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AIBU?

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Original poster

AIBU to be miffed about Chester Zoo?

609 replies

Stillinshock123 · 17/12/2025 18:13

I need a space to rant but then I welcome feedback and general common-sense.

Chester zoo have posted about £1 deal for those on benefits such as UC, DLA and PIP.

Now, I understand that for some this may be the only opportunity to attend the Zoo given their already ridiculously high prices.

However AIBU to be upset that yet again working families (full time not claiming parts of UC) don’t seem to benefit from much?

We attend the zoo only once a year because of how expensive it is.. so that’s a luxury. So no thanks, no support or discounts.

I emailed them about this, and they replied saying that it’s part of a charity scheme to give back to families who otherwise can’t afford it. But then.. why shouldn’t it be first come first serve?

OP posts:
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Pandersmum · 17/12/2025 19:08

HermioneWeasley · 17/12/2025 18:46

It’s another example of cliff edges of expense for people not taking government support and makes many people wonder why they bother to work hard.

Agree. But reading this thread, it is clear that many people think it is unacceptable to think like that. Not claiming benefits, you must be rolling in cash!

I don’t think some people appreciate just how fed up other people are to work and effectively fund others peoples lifestyle choices.

Hobnobswantshernameback · 17/12/2025 19:06

Imagine being this much of a dick
God this world is depressing at the moment

ChristmasStressy · 17/12/2025 19:05

Ive just booked tickets for tomorrow! Thanks!

SusanSHelit · 17/12/2025 19:05

I work full time (around 45 /50 hours a week on average) and claim uc. I haven't been to the zoo since I split with my sons abusive father four years ago because I can't afford it. I haven't been on holiday or bought clothes or shoes for myself that I didn't desperately either but I suppose that's beside the point.
Hth.

Rayna37 · 17/12/2025 19:04

It’s only for a fortnight, when the weather is poor and they’re competing with countless Christmas entertainments! They’re also offering half price tickets for friends and family of members at the same time; they’re obviously struggling for visitors right now.

LivingDeadGirlUK · 17/12/2025 19:02

Chester Zoo often have great deals and offers, I went for very cheao when schools were closed for poling once.

I think your attitude is bloody miserable OP, to begrudge people on UC for getting a discount because you can only afford to go once a year is so self centered.

FallingIntoAutumn · 17/12/2025 19:01

We did an animal related badge with beavers earlier. I cannot tell you how little those kids knew about animas. How few had been to the zoo and actually seen animals.
in order for future generations to conserve wildlife, they need to understand what we are losing - we need everyone to get behind it, not just the wealthy.

LadyKenya · 17/12/2025 18:59

Kirbert2 · 17/12/2025 18:56

They are also responding to OP complaining that they can 'only' afford to go once a year.

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Exactly.

Catterbat · 17/12/2025 18:56

Stillinshock123 · 17/12/2025 18:31

Argument void I said above about being aware of people who work and also claim UC. I’m talking about inclusivity for everyone as everyone is struggling financially (aside from mega rich or politicians ✌🏽)

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I think that depends on your definition of struggling financially. There’s the mumsnet version - only going to the zoo once a year because school fees have gone up and there’s no way you could move to a cheaper area because it would mean spending an extra 10 minutes on the train, and then there’s the actual version. Having no money to put the heating on, struggling to feed the kinds 3 meals a day, and only being able to go to the zoo if it costs a quid.

Kirbert2 · 17/12/2025 18:56

LadyKenya · 17/12/2025 18:51

I think a lot of people do indeed realise that, but are saying that it has nothing to do with people in the situation, who are able to benefit from the concessions being offered. They do not make the rules, why should they not take up the offers being offered to them? People should be complaining to the Government that things are very difficult, not begrudging the small concessions being made, to the most disadvantaged in Society.

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They are also responding to OP complaining that they can 'only' afford to go once a year.

NoArmaniNoPunani · 17/12/2025 18:55

Burningbud1981 · 17/12/2025 18:38

For everyone else on UC you can go for £1 or less then the entrance price at

  • London zoo
  • Tower of London
  • Hampton court palace
  • Kew Gardens
  • London transport museum
  • Whipsade zoo
  • The brand museum
Sorry it’s “London - centric” I’m sure there are others around the country

Also for anyone who qualifies for boundless membership you can go free to these too

Hobnobswantshernameback · 17/12/2025 18:54

Well done for shoe horning that hard working families bollocks into your post OP
Maybe you can ask Santa for an even bigger spoon to stir for Xmas

Coffeeandbooks88 · 17/12/2025 18:53

The local aquarium do very cheap days a couple of times for local residents for whom many can't afford to go.

EarlofShrewsbury · 17/12/2025 18:52

Burningbud1981 · 17/12/2025 18:38

For everyone else on UC you can go for £1 or less then the entrance price at

  • London zoo
  • Tower of London
  • Hampton court palace
  • Kew Gardens
  • London transport museum
  • Whipsade zoo
  • The brand museum
Sorry it’s “London - centric” I’m sure there are others around the country

Quite a few places in York also do it.

York castle museum and the Yorkshire Museum spring to mind

DeftGoldHedgehog · 17/12/2025 18:52

Once a year? I can count on one hand the number of times I've taken both DDs to that kind of place in both their lives.

LadyKenya · 17/12/2025 18:51

NorfolkandBad · 17/12/2025 18:47

Exactly this - very strange how a lot of PP can't see that you could not be entitled to various benefits and still not be able to afford to go at the normal price.

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I think a lot of people do indeed realise that, but are saying that it has nothing to do with people in the situation, who are able to benefit from the concessions being offered. They do not make the rules, why should they not take up the offers being offered to them? People should be complaining to the Government that things are very difficult, not begrudging the small concessions being made, to the most disadvantaged in Society.

JudgeBread · 17/12/2025 18:51

Quit your job and go on benefits then, see how you get on.

You might not be able to afford to feed your family anymore but hey, you can go show them some elephants!

StartingOverInMy40s · 17/12/2025 18:50

ExtraOnions · 17/12/2025 18:45

I pay full price to go .. it will be a long time before I feel aggrieved that some child, living in near poverty, gets to see the Penguins for free.

This!

purpleme12 · 17/12/2025 18:50

I love zoos

Coffeeandbooks88 · 17/12/2025 18:50

Kirbert2 · 17/12/2025 18:42

There's a map here.

Universal Credit Days Out from £1 (2025 + UK map)

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Slightly excited by the free entry to the Yorkshire museum and Hampton Court.

purpleme12 · 17/12/2025 18:50

I'm on universal credit (and also work) I have been to a zoo for years. I can't afford to go to one no. And there aren't any of these offers at the ones in our area (although even the ones in our area we'd have to travel to on coach so expense to travel).
But that's life

dailyconniptions · 17/12/2025 18:49

Yanbu.
Yabvvvvu to say first come first serve. It's serveD.

NorfolkandBad · 17/12/2025 18:47

HermioneWeasley · 17/12/2025 18:46

It’s another example of cliff edges of expense for people not taking government support and makes many people wonder why they bother to work hard.

Exactly this - very strange how a lot of PP can't see that you could not be entitled to various benefits and still not be able to afford to go at the normal price.

HermioneWeasley · 17/12/2025 18:46

It’s another example of cliff edges of expense for people not taking government support and makes many people wonder why they bother to work hard.

ExtraOnions · 17/12/2025 18:45

I pay full price to go .. it will be a long time before I feel aggrieved that some child, living in near poverty, gets to see the Penguins for free.

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