A FUN day out for the family can hit your bank balance hard, particularly when travel, gift shop visits and a round of ice creams are considered.
But if you receive Universal Credit there are huge discounts available to help cut the cost.
Households can get reduced ticket prices at attractions across the country and even get money off travel expenses.
Whether you’re looking forward to a day at the zoo or a fascinating museum visit, help is at hand.
Here are some of the days out you can get at discounted prices, or for free, if you receive Universal Credit.
It’s always worth checking ahead with any attraction you’re heading to though, in case they offer a discount too.
Some of the discounted trips and travel are open to people on other benefits, including Pension Credit and Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) as well.
The Tank Museum is home to the finest collection of military vehicles in the world.
Kids can explore the exhibits, see tanks in action during the museum’s arena shows, and even have a ride in a working tank.
There are also plenty of opportunities for youngsters to dress up, take part in activities and explore the tank-themed outdoor play area and indoor soft play.
The museum began offering discounted Universal Credit tickets this year, which are available at £10.75 for adults and £6 for children.
Reduced price tickets are limited to six per household and you must bring proof of eligibility, either by logging into your Universal Credit portal or showing a proof of benefit letter.
London Zoo is the world’s oldest scientific zoo and houses all sorts of animals, from giraffes to zebras, wild hogs and hippos.
It’s based in Regent’s Park and easily accessible via public transport.
Households on a number of benefits, including Universal Credit, can nab tickets from just £3.
The other benefits that qualify you for the reduced rate include Working Tax Credits, Child Tax Credits, Employment and Support Allowance, Income Support or Jobseeker’s Allowance.
The tickets can only be bought for up to a maximum of six people per household.
Crucially, you have to buy the tickets online in advance as the reduced-rate tickets can’t be bought at the gate.
York Castle Museum brings more than 400 years of the city’s history to life.
Visitors can walk through the Victorian streets and meet prisoners in the cells of castle prison before discovering how the swinging sixties impacted culture.
There are thousands of fascinating exhibits to explore revealing how life has changed in the city.
The best news is that recipients of Universal Credit can visit for free with valid ID and proof of receipt.
The Eden Project offers the chance to explore 30-acres of botanical gardens in the south west of England.
The amazing covered Biomes give visitors the chance to walk through an incredible indoor rainforest, or explore a Mediterranean garden, all in the South West of England.
There are lots of exciting activities for youngsters as well as a huge natural outdoor adventure playground to explore.
Entry to the Eden Project for those receiving Universal Credit costs £5 for adults and £1 for children.
Pre-booking is strongly advised a limited number of reduced price tickets are available each day.
At the Tower of London you can immerse yourself in Britain’s bloody history before exploring some of its greatest treasures.
For an incredible £1 recipients of Universal Credit can learn about those locked in the tower’s prison, before exploring an exhibition of Britain’s Kings and Queens and taking a look at the famous Crown Jewels.
Tickets are available for just £1 to those receiving Universal Credit, Working Tax Credit, Child Tax Credit, Pension Credit, Employment and Support Allowance, Income Support or Jobseeker’s Allowance.
Up to six £1 tickets can be claimed per household as long as one person shows supporting documents.
RHS gardens offers £1 entry to those receiving Universal Credit allowing you to explore beautiful landscapes without worrying about a hit to your bank balance.
Beautiful planting, water features and wildlife are all on display across the RHS’ five gardens in Devon, Surrey, Greater Manchester, North Yorkshire and Essex.
The £1 tickets are available to those in receipt of Universal Credit, Pension Credit, Housing Benefit, Child Tax Credit, Working Tax Credit, Income Support, Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance, Income-related Employment and Support Allowance.
Bear in mind, you’ll need to bring proof of your benefit with you when visiting the gardens.
Visitors to the London Transport Museum can catch up on 200 years of history, 362 days of the year.
As well as having countless trains, buses and trams to explore the museum regularly runs guided tours and workshops.
And households on Universal Credit and Pension Credit can get unlimited daytime entry to the Covent Garden-based museum for a whole year, for just £1.
You can buy the annual pass on the London Transport Museum website.
It’s worth noting, you will need to bring proof of your latest allowance for either Universal Credit or Pension Credit with you each time you visit.
Step into the world of the Tudors and learn about King Henry VIII at Hampton Court Palace.
For just £1 recipients of Universal Credit can explore Henry VIII’s Great Hall and kitchens, learning about the Tudor Court, and the monarch’s infamous marriages.
You can also explore the palace’s beautiful grounds and youngsters can get lost in the maze before meeting mysterious beasts and storming the battlements in the Magic Garden.
The £1 tickets are available to anyone receiving Universal Credit, Working Tax Credit, Child Tax Credit, Pension Credit, Employment and Support Allowance, Income Support or Jobseeker’s Allowance.
Up to six tickets are available per household with one person showing supporting documents.
If you’re in receipt of Universal Credit you may be eligible for discounted travel.
The Jobcentre Plus Travel Discount Card gives holders a 50% discount on selected tickets across the UK.
It’s available for those who have claimed Jobseekers Allowance or Universal Credit for three to nine months (18-24 year olds) or three months to a year (over 25s).
The government has also extended the £2 cap on bus fares to the end of 2024.
HERE'S everything to know about Universal Credit:
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