Category Archives: Days Out

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.

Accessible Routes, Days Out

Quingo Scooters Accessible Getaways: Wells

Wells isn’t huge, but there is still plenty for visitors to enjoy in this gorgeous city. It’s only 20 miles or so from the equally stunning Bath, but it really stands alone, not least because of its remarkable cathedral. The historic centre certainly brings in plenty of visitors, but there are also other hidden gems, including the regular market. Here’s our guide to accessible Wells.

Wells Market

It is tempting to start, as most visitors do, with the cathedral, but we feel that Wells’ regular outdoor market is an equally good place to get a taste of the city. It is widely considered to be one of the best in the country, and we’d certainly agree. Whether you want to buy local cheeses, handicrafts or a pot of chilli jam you’ll find it here on Wednesdays and Saturdays. It is all accessible for you on your scooter too and you can park nearby, although not in the Market Place car park on market days. There are however Blue Badge spaces for on street parking on the High Street and Cathedral Green, with a three hour maximum stay.

Wells Cathedral

They began the building of this remarkable cathedral way back in 1175 and it took until 1490 to finish it. Its most famous feature is the West Front, which was inspired by French Gothic architecture. As well as this, we’d also strongly recommend you take a moment to gaze in awe at the famous Jesse Window, a spectacular example of stained glass from the 14th century. We’re lucky that is still around too, as it was nearly destroyed during the English Civil War. Accessibility is excellent, with ramps where you need them and a level floor throughout the main cathedral floor. There is also a lift if you want to visit the  Cathedral café on the first floor. We’d recommend giving the team there a call on 01749 674483 to discuss any particular needs you might have. There are also Blue Badge parking spaces on Cathedral Green Road nearby.

City of Wells accessible getaways
Editorial credit: Adrian Baker / Shutterstock.com

Wells Bishop’s Palace

Of course, one of the most famous buildings in Wells is the home of the Bishops of Bath and Wells. Their historic moated palace, close to the city centre, has been around for 800 years and is well worth a visit. There’s plenty to keep you busy here, from the bell-ringing swans (really!), the medieval architecture of the palace and the fascinating gardens that surround them. Accessibility is generally good, with a lift to the upper floor of the palace, although the surfaces can be uneven in some places outside. We’re also big fans of the Bishop’s Table café by the moat drawbridge, and found that the staff there were very helpful. If you want to park nearby, then there are two Blue Badge spaces close to the drawbridge, but you will need to give the team a call a couple of days before your visit on 01749 988111 to reserve it.

Bishop's Palace - Quingo Scooters
Editorial credit: Adrian Baker / Shutterstock.com

Vicars Close

While you are in the historic centre of Wells, we also highly recommend that you take a quick look at Vicars Close. It is apparently the oldest, intact medieval street in Europe, and it is a wonderful place to get a sense of what this town must have been like during the Middle Ages. The street was designed in the 14th century as a place to accommodate the Vicars Choral, who are the choir who sing everyday in the cathedral, and it is still their home today. It’s a cobbled street, so the surface isn’t ideal for scooters, but it is well worth a visit if you are close by.

For more information on the accessibility of many of Wells’ most famous and popular sites, as well as information on parking, take a look at this handy guide on the city’s main tourist information site.

Eating out in Wells

If you are looking for something not too pricey in central Wells then we’d definitely recommend the Courtyard Restaurant. It’s wheelchair accessible, close by the cathedral and offers a good selection of well-cooked local dishes. We also loved the TWENTYONE café and kitchen for their great cakes and a peaceful atmosphere.

Getting to Wells

The simplest way to get to Wells is by car: just take the A39 from the M5. There are no direct trains to the city, but there are regular connecting bus services to Bristol Temple Meads, Bath Spa, Frome and Castle Cary railway stations. Bristol Airport is around 20 miles away and is also possible to hire a car there for the onward trip to Wells itself.

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.

Accessible Routes, Days Out, Quingo Scooters

Quingo Scooters Accessible Getaways: Salisbury

There is so much to love about Salisbury. Whether it is the history of the place, with its gorgeous gothic cathedral, or the wonderful green spaces of this welcoming city, there is so much to see and do. Here is Quingo Scooters pick of just a few of the best things to get up to in this fantastic English gem.

