A popular zoo in the West Midlands is making its enchanting winter light trail more accessible by introducing special discounted tickets for people receiving certain benefits.
Affordable Access to a Magical Event
Twycross Zoo, located near Atherstone, has announced new Universal Credit Lantern Evenings for its Lanterns of the Wild event. On three selected dates in January, eligible visitors can gain entry for just £8 per person, a significant reduction on the standard price.
Typically, adult tickets for the after-dark spectacle cost £19, while children's tickets are priced at £13.75. The special offer is valid for the evenings of January 15, 22, and 29, 2026. It is important to note that this ticket provides access only to the lantern trail and not to the zoo's animal exhibits during daytime hours.
Eligibility and Booking Details
The discounted rate is available to individuals who can provide proof they receive one of several income-related benefits. The eligible benefits include:
- Universal Credit
- Housing Benefit
- Working Tax Credit
- Income Support
- Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
- Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
Tickets must be booked in advance through the official Twycross Zoo website. Visitors will need to bring proof of eligibility, such as a recent benefit award letter, a statement, a screenshot from the Universal Credit app, or a bank statement showing the payment. Photo ID may also be requested. The zoo states that for Universal Credit specifically, the recipient must have received a payment within the last month.
An Immersive Winter Experience
The Lanterns of the Wild trail, which continues until February, offers families a captivating journey through illuminated landscapes. The route spans more than a mile and showcases over 2,000 immersive lanterns arranged across ten different zones.
Guests can walk through representations of icy tundras, lush rainforests, and deep oceans, discovering life-size lantern animals and large-scale displays along the way. Children under the age of two can enter for free but still require a ticket.
A spokesperson for Twycross Zoo emphasised the attraction's commitment to inclusivity, stating: "We believe everyone deserves to enjoy magical moments with their loved ones … which is why we’re launching our NEW Universal Credit Lanterns Evenings!" They urged people to take advantage of the offer while tickets last, noting there is limited availability.
