Eight Free and £1 Days Out for Universal Credit Claimants This December (Including Christmas at the Tower of London)

December is one of the most expensive months of the year, especially for households balancing Christmas costs with rising everyday expenses. But even with tight budgets, families and individuals on Universal Credit can still enjoy memorable days out thanks to a growing number of museums, palaces, zoos and galleries offering free or £1 admission.

These schemes aren’t small, niche initiatives. They cover some of the UK’s most iconic attractions — from the Tower of London to London Zoo, St Paul’s Cathedral, Cadw’s historic castles, the London Transport Museum, and more. Many also extend eligibility to people on Pension Credit, Working Tax Credit, ESA, and other income-based benefits.

Below is a clear, practical guide to all the major attractions offering free and low-cost admission this December, how much you can save, and how to claim these heavily discounted tickets.

Why December Doesn’t Have to Be Expensive for Families on Universal Credit

Christmas Costs Are Increasing — But So Are Low-Cost Visitor Schemes

With everything from food to fuel costing more, families are increasingly turning to free and affordable days out. Fortunately, many cultural institutions now run permanent or seasonal discount schemes for those receiving Universal Credit. Some even allow up to six people per household to visit for £1 each.

Who Qualifies for These £1 and Free Tickets?

While each attraction sets its own rules, most of the offers below are available to those receiving:

• Universal Credit
• Pension Credit
• Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
• Income Support
• Jobseeker’s Allowance (income-based)
• Working Tax Credit
• Child Tax Credit
• Housing Benefit

In most cases, only one person per household needs to show proof of eligibility.

£1 Tickets to Iconic Historic Royal Palaces

Historic Royal Palaces is the independent charity that manages some of the most important historical sites in the UK — including the Tower of London, Hampton Court Palace, and Kensington Palace. They offer £1 tickets to anyone on Universal Credit, valid for up to six people per household.

Tower of London – £1 Entry + “A Storybook Christmas” Experience

This year, the Tower’s seasonal programme, A Storybook Christmas, transforms the site with festive displays, themed installations, and activities designed around its centuries of history. The £1 ticket includes:

• Full Tower of London admission
• Access to the Crown Jewels
• Entry to festive installations
• Family-friendly seasonal activities

Considering that a standard adult ticket costs £35.80, this offer gives households the chance to experience one of London’s biggest attractions for the price of a bus fare.

Other Palaces Offering £1 Entry

You can also access the following sites for £1:

• Hampton Court Palace
• Kensington Palace
• Hillsborough Castle

Each palace has its own exhibitions, seasonal events, and historic spaces that are fully included in the discount ticket.

How to Claim

Only one person needs to present proof of eligibility. The discounted tickets can be purchased online or in person, depending on the venue’s current policy.

£1 Access to The King’s Galleries + Selected Royal Residences

The King’s Galleries in both London and Edinburgh offer £1 admission to Universal Credit claimants. This ticket gives you standard entry to:

• The King’s Gallery (London or Edinburgh)
• Windsor Castle
• Buckingham Palace
• Palace of Holyroodhouse
• The Royal Mews

This is one of the best-value schemes available, as these sites usually require separate tickets, and standard prices are significantly higher — for example, a normal ticket to the King’s Gallery in London is £22.

What’s Not Included

Not all experiences are covered. Paid extras such as lectures, creative courses, and exclusive guided tours still require standard payment.

Cadw’s £1 Admission to Wales’ Most Important Heritage Sites

Cadw — Wales’s historic environment service — runs one of the most extensive benefit-linked schemes in the UK. Anyone receiving Universal Credit can enter most Cadw-staffed visitor attractions for £1.

List of Cadw Sites Included

You can access dozens of Welsh heritage sites, including:

• Beaumaris Castle
• Caerphilly Castle
• Castell Coch
• Castell Harlech
• Conwy Castle
• Chepstow Castle
• Tintern Abbey
• Caerleon Roman Baths
• Raglan Castle
• Tretower Court and Castle
• St Davids Bishop’s Palace
• Many others across Wales

This makes it an ideal option for families looking to explore castles, abbeys, and historic ruins without the usual cost — entry to some castles, such as Beaumaris, would normally be £10 for adults.

How to Claim

• Purchase tickets in advance on the Cadw website.
• Bring proof of Universal Credit eligibility.
• Up to six people per household can enter for £1 per person.

London Transport Museum – £1 Annual Pass

Located in Covent Garden, the London Transport Museum documents the evolution of London’s buses, Tubes, trams, taxis and more. It also runs one of the most generous benefit-linked schemes: a £1 annual pass for anyone on Universal Credit, Pension Credit, Tax Credits or ESA.

Unlimited Access for 12 Months

Your £1 ticket gives you:

• Unlimited daytime entry for a full year
• Access to permanent exhibitions
• Entry to seasonal family events

December Activities Included in the £1 Pass

During December, the museum features:

• Santa and elves
• Costumed characters
• Festive craft stations
• Seasonal storytelling

A regular adult annual pass costs £25, meaning this discount saves over 95%.

