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Autism Family Travel Guide

The Ultimate Family Budget Guide to a UK Summer (2026)

My goal is to make summer 2026 easier for parents and fun-filled for kids by sharing plenty of budget-friendly deals for days and meals out around the UK. Below I’ve compiled free or cheap days out for Universal Credit (UC) claimants, kids-eat-free meal offers, special free pass schemes, and places that offer free carer entry – divided by region for Scotland, England, Wales, and Northern Ireland.

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If you’re specifically looking for attractions that offer discounted entry for people receiving Universal Credit, I’ve created a dedicated guide covering Universal Credit days out across the UK. It includes £1 ticket schemes, discounted zoos, castles, museums, gardens and many more attractions, with details on who qualifies, what proof you’ll need and how to book.

If you are planning a trip to somewhere in the UK, my guide to travelling in the United Kingdom with autistic children is a great place to start your planning.

Scotland Family Budget Guide

Cheap or Free Days Out for UC Claimants (Scotland)

  • Historic Environment Scotland – Free First Sundays: Scottish residents can visit Historic Scotland sites (castles, palaces, etc.) for free on the first Sunday of each month during the winter period. This scheme, running through the off-season, lets families explore attractions like Edinburgh Castle or Stirling Castle without paying entry on those days. (Note: typically available Nov–Mar for those with a Scotland postcode.) Learn more about the Historic Sundays scheme here.
  • WWT Caerlaverock Wetland Centre: The Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust offers reduced-price tickets for those on UC or other benefits. At Caerlaverock (Dumfriesshire) and all WWT centres, adults pay £5 and kids £3 (under 3s free) with proof of benefit. Up to six family members (max three adults) can visit on these low-cost tickets, which must be pre-booked online. Carers accompanying a disabled visitor are admitted free of charge. Learn more about the discount here.
  • The Palace of Holyrood House: The Palace also runs a discount for those in receipt of Universal Credit, and offers discounts for those with a disability and free tickets for an essential companion. You can find out more about this deal here, including a very detailed range of accessibility information.
  • The Kings Galleries: The Kings Galleries are an art gallery at the Palace of Holyrood House. The £1 discount schemes for these are separate. Find out more about it here.
  • Edinburgh Zoo: Edinburgh Zoo have an initiative to offer families cheaper entry if they are in receipt of benefits. You have to book the tickets online and bring the proof of benefits on the day. You can learn more about it here. Adults will pay £8 each, children over 3 are also £8 each and children under 3 are free. Carers can also go free. The discount is not only for those getting Universal Credit. You can also get it if you receive: income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA), income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA), Housing Benefit, Working Tax Credit, Child Tax Credit and Income Support.
  • The Highland Wildlife Park: The Highland Wildlife Park, just like Edinburgh Zoo, is run by The Royal Zoological Society of Scotland. The promotion for those in receipt of benefits is the same, and adults and children over 3 will pay £8 each. You can find out more information about the promotion here.
  • Traverse Theatre: Edinburgh’s Traverse Theatre makes its shows accessible to low-income audiences by offering a limited number of £1 tickets. According to the theatre’s scheme, selected performances reserve £1 seats for people under 25 or those on Universal Credit / low-income benefits. You fill in a form to register for tickets and you can do that here.
  • Hotel Chocolat: Visit one of the Hotel Chocolate stores up until July 13th to get a sample of their chocolate batons. Use the store locator to find your nearest store. Available across the UK, but excludes Jersey and Gibraltar.

Museums & Heritage: Most national museums in Scotland are free for all (e.g. National Museum of Scotland, Kelvingrove Art Gallery), providing a cost-free day out. Additionally, many attractions offer UC concessions. For example, Historic Environment Scotland’s general sites have concession rates and usually admit an accompanying carer free with a disabled visitor. Always ask about concessions – even if not advertised, some places may have community tickets or £1 entry schemes for low-income families.

Kids Eat Free or Cheap (Scotland)

Families in Scotland can take advantage of UK-wide kids-eat-free offers this summer, as well as a few regional specials. Some highlights:

