Accessible Routes

The best accessible getaways for UK bird watchers

The UK has a wonderful variety of birds, and diverse range of habitats to explore. From remote wetlands and seabird colonies to lakes and forests, there is so much for bird lovers to enjoy across Britain.

Even if you’re not the biggest twitcher in the world, these are still wonderful places to discover – peaceful getaways that give you a chance to reconnect with nature. There are also plenty of places to see birds that are accessible to all, too.

Here, we pick out just a few, for Quingo Scooters’ guide to the best accessible getaways for UK birdwatchers.

1. Siskin’s Cafe, Whinlatter Forest, Cumbria

What could be better than watching hundreds of birds feeding only a few feet away? How about doing it from the comfort of the excellent Siskin’s Cafe in Whinlatter Forest, which has an array of bird feeders right outside the window?

The cafe and visitor centre at Whinlatter is accessible, and if you want to explore a bit more of the forest itself, there is also an accessible path from Revelin Moss car park.

If you’ve got any questions about your visit the team recommend you give them a call on 017687 78469 or email them at [email protected].

Quingo Scooters - Accessible UK bird watching - Bempton Cliffs, Yorkshire

2. Bempton Cliffs, Yorkshire

With a colony of over half a million sea birds here at Bempton Cliffs (including puffins!), this is a spectacular place to watch our feathered friends. Despite its remote location, it is remarkably accessible, with level paths and wheelchair accessible viewpoints.

As well as puffins, you’ll also definitely see gannets – it is the largest (mainland) colony of these beautiful birds in the UK. There’s a car park nearby, with seven dedicated Blue Badge spaces, as well as an accessible toilet in the Seabird Centre.

3. Meeth Quarry, Devon

The Devon Wildlife Trust look after this beautiful 150 hectare reserve, and it has a fascinating array of wildlife to see. For birdwatchers in particular, you’ll have the chance to spot birds like the handsome Goosander as well as tree pipits and sky larks.

It’s not all about the birds here however, as it is also home to an incredible variety of butterflies. Come here on a warm summer day and see how many you can count.

The reserve is also very accessible for those of us who use a mobility scooter. If you want to head out on a trail then just follow the red markers for a fully accessible route.

Quingo Scooters - Accessible UK bird watching - Montrose Basin

4. Montrose Basin

Over 80,000 migratory birds call the Montrose Basin on the River Esk in Scotland their (temporary) home over winter. It is a spectacular spot to watch sea birds and waterfowl, and if you’re lucky you should see everything from sedge warblers to arctic terns.

It’s a great place to visit at any time of the year, but the summer months are the best time to see the sand martins. The car park has two accessible Blue Badge space, and the visitor centre is also fully accessible. The Tayock trail takes you to a hide, and is also fully accessible to mobility scooters.

5. The Welsh Wildlife Centre

There are a few places to see osprey in the UK, but the Welsh Wildlife Centre is one of our favourites. It is fully accessible to all and has a great trail to explore that takes you around the whole reserve. There is accessible parking (and toilets) too.

The Teifi Marsh reserve here is packed with wildlife, and you should see Widgeon, Water Rail and Teal. There is also a good chance of seeing Peregrine Falcons here too, as they frequently hunt over the marsh.

As well as the abundant birdlife, there are also otters, red deer and water buffalo. Yes, water buffalo – they are often used to graze the land here!

We hope these suggestions inspire you to head out there and visit some of these wonderful wild places. If you’re looking for more general information on accessible bird watching, we also recommend you take a look at the following sites.

Birding for All is a charity dedicated to improving access, and there are lots of useful resources on their site. The Wildlife Trusts have an extensive list of accessible nature reserves here, and the RSPB also have lots of helpful information for birders with different mobility needs on their own page here.

About Quingo Scooters

The Quingo Scooter range features six models to suit your needs and budget. New models are now available from just £22/week on our new contract hire scheme which includes all servicing and maintenance, Insurance, Roadside Recovery, Call Outs and Consumables including Batteries and Tyres. For more information on this or the latest Quingo Scooter range, please visit our website. Alternatively, if you have any Service questions you can always contact us or call customer services on 01582 430 900.

