Category Archives: Days Out

Attractions, Days Out, Quingo Scooters

Quingo Scooters Accessible Attractions: Museum of London Docklands, London

For centuries, London has been one of the most important cities in the world. Starting in the 1600s, the Museum of London Docklands explores just how important the city was, telling the story of the Thames and its trade. Tracing the highs and lows of the London Docklands, you’ll learn everything for the city’s time as the most important port in the world to the decline in the 20th century. With recreations of the city, memorabilia and artefacts to discover, its perfect for any fans of history!

This week, Quingo Scooters is heading to the capital to learn all about its ports. As the winner of Time Out’s Love London 2015 award – and runner-up in 2016 – hundreds of visitors enjoy this attraction each year. Let’s see what makes the Museum of London Docklands so popular!

Quingo Scooters Museum of London Docklands
Editorial credit: Chrispictures / Shutterstock.com

What’s on

At the Museum of London Docklands, there are many exciting and permanent galleries to discover. Let’s see what’s on offer…

  • Introduction Gallery: Situated in the previous Number 1 Warehouse of the West India Docks, this gallery looks at how the historic docks and warehouses operated at the height of their success. Journey back a 100 years into London’s past and discover authentic memorabilia and footage of the docks. This immersive experience recreates the atmosphere of the bustling commercial Port of London. History truly comes to life!
  • Trade Expansion 1600-1800: This gallery is the perfect place to learn all about the merchants, sailors and pirates who brought the docks to life. Telling the story of how ships sailed from London to India and China, fans of history will love learning about how trade was done 500 years ago!
  • London, Sugar and Slavery 1600-present: While London has historically been a port of global significance, it has not always been a positive place. Looking back somberly on London’s past, this gallery covers how the trade in enslaved Africans and sugar shaped London. Here you’ll see the names of captains, owners and destinations of the ships that sailed from London to engage in this trade. While you’re here, make sure to check out the letters of Ignatius Sancho. Born on a slave ship in the mid-Atlantic and brought to England aged 2, his best-selling book was the first prose published in Britain by an African Author. This illuminating piece of work gives an incredible first-hand account of this period of London’s history.
  • City and River 1800-1840: Have you ever wondered how the London docks took shape in the 19th century? In this gallery, you’ll discover the transformation of London through the cast new docks. As early 19th century brought great change to London’s river and port, new bridges spanned the Thames and a tunnel was dug beneath it. With the fortune of London always being tied to the river Thames, this attraction uncovers how the river was utilized to build a modern city. It’s the perfect place to learn how London transformed into the city we know today.
  • Sailortown 1840-1850: At any port in the 19th century, you were sure to find one type of person. Sailors. These men brought exotic animals, foreign delicacies and money with them, with the ports set up to entertain them after long and dull sea voyages. In this immersive experience, the Museum of London Docklands has recreated the atmosphere of London’s Sailortown. This evokes the sights, sounds and smells of Victorian London, as the twisting passages offer secrets and surprises to uncover. From the printer – where sailors could sell or trade books – to the seedy sailors’ taverns, you’ll experience what life was like for these men. It’s a must-see for any visit to the museum!
  • First Port of Empire 1840-1880: London was once the hub of the world’s largest empire. As British power and trade spread across the globe, so the port of London grew and prospered. Here you’ll learn more about London and Britain at the peak of its powers as the centre of world trade. Make sure to see the model of the SS Great Eastern while you’re here – it was one the largest ship ever built in the world.
  • Docklands at War 1939-1945: Did you know that the London Docklands were the first target in the London Blitz? Late in the afternoon of Saturday 7 September 1940, the Luftwaffe launched a massive daylight raid on London – the first of many attacks on the capital. Here you’ll learn all about how the Port survived this attack and provided vital aid in the war effort, from Dunkirk to D-Day.
  • New Port, New City 1945-present: Moving towards the present, this gallery recounts the highs and lows of London’s upriver docks, including their closure from the 1960s to the 1980s and their resurgence as the site of Europe’s largest regeneration project. Here you’ll hear and understand how London’s docks became the area we’ve come to know. Make sure to visit the reconstruction of the Underground station – perfect for learning how new tube lines has linked the Docklands to the rest of the city!

