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Evening Standard
Evening Standard
World
William Mata

Universal Credit days out London 2024: How to get discounted tickets for London Zoo, Tower of London and more

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 day-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. 

Giraffes for only £3? Zoo better believe it (PR handout)

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.

Website: www.londonzoo.org/plan-your-visit/london-zoo-tickets/universal-credit-tickets

Catch sight of a raven at the Tower of London (AP)

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.

Cost: From £1 per person.

Website: https://www.hrp.org.uk/one-pound-tickets/#gs.8jskiy 

Elephants at Whipsnade (PA Archive)

Whipsnade Zoo

The 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).

Cost: From £3.

Website: www.whipsnadezoo.org/plan-your-visit/whipsnade-zoo-tickets/universal-credit-tickets 

All aboard: Sadiq Khan boards a Tube to the Transport Museum (PA)

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.

Cost: From £1.

Website: https://www.ltmuseum.co.uk/visit/tickets#terms 

Oversight: The towering Tate Modern (PA)

Tate 

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 Job Seekers Allowance recipients).

Cost: £5 for all exhibitions. 

Website: www.tate.org.uk/about-us/frequently-asked-questions/ticketing 

Grand day out: Westminster Abbey (PA)

Westminster Abbey 

Adults receiving Universal Credit will pay a reduced rate. 

Simply show your Universal Credit letter upon entry. It isn't currently possible for adults receiving Universal Credit to book a ticket online.

Cost: Adult £8. Family (one adult and one child) £8. 

Website: www.westminster-abbey.org/visit-us/prices-entry-times

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