London attractions that offer discounts for those in receipt of Universal Credit
London, with its iconic landmarks and world-class museums, offers a wealth of attractions that can captivate visitors and locals alike. However, the cost of experiencing these sights can quickly add up, especially for those on a limited budget. For individuals and families receiving Universal Credit or other government benefits, the desire to explore the capital’s cultural treasures often clashes with financial constraints. Fortunately, many of London’s attractions recognise this challenge and offer discounted entry to make their experiences more accessible. This blog post aims to highlight the variety of London attractions that provide reduced rates for those on Universal Credit, helping you to discover the city’s wonders without breaking the bank. By taking advantage of these discounts, you can stretch your budget further and enjoy more of what London has to offer.
While we strive to provide accurate information, it’s important to note that specific conditions and requirements may vary. These could include the need to pre-book tickets, present valid proof of Universal Credit, or meet other criteria. To avoid any disappointment, we strongly recommend checking the official websites of these attractions or contacting them directly before your visit. This way, you can confirm the current discount policies, understand any restrictions, and ensure you have the necessary documentation to take advantage of these offers.
Remember, if you’re looking for a cheap way to enjoy London, there are lots of alternatives to the big ticket London attractions. Make sure you also check out our post with the ULTIMATE list of free things to do in London and our monthly posts on free things to do in London (we also send this out by email, so Subscribe to the London With Littles newsletter!
Cartoon Museum
£3 tickets for admission to the Cartoon Museum for Universal Credit recipients (usual adult price £12). Each ticket is valid from the day of entry for one calendar year. Under 18s are free.
Courtauld Gallery
Free admission to the permanent collection at the Courtauld Gallery for Universal Credit and Pension Credit recipients (usual adult price £10 on weekdays or £12 on weekends without donation). Under 18s are free.
Tickets can be booked online or at the Gallery on the day (if available). You must bring proof of eligibility with you. See Courtauld Gallery website for full details.
Cutty Sark
PIN IT£2 tickets for standard admission to the Cutty Sark for Universal Credit recipients and those in receipt of certain other benefits. Tickets for Under 4s and a person accompanying a visitor with disabilities are free.
You can reserve and pay for up to six tickets online. Tickets can be purchased on the day subject to availability. You must bring proof of eligibility and ID with you. See Cutty Sark website for full details.
Design Museum
The Design Museum is free to visit, apart from paid exhibitions. For paid exhibitions, concession tickets are available, including for those in receipt of Universal Credit. Check the ticket prices for specific exhibitions.
Hampton Court Palace
£1 tickets for a day visit to Hampton Court Palace for recipients of Universal Credit, Working Tax Credit, Child Tax Credit, Pension Credit, Employment and Support Allowance, Income Support and Jobseeker’s Allowance (usual adult price £30 at peak times).
You can claim £1 tickets for up to six people per household (only one person per household needs to show supporting documents). Children under 5 do not need a ticket.
Tickets must be booked in advance to guarantee entry and avoid disappointment. You must bring proof of eligibility and ID with you. See Hampton Court Palace website for full details.
HMS Belfast
£3 tickets for admission to the HMS Belfast for recipients of Universal Credit, Working Tax Credit, Child Tax Credit, Pension Credit, Employment and Support Allowance, Income Support, and Jobseeker’s Allowance (usual adult price £26.35 without donation).
You can claim up to five discounted tickets per household. Children under 5 and carers for disabled visitors receive free entry and do not need to pre-book.
Unlike many other attractions, tickets are available ONLINE ONLY. Although you must have proof of eligibility in order for them to accept reduced price tickets (one person per household needs to show supporting documents). See HMS Belfast website for full details.
Horniman Museum Aquarium, Butterfly House and exhibitions
Visiting the Horniman Museum is largely free but certain aspects require payment for entry, including the Aquarium and Butterfly House.
£1 tickets are available to purchase both online and in person at the Horniman for paid attractions for recipients of Universal Credit, Employment and Support Allowance, Income Support, Jobseeker’s Allowance or Personal Independence Payment.
Visitors can purchase up to four £1 tickets per attraction.You need to bring proof of eligibility with you and you may also be asked to show photographic ID. See Horniman Museum website for full details.
Kensington Palace
£1 tickets for a day visit to Kensington Palace for recipients of Universal Credit, Working Tax Credit, Child Tax Credit, Pension Credit, Employment and Support Allowance, Income Support and Jobseeker’s Allowance (usual adult price £22 with donation).
You can claim £1 tickets for up to six people per household (only one person per household needs to show supporting documents). Children under 5 do not need a ticket.
