AS the summer comes to an end, many will be despairing at the amount of money spent – but low-income families can have an amazing day out without breaking the bank.
Those on Universal Credit can grab tickets to some of the country’s top destinations for as little as £1.
Whether you’re planning a day at the zoo or a trip to an art gallery or museum, help is at hand.
And some of the discounts are open to people receiving other benefits too, including Pension Credit and Employment and Support Allowance (ESA).
The cost of a day out can quickly mount up, particularly when ice creams, travel and the inevitable visit to the gift shop are included.
But cut the price of entry and you can make a huge saving. Here, we’ve rounded up some of the best discounts available.
London Zoo is home to an array of amazing animals from lions to lizards and sloths to spiders.
And it offers those in receipt of Universal Credit tickets from as little as £3 per person.
The reduced rates are also available to those receiving other benefits 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.
Crucially, you have to buy the tickets online in advance as the reduced-rate is not available at the gate, so remember to book online first.
At the Eden Project in Cornwall, you can explore 30 acres of incredible gardens, including the rainforest and Mediterranean biomes, as well as amazing adventure playgrounds.
Those on Universal Credit can book tickets to the attraction at a reduced price of £5 for adults and £1 for children.
Prices are normally £38 for adults and £12 for children when booked online.
The discounted tickets are also available to those receiving Pension Credit or UK legacy benefits.
The tickets include entry to the gardens, seasonal events, art exhibitions and free daily tours.
The Courtauld Gallery is home to one of the world’s greatest art collections featuring works by Manet and Van Gogh.
Entry is normally £10 for adults, but if you receive Universal Credit or Pension Credit you can explore the artworks for free.
Children can also enter the gallery at no charge.
The gallery is located in central London at Somerset House, which is also free to explore.
York Castle Museum brings more than 400 years of the city’s history to life.
Visitors can walk through the Victorian streets and explore the castle prison.
There are thousands of fascinating exhibits to explore revealing how life has changed in the city.
But the best news is that recipients of Universal Credit can visit for free with valid ID and proof of receipt of the benefit – so remember to take these with you for a free day out.
Kensington Palace was the birthplace of Queen Victoria and has been home to young members of the royal family for more than 300 years.
Visitors can explore the King’s State Apartments, Queen’s State Apartments as well as Queen Victoria’s jewellery collection.
Those on Universal Credit can buy tickets to visit the attraction for just £1.
Normally tickets to the attraction cost £24 for adults and £12 for children.
The £1 tickets are also available to those on Working Tax Credits, Child Tax Credits, Pension Credit, ESA income support and Jobseeker’s Allowance.
Up to six tickets can be purchased per household.
The Cutty Sark ship in London’s Greenwich was built in 1869 and had a fascinating history before being restored.
Kids will love exploring the ship and if you receive Universal Credit you can get discounted tickets for just £2.
Tickets normally cost £20 for adults and £10 for children.
The discount is also available for those receiving Working Tax Credit, Child Tax Credit, Pension Credit, ESA, Income Support or Jobseeker’s Allowance.
The Sainsbury’s Centre art museum has a fascinating collection that spans prehistoric to contemporary works.
It also has a 350-acre sculpture park that kids will love to explore.
The museum has recently introduced a system of paying what you can afford for a ticket, so visiting need not cost a thing.
The London Transport Museum has countless trains, buses and trams to explore and the museum regularly runs guided tours and workshops.
Households on Universal Credit and Pension Credit can get unlimited daytime entry to the museum in Covent Garden 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.
RHS gardens offer £1 entry to those receiving Universal Credit.
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 and income-related ESA.
Bear in mind, you’ll need to bring proof of your benefit with you when visiting the gardens.
At the Tower of London you can immerse yourself in Britain’s bloody history and explore some of its greatest treasures – including the crown jewels.
For an incredible £1 recipients of Universal Credit can learn all about the building’s history – including from the fascinating times of the Tudors.
Tickets are available for just £1 to those receiving Universal Credit, Working Tax Credit, Child Tax Credit, Pension Credit, ESA, Income Support or Jobseeker’s Allowance.
Up to six £1 tickets can be claimed per household as long as one person shows supporting documents.
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 offers discounted Universal Credit tickets, which are available at £10.75 for adults and £6 for children.
Tickets are usually priced at £19.35 for adults and £10.49 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.
Kew Gardens has more than 50,000 living plants and kids will love exploring the gardens, treetop walkways and incredible carnivorous plants.
Those receiving Universal Credit can get tickets to visit the gardens for just £1.
Tickets are normally up to £24 for adults and up to £7 for children.
You will need to show proof of benefits when you arrive to the venue.
Each benefit holder is entitled to one ticket and four guest tickets.
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