How Our Family Saved a Fortune in the UK with the Blue Peter Badge
Living in the UK often brings those little moments when you think, “Knowledge is saving.” And honestly, I’ve never related to that saying more than I do now.
Recently, a close British friend shared a tip that has been an absolute game-changer for our family. It’s called the Blue Peter Badge, and thanks to it, our children could enter dozens of UK attractions for free. Yes, it really works—and yes, it’s exactly as amazing as it sounds.
At first, I was thinking, “Why didn’t anyone tell me about this sooner?” The feeling of discovering it so late was a mix of excitement and mild frustration. So today, I’m sharing this essential tip with fellow Korean families living in the UK.
What Is the Blue Peter Badge?
Have you heard of Blue Peter? It’s a legendary BBC children’s programme, famous across the UK. More than just a TV show, it encourages creativity, curiosity, and perseverance in children.
From this programme, children can earn a Blue Peter Badge. But it’s not just a fun souvenir. This small badge unlocks free entry to countless attractions across the UK—places that usually charge a significant fee.
Eligibility
- Children aged 5 to 15 years who live in the UK.
How to Apply
- Go to the My Blue Peter website.
- Create a BBC children’s account for each child. Keep the username and password safe—they’ll be needed to apply for the ID card after the badge arrives.
- Children submit their own work—drawings, stories, or creative projects—to earn a badge.
If your child struggles with writing in English, try this: write in Korean first, then use a tool like ChatGPT to translate it naturally into English.
Tip: Only photos are necessary; avoid videos. We tried uploading a video once, and it didn’t work due to file size. A few photos are enough.
Waiting for the Badge
It took roughly 10 weeks for our badge to arrive. When it did, it came with a small letter explaining the next steps. I initially ignored it, only realising later that we had to apply for the Blue Peter Badge ID card through the children’s accounts. Once logged in, we applied under the “My Badge Card” section and waited again—classic UK processing speed!
Preparing the ID Card
Each card requires a photo of the child. For best results:
- Use a plain white background (passport-style).
- Print it at a local photo store. We used Max Spielmann, which only cost £1.40 for two photos. Other options include Asda, Tesco, Boots, or Timpson.
- Attach the photo to the card and cover it with the included laminate sheet.
Using the Blue Peter Badge
Some attractions only ask to see the badge; others require both the badge and the ID card. Always carry both when visiting.
Important: Only the child enters for free. At least one accompanying adult must purchase a full ticket.
Attractions You Can Visit for Free
The Blue Peter Badge opens doors to hundreds of UK attractions, from London Zoo to Hampton Court Palace, St Paul’s Cathedral, Edinburgh Zoo, York Viking Centre, Tower of London, Kensington Palace, Blackpool Pleasure Beach, Eden Project, Stonehenge, Roman Baths, and many more.
Seeing the map is truly jaw-dropping—the variety and number of attractions are incredible.
Insider Tips
- Occasionally, there are exceptions. For instance, we visited one site where badges had to pay regular admission between certain dates. It’s rare but good to keep in mind.
- Plan ahead for ID cards and photos. Don’t wait until the last minute.
- Remind children to keep the badge safe. It’s surprisingly sturdy but valuable.
Our Experience
We used the badge during our recent trip to Scotland, and the savings were substantial. Beyond money, it gave our children access to experiences they might otherwise never enjoy. Watching Chloe and Leo explore historical sites, interact with exhibits, and feel like VIPs was priceless.
In a country where the cost of living can be high, knowing these tips truly empowers families. With the Blue Peter Badge, your children not only enjoy free access to amazing attractions—they also gain inspiration and creative motivation.