10/10/2026
In the UK, you will almost certainly know and have visited Alton Towers, Thorpe Park or Chessington World of Adventures. Some of you may have a Merlin Annual Pass.
The theme parks and attractions under the UK Merlin Annual Pass are operated by Merlin Entertainments who are one of the biggest tourist attraction operators in the world which includes the Legoland parks.
In Europe, Merlin run a few theme parks including a couple of Legoland parks. Have a look at Merlin's European resort theme parks! Heide Park in Germany and Gardaland in Italy
Heide Park is located in Soltau, Germany which is an hour and 30 minutes from Hamburg.
Highlights for Heide Park include Colossos (a wooden rollercoaster with a similar theme to Wickerman however taller and faster), Krake (a pirate themed dive coaster), Flug der Damonen (a wing coaster similar to The Swarm) and Desert Race (a near clone of Rita). Heide Park includes a Ghostbusters themed dark ride, a How to Train your Dragon themed family area and a Peppa Pig children's area.
Gardaland is located near Peschiera del Garda in the setting of the stunning Lake Garda. Just under 40 minutes from Verona which is a very quick connection!
Highlights for Gardaland include Oblivion: The Black Hole (a dive coaster that is considered the sequel to Oblivion at Alton Towers), Raptor (a wing coaster like The Swarm), Shaman (a classic looping coaster), Mammut (a mine train coaster) and Flug de Atlantide (a unique water ride/coaster). Gardaland includes a Jumanji themed dark ride and a Peppa Pig themed children's area. Unique to Gardaland, there is a Legoland Water Park that is available for a separate admission fee. There is also an on-site Sealife aquarium on site at Gardaland.
I highly recommend both Heide Park and Gardaland if you're looking for theme parks overseas and are looking for the unique rides, theming and attractions of your favourite theme parks at home whilst having shorter queues.