  1. Soak up the atmosphere of the ancient cathedral

Salisbury is dominated by its beautiful cathedral, which is a great example of early English gothic architecture. The outside, with its remarkable decoration and flying stone buttresses is an architectural marvel, and the atmosphere inside is breathtakingly peaceful. The cathedral itself is fascinating but we would also recommend you take a look at the very early example of the Magna Carta they have here: a truly priceless treasure. The Cathedral floor, the Chapter House, the cloisters, the Refectory Restaurant, shop and toilets are all fully accessible. Blue Badge parking is available in the Cathedral Close, nearby, but it is £7 for the full day to leave your car there.

Salisbury Cathedral Accessible Getaways Quingo Scooters

  1. Unearth the past in Salisbury Museum

This is an area that is steeped in history (one of the world’s most famous prehistoric monuments, Stonehenge, is only eight miles or so away). A great place to get a sense of how the city and the surrounding landscape all fit together is Salisbury Museum. There, you will get the chance to see everything from the remains of the Stonehenge Archer to a Bronze Age gold necklace. There isn’t access to the first floor unfortunately, but the whole of the ground floor has level access, which includes the shop, reception and coffee shops as well as the Wessex gallery, the Salisbury history exhibition and regular temporary exhibitions. Well worth a visit.

  1. Pick up a bargain at the Salisbury Charter Market

Like a lot of things in Salisbury, the regular markets here have been around for a very long time indeed. There has been a market here since the founding of the city in 1219, and the current markets run every Tuesday and Saturday in the historic market square. They are a wonderful place to spend time browsing and looking for bargains. You will find everything from local butchers and fishmongers to stalls selling gifts and flowers, and the names of some of the surrounding streets (such as Fish Row and Silver Street) hint at what a busy trade the city has seen over the years. The market is busy, but spread over a large area. Apart from the usual hazards such as kerbs and uneven surfaces, the market is generally accessible on your scooter. There is parking at nearby Brown Street car park which has a number of free Blue Badge spaces.

Salisbury Market Accessible Getaways Quingo Scooters
Editorial credit: Nigel Jarvis / Shutterstock.com

  1. Imagine life in a hill fort

Old Sarum is only a couple of miles outside of the city of Salisbury, but it is like stepping into another world completely. This remarkable archaeological site was once a thriving Iron Age hill fort which was then resettled by the Romans, the Saxons and the Normans. It then became a busy settlement in the Middle Ages, before falling into disuse.  before growing into one of the most flourishing settlements in medieval England. It is a wonderful site to explore, and there is ramped access for your scooter as well as accessible toilets. There is one Blue Badge parking bay available, although you will need to call the team on 0370 333 1181 to reserve it before you visit.

  1. Solve a murder mystery

Something a bit different now, and a great way to explore the city. The Cathedral Close Murder Mystery Treasure Trail is a fully accessible treasure hunt that young and old can enjoy together, as it takes you around the town. It usually takes around an hour and half, although the beauty of the trail is that you can do it at your own pace. You can either have the trail posted to you or you can download it from the Treasure Trail website Nearest parking is at the Lush House car park, where there are a number of Blue Badge spots available.

Eating out in Salisbury

If you’re looking for relatively cheap eats, then you can’t go wrong with Côte Brasserie in the town centre. You’ll get a great view of the cathedral (if you sit outside) and it is a great place to get simple, delicious French food in an accessible environment. For something a little more special, give Anokaa a go. They serve beautifully presented Indian food in a spacious, wheelchair accessible restaurant that is rightly very highly regarded by locals and visitors alike.

Getting to Salisbury

If you’re travelling by car, then it is about an hour and half’s drive from London, and just under an hour from Portsmouth to the south east and Bath to the north west. There are direct trains from London Waterloo (taking 90 minutes or so) as well as direct services from Exeter, Tisbury, Basingstoke and Andover. The nearest airports are Southampton and Bournemouth, less than an hour away.

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.