  • Supermarket Cafés: Major supermarkets with cafés in Scotland honor nationwide deals. At Asda Cafés, kids’ hot or cold meals cost just £1 and include a free piece of fruit, with no adult spend required. Morrisons Cafés let kids eat free with any adult meal £4.50+. Tesco Cafés are offering free kids’ meals (hot meal, breakfast or pick & mix) with as little as a 60p adult purchase (Clubcard required). Sainsbury’s Cafés charge only £1 for a kids’ meal (hot meal or lunchbox) when an adult buys a main. Even IKEA in Glasgow offers kids pasta for 95p and other child meals for £1.50, available daily from 11am. Dunelm Pausa Cafés let kids eat free with a £4 minimum adult spend – handy if you’re in the home store and need a lunch break.
  • Family Restaurants & Pubs: Many chain restaurants present in Scotland have school-holiday specials. Beefeater (and sister brands Brewers Fayre, Table Table) offer unlimited breakfast where two children (under 16) eat free with one £10.99 adult breakfast. For lunch/dinner, Bella Italia’s offer is much better than last year. Kids eat FREE every day during the summer holidays (20 July–1 Sept 2026) with an adult main. Outside the summer promotion, it’s Kids Eat Free Sunday–Thursday all year at participating restaurants. Hungry Horse pubs (found in some Scottish cities) have “Kids for £1” Mondays – kids’ smaller meals are £1 (larger portion £1.50) with any adult meal. Sizzling Pubs still offers Kids Eat for £1 with an adult main during weekday promotions, but times and dates vary. Scotland’s own SA Brains Pubs (Wales-based brewery with a few outlets in Scotland) have a Wednesday offer where kids eat for £1 with an adult meal.
  • High Street Restaurants: Popular chains in Glasgow, Edinburgh, etc. mirror UK deals. For example, Pizza Hut’s free kids buffet (unlimited pizza, pasta, salad) is available daily before 3pm when an adult spends £10. On Sundays, The Real Greek (if visiting their Edinburgh location) gives a free kids’ meal (under 12) including drink and ice cream for each adult who spends £10. Sushi lovers can head to YO! Sushi – Yo! Sushi still offers a free Kids Bento Box with an adult spend (typically £10), but it’s generally limited to school holidays/selected promotional periods, not year-round; e.g. TGI Fridays Still one of the better offers. Kids eat free with an adult main for Stripes Rewards members, available all day during current promotional periods. Harvester – Kids Eat for £1 on selected weekdays with an adult meal. ASK Italian – Kids Eat Free during many school holidays (via the ASK Perks app). Zizzi – Kids Eat Free during selected school holidays (via the Zillionaires Club app).

Free Passes (Scotland)

  • National Trust for Scotland: While the National Trust’s free family pass promotion (see England section) does not cover National Trust for Scotland properties, NTS often participates in Doors Open Days. Every September, Scotland’s “Doors Open Days” festival allows free entry to many heritage sites and NTS places on specific dates. Keep an eye out for the 2026 schedule to enjoy a one-off free visit to sites like Culzean Castle or Gladstone’s Land on designated open days.
  • Historic Scotland Free Sundays: As mentioned, the first-Sunday-of-month scheme effectively serves as a recurring free pass for Scottish residents. Simply show proof of address to gain free admission to dozens of ticketed Historic Scotland attractions on those Sundays. This can save a family £40+ on a castle visit. It’s a great opportunity to experience popular spots like Edinburgh Castle, Urquhart Castle, or Fort George without the usual ticket cost. Learn more about the Historic Sundays scheme here.

Carer Entry Deals (Scotland)

  • Free Carer Entry: Most attractions in Scotland offer complimentary entry for one carer or personal assistant accompanying a visitor with disabilities. For example, Edinburgh Zoo allows a free carer ticket when visiting with a disabled child (just bring DLA/PIP documentation). All Historic Environment Scotland sites admit carers free alongside a disabled visitor, and this is also true for the likes of the Royal Yacht Britannia and many museums. At the WWT Wetland Centres (such as Caerlaverock), carers go free with a disabled visitor. Be sure to ask at ticket desks – the policy is often not widely advertised, but nearly all major UK attractions (zoos, theme parks, museums, historic sites) support carers with free admission.

Always Free (Scotland)

Because there are so many free things to do in each part of Scotland, I am going to share some links I have found by other bloggers which detail some of the free things to do in certain cities or areas. If you click the link, you will find a substantial list of things to do in that area written by experts in the area.

Edinburgh

Glasgow

Inverness

Aberdeen

England

Cheap or Free Days Out for UC Claimants (England)

Families on Universal Credit or other income-based benefits in England have access to heavily discounted day out tickets at many attractions:

