Windsor Castle to Introduce £1 Tickets for Benefit Recipients

Individuals receiving universal credit and other benefits will have the opportunity to visit Windsor Castle for £1 starting next year. This reduced admission fee will be available to qualifying guests at the Berkshire royal residence, where advanced tickets typically cost £30 per person, during an initial period from 1 January to 4 April 2025. Each household can have up to six members qualify for the £1 admission, provided one individual presents the necessary supporting documentation. The Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh is also set to provide £1 tickets as part of this program in the coming year. According to The Royal Collection Trust, the initiative’s goal is to “find welcoming and inclusive ways” for the public to experience the palaces. This program was initially introduced earlier this year at The King’s Galleries in London and Edinburgh, both of which will maintain the £1 ticket offer for exhibitions throughout 2025. Previously, entry to Windsor Castle was complimentary for holders of the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead advantage card; however, this arrangement concluded controversially in June. Pensioner Ella Wenborne expressed at the time that the alterations made her “feel sick”. Since then, local residents have qualified for a 50% reduction on the admission cost. Historic Royal Palaces presently provides comparable £1 entry options at several of its locations, such as £1 tickets for a day visit to the Tower of London, Hampton Court Palace, and Kensington Palace. Eligibility requires individuals to be recipients of universal credit, working tax credit, child tax credit, pension credit, employment and support allowance, income support, or jobseeker’s allowance. The reduced-price tickets for Windsor Castle and the Palace of Holyroodhouse became available for purchase on Tuesday.