Keep up to date with the latest mobility scooter advice, tips and interesting places to visit on the Quingo Scooter Users Blog. Connect with Quingo and keep up to date with all our latest news on Facebook and Twitter.

All Quingo Personal Mobility Vehicles are provided by Forever Active, the UK’s exclusive distributor. Forever Active is a trading name of Advantage Marketing Corporation Limited (AMC).  AMC Limited is an appointed representative of First Senior Insurance Services Ltd which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. First Senior Insurance Services FSA Register number is 30847.

Accessible Routes, Attractions

The best accessible UK castles

You might think that, by their very nature, castles aren’t the most accessible of sites to visit. After all, their entire reason for existing is to be inaccessible and difficult to get around!

But surprisingly, many of the UK’s very best castles are relatively easy to explore, and the teams who run them have made a lot of effort to make these ancient buildings open to all. Many also have wonderful grounds and gardens to enjoy.

So, with that in mind, here is Quingo Scooters’ guide to the UK’s best and most accessible castles.

1. Dover Castle, Kent

It’s hard to think of more strategically-placed castle than Dover. There have been fortifications of one sort or another here since the Iron Age. It has played an important role over the centuries – there is still evidence of a Roman lighthouse as well as an Anglo Saxon church. And of course the castle itself sits in a commanding position on the White Cliffs, from where it acted as a naval headquarters during World War II.

As you’d expect with a building of this age, not every part of the castle is accessible. But there is ramped access to the ground floor however and the grounds themselves are also accessible – just watch out for a few steeper slopes here and there. There is a car park close to the entrance and also an excellent visitor bus route around the site.

Quingo Scooters - Accessible UK castles - Bolsover Castle, Derbyshire 1

2. Bolsover Castle, Derbyshire

Come for the castle – stay for the views. This stunning castle has incredible views over the Vale of Scarsale which you can enjoy from the terrace. The castle was created by Sir William Cavendish during the Stuart period and is a lavish and spectacular experience.

While the Little Castle itself isn’t accessible, there is still plenty to see along the huge terrace, the Riding House and around the Venus Garden. There are level, firm paths throughout the beautiful gardens, as well as plenty of spots to stop and take in the views. The team there are very helpful, and recommend you give them a call on 01246 822844 before your visit to discuss your requirements.

3. Alnwick Castle, Northumbria

If you love castles and wild landscapes, you will love Northumbria in general. This is a region of spectacular ruins overlooking vast, windswept beaches – the kind of place that still feels alive with history. Alnwick Castle is something very special however and it makes for a great day out. The castle was used for the Harry Potter films as the setting for Hogwarts, but its origins stretch back to Norman times.

There’s a lot to see here, and of course given the building’s age not all of it is accessible. But large parts of it are, including much of the extensive grounds. There is a lift to the upper floors, and there is also Blue Badge parking available conveniently close by. The team there are very helpful too – just give them a call on 01665 511 100 or email [email protected].

Quingo Scooters - Accessible UK castles - Sudeley Castle, Cotswolds 1

4. Sudeley Castle, Cotswolds

Something a bit less wild and a little more genteel now. Sudeley in the Cotswolds has both a beautiful castle and ten – yes, ten – unique gardens.

It has a fascinating history. Henry VIII’s final wife Katherine Parr is buried here, and the gardens date back to before the Tudors.

There is an excellent circular accessible route around the gardens which is well worth exploring. The Pheasantry and the church are also accessible, as is the adventure playground if you’re visiting with family.

5. Glamis Castle, Scotland

First things first – it’s pronounced ‘glaams’, if you want to sound like you’re in the know! The seat of the Lyon family, the earls of Strathmore for almost 650 years, this has been the home of significant royals for many generations.