  • Historic Royal Palaces (£1 Tickets): Iconic sites like the Tower of London, Hampton Court Palace, and Kensington Palace now offer £1 entry tickets for anyone receiving UC or other qualifying benefits. You can pre-book up to 6 tickets for £1 each per household (children under 5 go free). Only one member of the group needs to show proof of benefit, making this a fantastic low-cost day out for the whole family. (These £1 tickets are limited and must be reserved online in advance.) The Tower of London’s scheme has been hugely popular – an amazing chance to see the Crown Jewels and historic battlements without breaking the bank. Learn more here.
  • ZSL London Zoo: The zoo has introduced Universal Credit tickets so families can visit for as little as £3 per person. Any household on UC, Pension Credit, Housing Benefit or similar can book up to 6 tickets online at the reduced rate (under-3s free). London Zoo’s aim is to make a day with the animals accessible to all, and indeed a family on low income can now visit the zoo for £3 each – a huge drop from standard prices. (Do bring proof of benefit and photo ID on the day.) Whipsnade Zoo in Bedfordshire offers a similar scheme via ZSL. Learn everything you need to know here.
  • Opera North: Based in Leeds, Opera North offers discounted tickets to people in receipt of Universal Credit to come and enjoy one of their productions. You can find out more about the discount here.
  • Eden Project (Cornwall): The Eden Project’s lush biomes in Cornwall are available for a reduced cost if you’re on UC, Pension Credit or legacy benefits. Each eligible household can bring up to 2 adults and 2 children at these rates (under-5s free) by booking the special day tickets online. Eden’s discounted tickets are limited per day, so it’s best to book ahead – they strongly encourage advance booking to guarantee your slot. Learn more here.
  • Imperial War Museums (HMS Belfast & More): The Imperial War Museums have introduced a £3 ticket for visitors on UC and equivalent benefits. For example, HMS Belfast in London (learn more here) – the WWII warship museum – can be accessed for just £3 with proof of UC (compared to ~£25 standard). Similarly, the Churchill War Rooms in London and IWM Duxford in Cambridgeshire offer £3 concession tickets for UC claimants. This initiative opens up Britain’s wartime heritage to low-income families. (Children often have reduced rates as well, and under-5s are free as usual.)
  • Royal Museums Greenwich (£2 Tickets): In London, Cutty Sark and the Royal Observatory Greenwich have £2 admission for anyone on UC, Working Tax Credit, Pension Credit, etc. You can claim £2 tickets for up to 6 people per household, and each person just pays £2. Under-4s go free, and a companion/carer of a disabled visitor is free as well. This means a family could explore the historic Cutty Sark ship or enjoy the planetarium and astronomy exhibits at minimal cost. (Simply book online and bring a benefit letter or UC account screen as proof.) Everything you need to know is here.
  • RHS Gardens: For those in receipt of Universal Credit, Pension Credit, Housing Benefit, Child Tax Credit, Working Tax Credit, Income Support, Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance, or Income-related Employment and Support Allowance, you can grab tickets to a Royal Horticultural Society garden for just £1. Available at Wisley, Bridgewater, Harlow Carr, Hyde Hall & Rosemoor. There is a great deal more information about this discount here.
  • York Museums Trust (Yorkshire): The York Castle Museum and other museums under York Museums Trust offer free or very cheap entry for low-income families. All children in households receiving means-tested benefits get free entry to York Castle Museum and the Yorkshire Museum. In fact, York residents on Universal Credit are entitled to a free annual pass (York Museums Trust Card) for unlimited visits. Even if you’re not local, visitors on UC can typically get day tickets around £1 at these museums. This makes educational family trips in York extremely affordable. You can learn more about the different ticket costs here.
  • Kew Gardens: Boasting an impressive 300+ acres of landscape, with over 14,00 trees, Kew Gardens is bound to impress the kids this summer! Or at least tire out their little legs. They have a range of pricing depending on your circumstances including a discount for those in receipt of Universal Credit. Find out more information about the deal here.
  • Dudley Zoo and Castle: Dudley Zoo are offering tickets for benefit claimants, but the information on their website says this ended on March 31st. Keep checking back here to see if it updates.
  • ZSL Whipsnade Zoo: ZSL Whipsnade Zoo has introduced tickets for those in receipt of certain benefits, but you need to book online ahead of time. You can do that here. Tickets start from £3.
  • St. Pauls Cathedral: St. Pauls Cathedral are also offering £1 tickets for those on Universal Credit, and you can find out everything you need to know about their offer here. Each person in receipt of Universal Credit can bring up to four children with them to visit.
  • Roald Dahl museum: The Roald Dahl museum offers £1 tickets for people on benefits. You must book your tickets online (check here) and tickets for the following weekend go on sale on a Monday at 12pm.
  • Other Notable Offers: Many other English attractions have followed suit. WWT Wetland Centres (Slimbridge, Martin Mere, etc.), Wildlife Trust visitor centres, and various city museums have UC concession schemes. For instance, WWT’s £5 adult/£3 child tickets apply at all their English centres like Slimbridge (Gloucestershire) and London Wetland Centre. These nature reserves are a great outdoor day out for less than the cost of a café lunch. Always check a venue’s website for “Community tickets” or “UC discounts” – you might find surprise deals (like £1 entry to certain National Trust properties on special community days, or local council-run attractions with discounts for benefit recipients). The trend in 2026 is that many places want to welcome low-income families rather than turn them away, so take advantage of these offers while they last.