Where to eat and drink

At the Museum of London Docklands, there are a number of delicious excellent cafes and restaurants that make the perfect place to rest. Serving hot and cold meals, sandwiches, cakes and fair-trade tea and coffee, there’s a wide range of tasty treats on offer. The full list of available restaurants and cafes is available here, with something to cover all needs!

Opening times and prices

The Museum of London Docklands is open from 10am to 6pm daily, except for 24-26 December and 1 January. Entry into the museum is free.

Quingo Scooters Museum of London Docklands

Getting there

The attraction is located by the West India Quay and is accessible by all major forms of transport. If you are travelling by car, the postcode is E14 4AL. There is a car park located behind the museum on Hertsmere Road, with Blue Badge spaces available. The nearest tube stop is Canary Wharf. Frequent buses also service the area. Full information on getting there can be found here.

Accessibility

The Museum of London has been made fully accessible for all guests. This includes galleries, learning rooms, the café, shop and theatre. Accessible toilets can be found on the ground and third floor of the museum, with fully accessible lifts providing access to all floors and public spaces. The information desk has an accessible counter. Blue Badge parking spaces can be found in the public carpark behind the museum. Further information on accessibility can be found here.

About Quingo

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.

Attractions, Days Out, Quingo Scooters

Quingo Scooters Accessible Attractions: A Day Out in Liverpool

From the birthplace of the world’s most famous band to 2008’s European Capital of Culture, Liverpool is a city surrounded by excitement. Full of history and culture, there’s always so much going on. With museums, food, bars, shops and events to discover, there’s never a dull moment. Whether you’re here for a while or just a day tripper, Liverpool is perfect for any getaway.

This week, Quingo Scooters are looking at the best that this town has to offer, from Tate Liverpool to the Echo Arena. Let’s explore this Mersey paradise…

Quingo Scooters Liverpool

What to do

Liverpool is an amazingly vibrant city with so much to see and do. While there’s a lot to catch on your next visit to Merseyside, here are some of our top picks.

Museum of Liverpool: Ever wanted to learn more about what makes Liverpool great? If so, the Museum of Liverpool is the perfect place for you! Reflecting the significance of the city, this attraction explores and explains its unique history and culture. There are a number of permanent and temporary exhibitions to catch while you’re here.

  • The Blind School: Did you know that Liverpool’s Royal School for the Blind was the first school for blind people in Britain and the second in the world? Here at the Museum of Liverpool, this exhibition explores what life was like for the pupils of the school over its 227-year history as well as the design and location of the different buildings that housed it. Featuring unique objects, spoken stories and film made with visually impaired and blind students from St Vincent’s School, the city’s work for the visually impaired comes to life.
  • Taking Liberties: Telling the story of Suffrage in Liverpool, this display is home to objects relating to women’s suffrage in the Museum of Liverpool’s collections. The 1918 Club – a discussion forum for women in Liverpool – have even written labels to explain why these objects were important and what they tell us about the Liverpool campaign to give women the right to vote. The perfect place to learn all about women’s suffrage!
  • The end of the line: 60 years on from Liverpool’s last tram, this exhibition pays homage to the transport that got Liverpool moving. This immersive exhibition takes you through the history of trams, from the pioneering development of the tram system in 1860 Birkenhead to the first official trams on the streets of Liverpool in 1868 to the last service in 1957. If you’re interested in transport, this is the unique exploration of the landmark mode of public transport is a must-see.

The museum is fully accessible too. The entrance to the museum is flat, featuring automatic doors. There is lift access to all floors and accessible toilets – labelled ‘changing places toilets’ – throughout the museum. More information can be found here.