The Queen Mother grew up there, Princess Margaret was born there, and famously, it is the setting for Shakespeare’s Macbeth. As far as we know there haven’t been any real-life royal murders here (although James V had one earl’s widow condemned to death for being a witch!).

But this is an impressive place and much of it is also accessible. The ground floor (including the coach house and the restaurant) as well as the gardens are all accessible for those of us who use a mobility scooter.If you’ve got any questions, just give the team a call on 01307 840393 or email them at [email protected] to discuss your visit.

About Quingo Scooters

The Quingo Scooter range features six models to suit your needs and budget. New models are now available from just £22/week on our new contract hire scheme which includes all servicing and maintenance, Insurance, Roadside Recovery, Call Outs and Consumables including Batteries and Tyres. For more information on this or the latest Quingo Scooter range, please visit our website. Alternatively, if you have any Service questions you can always contact us or call customer services on 01582 430 900.

Keep up to date with the latest mobility scooter advice, tips and interesting places to visit on the Quingo Scooter Users Blog. Connect with Quingo and keep up to date with all our latest news on Facebook and Twitter.

All Quingo Personal Mobility Vehicles are provided by Forever Active, the UK’s exclusive distributor. Forever Active is a trading name of Advantage Marketing Corporation Limited (AMC).  AMC Limited is an appointed representative of First Senior Insurance Services Ltd which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. First Senior Insurance Services FSA Register number is 30847.

Accessible Routes

Accessible getaways abroad: Accessible Chicago, USA

If you’re looking for a great American city break, then Chicago well and truly has it all. It’s got a rich and fascinating history (think Al Capone and the Prohibition era), plus world-class museums and galleries.

Foodies love it too – it’s famous for its many farmers markets and the quality of its restaurants (23 of them have Michelin stars!). But there are also a few surprises too: who knew that it also has 15 beaches where you can swim?

That last one is strictly for the summer however – in the winter Chicago gets bitterly cold, and we’d recommend visiting in the warmer months from May to late September.

It’s also very accessible too. As with every US city, every public building is obliged by law to be fully accessible – but we always recommend you call ahead to double-check they’re ready for your visit. With that in mind, here is Quingo Scooters’ guide to accessible Chicago.

Quingo Scooters - Accessible Chicago USA - SkyDeck

Get a unique perspective from the SkyDeck

There was a time when the Sears Tower in Chicago was the tallest building in the world. It no longer holds that title but trust us, it still feels tall enough when you’re up on the SkyDeck. The views are absolutely breathtaking and this is a great way to get a lie of the land when you first arrive in the city.

If you’re feeling brave, then The Ledge is an experience that you’ll never forget. A glass floor, and 1,300 feet of clear air between you and the street below certainly gets the blood pumping. Best of all, the SkyDeck is fully accessible, with ramps and elevators throughout.

See world-class art at the Institute

A gallery as good as the Art Institute Chicago can sometimes present you with a problem. What on earth do you go and see first? Fortunately, the team there have pulled together an excellent guide to what to see in an hour – and while we’re not saying you should rush your visit, it’s a good place to start. There are certainly plenty of highlights – our favourite is American Gothic by Grant Wood, one of the most famous contemporary American paintings.

One problem you won’t have however is getting around. There is accessible parking at Millennium Park Garage on Columbus Drive, and ramped access via both the Michigan Avenue Entrance and the Modern Wing Entrance. Scooters can access the entire museum using the elevators. Find out more on their dedicated accessibility page here.

Explore the Navy Pier

There’s more than enough to keep you entertained on the Navy Pier. It’s over 3,000 feet long, extends out into Lake Michigan and is packed full of shops and restaurants.

Today it’s a great place to indulge in a bit of retail therapy, take in the views of Lake Michigan and just generally enjoy the atmosphere of this vibrant city. The structure itself is fascinating, but there is also an ever-changing programme of events, exhibitions and attractions to enjoy.

