Universal Credit households can get nine FREE and cheap days out this summer holidays – see the full list
THE summer holidays can be expensive but getting out and about with your family doesn’t have to break the bank – particularly if you are on benefits.
Lots of UK attractions offer big discounts or even free tickets to people who receive Universal Credit or other benefits.
This means you can enjoy visits to some of the most famous historical landmarks, museums and zoos with your family this summer.
We’ve found all the key places that offer discounts, including how much tickets cost and what you can expect when you visit.
If you are planning a day out, contact the admissions office or check websites to see if you can get your hands on discounted tickets.
Historic Royal Palaces
If you receive benefits then you can get discounted tickets to several of the UK’s most famous palaces.
Historic Royal Palaces is a charity that looks after Kew Palace, Hampton Court Palace and the Tower of London.
It offers tickets for just £1 if you receive certain benefits including:
- Universal Credit
- Working Tax Credit
- Child Tax Credit
- Pension Credit
- Employment and Support Allowance
- Income Support
- Jobseeker’s Allowance
You need to book the tickets online then collect your printed tickets from the Ticket Office.
You can claim for up to six people per household and only one needs to show supporting documents.
Zoos
You can get discounts on several zoos in the UK if you claim certain benefits.
Families on Universal Credit can get tickets to London Zoo for as little as £3 per person.
Peak tickets normally cost around £33, which means you could save £30.
There are even free talks throughout the day where you can learn more about the lions, tigers and gorillas that live at the zoo.
Whipsnade Zoo, in Dunstable, also offers £3 tickets to households on certain benefits.
Everything you need to know about Universal Credit
- What is Universal Credit? Everything you need to know including how to apply
- Universal Credit calculator: How much can I claim and how do I apply?
- Universal Credit login: How do I sign in to my online account?
- How much can I earn before Universal Credit is reduced and do I get a work allowance?
- What is a Universal Credit advance payment? How to apply and pay it back
- Are Universal Credit payments going up and how much more will I get?
- How to claim Universal Credit if you’re self-employed
- How many hours can I work on Universal Credit and will my payment be reduced?
- What is a Universal Credit budgeting advance and how much could I get?
- What is the Universal Credit housing element and how much of your rent does it pay?
These include:
- Universal Credit
- Working Tax Credit
- Child Tax Credit
- Employment and Support Allowance
- Income Support
- Jobseeker’s Allowance
Meanwhile, Edinburgh Zoo and Highland wildlife park both offer tickets for just £7 per person – saving you 70% on adult tickets and 55% on kids’ ones.
You can book up to six tickets and you must all be from the same household.
You need to book the tickets online in advance.
St Paul’s Cathedral
Visitors to St Paul’s Cathedral in London can get tickets for just £1 if they receive Universal Credit, Pension Credit or Employment Support Allowance.
Family tickets for two adults and two or three children would normally set you back £62.
You can buy the tickets up to three months before your visit or get them on the day.
If you buy the tickets online they will be emailed to you.
Make sure to bring supporting documents to prove that you are eligible for the discount.
Eden Project
If nature is more your thing, then visit the Eden Project in Cornwall.
The venue includes the world’s largest indoor rainforest, outdoor gardens, contemporary art and even performances.
You can get discounted day tickets if you are on Universal Credit, Pension Credit or legacy benefits.
The tickets can be bought online and cost £5 for adults and £1 for children aged between five and 16.
Children under five go free.
A small number of tickets are available on the day but you should book ahead of time to avoid disappointment.
You will need to show proof of your Universal Credit, Pension Credit Employment and Support Allowance or other UK legacy benefit on arrival.
Chatsworth House
Chatsworth House has been the home of the Devonshire family for 17 generations.
There are more than 25 rooms to explore, including a sculpture gallery, state rooms and a painted hall.
Those who receive the following benefits can get adult tickets for £3 and children’s tickets for £1:
- Universal Credit
- Pension Credit
- Working Tax Credit
- Child Tax Credit
- Employment and Support Allowance
- Income Support
- Jobseeker’s Allowance
- Those in receipt of PIP payments
You can only buy the tickets online in advance and will need to show proof that you are eligible when you visit.
The Roald Dahl Museum and Story Centre
If you read your children a story before bed every night then where better to take them than The Roald Dahl Museum and Story Centre?
The museum in Great Missenden, Buckinghamshire, is in the same village where the children’s author lived for 36 years.
Free cash schemes if you're struggling
Many of us are still struggling with the high cost of living - but there's help you can get.
New or expectant parents can get up to £442 a year to spend on food through Healthy Start scheme.
Some new parents can get £500 via the Sure Start Maternity Grant. The money is designed to help you cover the costs of having a child.
Councils also offer support through the welfare assistance schemes, to help cover the costs of essentials, from buying new furniture to food vouchers.
The amount you can get varies but an investigation by The Sun found that hard-up Brits can apply for help worth up to £1,000.
Discretionary Housing Payment is a pot of money handed out by councils to those struggling to keep a roof over their heads.
A scheme is available for those who find themselves unable to cover housing costs, though the exact amount varies as each local authority dishes out the cash on a case-by-case basis.
Many energy forms offer grants to help cash-tight customers. The exact amount varies depending on your supplier and you circumstances, but could be as much a £2,000.
Families on Universal Credit, Pension Credit, Working Tax Credit, Child Tax Credit and Employment and Support Allowance can get tickets for just £1.
You can get up to six tickets per household and can buy them online or by calling 01494 892192.
Do not try to buy the tickets at the gate as only full-price ones will be available.
RHS Gardens
If you want to make the most of the good weather outside then head to one of the Royal Horticultural Society’s gardens.
You can visit for just £1 if you receive:
- Universal Credit
- Pension Credit
- Housing Benefit
- Child Tax Credit
- Working Tax Credit
- Income Support
- Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance
- Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
There are gardens across the country in locations including Harlow Carr in North Yorkshire, RHS Rosemoor in Devon and RHS Wisley in Surrey.
You can book tickets for £1 and bring up to five people with you.
Only one person in your group needs to be receiving benefits and you will need to provide proof of your income support when you arrive at the garden.
The offer is only valid for standard garden entry and cannot be used on separate events such as RHS Glow.
York Castle Museum
York Castle Museum is one of the best places to learn about the history of the city, including its Victorian streets and prisons.
Anyone on means-tested benefits, including Universal Credit, can enter for free.
Children in these households can also enter for free.
You may need to show proof of eligibility to enter.
Kew Gardens
Kew Gardens boasts more than 500 acres of woodland and is home to one of the largest and most diverse botanical collections in the world.
Anyone who receives Universal Credit or Pension Credit can get tickets for just £1.
Every benefit holder is entitled to one universal credit adult ticket each.
Visitors can also buy up to four extra guest tickets.
You will need to show proof that you receive benefits.
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