Concessions

We have always been granted the reduced price in the UK. Not always in other countries, though.

I have started buying my tickets online and read where some places it's meant for UK citizens, I already looked crazy when I purchased tickets for Westminster Abbey for Sept. 7, 2019, my ticket showed 07/09/2019, when I inquired about it I was told it was the correct date , they used the format stated above.
I don't want to buy tickets I can't use so I'm trying to be careful.
Barbara

I have never had any difficulties buying concession tickets for tourist spots in the UK. In fact, my day was brightened considerably when one bus conductor asked to see my passport to prove that I was over 60! I showed the proof and I was on my way feeling just a little better than anyone would question :)

Thanks Laurel & Carol

I too have had no problem getting the concessions price in the UK.

I'm glad you started this thread because it took me awhile to realize that "concession" is UK-speak for "senior discount." Where I grew up, "concession" referred to a vendor of refreshments at an event venue, so I initially thought you would click "concession" if you wanted to buy snacks in addition to your entry fee. Am I the only one who thought this?

epltd, I'm from South Georgia, so I can see where you would think that :)
I didn't even think about the word when I was purchasing tickets, but the more I read I was afraid I had wasted my money and the tickets wouldn't be honored.
I need to read up on British customs, meanings, etc

Yes Barbara it would be a benefit for you to read up on the differences you'll find in the UK.

Bathroom/restroom Is referred to as the toilet or loo.
You will notice that most police ( bobbies ) do not carry guns. Some now are armed
With AK 47's though.
If you wants chips you'll get what you know as French fries. Potato chips are crisps.
Food brands will differ. I believe your Coca Cola will contain real sugar not fructose.
Fag is not considered a derogatory term, it's a cigarette.
The British as a whole don't engage in small talk. Thus on the tube notice, appreciate, and respect the quiet.You walk down stairs on the right. Use the left to climb up them.
If you ask for a bandaid you'll get a quizzical look. Ask for a plaster.
I'll give you a bell is a way of saying they are going to call you.
Pubs are communal places where you could see children, dogs, nannys with baby prams, and entire families.
You can't get a gallon of milk. Comes in a pint.
And even with Starbucks obliterating the city getting a cup of black coffee is an adventure.
If it's on the menu a flat black will be as close to what we yanks expect a cup of coffee to be. Both cafe Neros and Costa have better coffees than the Seattle empire.
Fancy a Pint? is "Want to go to the pub?"
Majority of museums are free.
Petrol is gasoline and comes in liters.
They drive on the left so resist the urge to jaywalk cuz you will look the wrong way. Look at your feet at the edge of the curb at a cross walk. There are cues. Better yet wait for the light.
Date is day/month/year as you've already discovered.

Quarter past ( 1:15) half past ( 1:30) quarter to ( 1:45)
Over the moon is an expression of happiness.
Pissed can refer to anger but mostly used to described so one who is drunk.
Stairs, lots of stairs and more stairs.
Lifts are elevators
Take away is the equivalent of to go.
The concept of a doggy bag isn't something that is done.
You will not find electric plugs in bathrooms. Safety issue.
You don't whistle or yell for a taxi. If you need one especially a black cab simply stand next to the curb with hand in the air. Those without a fare will stop. Lean to the driver window and tell the driver your destination then hop the back. They are pricey but very roomy and each driver has had to have passed an incredible test called The Knowledge. If you are at Paddington Station or any other train station there will be directions to where to find taxi's and there maybe a queue ( line) to get one. Very organized. No chaos.
Rooms in BnB's and some hotels will be smaller than you expect.
Showers are of hand held appliances instead of shower head we are accustomed to.
Street performers are called Buskers.
Beans are part of an English breakfast.
Pickles are Gherkins and thus the nickname for the skyscraper that looks like one. You can see The Gherkin from various spots in The city but I like looking at it from the Tower of London. Great architectural dichotomy. Other skyscraper nicknames: the Walkie Talkie, the Cheese Grater, and not a nickname, The Shard.
At most theatres you can purchase ice cream cups at intermission or go to the bar.
Jumpers are sweaters.
Cheers can be used for a proper toast but it is also a word used as a goodbye or a thank you.
And lastly FOX news is what is shown on the Telly as representative of what's happening in the US.
I'll refrain from comment.

To get a concession on the trains, you'll need to buy a Senior Railcard, Costs £30 but you can save 1/3 of the fare. Whether or not it's worth it for you will depend on how much train travel you intend.

And - to add to the very comprehensive post above - you put suitcases etc. into the boot of a car, not the trunk.

now that old people are one of the most affluent groups that's something that needs to be stopped. And certainly, non-UK taxpayers shouldn't get discounts

I too thought you were referring to food stalls!