The best part of it is that it is also incredibly accessible. If you’ve got any questions about your visit just let the Guest Services team know. You’ll find them just in front of the Pier, between the Bubba Gump Shrimp Co and Giordano’s!

Enjoy the open spaces of Millennium Park

One of the highlights of Chicago’s main city park is the remarkable Cloud Gate sculpture by Anish Kapoor. Known by many as ‘The Bean’, this giant, highly-polished creation is a must-see. But there’s more to Millennium Park than just the Cloud Gate.

This is the place in Chicago where people come to hang out and relax – a multi-purpose space that gives you a real sense of what life is like here. There are plenty of cafes, so it’s great for people watching.

And it is also packed full of art – from the Cloud Gate itself to the incredible multi-media Crown Fountain and of course, the open-air Boeing Galleries. This wonderful outdoor space is fully accessible to all.

Did you know?

The Chicago River is the only river in the world that flows backwards. Lake Michigan is the source of the city’s drinking water, and the flow of the river was reversed in the 1900s to preserve its quality and solve a major waste problem!

Getting to Chicago

You can fly regularly to Chicago, non-stop, from London airports. There are also non-direct flights from Manchester, Edinburgh, Glasgow and Birmingham.

As a public building, Chicago’s O’Hare Airport is accessible for those of us who use mobility scooters. There are elevators throughout, and if you have any questions about getting through security then they recommend you call the team there on (855) 787-2227. There is more information about getting around the airport on their dedicated accessibility page here.

Getting into Chicago itself is also straightforward. We recommend that you use the accessible Go Airport Express shuttle. To book an accessible van, call them on 888-284-3826 at least the day before. Alternatively, the Open Taxis service is also excellent.

Within the city, you’ll find that public transport is also almost completely accessible, in line with US law. To find out more about getting around the city, check out the city’s transport site here.

Travelling with scooters

The great news for those of you travelling abroad is that Quingo Scooters are all approved for air travel by IATA so you won’t have any problems taking them on the plane. That said, it is always well worth getting in touch directly with any train, bus and airlines you want to use just to double check their rules on scooters before you go. For more handy tips on travelling with your scooter by air, take a look at our page here.

Share your accessible getaways abroad with us

Do you have any accessible getaway abroad recommendations? In Europe or perhaps further afield? If you do, we’d love to hear from you, so drop us a line and we’ll feature them.

About Quingo Scooters

The Quingo Scooter range features six models to suit your needs and budget. New models are now available from just £22/week on our new contract hire scheme which includes all servicing and maintenance, Insurance, Roadside Recovery, Call Outs and Consumables including Batteries and Tyres. For more information on this or the latest Quingo Scooter range, please visit our website. Alternatively, if you have any Service questions you can always contact us or call customer services on 01582 430 900.

Keep up to date with the latest mobility scooter advice, tips and interesting places to visit on the Quingo Scooter Users Blog. Connect with Quingo and keep up to date with all our latest news on Facebook and Twitter.

All Quingo Personal Mobility Vehicles are provided by Forever Active, the UK’s exclusive distributor. Forever Active is a trading name of Advantage Marketing Corporation Limited (AMC).  AMC Limited is an appointed representative of First Senior Insurance Services Ltd which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. First Senior Insurance Services FSA Register number is 30847

Quingo Scooters

The best accessible UK farmers’ markets

The foodie revolution has truly taken hold here in the UK. And some of the best places to sample the finest in Britain’s local produce are, of course, our farmers’ markets.

They are heaven for those of us who like to try new food and drink, and they are often also an opportunity to meet the producers themselves. The great news is that most of them are also easily accessible for those of us with different mobility needs. So, here is Quingo Scooters pick of the best accessible farmers’ markets in the UK.

1. Alexandra Palace Farmers’ Market, London

We love this one because it is so spacious – you almost feel like you’re making your way through a small village of stalls, rather than being crammed in with narrow gaps between them. Of course, that’s great news for mobility scooter users, as are the flat, level paths of Alexandra Palace park.

