree views. Families will spot landmarks like Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament, St Paul’s Cathedral and Buckingham Palace as they relax, take it all in and enjoy London from a whole new perspective together.
SHORT STAYS WITH MEMORIES THAT LAST A LIFETIME
To make the most of May half term, families can turn a day of adventure into a short break. At LEGOLAND® Windsor Resort, enjoy the ultimate LEGO sleepover in one of two Resort hotels or in the nature-inspired LEGOLAND® Woodland Village. While Chessington World of Adventures Resort, offers a wild getaway at the Azteca Hotel or Safari Hotel, where PAW Patrol fans can stay in brand-new themed rooms. And for those chasing thrills late into the evening, the Thorpe Shark Cabins at Thorpe Park offer the perfect place to stay just steps away from the action – bringing the 25 miles of adventure to life from sunrise to sunset, and beyond.
For Merlin Annual Pass holders, the 25 miles of adventure is all part of the experience – with unlimited access making it easier than ever to bring the family together for exploration, adventures and memorable half term moments.
DAY TICKETS & SHORT BREAK BOOKING INFORMATION
Chessington World of Adventures Resort tickets start from £32pp when booked online. Chessington World of Adventures short breaks during May half term start from £73pp based on Bed & Breakfast with 2 adults and 2 children under 15 years staying in a standard bedroom in the Safari Hotel. Book both day tickets and short breaks online at www.chessington.com.
LEGOLAND® Windsor Resort tickets start at £32pp when booked online. LEGOLAND® Adventure Golf tickets start from £8pp per round. LEGOLAND® Windsor Resort short breaks during May half term start from £127pp based on 2 adults and 2 children staying in Woodland Village Lodge. Book both day tickets and short breaks online at www.legoland.co.uk.
Thorpe Park tickets start at £32pp when booked online. Thorpe Park short breaks during May half term start from £89pp based on 4 people sharing a standard room. Book both day tickets and short breaks online at www.thorpepark.com.
Shrek’s Adventure! London tickets start at £21pp when booked online at www.shreksadventure.com.
SEA LIFE London Aquarium tickets start at £28pp when booked online at www.visitsealife.com.
London Dungeons tickets start at £27pp when booked online at www.thedungeons.com/london/.
Madame Tussauds tickets start at £27pp when booked online at www.madametussauds.com/london/.
London Eye tickets start at £29pp when booked online at www.londoneye.com.
Looking for ways to save?
Purchase a London multi-attraction ticket from £49pp and experience and add on additional attractions to your visit. Multi-attraction tickets can be purchased from any of the London attraction websites.