Windsor Castle to launch £1 tickets for people on Universal Credit

A new scheme providing £1 tickets to enter Windsor Castle will be launched next year for those receiving Universal Credit and other named benefits.

The new initiative will initially be available to visitors to the castle between January 1 and April 4.

Those eligible can bring up to five members of their household with them to explore the castle for £1 each.

The scheme is part of the Royal Collection Trust’s charitable aim to discover inclusive and welcoming ways for everyone to the historic venues and the Collection.

This was first launched at The Kings Galleries in London and Edinburgh.

As well as £1 tickets, an array of concessionary rates will remain available.

These include discounts for young people and half-price entry for children.

Visitors who buy standard tickets directly from the Royal Collection Trust can convert them into a 1-Year Pass, providing them with free re-entry for 12 months.

The £1 tickets to Windsor Castle for next year go on sale from today (Tuesday). 

Both the Royal Collection Trust and the Royal Borough are 'committed' to making Windsor Castle as accessible as possible to local visitors. 

Both organisations are working together to introduce additional initiatives which will provide access to those 'in areas of greatest need'. 

The initiatives will include access for children in care, care leavers and foster families, as well as a a travel subsidy and access scheme for schools working with children from economically disadvantaged backgrounds and a programme of free visits for community groups working with under-represented groups. 

The Trust has also confirmed a change to the offer for holders of the Advantage Card from next year. 

From January 1, a discount of 50 per cent will be available for all Advantage Card holders. 

Additionally, for every adult Advantage Card holder who receives 50 per cent off the entry price, one child up to 17-years-old will go free, on production of the child's Advantage Card. 

Any other children will receive a 50 per cent discount on the child's ticket price - also on production of the child's card. 

All the Advantage Card tickets will be eligible for conversion into a 1-Year Pass, which allows free re-entry to Windsor Castle for the year. 

This means that next year, adult card holders can pay £15.50 and visit the castle as many times as they wish throughout the year. 

The admission price features a complimentary multimedia tour, available in nine languages, as well as free family activities on weekends and in the school holidays, subject to availability. 

Income that is generated from admission allows the Trust to conserve the Royal Collection.

Cllr Amy Tisi, cabinet member for children's services, education and Windsor, said: "We have worked hard with Royal Collection Trust to negotiate concessions for more residents, including a ticket that Advantage Card holders will be able to use year-round from January.

"I’m pleased that this new deal goes further for those in the greatest need, including children in care, foster families and care leavers, who will have more opportunities to visit the castle and learn about our special borough and history."