Kids Eat Free or Cheap (England)

This summer, a huge number of cafes and restaurants across England are running “kids eat free” or “kids for £1” promotions – meaning you can feed the kids during days out without blowing the budget. Here’s where to look:

  • Supermarket & Retail Cafés: Families can grab low-cost meals during shopping trips. Asda Café meals for kids are only £1 all day, every day (and even include a piece of fruit) – no adult purchase necessary. Morrisons Café lets a child under 16 eat free whenever an adult spends at least £4.50 on their own meal. Tesco Café (widely found in England) is doing free kids’ meals in the summer holidays – you buy any item for as little as 60p and with a Clubcard you get one kid’s hot meal, breakfast or lunchbox free. Sainsbury’s Café offers kids’ hot meals or a lunch pack for just £1 with any adult hot main (a great deal, as the kids’ lunch bag comes with sandwich, snacks and drink). Other stores too: Dunelm’s Pausa Café – children eat free with a £4+ adult spend, which gets them a kid’s main, two snacks, and a drink. Even IKEA’s in-store restaurant is ultra-cheap for kids – their pasta dish is 95p and other kids meals £1.50, so if you’re near a store (e.g. IKEA Wembley or Manchester), it’s a handy lunch option. Dobbies Garden Centres (locations in England) add a free kids meal (kids breakfast or lunch) with any adult meal, daily 12–3pm. These café deals make it easy to refuel the family during outings without a big restaurant bill.
  • Hotels & Pub Chains: Premier Inn and Travelodge continue their year-round policy where up to two kids eat breakfast free with one paying adult at their hotel restaurants. So if you’re traveling or even live near one, their all-you-can-eat buffet breakfast can be a good value treat (Premier Inn’s is ~£9–£10 and two kids under 16 dine free). Pub chains under Whitbread like Beefeater, Brewers Fayre, Table Table, and Cookhouse + Pub extend this free breakfast offer to non-hotel guests too – buy the unlimited buffet breakfast and two kids eat free (Midweek 6:30–10:30am, weekends until 11am). For other meals, Hungry Horse pubs (common across England) have their Monday deal: all kids’ meals £1 every Monday. Sizzling Pubs still offers Kids Eat for £1 with an adult main during weekday promotions, but times and dates vary. Toby Carvery is running a summer promotion that means usually Kids eat for £1 Monday–Friday with an adult main during school holiday campaigns.
  • Family Restaurants (National Chains): Many sit-down restaurants have summer promotions:
    • Bella Italia: Kids eat FREE every day during the summer holidays (20 July–1 Sept 2026) with an adult main. Outside the summer promotion, it’s Kids Eat Free Sunday–Thursday all year at participating restaurants.
    • Bill’s: This British chain (with locations in cities like London, Manchester, etc.) allows up to two children eat free with one paying adult main during selected school holiday promotions. This is not year-round, it covers summer holidays fully – kids can choose from favorites like fish fingers, mac & cheese, pancakes, etc. (Note: Bill’s offer excludes weekends).
    • TGI Fridays: Still one of the better offers. Kids eat free with an adult main for Stripes Rewards members, available all day during current promotional periods.
    • The Real Greek: Every Sunday, The Real Greek restaurants let kids under 12 eat free – you just need to spend £10 on adult food. Kids get a kids’ menu main, a drink, and even ice cream on the house. This deal runs year-round on Sundays, so it’s great for a weekend family lunch.
    • YO! Sushi: Throughout school holidays, YO! Sushi grants a free Kids Bento Box meal for each £10 an adult spends. This is all day, every day during the summer break. So parents can enjoy sushi plates while the little ones tuck into a selection of sushi or chicken katsu etc. at no charge.
    • Pizza Hut: During summer days, Pizza Hut’s promotions have changed since the previous free buffet offer. Current promotions vary, but the main offer is generally Kids Eat Free or £1 with a £10 adult spend, depending on location and time of day.
    • Cafe Rouge: The French-style Cafe Rouge chain is offering free kids meals (usually 2 or 3 courses) during summer – typically one free kids meal per adult main purchased. In 2026 they continue to run Kids Eat Free promotions during school holidays with the purchase of an adult main.
    • Prezzò: The Italian restaurant Prezzo still runs Kids Eat Free promotions during school holidays, but they’re seasonal rather than permanent. If you’re dining at Prezzo, ask if a kids promo is on – chances are, yes.
    • Other Eateries: London’s Angus Steakhouse (several locations) lets a child under 8 eat free from the kids menu with a paying adult, every day 12–5pm. Barbican Kitchen in London offers a free kids meal (under 10) with an adult meal £10+ at the Barbican Centre. Nando’s occasionally does “kids eat free” days for loyalty members, and chains like OK Diner (retro diners on some A-roads) have kids eat free all day every day in holidays. Even Burger King UK ran a promo during May where kids ate free via the app – similar deals may pop up in summer, so keep an eye on fast-food apps. And for a healthy treat: Purezza, a vegan pizzeria (London, Brighton, etc.), feeds kids under 10 free all the time with adults (one free kids pizza per adult meal). Harvester – Kids Eat for £1 on selected weekdays with an adult meal. ASK Italian – Kids Eat Free during many school holidays (via the ASK Perks app). Zizzi – Kids Eat Free during selected school holidays (via the Zillionaires Club app).