Tate Liverpool: If you’re an art lover, there’s no doubt about it – this is the place for you! Tate Liverpool, part of the Tate museums, is an art gallery and museum that specialises in British and international modern and contemporary art.

This fully accessible museum offers a level access information desk, accessible toilets, lifts to all floors and a fully accessible café. Hosting a number of temporary exhibitions, this museum makes use of a wide range of media to bring cutting edge art to you.

  • Ken’s Show – exploring the unseen: This exhibition was 30 years in the making – and it shows! Bringing lovingly sourced works, Art Handler Ken Simons is showcasing what has made Tate Liverpool an iconic art gallery. Celebrating Tate Liverpool’s 30th birthday – and Ken’s 30-year career there – this display explores the unseen or mysterious spaces in our world and point to Ken’s particular interest in sculptural and landscape art. With some of the Tate’s most popular pieces back on display, this can’t be missed.
  • Life in motion – Egon Schiele/ Francesca Woodman: Described as A close encounter with deeply personal and powerful works of art, this exhibition showcases intimate and unapologetic portraits, which look beneath the surface to capture their subjects’ emotions. Using Schiele and Woodman, 2 renowned artists for drawing and photography, respectively, you’ll observe a new perspective on their personal and powerful works. An unforgettable experience.

Liverpool Echo Arena: While you’re in Liverpool, why not catch a show at the Echo Arena? Noted for being ‘designed with accessibility in mind’, this purpose-built venue is the perfect addition to any trip. Whether you’re interested in live music, comedy performances or sporting events, they’re always something entertaining to catch at the arena.

What’s more, this arena is amazingly accessible. There are more than 10 accessible toilets, accessible drop off points and accessible seating bays, lifts in the car park which feature mirrors to make reversing easier and a personal assistance scheme. With plenty of Blue Badge parking to be found near the arena, including the Albert Dock car park – located 4 minutes from the venue – the Echo Arena has all you need. More information on accessibility can be found here, while a schedule of events can be found here.

Where to eat and drink

Liverpool is home to a wide range of accessible restaurants and cuisine, so there’s always something to try no matter what your taste.

If you’re a fan of sports – specifically Liverpool Football Club – The Boot Room Sports café is the perfect place for you. Located in Liverpool’s ground, Anfield, this café brings together exciting sport, delicious food and a sense of sporting history. With a wide range of food and drink on offer, you’ll find everything from light sandwiches to hot meals. Whether you’re a Liverpool fan or not, this is a great place to stop for a bite to eat.

Did you know that Peaky Blinders was actually filmed in Liverpool? Fans of the tv show are also in luck! Liverpool is home to a themed bar centred around this loved tv show. The Peaky Blinders Bar offers 1920s cocktails, a range of beers and wines and even snacks from their ‘Street Food Alley’. Step back in time to the Shelby’s Birmingham in this immersive bar!

There are also a number of cafés and bars in the area. From the Brunch Club – the perfect stop for brunch- to the Cavern Club – the famous bar known for live music – there are so many food and drink stops in Liverpool. It’s time to get exploring!

Quingo Scooters Liverpool

Getting there

As a major city, Liverpool is easily accessible by all major forms of transport. If you are travelling by car, take the M6 and then the M62, M58 or M56 direct to your destination. There are plenty of Blue Badge parking bays throughout the city’s roads. As well, car parks, such as the Liverpool Waterfront Car Park and the Liverpool One Car Park, offer a number of Blue Badge spots. If you are travelling by train, the nearest station is Liverpool Lime Street. Local buses also service the area. Full information on getting there can be found here.

About Quingo

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.

Attractions, Days Out, Quingo Scooters

Quingo Scooters Accessible Getaways: A Day Out in Whitby

There’s nothing better than a day spent at the seaside. From fish and chips to beautiful tearooms, Whitby is the perfect place to visit on your next trip to the beach. Offering stunning views, as well historic and cultural hotspots, you’ll always find something to explore in Whitby. Did you know that the Gothic Whitby Abbey was even the inspiration for Bram Stoker’s ‘Dracula’? But there’s nothing scary about this beautiful seaside town in Yorkshire!