Eligibility Notes

Each passholder must show proof of benefits. The pass is issued to individuals, not households.

£1 Sightseeing Tickets at St Paul’s Cathedral

St Paul’s Cathedral is free to enter for services, but sightseeing access normally costs £26 for adults. Those receiving Universal Credit, ESA or Pension Credit can purchase £1 sightseeing tickets, making one of London’s most recognisable landmarks accessible to almost anyone.

What’s Included in the £1 Ticket

• Cathedral Floor
• Crypt
• Dome Galleries (including the Whispering Gallery when open)
• Temporary exhibitions
• Seasonal installations

This gives visitors full, unrestricted access to one of Britain’s greatest architectural spaces at a 96% discount.

Free Entry to York Castle Museum for Universal Credit Claimants

York Castle Museum offers completely free entry for anyone on means-tested benefits, including Universal Credit. Children in these households also receive free admission.

What You Can Explore

The museum covers hundreds of years of York’s social and cultural history, including the famous Victorian street, Kirkgate, and a wide range of seasonal displays.

Christmas at York Castle Museum

Running until 4 January 2026, this festive experience lets visitors:

• Walk through recreated historic Christmas scenes
• Learn about Yorkshire holiday traditions
• Enjoy winter-themed displays

Normally, adults pay £17, making this a significant saving for families.

London Zoo & Whipsnade Zoo – Tickets from £3 for UC Households

London Zoo in Regent’s Park and Whipsnade Zoo in Bedfordshire offer some of the most affordable wildlife experiences in the UK for those on Universal Credit. Tickets start at £3 per person when booked online in advance.

What’s Included

At London Zoo, highlights include:

• Giraffes
• Gorillas
• Penguins
• Tigers
• Over 8,000 animals

At Whipsnade Zoo, visitors can explore expansive outdoor enclosures and see:

• Elephants
• Rhinos
• Herd animals
• Birds of prey

Eligibility & Rules

These low-cost tickets are available to households receiving:

• Universal Credit
• Pension Credit
• Housing Benefit
• Income Support
• ESA (income-based)
• JSA (income-based)
• Working or Child Tax Credits

Standard adult tickets cost around £35 at London Zoo and £32 at Whipsnade — making this a major discount for large families.

Cutty Sark – £2 Tickets for Universal Credit Claimants

The Cutty Sark in Greenwich is one of the world’s most famous historic ships, preserved as a museum. Universal Credit claimants can visit for £2, compared with the standard adult price of £22.

What You Can Explore

• Walk underneath the ship
• Visit the main deck
• Learn how the crew lived and worked
• Ship history exhibitions

Eligibility

The £2 ticket also applies if you receive:

• Working Tax Credit
• Child Tax Credit
• Pension Credit
• Employment and Support Allowance
• Income Support
• Jobseeker’s Allowance

How to Make the Most of Free and £1 Days Out This December

Book Early for Busy Attractions

Many of the most popular sites — especially the Tower of London, Cadw sites, and London Zoo — require advance booking for discounted tickets.

Always Bring Proof of Eligibility

Most places accept:

• Your Universal Credit award letter
• A screenshot of your UC account
• A bank statement showing UC payment
• A DWP benefits letter

Only one person per household usually needs to show this.

Check for Hidden Local Discounts

Many smaller museums and galleries also offer UC concessions, even if not widely advertised. A quick phone call or website check is often worthwhile.

Why These Schemes Exist

Cultural institutions have recognised that access to heritage, wildlife and learning shouldn’t be limited by income. These schemes help widen participation and ensure children can explore history, science and culture regardless of household finances.

FAQs — Helpful, Search-Optimised & Schema-Ready

1. What proof do I need to get £1 Universal Credit tickets?

Most attractions accept a UC award letter, a screenshot of your Universal Credit journal, or a bank statement showing UC payments.

2. Can I buy discounted tickets for family members?

Yes. Many attractions allow up to six people per household to visit using one person’s proof of eligibility.

3. Do discounts apply during school holidays?

Yes — most schemes run year-round, including school holidays and bank holidays, unless stated otherwise.

4. Do I need to book Universal Credit discount tickets in advance?

Many venues require advance booking for discounted tickets, especially zoos and Cadw sites. Check each attraction’s website before travelling.

5. Are these offers available for benefits other than Universal Credit?

In most cases, yes. Many schemes also accept Pension Credit, ESA, Income Support, Tax Credits, JSA and Housing Benefit.

6. Which cities have the most UC-friendly attractions?

London, York, Edinburgh and major Welsh heritage towns tend to offer the widest range of low-cost or £1 days out.

7. Can I use one £1 ticket to visit multiple sites?

No. Each attraction requires its own ticket, though some (like the King’s Gallery scheme) grant access to multiple royal residences.