One-off Free Passes (England)

  • National Trust Free Family Pass: Every summer the National Trust occasionally partners with newspapers and other organisations to offer free family passes. Check the National Trust website and MoneySavingExpert for any current promotions before visiting. In the past you could visit any participating National Trust property for free with up to 2 adults and 3 children. This is worth up to £50 in entry fees and is a fantastic one-off treat to visit historic houses, gardens, or castles over the summer. (Note: the pass doesn’t cover National Trust for Scotland sites, and parking fees or special exhibitions might cost extra.) If you missed the paper vouchers, check the National Trust or MoneySavingExpert – sometimes they release digital codes or additional promos.
  • National Lottery Days Out: Although not specific to one region, it’s worth mentioning as a pass/freebie scheme – the National Lottery “Open Week” usually runs in March. During that time, anyone with a current lottery ticket can get free or reduced entry to hundreds of attractions across the UK (many in England). For example, earlier this year lottery players enjoyed free entry to sites like the Eden Project and Twycross Zoo for a limited week. Keep an eye out next year for similar initiatives if you’re planning ahead.
  • Heritage Open Days: In England, Heritage Open Days occur every September (10 days when many heritage sites open for free). In summer you can plan for these upcoming free days – whether it’s a local manor house, a museum that usually charges, or even private gardens – they might be completely free to enter during the festival. It’s a wonderful way to get one-off free access, especially for lesser-known gems. Check the Heritage Open Days website for the directory of free openings by region.

Carer Entry Deals (England)

  • Free Carer/Companion Entry: Virtually all major English attractions support free entry for carers accompanying disabled visitors. This can significantly cut costs for families with an autistic child or any disability. For instance, Historic Royal Palaces include a free companion ticket with their £1 UC tickets (so the carer pays nothing). Royal Museums Greenwich explicitly states a carer of a disabled visitor is free. Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust centres admit carers free with disabled guests. Alton Towers, Legoland, Thorpe Park – all theme parks in the Merlin group – offer a free carer ticket for guests who present evidence like a DLA/PIP letter (you may need to visit customer services for a carer wristband). Chessington and Peppa Pig World (Paultons Park) have similar policies. Even smaller attractions likely do this – from zoos and aquariums to English Heritage properties – so always ask. Another tip: The CEA Card (£6 annual) is a scheme for cinemas UK-wide; it lets a disabled cinema-goer bring a carer free to any screening. So if a rainy day calls for a movie, one ticket covers two people. Overall, don’t be shy to inquire about a free carer ticket wherever you go in England – it’s a common and welcomed practice.

Always Free (England)

Because there are so many free things to do in each part of England, I am going to share some links I have found by other bloggers which detail some of the free things to do in certain cities and specific areas. If you click the link, you will find a substantial list of things to do in that area written by experts in the area.

London

Wales

Cheap or Free Days Out for UC Claimants (Wales)

Wales also has budget day-out options for those on Universal Credit or similar benefits:

  • Cadw and Welsh Heritage: Cadw, the Welsh Government’s historic environment service, offers £1 tickets to people receiving Universal Credit and certain other qualifying benefits. The scheme covers many of Wales’ most iconic castles, abbeys and historic monuments, making it one of the best-value days out for families looking to explore Welsh history on a budget. Participating attractions include popular sites such as Caerphilly Castle, Harlech Castle, Conwy Castle, Beaumaris Castle, Chepstow Castle and Tintern Abbey, along with many other staffed Cadw properties. Tickets must usually be booked online in advance, and you’ll need to bring proof of your qualifying benefit when you visit. It’s an excellent way to enjoy some of Wales’ most famous landmarks for just £1 per person.
  • WWT Llanelli Wetland Centre: Like its sister sites, WWT Llanelli in Carmarthenshire offers the £5 adult / £3 child Universal Credit tickets for low-income families. If you’re receiving UC, ESA, Pension Credit, etc., you can pre-book these reduced tickets online here and enjoy a day of wildlife spotting and ponds at a fraction of the usual price. Under-3s are free and a carer for a disabled visitor is free too.
  • Local Attractions: Some Welsh attractions have their own schemes. For example, Hampton Court Castle (though just over the border in England) and GreenWood Family Park in North Wales have in past offered community days or £1 entries for families on certain benefits – these tend to be occasional. It’s worth checking directly with popular sites like Oakwood Theme Park or Folly Farm to see if they have unpublicized discounts or partnerships with charities for low-income visitors. Also, many local councils in Wales have community arts or sports centers that might give free passes or sessions for those on benefits during summer; your local Family Information Service may have details.
  • Hotel Chocolat: Visit one of the Hotel Chocolate stores up until July 13th to get a sample of their chocolate batons. Use the store locator to find your nearest store. Available across the UK, but excludes Jersey and Gibraltar.

