Universal Credit days out near me: Cheap and £1 attractions across the UK

Heading for a fantastic day out is a great way to keep kids entertained and do something a bit different.

Top attractions often come with hefty price tags, but if you claim Universal Credit or certain other benefits, you could get free or heavily discounted entry.

There are venues across the country offering £1 tickets to those receiving the benefit, helping families to make the most of weekends at zoos, museums and other popular places.

We've rounded up some of the best Universal Credit days out near you, including cheap and £1 attractions across London, the Midlands, the North, Wales and Scotland.

Universal Credit days out in London

There are plenty of places in London where Universal Credit claimants can get free or heavily discounted tickets, including some of the capital's best-known attractions.

Tower of London

Universal Credit claimants can book £1 tickets to the Tower of London in advance online.

You'll be able to explore the historic castle and see the Crown Jewels without paying the standard admission price.

One person in the household needs to claim an eligible benefit and can book tickets for up to four other people. You'll need to show proof of benefits when you arrive.

Kensington Palace, Hampton Court Palace and Banqueting House

You can also get £1 tickets to Kensington Palace, Hampton Court Palace and Banqueting House if you claim Universal Credit.

You'll need to book online in advance and can take up to four other people from your household.

The £1 tickets are also available to people receiving certain other benefits, including Working Tax Credit, Pension Credit, Employment and Support Allowance, Income Support and Jobseeker's Allowance.

Kew Gardens

Universal Credit claimants can visit Kew Gardens for just £1.

You can also buy up to four additional guest tickets, with guests able to include children aged four to 15 or another adult aged 16 or over.

With more than 50,000 plants to see, it can be a good option for a family day out on a budget.

Cutty Sark

Universal Credit claimants can get £3 tickets to visit Cutty Sark in Greenwich.

Up to six people in the same household can use the discounted rate, making it another option for families looking for a cheaper day out in London.

London Transport Museum

Universal Credit claimants can get a £5 annual pass for the London Transport Museum.

The pass means you can visit the museum as many times as you like during the year, potentially making it particularly good value for families looking for activities during the school holidays.

Universal Credit days out in Birmingham and the Midlands

If you're looking for cheap Universal Credit days out in Birmingham or the Midlands, there are several attractions offering discount tickets to families receiving benefits.

Chatsworth House Universal Credit tickets

Families claiming Universal Credit can visit Chatsworth House in Derbyshire for as little as £1 per child.

Adult tickets cost £3, while children aged three to 16 can enter for £1 – a huge saving on the usual admission prices.

The discounted ticket includes access to Chatsworth House, the gardens, farmyard and adventure playground, so there is plenty to keep the family entertained.

At least one person in the household must receive an eligible benefit, including Universal Credit, and you'll need to provide proof of your entitlement when you arrive. Tickets must be bought online in advance.

Dudley Zoo and Castle Universal Credit tickets

Dudley Zoo and Castle in the West Midlands also offers discounted admission for people receiving Universal Credit. Current listings show tickets at £7 compared with around £23 for standard admission.

Check the zoo's website before booking to confirm the current discounted price, eligibility requirements and whether you need to book in advance.

Universal Credit days out in Manchester and the North West

Families in Manchester and the wider North West can also look for discounted days out if they receive Universal Credit or other benefits.

National Football Museum

Football fans claiming benefits could save on a trip to the National Football Museum in Manchester, which offers concession prices to people receiving benefits, including Universal Credit.

If you live in the Manchester City Council area, you can also get free admission. You'll need to bring photo ID and proof of your address, and you must pay your Council Tax to Manchester City Council to qualify.

Chester Zoo

Chester Zoo has previously offered £1 tickets on selected dates to people receiving certain benefits.

There aren't currently £1 summer tickets available, but it's worth checking the website regularly in case new discounted dates are released.

Universal Credit days out in Yorkshire

There are museums and attractions across Yorkshire where families can enjoy a day out without paying full price.

York Castle Museum

Universal Credit claimants can get free entry to York Castle Museum, which normally charges £18 for an adult and £10.80 for a child.

You'll need to show proof that you receive Universal Credit or another eligible benefit.

This could be a particularly useful option if you're looking for a free family day out in Yorkshire.

Universal Credit days out in the South West and South East

Families in the South West can find discounted days out at attractions including the Eden Project in Cornwall.

Eden Project

Universal Credit claimants can get discounted tickets to the Eden Project during the summer.

Adult Universal Credit tickets cost £13.13, while children aged five to 16 pay £6.56.

That's compared with standard prices of £31.06 for adults and £12.50 for children.

There is a limit of two adults and two children per household and discounted tickets are limited, so it's worth booking as far in advance as possible.

Coral Reef Waterworld

Coral Reef Waterworld in Bracknell, Berkshire, offers discounted tickets to people receiving selected benefits, including Universal Credit.

Eligible adults can expect to pay £14.55 compared with the standard £20.55 price.

Check availability and the latest eligibility rules before booking.

How to find cheap days out near you

Before paying full price for a family day out, search for discounts using terms such as:

• Universal Credit discount

• Universal Credit days out

• benefit discount

• low-income tickets

• £1 tickets

• concession tickets

• free family activities

• pay what you can

It's also worth checking your local council's website, as councils and community organisations often provide free or discounted activities during school holidays.

And don't forget to check the terms of any discounted attraction ticket before booking. Some offers require you to book in advance, while others have limited availability or require proof that you're receiving Universal Credit or another eligible benefit.