Disclosure: We have been gifted Merlin Annual Passes for the year however all opinions are my own.
The South Bank in London is one of the best places to visit if you have a Merlin Annual Pass as there is just so much to do all in one place. The South Bank is right next to London Waterloo train station – which is also on the Jubilee, Bakerloo, Northern and Waterloo and City underground lines although, you could walk to the South Bank from most other main stations in London and it would be a picturesque and enjoyable walk. But, it’s also a great place to explore even if the weather isn’t at it’s best. It has so many family attractions that make it a fantastic day out.
The South Bank is a hub of activity and a central point for most tourists. The main attraction is the London Eye which is so iconic and visible for miles. We went on it last year with the children and can’t wait to take them back. The ride on the London Eye takes about half an hour and you do get incredible views across London and can see so many attractions from above.
Another favourite attraction for us is the Sea Life London Aquarium which we always love to visit when we’re in London. It’s the perfect attraction for any weather and can be visited in as little as an hour or you can spend longer there depending on how long you spend looking in each tank.
One of the newest attractions on the South Bank is Shrek’s Adventure which we have visited for the last two years. The story changes slightly each time and as it’s all live action, acted out in front of you, the characters vary slightly depending on who is playing them. It’s a great show and something any Shrek or Dreamworks fan will love.
We haven’t yet been to the London Dungeons but it’s another main attraction on the South Bank and somewhere teens and adults will love. Dave and I went a few years ago, before having children, when it was in a different London location and really enjoyed it as part of a day out.
Around the Merlin attractions on the South Bank are plenty of places to eat, so many places to sit and just take London in for a moment and there’s also a pretty amazing adventure playground that the children love. The South Bank really is the perfect place to visit for the whole family – especially if you have a Merlin Annual Pass.
If you’re looking to make more of your day out then Madame Tussauds is not too far away either – another great attraction to add to any visit to London.
Fabulous! I took my 12 year old there last weekend and it was such a great day out – so many restaurants, activity along the South Bank. We went to the London Dungeons and were both scared witless!
It’s on our bucket list to visit London this year with the children. I think they would love the London Eye and Shrek Adventures looks brilliant, they love the films. We are lucky that London isn’t too far from us and has so much to offer x
I used to love heading to the South Bank when we had our Merlin passes. If staying over the Premier Inn at City Hall (just behind Shreks Adventure) is a great place to stay x