If things are stated to be for U.K. citizens only and if you aren’t one, then, as I would in America, you should pay whatever the legal rate is for you. If it just says “over60s” with no caveats, then pay the reduced rate.

"You don't whistle or yell for a taxi. If you need one especially a black cab simply stand next to the curb with hand in the air. Those without a fare will stop."

Black cabs will only stop for a fare if the taxi light is illuminated, if it's off they've already got a fare.

Ramblin on: we are talking about people who are 60 and over. We are not talking about “old people”, who from my current perspective are 100 or over.

ramblin' on
To clarify, I am an American over 65, I don't mind paying whatever the price is, I have already purchased a ticket, I was wanting to make sure in the future that I was buying in the correct category.
I wasn't sure of the wording as it said " Concessions - People aged 60+ and students
Buy online for fast track entry £18 - Buy tickets".
I did email Westminster Abbey after I purchased the ticket and they replied this morning.
Dear Barbara,
Thank you for your email.
Yes, don’t worry, you can take advantage of that discount.
Best wishes,
Online Ticketing Administration
Westminster Abbey

You will notice that most police ( bobbies ) do not carry guns. Some now are armed
With AK 47's though.

Whilst a very good and accurate list Claudia the pedant in me feels the need to correct this statement. AK 47's are not used by the British police (or military). Gun makes in use by British police are primarily Heckler and Koch and SIG although my old force, Hampshire are moving towards AR15's as a long barrelled firearm of choice.

The concession rates offered to over 60s (sometimes over 65s or occasionally even over 55s) are fairly minor discounts these days - long gone are the days where 50% would be usual. Look online for advance purchase to increase this, even when stood outside the door.

Never in my experience been tied to nationality or residency, although you may find other discounts are given specifically to locals.

Carer's concessions though can be as much as 100%.

Never in my experience been tied to nationality or residency, although you may find other discounts are given specifically to locals.

I recall discounts provided to entry to Herculaneum being restricted to EU citizens only because they appeared to make a big thing of it with large signs etc., just wondering if they've experienced issues with non EU citizens requesting discounted entry due to age.

Thanks everyone, I think I'll just buy in the adult category, it was only about a $2.00 savings but the only one that had fast track listed.
I don't want any issues trying to get in.

"You will notice that most police ( bobbies ) do not carry guns. Some now are armed
With AK 47's though."

I'm with JC, I've seen many armed police but never seen one carrying a AK 47.

To add one to Claudia’s list......Ta means thank you.

@Harleydonski the officers I saw with AKA 47’s were outside the gates to Kensington Palace 5 years ago. To be specific the gate to Palace Avenue off Kensington High Street.

However trust me, not every yank knows about guns or rifles so I proudly stand corrected about the fire arms I saw the police or guards carrying when I walked by and asked how much farther to the High Street Kensington Underground Station.

If you Google British Police and AK 47’s and click on images you will see the firearms I thought were the above. Apologies.

Something I’d not seen ever before on my London excursions and part of me wondered if it was because young Prince George was in residence.

I’ll never know but these police were wearing peaked hats with the black and white checkers and not the Bobbie hat. They also had on very bright greenish yellow vests.

Lastly, Stonehenge is old. Great Wall Of China is ancient. Prince Phillip is elderly.

I’m over 65 and am older but not OLD!

AK 47's are a Soviet designed gun, something which would never be used by a British military or police force. Can you imagine the American military using Soviet weapons?

The reason the officers were wearing caps as opposed to the bobby style helmets is purely for practical reasons. The bobby helmets are pointless, uncomfortable and wholly unsuitable for modern age policing, the only reason they are retained is because the public like to see them. Trust me, try wearing one for a few hours, particularly in summer, or try running after, fighting with or doing anything more than plodding along a beat and you'll understand how pointless they are. The caps allow the officers to be identified as police and gives some adherence to the sense of a uniform.

Armed officers have been placed on duty outside Downing Street, Buckingham Palace and other places of high security for a long time, their presence is nothing new.

I am over 60. If a concession discount is offered, and the age is not stated, I ask. If available, I take it. So far, in the UK, it has been offered at most "attractions" and no one has asked for ID. Usually about a 10% discount.

I was VERY upset a couple of weeks ago at the Keswick Pencil Museum. I didn't realize there was a concession discount until I was leaving. There's 49p and 15 minutes I'll never get back.

The first sign of being old is denial.

Westminster Abbey site says 60+. Does that mean you can purchase the concession ticket if you're 60 or need to be over 60? One of our party just turned 60, so would like to buy her the concession ticket if I can.

Thanks, Emma! Didn't want to buy a ticket she wasn't entitled to!