Royal Family offers Universal Credit discount to those on benefits who want to tour palaces

The initiative also applies to visitors on the following benefits: Working Tax Credit, Child Tax Credit, Pension Credit, Employment and Support Allowance, Income Support, and Jobseeker’s Allowance.

It comes as part of the Trust’s wider winter programme across the royal estates, running from November 2025 to January 2026.

The offer, available at Windsor Castle (where a standard ticket costs £31 in advance or £35 on the day), the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the Royal Mews and The King’s Galleries in London and Edinburgh, includes standard admission to the main attractions.

Children under five and access companions can still enter free of charge.

Unfortunately, the £1 ticket cannot be used for Buckingham Palace tours, converted into a 1-Year Pass, or used for paid extras such as lectures or private tours.

They are also not eligible for Gift Aid and are non-refundable once booked.

A spokesman for Royal Collection Trust said the initiative was created to “ensure as many people as possible have access to the Royal Collection,” acknowledging that ticket prices can be a barrier for some visitors.

The initiative marks one of the few times of year the public can explore parts of the royal homes when they are closed to official engagements, with the bonus of full Christmas grandeur.

At Windsor Castle, visitors will be greeted by a 20-foot-high Nordmann fir tree in St George’s Hall, grown in Windsor Great Park and dressed with thousands of sparkling lights and green and gold ornaments.

Dramatic garlands will sweep across the room’s balconies beneath the hall’s famous vaulted ceiling, creating a festive scene fit for a state banquet.

In the richly decorated Crimson Drawing Room, part of the Semi-State Rooms opened only during the winter months, another 16-foot tree will stand against red silk walls and gilt detailing.

Even Queen Mary’s Dolls’ House will be given a Christmas makeover, with miniature garlands and ornaments made from glass beads repurposed from vintage necklaces and tiny candles crafted from real wax.

Visitors can also stop by St George’s Chapel, open on Mondays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, with daily services running throughout Advent.

In Edinburgh, the Palace of Holyroodhouse will be dressed for the season from November 20, 2025, to January 5, 2026, as it celebrates 100 years since first opening to the public.

Two 12-foot trees will stand in the Throne Room beneath ornate chandeliers, while the Great Gallery will feature a 15-foot Nordmann fir decorated with mirrored ornaments to reflect the room’s grandeur.

The Great Stair will be lined with garlands and wreaths, leading to the King’s Rooms, where views of the Palace gardens and Arthur’s Seat frame the decorations.

The Royal Dining Room, first used by Queen Victoria, will be laid with a silver service, sugared fruits and seasonal foliage.

Outside, visitors will be welcomed by wreaths and garlands at the Palace entrance, with festive carol performances taking place in the Great Gallery on December 9 and 10, followed by wine and mince pies.

A Christmas activity day on December 13 will feature music and craft sessions for families.

For the first time, the Royal Mews at Buckingham Palace will also host a pop-up Christmas shop from November 14, 2025, to January 5, 2026, offering royal-themed gifts and festive food.

The shop will feature new 20cl bottles of gin infused with botanicals from the gardens of Buckingham Palace and Windsor Castle, alongside kitchen accessories inspired by the Great Kitchen at Windsor, the oldest working kitchen in the country.

The Royal Collection Trust said that income from admissions and purchases directly supports the care and conservation of the Royal Collection and helps share it with the public.