Category Archives: Accessible Routes

Accessible Routes

Accessible getaways abroad: Paris

We’re now expanding our accessible travel guides to Europe, and so in this first post of the new series we’re taking you to Paris, the ‘City of Light’. It is one of the most famous cities in the world as well as one of the most beautiful, and we’re pleased to say that many of its most fascinating attractions are accessible to those of us with different mobility needs. So, with that in mind, here is Quingo Scooters’ guide to some of the best accessible sights in Paris.

Soak up the atmosphere of the Musée d’Orsay

While most people head to the Louvre, the Musée d’Orsay gallery is well worth a visit too. Even if you’re not wowed by the art (which you will be), the building itself is spectacular. It was the former d’Orsay railway station, but today it has been transformed into a beautiful, light filled space. It is also filled with one of the most spectacular collections of art on the planet: everything from works by Van Gogh and Monet to Degas, Gaugin and countless photographs and sculptures. Thankfully, much of it is also accessible, with lifts and ramps to take you up and down the different levels. If you are looking for a view of Paris, you can also head up in the lift to the roof terrace. The great news is that wheelchair and mobility scooter users get in free, with one guest. There are 17 accessible parking spaces on nearby streets if you’re coming by car.

Editorial credit: StockphotoVideo / Shutterstock.com

An artistic tour of Montmartre

Paris is a city famed for its artists, and Montmartre is the quintessential place to find them: its cobbled streets and old cafes create a wonderful atmosphere. It is also famous for its many clubs and bars, including the Moulin Rouge cabaret which has been at the heart of the area for over 120 years. For those of us visiting this historic area with our mobility scooters and wheelchairs, there are a couple of serious obstacles to getting around however: the cobbles and the hills. Because of this you might be thinking it is an area to avoid, but with a bit of planning it is possible to get around, see some of the most important artistic sights in the area and even get a fantastic view over the city from the Sacré-Cœur church. We really recommend this accessible route as a great way to explore the area. For the Sacré-Cœur itself, there is an accessible entrance at the rear.

Explore the vast Palace of Versailles

The Palace of Versailles could almost have been planned with wheelchair and mobility scooter users in mind: broad, level step-free pathways outside and flat corridors, wide rooms and entrances inside. First built in the seventeenth century, it is also absolutely vast and you will need a day at least to explore it fully. There are three main buildings (the palace itself, the Grand Trianon, and the Petit Trianon), and inside the palace there is ramped access and lift is available to the upper floors. The other two buildings and the gardens are also straightforward to explore: in fact, those of us using a mobility scooter will enjoy the big advantage that having a powered vehicle gives us to travel easily across the huge estate. To get there, we recommend you use the fully accessible train that runs regularly from the Gare St Lazare in the city centre.

Editorial credit: Mister_Knight / Shutterstock.com

Take a tour of the Left Bank

This is another part of Paris that is synonymous with generations of artists and free thinkers, and it is an area where everyone from Pablo Picasso to F. Scott Fitzgerald strolled the streets, drank coffee (and absinth) in the cafés and let their imaginations run wild. A guided accessible tour of the Left Bank and the Latin Quarter is a great way to explore this fascinating place: this one starts outside Notre Dame Cathedral and in around two and a half hours takes you around the key sites of the area (including the Ile de la Cité island in the River Seine). It is completely accessible and step free, so it’s perfect for those of us using mobility scooters.

The Luxembourg Gardens

Paris might seem like a city of buzzing cafés, busy streets and crazy traffic (especially around the Arc de Triomphe!) but it is also somewhere that does peaceful parks and gardens very well. So, if you need a break from the sights and sounds of the City of Light then we thoroughly recommend you head to the Luxembourg Gardens (Jardon du Luxembourg). They were first laid out in the early 1600s and today they are vast, 50 acre public space surrounding the French Senate building. The great news is that all of the paths are level and accessible, so you can explore as much of the gardens as you want. There is accessible parking at the nearby Parking Soufflot-Panthéon.

Getting there and getting around

Traveling by train is one of the simplest ways to get to Paris. If you’re coming from London then it is a short hop on the Eurostar through the tunnel. The Eurostar Assist team will help you and your bags onto the train at St Pancras and off the train at Paris Gare du Nord. You’ll need to be at your departure point 75 minutes before your departure time. Just give the team a call on 03432 186 186 (option four) to arrange your trip. The Gare du Nord is central, but if you have flown in to Charles de Gaulle or Paris-Orly airports then there are a few options to get you into town quickly:

the Paris Aéroport service will take you to and from the airports, and there are also accessible shuttle buses going each way.

