Looking for budget-friendly family days out on Universal Credit? Whether you receive Universal Credit, Pension Credit, or other income-related benefits, there are brilliant offers around London and Surrey that make days out more affordable. From discounted tickets to free entry, Fun and Play has gathered everything you need to plan joyful, accessible outings for your little ones, all without breaking the bank. We’ve also highlighted some extra-special options for children with SEND, including free carer tickets, quiet hours, and relaxed performances. 🌟
Use this guide to find local council schemes, cultural venues, museums, and days out that understand the needs of families and believe that every child deserves to play, learn, and explore. Here’s our updated list of family days out on Universal Credit near London and Surrey complete with info, links and top tips for SEND-friendly access too. 🎟️🧡
💼 Local council schemes
Surrey County Council HAF programme (Holiday Activities and Food)
Free activities and meals during school holidays for children who receive benefits-related Free School Meals. Activities include dance, forest school, sports, and arts across Surrey.
- Entitlement: Benefits-related Free School Meals
- How to book: You receive a code via school before each holiday period
- Info: https://www.surreycc.gov.uk/schools-and-learning/schools/meal/free-school-meals/holiday-activities-and-food-programme
Hounslow’s summer of culture (for those near west london)
Offers free and low-cost activities throughout summer for families, with many SEND-inclusive options.
- Info: https://inhounslow.com/
🏫 Museums and cultural venues
The British Museum (London)
Always free entry, with many family trails and child-friendly activities.
- SEND info: Accessible toilets, calm spaces, and downloadable visual stories
- Info: https://www.britishmuseum.org
Science Museum (London)
Free entry, child-friendly exhibitions and hands-on galleries.
- SEND info: Quiet hours and early openings during school holidays
- Info: https://www.sciencemuseum.org.uk
The Lightbox (Woking, Surrey)
Free entry to galleries with art and heritage exhibitions. Family-friendly workshops.
- SEND info: Calm packs available
- Info: https://www.thelightbox.org.uk
York Castle Museum (York)
If you're travelling further north, this family-friendly museum offers free admission for those on Universal Credit.
- Info: Booking/info
The Tank Museum, Dorset
Fascinating military museum with reduced entry for Universal Credit recipients.
Great hands-on exhibitions.
- Inof: Booking/info
🎡 Theme parks and attractions
Chessington World of Adventures (Surrey)
Offers a discounted Access Pass and one free carer ticket for guests with disabilities.
- Entitlement: Disability evidence required for Access Pass
- SEND info: Ride access, quiet spaces, accessible toilets
- Info: https://www.chessington.com
LEGOLAND Windsor
Free carer ticket with proof of DLA, PIP, or other qualifying benefit.
- SEND info: Ride Access Pass, sensory room, and pre-visit guide
- Info: https://www.legoland.co.uk
Windsor Castle (Windsor)
£1 entry for visitors with Universal Credit. Select the benefits discount when booking online.
Kew Gardens (London)
£1 tickets for Universal Credit and Pension Credit recipients (max four tickets per visit).
- Booking: Choose "National Lottery/Universal Credit" at checkout
- Info: https://www.kew.org
The LookOut Discovery Centre (Bracknell, under an hour from Weybridge)
Free carer tickets, affordable entry. Hands-on science fun for under 8s.
Cutty Sark, Greenwich (London)
£1 per person tickets available under the National Lottery/Universal Credit scheme. Choose this option at checkout.
- Info: Booking/info
Kensington Palace (London)
Benefit-rate entry at just £1 per person for up to 6 people. Shops and cafés also offer 50% off.
- Info: Booking/info
Hampton Court Palace
£1 tickets available if you’re on Universal Credit or similar. Booking must be done online.
- Info: Booking/info
Tower of London (London)
Iconic site with £1 entry for low-income families.
Book online in advance and bring proof of benefits.
- Info: Booking/info
🚑 Zoo and animal parks
London Zoo (Regent’s Park)
Tickets just £3 per person for those receiving Universal Credit. You must pre-book online and show proof on the day.
- Info: Booking/info
Battersea Park Children’s Zoo (London)
Free carer ticket with proof of DLA or PIP. Quiet times and buggy-friendly.
Whipsnade Zoo
Entry is £3 per person for visitors with benefit evidence. Enjoy open wildlife enclosures and sensory-friendly areas.
- Info: Booking/info
Bocketts Farm Park (Leatherhead)
Not currently discounting but good facilities for young children.
- SEND info: Calm time sessions available and Blue Badge parking.
- Info: https://www.bockettsfarm.co.uk
Godstone Farm (near Reigate)
Free carer entry with proof of benefit.
- SEND info: Accessibility map and relaxed visits.
- Info: https://www.godstonefarm.co.uk
🌴 Beaches and open spaces
London Wetland Centre, Barnes (WWT)
A peaceful nature day out with £3 tickets available for low-income families.
- Info: Booking/info
Frensham Ponds (Farnham)
Free to visit and great for summer paddling. No special scheme but a low-cost day out.
Painshill Park (Cobham)
Free entry for carers. Family-friendly walking route and natural play areas.
Bushy Park and Hampton Court Green
Great for free days out with deer-spotting, cycling and big open play spaces. Parking is free in certain areas.
Kew Gardens (Richmond)& Wakehurst (West Sussex)
Enjoy beautiful gardens for just £1 with proof of Universal Credit. Select discounted ticket online.
- Info: Booking/info
RHS Gardens (e.g. Wisley)
RHS offers £1 entry to several gardens including Wisley for those receiving income-based benefits.
- Info: Booking/info
Chelsea Physic Garden
A calm, historic garden with concession tickets from £6.50. Occasionally offers SEND-inclusive family events.
- Info: Booking/info
🎤 SEND-friendly performances and experiences
Polka Theatre (Wimbledon)
Special relaxed and sensory-friendly performances. Free carer ticket.
Lyric Hammersmith Theatre (West London)
Offers relaxed performances and free carer tickets.
- Info: https://lyric.co.uk
Odeon and Cineworld
Autism-friendly film screenings every month. Free carer ticket with CEA card.
The Globe Theatre (London)
Offers £5 standing tickets and inclusive relaxed performances for families.
🙋♀️ Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get into attractions for free if I am on Universal Credit? Some attractions like Kew Gardens and museums offer £1 or free entry with proof of Universal Credit or Pension Credit. Others have carer tickets or low-cost family passes.
Do I need to bring proof of benefits? Yes, most places will ask to see proof of benefit such as a recent Universal Credit statement, DLA award letter, or a CEA card.
Are these days out suitable for babies and toddlers? Yes! Many of the places listed are perfect for families with under 5s, including farms, science centres, splash areas, and sensory shows.
What about support for children with SEND? We’ve included places that offer calm sessions, sensory rooms, free carer entry and accessibility info, look out for the SEND info in each section.