And the stalls themselves? Think the cream of the crop from the ‘garden of England’ itself – most of the fresh fruit and veg here has made just a short journey from the fields of nearby Kent. It’s on most Sundays – entry is near the Crouch End entrance of the park.

Quingo Scooters - Accessible UK farmers’ markets - Uplands Market SwanSea

2. Uplands Market, Swansea

We head west next, to what we think is the best farmers’ market in Wales.

Uplands Market in Swansea is also the biggest indoor market in the principality, and is full of delicious local produce.

As well as high quality local fruit and veg, you’ll also find plenty of cheese and meats too – our tip is to try the local fish and seafood from the excellent Cardigan Bay Fish stall: always tasty, and always freshly caught. The market is accessible to all, monthly, and well worth a visit.

3. Orton Farmers’ Market, Cumbria

A farmers’ market that feels true to the whole ethos that drives these events – locally made and often organically grown produce, alongside artisan products made in small quantities.

The village of Orton itself is also lovely, and a tranquil setting for this bustling market. It is completely accessible to all, and has a good range of stalls. Pick up some veg from Cath at Bluebell Organics, or buy some delicious fell-reared lamb from Kitridding Farm’s stall.

If you’re looking for a special gift then there is also some beautiful handmade silver on sale here too. It’s held on the second Saturday of every month.

Quingo Scooters - Accessible UK farmers’ markets - Edinburgh Farmers' Market
Editorial credit: peepy / Shutterstock.com

4. Edinburgh Farmers’ Market

We’re huge fans of Edinburgh anyway, and it is a great city for a few days’ getaway. But if you are heading to the Scottish capital then we recommend you time your visit for the first Saturday of the month so that you can enjoy this great farmers’ market.

This one has been around for a long time – pre-dating the current boom in farmers’ markets – and it’s no wonder it has been such a lasting success. The setting beneath Edinburgh Castle is stunning, for one.

But of course it is the quality of the produce that really stands out. Our personal favourite stall has to be the weird and wonderful Paper and Jam’s Scottish preserves – try their Rowan & Apple Jelly with a slice of your favourite cheese!

5. Stroud Fresh-n-Local Market, Gloucestershire

If you love cheese, you’ll love this farmers’ market in Stroud. Every Saturday you will find some of the very best local cheeses you’ve ever tasted – from the fresh and lemony ‘Jersey Curd’ to a slice of Gould’s cheddar.

But it’s not all about the cheese here – there’s also delicious fresh bread from the Salt Bakehouse, as well as some of the best honey we’ve ever tasted from The Painswick Beekeeper.

If you’re more into your arts and crafts then there are also plenty of beautiful pieces to browse by local makers. It’s also very accessible, with well-spaced out stalls and a level surface. Stroud itself is lovely too – a quiet, relaxed corner of the Cotswolds which is well worth exploring.

About Quingo Scooters

The Quingo Scooter range features six models to suit your needs and budget. New models are now available from just £22/week on our new contract hire scheme which includes all servicing and maintenance, Insurance, Roadside Recovery, Call Outs and Consumables including Batteries and Tyres. For more information on this or the latest Quingo Scooter range, please visit our website. Alternatively, if you have any Service questions you can always contact us or call customer services on 01582 430 900.

Keep up to date with the latest mobility scooter advice, tips and interesting places to visit on the Quingo Scooter Users Blog. Connect with Quingo and keep up to date with all our latest news on Facebook and Twitter.

All Quingo Personal Mobility Vehicles are provided by Forever Active, the UK’s exclusive distributor. Forever Active is a trading name of Advantage Marketing Corporation Limited (AMC).  AMC Limited is an appointed representative of First Senior Insurance Services Ltd which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. First Senior Insurance Services FSA Register number is 30847

Holidays, Quingo Scooters

Best accessible UK bookshops

If you’re a keen reader, then seeking out new bookshops is surely one of the great pleasures in your life. For many of us, discovering a hidden gem in a new town or city can be a getaway highlight.

