Universal Credit days out – access top London attractions from just £1

Planning a trip to London? Get cheaper, discounted tickets for days out London Zoo, Tower of London and more when you claim certain benefits!

Having a day out with the family can be a major expense, but you can use offers from a range of attractions, zoos and museums to visit for as little as £1.

If you are claiming Universal Credit or other benefits, you can get access to cheaper days out with special tickets.

It’s not just a random day of the week, either, as you can also get discounts during the May half-term and throughout the summer holidays.

London Zoo

London Zoo offers reduced-price tickets from just £3 if you receive Universal Credit.

You must book the tickets in advance and show proof on entry that you receive the benefit.

You can book for up to 6 people per household.

If you don’t receive UC, make sure to get a Blue Peter Badge. When an adult pays full price, children from 6 to 15 years old get free entry to the zoo.

Westminster Abbey

You can access Westminster Abbey for just £8 for an adult ticket or £8 for one adult and one child.

You do not need to book online, but simply show your proof of Universal Credit claim when you enter.

Emergency services workers (police, fire, and ambulance) can get free entry to the Abbey. If space is available and this offer will run until 30 September 2024. You simply need to show your work ID on entry.

If you are travelling by train, you can use the 2 for 1 National Rail offer and get a free adult ticket when you buy another at full price.

Tate

Everyone can get free entry to Tate Britain and Tate Modern to see their collection.

However, if you want to see a specific exhibition, you need to pay for a ticket.

Tickets can be around £20 usually, but drop to £5 if you receive either Pension Credit or Universal Credit.

London Transport Museum

At the London Transport Museum, you can get unlimited daytime access for an entire year for just £1.

You can get discounted tickets for £1 if you receive either Universal Credit, Pension Credit, Working Tax Credit, Child Tax Credit or Employment and Support Allowance.

You need to show proof of your benefits (either a printed letter or you can show them from accessing your UC account from your phone).

If you’re taking children under the age of 17, they can visit for free.

Alternatively, if you are a Blue Light Card Holder, you can get 20% off entry when you book online.

If you’re currently looking for work, you can get a free JobCentre Plus railcard to get 50% off rail travel.

Kew Gardens

If you want to visit Kew Gardens, you can get tickets for £1 if you receive Universal Credit or Pension Credit.

You’re able to book the tickets in advance online or you can pay the price when you arrive.

Alternatively, you can get cheaper tickets for just £10 if you choose to visit after 4 PM in the summer months.

The gardens are open until 8 PM, so you still get hours to stroll around.

Whipsnade Zoo

Whipsnade Zoo offer tickets for as little as £3 a person if you receive certain benefits.

You must book online to access the special offer and then show proof of entitlement on entry.

You get lower prices if you claim Universal Credit, Working Tax Credit, Child Tax Credit, Employment and Support Allowance, Income Support or Jobseeker’s Allowance.

Travelling to London by train? You’re overspending by 45% if you don’t book your tickets in advance.

Tower of London

If you receive certain benefits, a household of up to 6 can get a ticket for £1 each at the Tower of London.

You must pre-book the tickets online, but only one person must show the supporting documents on entry to confirm their benefit entitlement.

Tickets are limited, so if you don’t see any £1 tickets on the day you plan to attend, they will have sold out, but you can always try another day.

To get cheaper £1 tickets, you must receive Universal Credit, Working Tax Credit, Child Tax Credit, Pension Credit, Employment and Support Allowance, Income Support or Jobseeker’s Allowance.

Hampton Court Palace

You can visit Hampton Court Palace for £1 per person if you claim Universal Credit or other benefits.

You need to book online before you visit and show a letter to confirm your benefits when you arrive.

Kensington Palace

If you fancy a trip to Kensington Palace you can get discounted access for just £1.

Lower prices are available if you are on Universal Credit or other named benefits.

Booking online is mandatory as spaces are limited.

You need to show supporting documentation when you arrive, such as a UC statement (printed or on the app) or a letter from DWP confirming receipt of your benefit, plus proof of your name.

If you are not currently ireceiving any of the benefits listed, you can check in a few minutes to see if you could be entitled.

Policy in Practice estimates in April 2024 that around £8.3 billion is going unclaimed in Universal Credit, so you may be surprised if you’re able to access additional money.

Wherever you plan to spend your day out, you can keep costs even lower during half terms or summer holidays with cheaper meals out and kids eat free offers.

Strapped for cash? Take a look at these mega-collection of 100 budget-friendly summer activities for kids.