BENEFIT BOOST
10 free days or for as little as £1 for anyone on Universal Credit on May bank holiday
Scroll down to find out what free cash schemes are available
THOUSANDS of Brits on Universal Credit and other benefits can score discounted or even free entry to top UK attractions this Early May Bank Holiday.
Families feeling the pinch can still make the most of the long weekend with savings of up to £60 on big-ticket days out.
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With some attractions offering tickets for just £1, and others completely free, it means you could enjoy up to three days out across the May 4-6 weekend for next to nothing.
We’ve rounded up the best deals to help you plan your break without breaking the bank.
London Zoo – Tickets from £3
Animal lovers on Universal Credit and other means-tested benefits can grab London Zoo tickets from just £3 per person.
The deal is available to those on Universal Credit, Income Support, ESA, JSA, Housing Benefit, Tax Credits and Pension Credit.
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The offer is valid for up to six people per household and must be booked online in advance.
Peak adult tickets usually cost up to £34.50, so two adults can save over £60.
You can find out more by visiting the .
York Castle Museum – FREE entry
Dive into hundreds of years of British history for free at York Castle Museum.
Most read in Money
Universal Credit claimants can get completely free entry at the door, saving up to £17 per adult.
Kids under five also go free, making this a great day out for families on a budget.
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Kew Gardens – Entry for £1
Enjoy 300 acres of gardens, glasshouses and exhibitions at London’s Kew Gardens for just £1.
Anyone receiving Universal Credit or Pension Credit qualifies. You can bring up to four extra guests, though they’ll need standard-price tickets.
You'll need to and bring proof of benefit when you visit.
RHS Gardens – £1 tickets for up to SIX
Royal Horticultural Society gardens across the UK are offering £1 tickets for benefit claimants and up to five guests.
You’re eligible if you receive Universal Credit, Pension Credit, Housing Benefit, or Tax Credits.
Just and show proof on the day.
Historic Royal Palaces – £1 entry to major landmarks
Explore the Tower of London, Kensington Palace, or Hampton Court Palace for just £1 if you receive Universal Credit or similar benefits.
The discount applies to up to six people in a household. Just one person needs to show proof.
Standard adult tickets can cost up to £33.60 – so this is a huge saving.
London Transport Museum – £1 for unlimited annual access
If you’re on Universal Credit, Pension Credit or Tax Credits, you can get a year-long pass to the London Transport Museum for just £1.
That’s less than the price of a bus ride.
Proof of benefit is required on the day.
Chatsworth House – Day out for £3
Entry to the historic Chatsworth House estate costs just £3 for Universal Credit claimants.
Kids aged 3-16 go for £1, and children under 3 are free.
and bring your benefits letter to gain access to the house, gardens, adventure playground and farmyard.
Edinburgh Zoo – Tickets from £7
Heading to Scotland for the weekend?
Edinburgh Zoo offers reduced price tickets from £7 for those on Universal Credit and other means-tested benefits.
and bring proof of eligibility on the day.
Tate Exhibitions – Free entry
While general gallery entry is usually free, exhibitions at Tate Britain, Modern and Liverpool are £5 for Universal Credit claimants.
You’ll need to show benefit proof when attending.
Westminster Abbey – Free child entry
Since October 2024, Westminster Abbey now offers £1 tickets for Universal Credit recipients.
You can bring one child for free too. Just show your benefits letter at the door.
Read More on The Sun
That’s up to ten ultra-low-cost days out between May 4 and May 6 – perfect if you're looking to entertain the family on a budget this Early May Bank Holiday.
Just remember to pre-book online where required and bring proof of benefit with you on the day.
Free cash schemes if you're struggling
Many of us are still struggling with the high cost of living - but there's help you can get.
New or expectant parents can get up to £442 a year to spend on food through Healthy Start scheme.
Some new parents can get £500 via the Sure Start Maternity Grant. The money is designed to help you cover the costs of having a child.
Councils also offer support through the welfare assistance schemes, to help cover the costs of essentials, from buying new furniture to food vouchers.
The amount you can get varies but an investigation by The Sun found that hard-up Brits can apply for help worth up to £1,000.
Discretionary Housing Payment is a pot of money handed out by councils to those struggling to keep a roof over their heads.
A scheme is available for those who find themselves unable to cover housing costs, though the exact amount varies as each local authority dishes out the cash on a case-by-case basis.
Many energy forms offer grants to help cash-tight customers. The exact amount varies depending on your supplier and you circumstances, but could be as much a £2,000.
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