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.

General accessibility advice

With the exception of the Paris Metro (which has lots of steps), France’s capital is generally very accessible. If you’re looking for more information on getting around the city with a mobility scooter or wheelchair, a great starting point is the Convention and Visitors Bureau’s website. You’ll find plenty of links there to more information on getting around the city on public transport, as well as a downloadable Accessible Paris Guide here.

Do you have any accessible abroad recommendations? If you do, we’d love to hear from you, so just 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

Accessible Routes, Quingo Scooters

Quingo Scooters Accessible Woodland Trails

As the days warm up and the weather improves, there is nothing better than getting out and about in the great British countryside. The UK’s forests and woodlands are wonderful at this time of the year, and the great news is that some of the best of them are also largely accessible to those of us using mobility scooters. So, with that in mind, here is Quingo Scooters guide to some of the best accessible woodland trails in the UK.

Haldon Forest Park, Devon

You really are spoiled for choice at Haldon Forest Park. It is handily situated close to Exeter, and is just a beautiful place to spend time with friends and family. There are a couple of designated trails (The Discovery Trail and the Mamhead Sensory Trail) that are perfect for those of us using mobility scooters, and you can even hire special off road scooters if you need to. Just give the team a call on 0300 067 5826 to discuss your requirements.

Low Barns, County Durham

A mixture of wetland nature reserve and beautifully peaceful woodland, Low Barns is a great place to explore on your scooter. It has excellent access throughout, with a wide network of level paths and a car park close by. There are three lakes here which are home to a huge amount of bird life and the woodlands also have hides which are perfect for spotting some of the local inhabitants: as well as the birds there are also roe deer and even otters to see if you’re lucky.

Montalto Estate, Northern Ireland

Over to Northern Ireland now to the stunning Montalto Estate near to Ballynahinch.

There are three trails here with varying levels of accessibility, and the Woodland Trail in particular is one of our favourites. It isn’t accessible all of the way around, but there is an incredible variety of wildlife to take in: everything from tree creepers and kingfishers through to greater spotter woodpeckers and (if you’re very lucky) even pine martens. The cafe is also completely accessible, and does an excellent afternoon tea.

Galloway Forest Park, Scotland

This huge forest has three visitor centres at Kirroughtree, Glentrool and Clatteringshaws and has everything from breathtaking views of the local lochs to some stunning woodland to explore. For those of us who use a mobility scooter, the Wild Watch Trail at Kirroughtree is a great place to start. It has a flat, firm surface and the trail takes you to a hide where you can watch the birds. Galloway Forest Park is also a very special place to visit at night: it is Scotland’s first designated Dark Sky Park, which means it is a wonderful spot look at the stars without any light pollution.

Yorkshire Sculpture Park

Finally, something a bit different. As well as the natural beauty of the woods and parkland here, the Yorkshire Sculpture Park is also packed with plenty of great art to discover. It is gorgeous in springtime, and well worth visiting with your mobility scooter. Although there are some parts of the woods and parkland that can be tricky to navigate, it is largely accessible, and there is also priority parking for Blue Badge holders. The woodland here is full of wildlife this time of year and the parkland is laid out in such a way that you will always find something new to discover.

Editorial credit: Debu55y / Shutterstock.com

For more general information on getting out and about with your mobility scooter in Britain’s wonderful woodlands, we’d also recommend that you head to The Ramblers accessibility page here. The Ramblers also have links with another group who use mobility scooters and wheelchairs and you can find out more about their events and activities 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, Days Out

Quingo Scooters Accessible Forests

There was a time when Britain was covered in woodland, and although much of that ancient forest is gone, there are still huge areas to explore up and down the UK. These places are home to a wonderful variety of wild animals and plants, as well as creating a vast playground for everyone to access and enjoy. And fortunately, many of our country’s forests are accessible to those of us who use mobility scooters. Here is Quingo Scooters’ guide to the best accessible forests in the UK.

The New Forest, Hampshire

The New Forest is a fascinating mix of landscapes and makes a great place to visit at any time of the year. The Forestry Commission who care for it have done a good job of making sure that there are a number of designated accessible footpaths throughout the forest. One of our favourites is this one, a fantastic trail around Hatchet Pond, the largest freshwater lake in the forest and a very peaceful spot. Find more details of all of the accessible trails in the New Forest here.

