The Royal Collection Trust has permanently adopted its £1 ticket scheme for Universal Credit and six other Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) benefits claimants, following a successful trial that attracted 30,000 visitors. The initiative allows eligible individuals to access royal residences including Windsor Castle, Buckingham Palace, the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the Royal Mews, and The King's Galleries in London and Edinburgh for just one pound.
Scheme Expanded After Successful Trial
Originally launched as a pilot, the £1 ticket offer proved popular, with tens of thousands of benefit claimants taking advantage of the reduced admission. The Royal Collection Trust confirmed the permanent status in its latest annual review, stating: "Our latest 2025-26 annual review looks at an eventful year for Royal Collection Trust, marked by a varied exhibition programme and refurbishments at The King’s Gallery, Edinburgh. We continued to catalogue and photograph material that entered the Royal Collection following the change of reign, most significantly the 4,000 items that make up the fashion archive of Queen Elizabeth II. This year also saw our £1 ticket offer become a permanent offer at all sites including Buckingham Palace for the summer of 2026."
Eligible Benefits Listed
To qualify for the £1 tickets, individuals must be in receipt of one of seven DWP benefits. The full list includes: Universal Credit, Working Tax Credit, Child Tax Credit, Pension Credit, Employment and Support Allowance, Income Support, and Jobseeker's Allowance. Claimants can purchase up to six tickets per household, with only one person required to present supporting documentation, provided that individual is part of the visiting group.
Details of the Offer
The £1 ticket grants standard admission to all participating royal sites, including the state apartments, royal collections, and grounds. Children under five and access companions can enter free of charge, making the scheme accessible for families and those with disabilities. The Royal Collection Trust manages the artwork and heritage of the Royal Family, and the scheme aims to broaden public access to these historic sites.
The permanent adoption of the £1 ticket scheme represents a significant commitment to social inclusion, allowing low-income households to experience royal heritage at a minimal cost. With the trial already demonstrating high demand, the permanent offer is expected to benefit thousands more claimants each year.