But away from the big chains like Waterstones (which are generally modern and accessible, with lifts and wider entrances), what are the options? How accessible are many of the smaller, independent stores?

Well, to help you out, here is Quingo Scooters’ guide to the five best accessible UK bookshops. Happy book hunting!

  1. The Watermill Bookshop, Aberfeldy, Scotland

This is a fantastic place that has been voted the UK’s best independent bookshop in the past and we think that title is very well deserved. Situated within a former oatmeal mill, both the bookshop itself and the excellent cafe are accessible to all.

They also hold regular events here too, with everything from book signings to talks from authors. There is an excellent range of books and staff who are always happy to help. And the homemade cakes in the cafe are just delicious!

Quingo Scooters - accessible UK bookshops 2
Editorial credit: DrimaFilm / Shutterstock.com
  • Foyles Bookshop, 107 Charing Cross Road, London

We’re going to cheat a little with this one, as of course Foyles is a famous chain. But we wanted to include it as we are big fans of their new home on Charing Cross Road in London. Of course, this is a location that is synonymous with the book trade (immortalised forever in the film 84 Charing Cross Road) and the whole area is absolutely packed with bookshops.

But Foyles have been on this street since 1906, and they are rightly proud of their flagship store at number 107. It’s light and spacious, and most importantly fully accessible with lifts to all floors. A bibliophile’s heaven.

Quingo Scooters - accessible UK bookshops 3
Editorial credit: TMA Harding / Shutterstock.com
  • Barter Books, Alnwick, Northumberland

Barter Books is something completely different. Situated in the lovely town of Alnwick in Northumberland, this independent bookshop is generally accessible to those of us with different mobility needs. It even has its own parking outside (including two Blue Badge spaces).

Once you’re inside you won’t want to leave. It’s situated in the town’s old Victorian railway station and is one of the most charming bookshops we’ve ever visited. They have an excellent selection of books (including some antiquarian rarities), but it is the building itself that’s the real star. It has a lovely cafe, open fires and even a 40ft mural!

  • The Ennis Bookshop, Ennis, County Clare

Ennis is the main town in County Clare, Ireland, and it is a picturesque, historic place to spend a few days. We recommend visiting the beautiful Franciscan Friary while you’re there – but we’re also big fans of The Ennis Bookshop.

It has everything a local independent bookshop should have. Lots of great titles, of course – but also a welcoming and knowledgeable team who really know their books. And best of all, it’s fully accessible to all.

There isn’t a great deal of information on their website, but give the team a call on +353 65 682 900 if you want to plan your visit ahead.

  • High Peak Bookstore and Café, Ashbourne Road, Buxton

Buxton in Derbyshire is a great town and a wonderful place to base yourself if you’re wanting to explore the surrounding Peak District. But one of the highlights for us has to be the High Peak Bookstore and Café – a real jewel in Buxton’s crown.

It has its own handy car park close by, and a huge range of fiction and non-fiction. It’s a welcoming place, with friendly staff, an excellent cafe and even some strategically placed bird feeders to watch while you sip your coffee.

About Quingo Scooters

The Quingo Scooter range features six models to suit your needs and budget. New models are now available from just £22/week on our new contract hire scheme which includes all servicing and maintenance, Insurance, Roadside Recovery, Call Outs and Consumables including Batteries and Tyres. For more information on this or the latest Quingo Scooter range, please visit our website. Alternatively, if you have any Service questions you can always contact us or call customer services on 01582 430 900.

Keep up to date with the latest mobility scooter advice, tips and interesting places to visit on the Quingo Scooter Users Blog. Connect with Quingo and keep up to date with all our latest news on Facebook and Twitter.

All Quingo Personal Mobility Vehicles are provided by Forever Active, the UK’s exclusive distributor. Forever Active is a trading name of Advantage Marketing Corporation Limited (AMC).  AMC Limited is an appointed representative of First Senior Insurance Services Ltd which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. First Senior Insurance Services FSA Register number is 30847.