Grizedale Forest, Cumbria

Up to the other end of the country now, to the wild and beautiful Lake District. Grizedale Forest is also run by the Forestry Commission and is a wonderful natural space to explore, surrounded by the dramatic mountains of the Lake District National Park itself. The visitor centre is about three miles from the picturesque village of Hawkshead and there are a number of designated Blue Badge spaces available there. In terms of trails, the Ridding Wood route is well worth exploring as it is a relatively level, tarmac-covered route through this spectacular ancient oak woodland. Don’t forget to look out for the sculptures dotted along on the way!

Kielder Forest, Northumberland

Staying up north for a while, we head next to Kielder Forest, a vast area of working woodland that is home to some incredible wildlife. Kielder Water is at the heart of the forest and is the UK’s largest man-made lake, and if you are lucky then there is a good chance that you might get to see some of the resident Ospreys hunting there. The wonderful thing about the trail around Kielder Water is that it is completely accessible: 26 miles of wide, level paths that you can enjoy exploring on your mobility scooter, traffic-free. It is a fantastic way to enjoy this remote part of the country, right in the heart of this breathtaking forest. You’ll find lots of Blue Badge parking spaces too, both in Kielder village and close to the dam wall, where you will also find accessible toilets.

The Forest of Dean

One of the most fascinating things about the Forest of Dean is that it has both a rich natural history as well as a more recent, man-made one. The forest has been an industrious place for centuries, and was the source of high quality timber for the country’s shipbuilding industry in the 1500s, before becoming home to a number of coal mines. You will still come across evidence of this industrial past as you explore some of the many accessible trails: one of our favourites is the Family Cycle Trail which follows old railway lines and takes you through the heart of the forest. You can also hire specially adapted Tramper scooters from Cannop Cycle Centre near Cinderford.

General trail accessibility

Of course, forests are wild places and so the weather and changing conditions can have a big effect on how accessible they are. The accessible trails we have featured here all have firm surfaces and are generally fine all year around, but it is always worth checking the forecast and giving the forest visitor centre a call before you visit just make sure local conditions are suitable for your scooter. That said, don’t let the cold weather put you off visiting our nation’s forests – the winter can be a spectacular time to see them, and is often the perfect opportunity to see wildlife, as many birds and animals are out and about looking for food.

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, Days Out, Quingo Scooters

Quingo Scooters Accessible Castles

The UK’s many castles are a huge draw for visitors both from home and abroad, and the great news is that many of them accessible for all, even despite their great age. Here, Quingo Scooters takes a tour of the country’s finest.

Windsor Castle

We had to start with a castle that isn’t just one of the nation’s favourites, but also the one that the Queen herself calls home. Windsor Castle was first founded by William the Conqueror just after the Norman Invasion and since then 39 different kings and queens have lived there – although you probably won’t be lucky enough to see the Queen herself when you visit.

But, from the sumptuous State Apartments (which were intended to out-do the French king’s palace at Versailles) to the outfits worn by Harry and Meghan on their big day, there’s still plenty of fascinating royal history to explore. You will be able to visit most of the castle in your scooter or a wheelchair, although bear in mind the castle itself is at the top of a steep hill, and unfortunately the only disabled parking available is on Windsor High Street itself, a short distance from the castle.  We’d recommend giving them a call before you visit on 0303 123 7324 to discuss any other needs you might have.

Alnwick Castle

We’re heading north now, to Northumberland and the spectacular Alnwick Castle. This incredible place looks almost as if it could have come straight out of a Hollywood director’s sketch of what an English castle should look like, so it is no surprise that it has been the star of everything from Harry Potter to Blackadder over the years. Alnwick Castle has been home to the Percy family for 700 years, from Harry Hotspur, the first Earl, through to Ralph Percy who is the current Duke. The team there have done a great job of making as much of this ancient building as accessible as possible, with good access to the grounds, an accessible Castle Shop and Courtyard Café and a lift to the State Rooms. There are six Blue Badge designated disabled parking spaces on Castle Square in Alnwick, as well as at the nearby Denwick Lane car park.

Alnwick Castle - Quingo Scooters

Cringletie House

Now for a castle that you can actually stay in. Cringletie House in Peebles, Scotland is now a hotel that has won awards for the effort that the team have put into making it accessible for all. Set in nearly 30 acres of stunning countryside only 50 minutes from Edinburgh, Cringletie House was first built in the 1600s, and while it fell into disrepair for some years, today it is still a wonderful example of Scottish baronial architecture. The team at Cringletie have made a number of rooms with en-suite bathrooms accessible for guests with mobility needs and you will also find ramped access to the entrance as well as the bar and restaurant too. There is also ample disabled parking.