Kids Eat Free or Cheap (Wales)

Welsh families can take advantage of all the national chain offers mentioned in the England section, as they generally apply across Wales too. Here are key deals and a few Wales-specific notes:

  • Supermarket Cafés: Wales has Asda, Tesco, Morrisons, Sainsbury’s stores, and their café promos are UK-wide. So, in Cardiff, Swansea, etc., you can get the same bargains – e.g. Asda’s £1 kids meals, Morrisons free kids meal with £4.50 spend, Tesco free kids lunch with any purchase (Clubcard), Sainsbury’s kids meal £1 with adult meal, and free kids meal at Dunelm Pausa Café with £4 spend. These are lifesavers if you’re out shopping or on a road trip stop – feed the children for virtually nothing.
  • Pubs & Restaurants: Wales has many of the big chains: Beefeater/Brewers Fayre (free kids hotel breakfast), Hungry Horse pubs still runs Kids Meals for £1 (£1.50 larger meal), but usually only during promotional periods (school holidays/selected weekdays), Sizzling Pubs (£1 kids meals on weekdays) – these deals apply equally here. One unique one: SA Brains Pubs – as a Welsh brewery, Brains pubs are common across South Wales. Every Wednesday in Brains pub restaurants, kids can eat for just £1 (with each adult main). So if you fancy pub grub in Wales mid-week, look for your local Brains pub to save a bundle.
  • Restaurants: Chains like Bella Italia, Pizza Hut, TGI Fridays, Yo! Sushi, Prezzo, Bill’s etc., have branches in Wales (mostly in Cardiff or major towns) and they run the same kids-eat-free promotions as in England. Harvester – Kids Eat for £1 on selected weekdays with an adult meal. ASK Italian – Kids Eat Free during many school holidays (via the ASK Perks app). Zizzi – Kids Eat Free during selected school holidays (via the Zillionaires Club app).
  • Local Cafés: Many independent cafes in tourist areas of Wales have their own summer deals for kids – for example, along the Pembrokeshire coast or in Snowdonia you might see “kids eat free with adult” in seaside cafes to attract families. While not nationally advertised, keep an eye out for posters or social media of local eateries – the family market is important for them, and they often match the big chains with similar offers in summer.

Free Passes (Wales)

  • National Trust Pass & Cadw Memberships: The free National Trust family pass obtained via the newspaper voucher (as noted in England section) is valid in Wales too. That means you could get into Welsh NT properties like Dyffryn Gardens, Powis Castle, or Penrhyn Castle for free this summer using that pass. It covers up to 2 adults and 3 kids, which is ideal for a family day out exploring Welsh heritage sites without the entry fee. Separately, if you live in Wales and plan multiple outings, consider the Cadw annual membership – while not free, it’s heavily discounted for those under 26 or seniors and gives unlimited access to dozens of castles and monuments. Occasionally Cadw runs promotions (e.g. 10% off memberships, or free entry on St David’s Day); keep an eye on their announcements.
  • Local “Free Days”: Wales participates in the UK-wide Heritage Open Days in September (though under that banner it’s mostly England). However, Wales has its version often called Open Doors (run by Cadw) – every September many heritage sites in Wales open for free to all. For example, in past years Tintern Abbey, Caernarfon Castle, and Cardiff’s civic buildings have had free admission on certain Open Doors dates. Plan ahead for these one-off free visits, as it can save a lot if you have a big list of castles to see.

Carer Entry Deals (Wales)

  • Free Carer Entry: Welsh attractions also allow carers in for free. Cadw sites (like Caernarfon Castle, Castell Coch, etc.) admit one carer per disabled visitor at no charge – just mention it at the ticket office. National Trust (Wales) properties honor the NT’s Essential Companion Card – a scheme where disabled members can get a card for their carer to enter free. Even without the card, most NT places will grant free companion entry with proof of need. Theme parks in Wales, such as Oakwood Theme Park, offer free carer tickets or a discounted rate (they usually require documentation and issuing of a carer pass at customer services). Folly Farm adventure park allows carers in free with a paying disabled guest – they have an eligibility checklist on their website. The same goes for smaller attractions like the Big Pit National Coal Museum (which is free to all anyway, and also very accessible) – staff will accommodate carers without charge. The bottom line: whether you’re visiting a museum in Swansea or a rail museum in North Wales, if someone in your family needs a carer, you can assume that’s one less ticket to budget for.