This week, Quingo Scooters are looking at the best that this town has to offer, from the Cleveland Ironstone Mining Museum to the studio of artist John Freeman. With all this and more, let’s get started…

Quingo Scooters Whitby

What to do

Cleveland Ironstone Mining Museum: History fans are sure to love this museum. Taking a journey into the underground world of a real Ironstone Mine, here you’ll learn all about the customs, life and skills of the Cleveland miners. Celebrating the heritage of the industry, this attraction is home to some incredible memorabilia, ensuring the legacy of the mines through conservation, preservation and displays of artefacts, documents and photographs. With 5 distinct areas to explore, there’s so much to see here!

  • The Museum: Following a short film introducing the origins, decline and legacy, you’ll be able to journey inside the gallery. Here, you’ll find incredible and unique artefacts that guide you through the history of the area. Have you ever wondered how much a miner was paid, or what work equipment they carried into the black tunnels? This museum has all the answers.
  • The Upcast: Delving deeper into the old buildings, learn all about the immense Sirocco Fan and the ventilation systems used to quench fires and – more importantly – keep miners alive. Here you’ll get an incredible view of the 60-foot ventilation shaft. Watch out for the black waters below…
  • The Tally Cabin: Learn all about where the miners started and ended their day! Located at the mouth of the North Drift, this is where the workers signed in and out daily. In 1916, this was even home to local people sleeping as Zeppelin airships flew overhead!
  • The Dark Room: Prepare to be plunged into complete darkness! In this immersive experience, you’ll experience the blackness that miners were met with as they travelled below the ground. As you listen to the story of 12-year-old Fred and his memories of his first day underground as a “trappy lad”, you’ll understand what these miners faced daily.
  • The Experience: Have you ever wondered how ironstone was drilled and blasted over a century ago? Here you’ll come face to face with the candlelit tunnels of the underground workplace. Following the deputy on duty, you’ll see demonstrations and even light the fuse to set off the blast!

The Studio of John Freeman: Whitby artist John Freeman is well-known for his watercolour paintings of the North Yorkshire landscape. With his subjects ranging from a wide variety of local sources, these enchanting paintings are all on display at his studio in Whitby.

In his recently expanded studio, located in the heart of Whitby’s East Side, you’ll find over 160 of his works on display. This is the perfect place to marvel at his highly collectable Nocturne paintings, his studies of H.M. Endeavour and his striking renderings of a host of local places. From remote moorlands to the popular Goathlands, Freeman’s scenic works are not to be missed!

Why not take home a print to remember your incredible day out in Whitby?

Spend a day at the beach: Whitby is the perfect seaside town – so why not spend your day at the beach? There is a wide slipway down to the seafront, as well as lifts. Once there, you’ll find a flat promenade to journey down as you take in the charming views of the sea. With colourful beach huts and incredible coastlines, you’re sure to encounter some beautiful sites!

With a traditional long pier and gaps down to the sea, Whitby’s beach is sure to provide an idyllic day. The perfect place to enjoy your fish and chips!

Where to eat and drink

No visit to a seaside town is complete without fish and chips. For the best – and most accessible – try Quayside. Situated on Whitby’s breathtaking harbour, you’ll find award-winning takes on the classic fish and chips. If it’s a sunny day, why not take your food to go and enjoy the incredible views?

If you’re in the mood for Indian food, passage to India is perfect. Located near the train station, this restaurant offers some of the best Indian food in Whitby.

For smaller snacks or even a drink, there are plenty of cafes and tearooms to be found throughout the town. Coast Bar & Bistro is located between Robin Hood’s Bay and the historic port of Whitby, in the 5 Star Northcliffe Holiday Park. Perfect for incredible views and tasty treats!

There are also a wide range of cafés, restaurants and pubs throughout this beautiful town. Why not find your favourite on your next visit?

