King Charles may be hoping to attract low-income families to the royal palaces this October half-term as it was revealed today that a new scheme offering £1 entrance tickets has been introduced.
For those receiving universal credit or any other named benefits, entrance to Hampton Court Palace, the Tower of London and Kensington Palace will now cost just £1.
The scheme was praised by many when it was announced on X, formerly Twitter, with one account posting: “Well done to @HRP_palaces for improving accessibility for all!”
However others noted that it drew attention to the higher price point for others, as one person said: “So you admit that your prices are extortionate and are preventing the average person from learning more about their history?”
For a family of four to visit Hampton Court, for example, and park for three hours costs up to £92 at peak times, with food at the on-site cafes not included in the ticket price.
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The Historic Royal Palaces charity takes care of these properties, as well as Kew Palace, Hillsborough Castle and Gardens and the Banqueting House.
Annual membership to the charity can be purchased to allow free entry to all of their palaces at any time of year.
But for non-members it will cost you, with prices higher for adults and children at peak times such as weekends, bank holidays and during special events.
It costs £29 for adults to enter Hampton Court Palace at peak times and £14.50 for children; while equivalent tickets for the Tower of London stand at £37 and £18.50 and Kensington Palace costs £28 and £14 respectively.
King Charles appeals to low-income families by slashing price of royal palaces to just £1
Hampton Court Palace is famous for being the home of Henry VIII and his scandalous Tudor court, but also boasts an art gallery and impressive gardens.
Entrance to the Palace and the grounds is all included in the ticket price, and seasonal events are due to take place for Halloween and Christmas.
The Tower of London is the oldest property taken care of by Historic Royal Palaces, and has a fascinating history having served as an armoury, treasury, a zoo and is still the home of the Crown Jewels.
The Tower was also notoriously a prison in the 16th and 17th centuries, where Elizabeth I was kept before she became queen and was the site of her mother Anne Boleyn’s execution.
Kensington Palace is still a royal residence to this day, once home to Princess Diana and Prince William and Princess Kate before they moved their family to Windsor.
The palace also displays a number of artworks and an array of objects from the Royal Collection.