Muncaster Castle

Birds of prey, a dramatic castle and incredible Himalayan gardens: Muncaster Castle in the Lake District has it all. Unsurprisingly, given its location, it is hilly, but it is also generally accessible for those of us using a mobility scooter or wheelchair. The ground floor of the castle itself is accessible, and much of the magnificent estate has either tarmac or gravel paths, including the gardens, the Hawk & Owl Centre and the Meadowvole Maze. It’s a beautiful place in a wonderful setting (and like all the best castles, it even has its own ghost, known as ‘Tom Fool’, if the legends are to be believed).

Muncaster Castle - Quingo Scooters

General castle accessibility

Of course, all of these castles are ancient, historic buildings that are by their very nature often tough to adapt to modern needs. With that in mind, it is always best to just give the team at your chosen castle a call to see if there is anything that they can do to make access on the day of your visit easier. It may be that while some areas of the castle are usually out of bounds, with a little bit of notice they can plan ahead to accommodate visitors with different mobility needs.

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, Days Out, Quingo Scooters

Quingo Scooters Accessible Spa Towns

The UK is blessed with many wonderful natural resources, from our National Parks to the many areas of wilderness and the dramatic landscapes that we have to explore. But our natural springs are another resource that can also be found up and down the country, and they have been a draw for visitors for millennia. Here is Quingo Scooters’ guide to some of the UK’s most accessible spa towns and experiences.

Bath

We had to start with Bath, a place that is (literally) synonymous with its beautiful Roman spas. As Britain’s most famous spa town, you most certainly won’t be alone when you visit, but it is possible to get away from the crowds (particularly during the week) and bathe in the city’s world famous hot springs. You’ll find that plenty of the hotels have their own spas, but we recommend the Thermae New Royal Bath for a traditional spa in a modern, accessible setting. It is fully accessible with lifts and ramps throughout, although we do recommend giving the team there a call on 01225 33 1234 to discuss any particular needs you might have. Appropriately enough, you’ll find the baths on Bath Street and Hot Bath Street. If you are arriving by car, then there are 11 Blue Badge spaces at the nearby Avon Street car park.

Editorial credit: aroundworld / Shutterstock.com

Harrogate

Heading north now to Harrogate, another spa town that has built its reputation on the quality of its spring water. The springs in Harrogate were first discovered in 1571 by William Slingsby and the town has been a popular destination for generations of visitors ever since. The centrepiece of Harrogate’s spa experience are the wonderful Turkish Baths. These fully restored Victorian baths are absolutely stunning, and they offer a range of treatments and spa experiences to enjoy. It is a lavish, luxurious experience, and the team there are also very helpful to visitors who have a range of mobility requirements. There are accessible changing facilities including a wet room and many of the baths and treatments themselves are accessible. You can also park nearby at the Jubilee Car Park on Union Street which has a number of Blue Badge spaces.

Cheltenham

We have picked Cheltenham partly because it just a beautiful place to be. This Regency period spa town is a real jewel, set in the rolling hills of the Cotswolds (also designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty). The town’s mineral springs were first discovered way back in 1716 and its reputation as a place to get away, rest and relax has only grown in the intervening years. While the town itself is peaceful enough, we also have to recommend Ellenborough Park, a local spa that is hidden away close to Cleeve Hill. The hotel there has four accessible bedrooms with ensuite facilities, and the spa itself is also fully accessible, with lifts, level access and handrails. You can park on the grounds, and there are 11 spaces reserved for Blue Badge holders.

Great Malvern

Another town in an Area of Outstanding Beauty, Malvern has been famous for its spring water since the Victorians first discovered its healing properties. They were responsible for a huge boom in the town as visitors flocked to enjoy hydrotherapy treatments, and while the town is a little quieter now than it was in its Victorian heyday, it is still a truly relaxing place to unwind. The town itself is well worth exploring, with a new fully accessible theatre in the Winter Gardens and some beautiful examples of Victorian architecture in the town centre. We also loved The Malvern Spa, a modern, accessible spa experience that includes a 20 metre hydrotherapy pool, a salt grotto and even a ‘herb sauna’. Give the team a call on 01684 878831 to discuss any special requirements you might have before you visit.

Spa accessibility

Because most spas have been built with relaxation and recuperation in mind, you will find that most will be generally accessible to those of us with different mobility needs. It is always worth giving the spa team a call before you go however just to make sure that your stay is as comfortable as possible. When it comes to having the very best accessible spa experience, it is the little things, like an extra towel to cover the hot metal arms of a wheelchair while you are in a steam room, that can make all the difference.

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 308478.