Quingo Scooters Whitby

Getting there

This historic town is accessible by a wide variety of means. If you are travelling by car, you’ll need to take the A171 and follow the road across rolling hills until you’re met with the panoramic view of Whitby’s coastline. There are a number of short-stay Blue Badge bays along the streets, with long-term Blue Badge parking being found in the numerous pay and display car parks. These can be found at several locations, including on Cliff Street, Church Street and the train station. There is also a park and ride service that is fully accessible and runs every 10 minutes. If you are travelling by bus, there are many services that run frequently. A full schedule is available here. The nearest stop for trains is Whitby Train Station. If you want to add a special touch to your travels, you can even take a steam train across the moors. More information about this unforgettable experience is available here. Further details about all forms of transport into Whitby can be found here.

Accessibility

While the picturesque town of Whitby certainly is old, it has smooth pavements throughout making it easy to navigate. Throughout the town, you’ll find accessible toilets, including along the sides of the beach and along the top of the cliff. There are several spaces allotted for Blue Badge parking available in Whitby. If you are staying for less than 3 hours, there are Blue Badge bays for on-road parking. For a longer amount than this, there are pay and display spaces available. Alternatively, there is a park and ride system that is fully accessible to all riders, with more information available here.

About Quingo

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.

Attractions, Days Out, Quingo Scooters

Quingo Scooters Accessible Attractions: Twycross Zoo

Have you ever wanted to immerse yourself in the wonderful world of animals right here in the UK? If so, at Quingo Scooters we’ve got the perfect place for you this week. With indoor and outdoor enclosures, Twycross Zoo is the place to explore a wide range of species from penguins to monkeys, even getting an up-close view of their lives! With over 500 animals and 100 different species to discover, there’s so much to see and do at this incredible zoo. There are literally hundreds of reasons why this award-winning conservation charity pulls in so many visitors each year.

We’re heading to the Leicestershire and Warwickshire border to discover the amazing animals living here.

Quingo Scooters Twycross Zoo 1

What’s on

  • Primates: With the largest collection of monkeys and apes in the Western world, there’s a reason Twycross Zoo is known as ‘the World Primate Centre’. Hailing from Asia, Africa, South and Central America and even the edge of Europe, discover these primates enjoying a well-designed environment. From baboons to spider-monkeys, you’ll learn all you’ve ever wanted to know about primates. With the animals free to roam and explore, expect some monkey business!

Coming soon: Look out for the new chimpanzee habitat coming in 2018! Here you’ll be able to explore as 18 chimps are all at touching distance – from each side and even over your head. This specially-built habitat will include climbing frames purposely designed to mimic a wild environment. You’ll be transported into the jungle to immerse yourself in the world of chimpanzees!

  • Other animals: There’s more to see at Twycross Zoo than just primates! You can expect to see a wide range of animals – from giraffes and zebras to meerkats and penguins. From big mammals to hundreds of insects and invertebrate – more than 500 animals are cared for here!

You can even adopt your favourite animal! It’s a unique gift perfect for all animal lovers and includes a photo of the animal, a soft toy and even a ticket into the zoo. The money made through animal adoptions contributes to animal conservation in the zoo and across the world.

Must see: Twycross Zoo even cares for the Amur leopard – the world’s rarest big cat. This is a must see!

  • EggZOOburant Easter (24 March – 15 April): Specially designed for Easter, this egg hunt will take you through the zoo where you’ll meet characters from Paw Patrol and PJ Masks, and even be one of the first to explore the new chimpanzee habitat. The little ones will love this!
  • Conservation Talk – The Lemur Conservation Association (13 March): If you love lemurs, this is the perfect place for you. Working in association with the Lemur Conservation Association, this talk will explore the research and conservation activity of the organisation so far. You’ll also learn all about the work to ensure the survival of the critically endangered Blue-eyed black lemur – with special lemur guests!
  • Zooniversity 2018 (20 August- 24 August): This is especially for teenagers aged between 15 and 18, who can discover more about endangered animals, global conservation areas, zoo ethics, animal behaviours and world habitats.
  • Daily animal talks: Running every day from 1 January to 24 December, these animal talks are fascinating! Carried out by enthusiastic and knowledgeable Education Rangers, these 10-minute talks are perfect for discovering everything you ever wanted to know about your favourite animals. The schedule can be found here – the penguin parade is a must see!
  • Animal experiences: This is a once in a lifetime experience! With animal experiences that allow you to get closer to your favourite animals and quiz the keepers about the marvellous animals. You might even be able to get involved in the feeding!