Always Free (Wales)

Because there are so many free things to do in each part of Wales, I am going to share some links I have found by other bloggers which detail some of the free things to do in certain cities or areas. If you click the link, you will find a substantial list of things to do in that area written by experts in the area.

Swansea

Northern Ireland

Cheap or Free Days Out for UC Claimants (Northern Ireland)

Looking specifically for Universal Credit discounts? Read my complete Universal Credit Days Out guide.

Northern Ireland’s attractions have started embracing similar schemes to Great Britain, ensuring families on benefits can enjoy days out:

  • Hillsborough Castle and Gardens (£1 Tickets): The splendid Hillsborough Castle (the royal residence in NI, managed by Historic Royal Palaces) now offers £1 entry tickets for visitors on UC, Working Tax Credit, Child Tax Credit, Pension Credit, or income-based Jobseeker’s/ESA. This mirrors the scheme at the Tower of London. UC claimants can book online for £1 per person (up to 4 per household) to visit Hillsborough Castle and its beautiful gardens. Just bring proof of your benefit (one per household) on the day. This is a fantastic opportunity for families to explore NI’s only royal palace on a tiny budget – an adult and several kids can all go for £1 each.
  • WWT Castle Espie Wetland Centre: Down in County Down, Castle Espie is part of the Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust and likewise provides reduced tickets for those on benefits. Expect to pay £5 for adults and £3 for kids for a day of wetlands wildlife fun if you’re on UC or related benefits. The booking conditions are the same (max 6 per group, must pre-book). This is a great low-cost outdoor day out on Strangford Lough, with duck feeding, sensory gardens and hides – perfect for younger children and those who enjoy nature. Carers of disabled visitors are welcomed free at Castle Espie as well.
  • National Museums NI: All National Museums in Northern Ireland (Ulster Museum, Ulster Folk & Transport Museum, Ulster American Folk Park) are free entry for everyone all year. While not specifically a UC perk, it means any family can visit these large attractions without paying – a boon for low-income families. The Folk Park and Transport Museum have extensive grounds and interactive exhibits which make for full days out at no cost.
  • Other Attractions: Keep an eye out for community days at places like the Titanic Belfast experience – occasionally they have special £10 or free ticket days for locals or certain groups (for example, in past years they’ve done promotions on the Titanic anniversary). Also, the Department for Communities in NI has in the past funded free or £1 tickets to venues such as the W5 Science Centre in Belfast for those in deprived areas – such opportunities are usually advertised via community groups. It’s worth checking with your local council or advice centre if any summer schemes exist for free family outings (some councils partner with leisure attractions to distribute free passes to UC-claimant families).
  • Hotel Chocolat: Visit one of the Hotel Chocolate stores up until July 13th to get a sample of their chocolate batons. Use the store locator to find your nearest store. Available across the UK, but excludes Jersey and Gibraltar.

Kids Eat Free or Cheap (Northern Ireland)

Northern Ireland has fewer large chain outlets than Britain, but families can still tap into many UK-wide kids-eat-free deals:

  • UK Chain Offers: Asda’s £1 kids meals (including in Asda Belfast or Antrim) are available in NI stores just as in GB. Tesco’s free kids meal with Clubcard applies in NI Tesco Café locations too. Similarly, Morrisons (though Morrisons supermarkets are not currently in NI) and Sainsbury’s (also no stores in NI) won’t be applicable locally. IKEA Belfast is a popular spot – and yes, their restaurant sells kids meals for under £1.50 (with baby food free and other promotions often running). McDonald’s in NI periodically does a “Kids eat free on Family Fun Days” – watch local press for any events at McDonald’s or other fast-food chains offering freebies for kids.
  • Restaurant Chains: Belfast and a few other areas have some chains like TGI Fridays, Pizza Hut, Nando’s, Frankie & Benny’s, etc. Many of the English deals carry over: for instance, TGI Fridays in Belfast will have the free kids meal deal for loyalty members (since it’s a corporate policy) – just sign up for Stripes Rewards. Pizza Hut in Belfast should honor the free kids buffet with £10 adult spend daytime offer in summer. Frankie & Benny’s (which has had kids eat free or £1 in past holidays) might run similar promotions – it’s worth joining their mailing list for NI-specific coupons. Burger King and Subway in NI often have app deals that provide a free kids item with purchase. Harvester – Kids Eat for £1 on selected weekdays with an adult meal. ASK Italian – Kids Eat Free during many school holidays (via the ASK Perks app). Zizzi – Kids Eat Free during selected school holidays (via the Zillionaires Club app).
  • Local Pubs/Cafes: NI has its share of family-friendly local businesses. For example, some hotel restaurants in NI (like those in Belfast or Derry) have “kids eat free with adult” offers for summer stays or Sunday lunches. Sizzling Pubs or Hungry Horse aren’t as common in NI, but you might find independent pubs advertising discounted kids meals to draw families. Check out places like Brewers Fayre at the Premier Inn in Lisburn for the free breakfast for kids deal (if they operate it similarly to GB – Premier Inn NI should). Also, Tim Hortons (the Canadian cafe chain, which has several NI locations) sometimes runs kids eat free mornings or cheap meal deals that could benefit families on the go.

