Claimants of Universal Credit and other types of benefits can enjoy a variety of days out in and around London for as little as £1 this summer.
Families can also be included in the huge savings which can be found in tourist hotspots from the Tower of London to Whipsnade Zoo.
Such savings will provide a helping hand to many who are struggling financially during the cost-of-living crisis.
Experiences.co.uk has reported a surge in searches for days-out ideas on a budget.
The website’s chief executive, James Richardson, said: “Many families across the UK are still struggling, but it is great to see so many parents are determined to give their kids a family day out regardless.
“There are many offers out there for affordable family days out for anyone, irrespective of whether you receive Universal Credit or not.”
Here are some attractions you can enjoy on a budget.
London Zoo
The zoo has made reduced price tickets to London Zoo available for those currently receiving Universal Credit, Working Tax Credit, Child Tax Credit, Employment and Support Allowance, Income Support or Jobseeker’s Allowance.
These tickets are only available to purchase online in advance, for up to six people per household (kids under three go free and do not need to book – but must be accompanied by an adult with a booked ticket).
Cost: From £3 per person.
Visit the London Zoo website for details.
Tower of London, Hampton Court Palace and Kensington Palace
The Historic Royal Palaces are offering £1 tickets for a day visit to the Tower of London, Hampton Court Palace, and Kensington Palace.
These are on offer to anyone in receipt of the following: Universal Credit, Working Tax Credit, Child Tax Credit, Pension Credit, Employment and Support Allowance, Income Support, Jobseeker’s Allowance.
Tickets cost from £1 per person.
Visit the Historic Royal Castles website to book.
Whipsnade Zoo
Reduced-price tickets are available for those currently receiving Universal Credit, Working Tax Credit, Child Tax Credit, Employment and Support Allowance, Income Support or Jobseeker’s Allowance.
These tickets are only available to purchase online in advance, for up to six people per household (kids under three go free and do not need to book – but must be accompanied by an adult with a booked ticket).
Tickets cost from £3.
Visit the zoo’s website for further information.
London Transport Museum
Reduced-price tickets are available to people on Universal Credit, Pension Credit, Working Tax Credit, Child Tax Credit, Employment and Support Allowance, Universal Credit & Pension Credit Annual Passes are sold on an individual basis.
Each named passholder must provide individual proof of receipt of one of the above.
Tickets cost from £1.
Visit the Transport Museum’s website for tickets.
Tate Modern and Tate Britain
A flat discount rate is on offer for exhibitions at the Tate Modern and Tate Britain.
Discounts on offer for Universal or Pension Credit (plus Income Support, Personal Independence Payments and Jobseekers’ Allowance recipients).
The cost is £5 for all exhibitions.
Visit the website for all information about buying tickets to the exhibitions in advance.
Westminster Abbey
Adults receiving Universal Credit can pay a reduced rate when visiting Westminster Abbey.
Simply show your Universal Credit letter upon entry. It isn't currently possible for adults receiving Universal Credit to book tickets online.
Adults pay £8 – though it’s cheaper to buy a family ticket for £8 if you have one child.
If you don’t claim benefits but go in by train, there is two-for-one entry to adults through National Rail.
Visit the website for further information on all discounts.
V&A museum
Access to the V&A is free for all so it is always worth a cheap day out in London – but you can also get free entry to exhibitions if you are on Universal Credit.
People with disabilities are also entitled to discounts and their carer goes free.
You’ll just need to show a valid Universal Credit document when you arrive. Exhibitions on at the moment include NAOMI in Fashion, Japan: Myths to Manga, Tropical Modernism: Architecture and Independence and Fragile Beauty: Photographs from Elton John and David Furnish Collection.
Visit the Victoria and Albert museum’s website for details.
Kew Gardens
If you fancy a visit to the beauty spot, it is just £1 if you have proof of claiming PIP, DLA, housing benefit, income-related ESA, income-based JSA, child tax credits, working tax credits or income support on arrival.
Each person is entitled to one Universal Credit adult ticket. Visitors may also purchase up to four additional tickets. Kew Gardens has had a variety of events on in summer for children, including the Horrible Sciences workshops.
There are also various other concessions, including for students and senior citizens.
Visit the Kew Gardens website for details.
Cutty Sark
You can visit famous tea clipper the Cutty Sark for £2 if you receive Universal Credit, Working Tax Credit, Child Tax Credit, Pension Credit, Employment and Support Allowance, Income Support or Jobseeker’s Allowance.
You’ll need to bring a letter showing you are entitled to the benefit, as well as proof of ID. You can reserve and pay for up to six tickets online only. Only three wheelchairs are allowed on the ship at any one time.
There are also numerous discounts for others – and free tickets for key workers.
Visit the booking site for further details and other Royal Museums Greenwich attractions.