Eating and drinking

If you’re eating at Twycross Zoo, you’ll find plenty of options! The View Restaurant is perfect for any meal of the day, with tasty menus for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

If you’re looking for a good place for a quick drink, try the Vine Café which serves popular drinks from Costa Coffee. An in-house baker prepares a delicious range of house toasties.

At the Twycross Fish Bar, you’ll find the nation’s favourite dish! Here you’ll find cod, scampi, fish fingers and much more.

Quingo Scooters Twycross Zoo 3

Opening times and prices

Twycross Zoo is open every day of the year, excluding Christmas Day. From 25 March, it is open from 10am to 6pm. In the winter season, opening times are 10am to 5pm. Prices vary, with the full information available here.

Getting there

Located on the A444, this attraction is accessible by car and bus. If you are travelling by car, the postcode is CV9 3PX and can be found by following the brown attraction signs. Blue Badge parking is provided in the on-site car park. There are a number of buses which also service the area. Further information is available here.

Accessibility

Twycross Zoo is fully accessible to all visitors. There are smooth pathways throughout the attraction, including the cafés. Several fully accessible toilets can also be found throughout. The car park includes a section entirely dedicated to Blue Badge parking, which is free for all visitors. More information on accessibility is available here.

About Quingo

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.

Attractions, Days Out, Quingo Scooters, Tips and Advice

Quingo Scooters Accessible Attractions: The Roald Dahl Museum

The spellbinding Roald Dahl Museum brings to life the awe-inspiring works of Roald Dahl. As one of Britain’s most beloved authors, a visit here puts your imagination centre-stage as you venture into his life’s work. With interactive exhibits and mementoes from his life on display, there’s a lot to explore and learn about in this award-winning museum.

This week, Quingo Scooters is visiting Buckinghamshire to learn all about Roald Dahl and his famous works. From being measured against famous characters, including Charlie Bucket and Miss Trunchbull, to seeing his handwritten manuscripts, it’s a fun and playful day out. Let’s see what’s on offer…

Quingo Scooters Roald Dahl Museum
Editorial credit: Simon Vayro / Shutterstock.com

What’s on

The museum has 3 permanent galleries (Boy, Solo and The Story Centre) and an incredible range of changeable events and workshops:

  • Boy gallery: Here you’ll discover all there is to know about Roald Dahl’s childhood. From his love of chocolate to schoolboy pranks, take a journey through his Welsh upbringing. With archives available on a touch-screen, you can look through his family photos and see the illustrious author as a small boy.

Must see: Don’t forget to look out for the hidden treasures. Inspired by his autographical work Boy, you’ll have fun searching for the mouse in the gobstopper jar or smelling the giant chocolate doors. This gallery is a sensory feast!

  • Solo gallery: Inspired by his second autobiographical work, Going Solo, this gallery showcases the adventures of the author as a young adult. Starting with his journey to Africa, you’ll travel through the real-life adventures that inspired Dahl to become a writer. Find out about his experiences in the RAF in the Gladiator cockpit and use a Sparkometer to test your sparkiness. Fans of the author will love this insight!

Must see: Ever wondered where Roald Dahl wrote most of his famous works? In this gallery, you’ll experience the unique atmosphere of the writers original Writing Hut and be amazed by his collection of quirky mementoes. With secrets and surprises to discover, from peep-holes to secret drawers, there’s so much to find.