Free Passes (Northern Ireland)

  • National Trust Pass: The free National Trust family day pass mentioned earlier covers Northern Ireland properties too. That’s a big win because NI has some spectacular NT sites like the Giant’s Causeway, Mount Stewart, Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge, and Castle Ward. With the free pass voucher, a family can visit any one of those for free this summer (normally the Causeway Visitor Centre, for example, would cost around £30+ for a family). If you have the voucher, just head out and enjoy a top NI attraction on the house.
  • EHOD – Free Heritage Days: NI participates in the European Heritage Open Days (EHOD) each year (usually in September). During EHOD, numerous historic buildings, museums, and landmarks in Northern Ireland open for free to the public for a weekend. This can include places like Parliament Buildings at Stormont, private mansions, or historical churches that normally might charge or have restricted access. It’s an excellent opportunity for a one-off free visit. Keep an eye on the Department for Communities NI announcements for the 2026 dates and list of sites – it’s usually the second weekend of September.
  • Museums and Local Attractions Passes: As noted, all National Museums in NI are free year-round, so no pass needed. For other paid attractions, check if they offer family tickets or special rates. For example, W5 Science Centre in Belfast has a family ticket and sometimes does “kids go free” days sponsored by companies. The Translink Summer Offers – sometimes the NI public transport operator teams up with attractions to give free entry if you travel by train or bus (e.g. showing a rail ticket might let a kid in free to the Transport Museum). These aren’t exactly “passes” but are seasonal promotions that effectively grant free admission when using other services.

Carer Entry Deals (Northern Ireland)

  • Free Carer Entry: Northern Ireland venues also adhere to the common practice of free entry for carers. Hillsborough Castle (as per HRP policy) allows a companion of a disabled visitor to enter for free – so if you book a £1 UC ticket for your disabled child, their carer gets in free, meaning only the child’s £1 ticket is paid. The Giant’s Causeway visitor experience admits essential companions free (they have a carers’ ticket available on request). Titanic Belfast offers complimentary carer tickets with proof of disability need. Even events like the Lammas Fair or St George’s Market – while free entry – ensure they are accessible and carers are welcomed at no cost for any ticketed special features. Additionally, Northern Ireland Railways issues a Disabled Person’s Railcard that gives a disabled person and an accompanying adult 1/3 off fares – indirectly, that makes day trips cheaper if a parent/carer is traveling too. The key message: from the Ulster Folk Park to a Giants game (hockey) at SSE Arena, if your child or family member needs a carer, you should only be paying for the person with a disability (often at concession rate) and not for the carer. Always mention this when booking or at the ticket office; NI attractions will accommodate you.

Always Free (Northern Ireland)

Because there are so many free things to do in each part of Northern Ireland, I am going to share some links I have found by other bloggers which detail some of the free things to do in certain cities or areas. If you click the link, you will find a substantial list of things to do in that area written by experts in the area.

Belfast

Continue Planning Your Accessible Trip to The UK

Continue Planning Your Europe Travel Itinerary With Children

  • Start with planning your overall Europe family trip, including flights, transport, pacing and choosing destinations that suit your child’s needs
  • Looking for an easier first-time Europe destination? Consider visiting Denmark with kids for organised cities, reliable transport and family-friendly attractions
  • Prefer beaches and slower-paced travel? Find out more about Greece with children for island stays, outdoor dining and flexible family days out
  • Planning big city adventures? Discover what to expect in Paris with autistic children, including transport, attractions and sensory considerations
  • Want scenic train journeys and nature? Learn more about Switzerland with autistic children for mountain views, calm towns and predictable travel routines

Continue Planning Your Trip With Autistic Children

Continue Planning Your Accessible Trip With My Guides

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travelling with autism and with autistic children
travelling with reduced mobility and disability pushchairs
travelling with allergies family travel guide for disabled passengers
travelling with adhd guide for disabled travellers
travelling with fibromyalgia and chronic pain guide
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