Tickets must be booked in advance to guarantee entry and avoid disappointment. You must bring proof of eligibility and ID with you. See Kensington Palace website for full details.
Kew Gardens
PIN IT£1 tickets for admission to Kew Gardens for visitors receiving Universal Credit, Pension Credit or Personal Independence Payment, Disability Living Allowance, Housing Benefit, Income-related Employment and Support Allowance, Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance, Child Tax Credits, Working Tax Credits or Income Support (usual adult price £27.50 peak time with donation at the gate).
Each benefit holder is entitled to one universal credit adult ticket each. Visitors may also purchase up to 4 additional tickets including children between 4 to 15 years for just £1 each.
You must bring proof of eligibility and ID with you. See Kew Gardens website for full details.
Lightroom
£5 tickets for admission to the Lightroom for recipients of Universal Credit on Tuesdays and Thursdays after 1pm. To book, email tickets@lightroom.uk quoting ‘Universal Credit Tickets’. See Lightroom website for full details.
London Transport Museum
£1 for an Annual Pass that will provide unlimited daytime entry to the London Transport Museum for a whole year for those in receipt of Universal Credit, Pension Credit, Working Tax Credit, Child Tax Credit and Employment and Support Allowance. Kids go free and don’t need an Annual Pass but will need a free timed entry ticket which you can add to basket during checkout.
Each named passholder must provide individual proof of receipt of one of the above named benefits. See London Transport Museum website for full details.
London Museum Docklands
General admission to London Museum Docklands is free. Certain exhibitions and events are at a cost. Concessions are available for tickets to the Mudlarks family gallery and temporary exhibitions at London Museum Docklands for those receiving Universal Credit, Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA), Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA), Housing Benefit, Working Tax Credit, Child Tax Credit, Income Support or Pension Credit.
The precise discounted costs are not specified online. Follow the process online to book.
Painted Hall at the Old Royal Naval College
£2 day tickets are available for admission to the Painted Hall at the Old Royal Naval College for those in receipt of Universal Credit. Children age 16 and under (up to 4 children with a paying adult) go free. See Old Royal Naval College website for full details.
St Paul’s Cathedral
PIN IT£1 tickets for admission to St Paul’s Cathedral for those receiving Universal Credit, Pension Credit or Employment Support Allowance (ESA) (usual adult price £28.60 with donation).
£1 tickets can be booked for the recipient and for up to four accompanying children (6-17).
Tickets purchased online in advance will be emailed. £1 tickets can also be purchased at the door on the day. You must bring proof of eligibility and ID with you. See St Paul’s Cathedral website for full details.
The King’s Gallery
£1 tickets for admission to The King’s Gallery in London for recipients of Universal Credit, Working Tax Credit, Child Tax Credit, Pension Credit, Employment and Support Allowance, Income Support and Jobseeker’s Allowance. The £1 ticket includes standard exhibition admission to The King’s Galleries in London. Under 5s tickets and access companion tickets are free.
You can claim £1 tickets for up to six people per household. Only one person per household needs to show supporting documents.
You can reserve and pay for up to six tickets online. Tickets can be purchased on the day subject to availability. You must bring proof of eligibility and ID with you. See The King’s Gallery website for full details.
At The King’s Gallery, £1 tickets cannot be booked for visits from 10 July to 28 September 2025 inclusive.
Tower of London
PIN IT£1 tickets for a day visit to the Tower of London. You can claim £1 tickets for up to six people per household. Children under 5 do not need a ticket.
Westminster Abbey
Adults receiving Universal Credit will pay a reduced rate to visit Westminster Abbey of:
- Adult – £1
- Family (1 Adult and 1 child) – £1.
Windsor Castle
£1 tickets for admission to Windsor Castle. You can claim £1 tickets for up to six people per household. Only one person per household needs to show supporting documents.
At Windsor Castle £1 tickets can only be booked for visits from 1 January to 4 April 2025 inclusive.
ZSL London Zoo
Tickets for a visit to ZSL London Zoo – £6 for adults and £3 for children over the age of 3. These tickets are only available to purchase online in advance, for up to six people per household (under 3s go free and do not need to book – but must be accompanied by an adult with a booked ticket).
Transport For London
If you are unemployed and looking for work, you may be eligible for discounted travel in London. If you are on certain benefits, you could get 50% off pay as you go adult fares to travel on bus, Tube, tram, DLR, London Overground, Elizabeth line (except between West Drayton and Reading) and most National Rail services in London.
Check the TfL website for more details on how to apply.
Do you know of another attraction in London that offers discounts for those in receipt of Universal Credit? Share with other readers in the comments.