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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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TheatricalLife · 17/12/2025 18:44

If it gives kids the opportunity to do something they will never get a chance to do rather than "just once a year" get a chance to do I'm all for it. I can afford to go so the cheaper tickets don't apply to my family, but it doesn't bother me at all. I'm glad people get the chance to see these places that would be totally unaffordable to them otherwise.

XenoBitch · 17/12/2025 18:44

It is funded by a charity scheme. People not on UC/DLA/PIP do not qualify for what is being offered. It is that simple.

I think it is a good thing though. You might struggle to afford to go more often than you would like, but this allows people who would not be able to afford to go at all to be able to go.

onpills4godsake · 17/12/2025 18:44

Something good happening to someone else does not equal something bad happening to you.
comparison in the thief of joy- it’s not Chester zoo who have caused the demise of the working class and cost of living- it’s the government -
redirect your there and write to your mp

Condensationon · 17/12/2025 18:43

You can have my disabilities and I’ll pay full price how’s that?

Burningbud1981 · 17/12/2025 18:42

Kirbert2 · 17/12/2025 18:42

There's a map here.

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

Show quote history

Amazing thank you

Kirbert2 · 17/12/2025 18:42

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

There's a map here.

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

UNIVERSAL CREDIT DAYS OUT

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

Find free and affordable Universal Credit days out across the UK! From museums to zoos, enjoy 45+ budget-friendly attractions, starting at just £1.

https://museummum.com/universal-credit-days-out/

Kirbert2 · 17/12/2025 18:41

Watchoutfortheslowaraf · 17/12/2025 18:36

Is there a limit to how many times you can go? I think if you used the £1 offer to go weekly it would be a bit ridiculous but if it can only be used say once every 6 months then it’s similar to what you can afford anyway OP

The Chester Zoo one is over Christmas only but other ones are unlimited.

Danikm151 · 17/12/2025 18:41

A lot of people on UC are working but their wages are not deemed high enough so UC tops them up to a more liveable income.

I love these offers. My son and I went to London Transport Museum for £1 and Dudley Zoo did a £3 UC ticket offer in March. Without these offers we wouldn’t have any “luxury days out”.

You’re begrudging those who otherwise wouldn’t have the same opportunities.

Coffeeandbooks88 · 17/12/2025 18:39

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

York Castle I think too.

OutOfVecnasReach · 17/12/2025 18:39

So you’re jealous of people who, if they didn’t have this offer, would never be able to go? You can afford to go once a year so I’m not sure why you’re complaining!
as a previous poster said- catch yourself on OP and realise your privilege. It’s an ugly trait to be jealous of those in poverty.

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
Coffeeandbooks88 · 17/12/2025 18:38

Watchoutfortheslowaraf · 17/12/2025 18:36

Is there a limit to how many times you can go? I think if you used the £1 offer to go weekly it would be a bit ridiculous but if it can only be used say once every 6 months then it’s similar to what you can afford anyway OP

No limits. Wouldn't you get bored if you go every week though? Only limits is six tickets per booking I think.

Mt563 · 17/12/2025 18:37

purpleme12 · 17/12/2025 18:35

Only once a year? I think that's ok for a zoo trip!

Right?! That's a £100+ day out, we'd do one or two of those on our summer holiday when I was a kid and never any other time.

DonicaLewinsky · 17/12/2025 18:37

If all they've told you is that it's a charity scheme, you've no idea where the funding came from and what conditions might be on it.

Watchoutfortheslowaraf · 17/12/2025 18:36

Is there a limit to how many times you can go? I think if you used the £1 offer to go weekly it would be a bit ridiculous but if it can only be used say once every 6 months then it’s similar to what you can afford anyway OP

5128gap · 17/12/2025 18:36

So, because you can't afford it more than annually, you think disabled people and those on lower incomes shouldn't be able to go at all?
The zoo is run as a charity. If it didn't do charitable things it wouldn't be able to retain this status and may either be even more expensive or close.

purpleme12 · 17/12/2025 18:35

Only once a year? I think that's ok for a zoo trip!

Letsgetthiswrongagain · 17/12/2025 18:35

They do it at lots of venues. We are a family of 7 and for all of us to go to the Tower of London is £155 - I got made redundant in July and the first thing I did was book tickets for all of us for £1 as I was claiming job seekers.

Simonjt · 17/12/2025 18:34

Maybe you could adopt a severely disabled child so you can benefit from a cheap trip to the animal prison.

Coffeeandbooks88 · 17/12/2025 18:34

Zzzzz. Working families get UC and yes we did enjoy our trip to Whipsnade this year.

DefinitelyNotMaybe · 17/12/2025 18:34

I work full time in a school (maybe I support your kids) and get topped up with UC because the pay is so low. Wouldn't go to a zoo though, because I may be poor but at least I have empathy for other living things. YABVVU.

Poms · 17/12/2025 18:33

You and your family get to experience this every year. To families on lower income a trip to Chester zoo is unaffordable.

I can’t understand why you would want to deny these families something which you can clearly afford to do. Take a minute and check your privilege

Original poster
Stillinshock123 · 17/12/2025 18:32

LadyKenya · 17/12/2025 18:30

Posted where? Thanks for letting people know though OP.

No worries it’s an amazing offer and I hope everyone has a lovely time xx

OP posts:
Original poster
Stillinshock123 · 17/12/2025 18:31

Burningbud1981 · 17/12/2025 18:28

I work and claim UC… go on……

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 ✌🏽)

OP posts: