Free family activities & discounted days out
Did you know that if you are on Universal Credit or other means-tested benefits, you and your family could be eligible for big reductions on admission prices for a range of UK attractions?
At the time of writing, this includes the Historic Royal Palaces (including the Tower of London & Hampton Court), Royal Museums Greenwich (including the Cutty Sark), and London Zoo. Prices at some attractions start from as little as £1 per ticket!
We’ve gathered details of those attractions which are currently offering this discount - do carry out your own research before visiting as things can change.
Please also note that most of these attractions require you to book in advance and bring proof of ID, benefit award etc. - it’s important to check their specific requirements as they may vary from venue to venue.
Here are the details of the attractions we know about - please let us know (email info@crosslightadvice.org) if you discover any more!
Historic Royal Palaces (Tower of London, Hampton Court, Kensington Palace, etc.)
£1 per person - available to those on Universal Credit & other means-tested benefits
https://www.hrp.org.uk/one-pound-tickets/
Royal Museums Greenwich (Cutty Sark, Royal Observatory, etc.)
£2 per person - available to those on Universal Credit & similar benefits
https://www.rmg.co.uk/plan-your-visit/tickets-prices/universal-credit-tickets
BFI Southbank Cinema
Approx. £4 per ticket - available to those on Universal Credit & Pension Credit
https://whatson.bfi.org.uk/Online/article/universal-credit-ticket-scheme-terms
Kew Gardens & Wakehurst
£1 per adult ticket - available to those on Universal Credit
https://www.kew.org/about-us/press-media/kew-for-one-pound-universal-credit
London Zoo & Whipsnade Zoo (ZSL)
Approx. £3 – £4.50 per ticket - available to those on Universal Credit
https://www.londonzoo.org/plan-your-visit/london-zoo-tickets/universal-credit-tickets
Weald & Downland Living Museum
£5 adult / £1 child - available to those on Universal Credit
https://www.wealddown.co.uk/plan-your-visit/universal-credit/
Eden Project (Cornwall)
£10 adult / £5 child - available to those on Universal Credit & Pension Credit
https://www.edenproject.com/visit/universal-credit-pension-credit-day-ticket
Lost Gardens of Heligan (Cornwall)
£5 adult / £1 child - available to those on Universal Credit & Pension Credit
Universal Credit & Pension Credit
Edinburgh Zoo & Highland Wildlife Park
Approx. £7 per person - available to those on Universal Credit
There are also lots of websites available which help you to find free or discounted days out, many of which do not have any eligibility criteria - have a browse to see what suits your needs:
Money Saving Expert ‘Cheap Days Out’
Save the Children’s suggestions for free family activities
EventBrite lists local free events including many that are family-friendly
or for something different, you could try Geocaching!
Specifically for London:
…and don’t forget your local council - most will have a Family Information Service or equivalent which can provide details of library and park events, holiday clubs, sports sessions, and drama and music options, and often run the local Holiday Activity & Food (HAF) programme for eligible children.