  • The Story Centre: Acting as the Museum’s creative hub, this is a must-see for all aspiring authors! With displays to inspire story-making and writing, you’re sure to take so much away from this experience. Whether you’re listening to top tips from your favourite authors, sitting in a replica of Roald Dahl’s writing chair, making a stop-frame animation or even creating a character or gobblefunk word, you’ll be inspired. This is the perfect place for letting your inner child run free!
  • Billy and the Minpins Exhibition (open until 15 April): are you interested in the amazing pictures that accompany Roald Dahl’s beloved children’s books? If so, this exhibit is perfect for you. Here you’ll see some of Quentin Blake’s illustrations for the new edition of Dahl’s last book Billy and the Minpins. With each one displayed alongside extracts from the manuscripts, witness the beautiful illustrations bring the story to life.
  • Discover Dahl’s Archives: Taking a unique behind-the-scenes peek at the museum’s collections, here you’ll find original manuscripts and letters written by the author. Taking a guided tour, the Collections team will introduce you to the highlights of this immense collection. This enlightening and fascinating look into the world of Roald Dahl is available on 10th March and is a must-see for all fans!
  • Chiddlers’ hour: Every Friday at 10.30am, the Chiddlers’ hour celebrates another of Roald Dahl’s famous books. Come along for songs, crafts and plays based on these stories and step inside the magical world of Roald Dahl’s creations. With this month celebrating James and the Giant Peach, The Giraffe and the Pelly and Me, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and Fantastic Mr Fox, this is a must-see for all young fans!
  • World Book Day Celebration: Taking place on Saturday 3 March, World Book Day celebrates reading. What better way to spend this day than learning all about Britain’s favourite children’s author? At the Roald Dahl Museum, there’s so much to see and do on this day. From listening to fascinating Writing Hut Talks to making a Dirty Beast in the Crafty Kitchen, you’ll be amazed as the creative mind of Roald Dahl comes to life around you. After you’ve finished following the trail around all parts of the museum, your World Book Day voucher can even be used in the shop for a discount on books. A great way to discover (or rediscover) Dahl’s enchanted works!

Must-see: As part of the World Book Day celebrations, artist Georgia Davy is on hand to help you create Hornswoggler Heads. As one of the fantastical characters from Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, this animal is a splendid example of the incredible imagination of its creator. With this workshop, you’ll be able to turn yourself into this fearsome beast!

Eating and drinking

A café is open to both the general public and museum guests from 9am to 5pm Tuesday to Saturday, and 10am to 5pm on Sunday. Here you can find a delicious range of freshly prepared food and drinks, including jacket potatoes, sandwiches, paninis and soup. There are also a wide range of sweet treats on offer, such as the Bogtrotter chocolate cake, scones, slices and cupcakes. In addition, fresh loaves of bread can be picked up from the café. Any questions about allergies, opening times or menus are answered here.

Quingo Scooters Roald Dahl Museum

Opening times and prices

The museum is open Tuesday to Friday from 10am to 5pm, with opening times reducing to 11am to 5pm on Saturdays and Sundays. It is closed most Mondays, with exceptions shown here. The price of entry varies, with a full breakdown of admission costs available here.

Getting here

Situated in Great Missenden, the Roald Dahl is in the heart of the Buckinghamshire countryside. It is accessible by all major forms of transport. If you are travelling by train, the great Missenden train station is nearby. If you are travelling by car, the postcode is HP16 0AL. There is no on-site parking, however, Blue Badge parking is available at Link Road car park and the train station car park. Frequent buses also service the area. More information on how to get here and the relevant timetables can be found here.

Accessibility

The Roald Dahl Museum is fully accessible for all guests. As a step-free site, the entire experience is accessible via smooth floors. There are ramps to the café area and 2 fully accessible toilets within the exhibition. Although there is no on-site parking, Blue Badge parking can be found at Link Road car park, situated around 5 minutes away from the museum. Further information on accessibility can be found here.

About Quingo

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.