Category Archives: Days Out

Attractions, Days Out, Quingo Scooters

Quingo Accessible Attractions: Warner Bros. Studio Tour

Here at Quingo Scooters are always encouraging users to get out and about and to visit interesting or unusual places on their mobility scooters.

Over the last few blog posts we’ve been sharing some really interesting days out, places and attractions that you maybe thought weren’t accessible enough for your mobility scooter. We are excited to move into to the world of witches and wizards this week as we look at the Warner Bros. studio where the magical masterpieces were made.

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Discover the world of wizardry

The behind the scenes tour is an absolute must for all fans of Harry Potter, as the magical world you’ve seen on the screen comes to life right before your eyes.

It features authentic sets, costumes and props from the most successful film series of all time, so you can get up close and personal with the same surroundings that the famous wizard trio did. The biggest Harry Potter fans of all will be blown away by some of the best kept secrets from the set, including facts about the special effects and animatronics that made the films so ground-breaking. You’ll find the studios in Leavesden, Hertfordshire.

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What you’ll experience

Here are just a few of the things you’ll be lucky enough to see whilst making your way around the studios:

  • The actual Great Hall
  • Dumbledore’s office and never before seen treasures
  • Diagon Alley – including the shop fronts of Ollivanders wand shop, Flourish and Blotts, the Weasley’s Wizard Wheezes, Gringotts Bank and Eeylops Owl Emporium.
  • Iconic props from the films – including Harry’s Nimbus 2000 and Hagrid’s motorcycle
  • The Gryffindor common room
  • The boys dormitory
  • Hagrid’s hut
  • Potion’s classroom
  • Professor Umbridge’s office at the Ministry of Magic

Depending on what time of the year you go, there are exclusive exhibitions showing. You can check which one is on before you go to ensure you get to see exactly what you want to! The next offering is Half Giant Hagrid and runs from 25 March to 17 April. Here you’ll learn all about how the lovable giant was brought to life on screen, as well as a look at the prosthetics of another mystical character: the goblin of Gringott.

Accessibility

The vast majority of the Studio Tour is accessible for Quingo and other mobility scooter users, with lots of room and automatic doors. The studios are split into two, the first one is where you’ll find the Great Hall. This is level and completely accessible to mobility scooter users. The second building has a few sets of stairs, but ramps are in place for your scooter.

The only part of the tour that wouldn’t be suitable for mobility scooters is Diagon Alley, due to its cobbles. But as it’s also tricky to navigate for those on foot, you may be more comfortable taking a break and sipping on a glass of Butterbeer instead!

There is a restaurant on the ground floor which is nice and big, the chairs are not fixed to the tables enabling you to situate your mobility scooter easily. At the front of the car park there are ample parking bays for Blue Badge holders, with easy level access to the ticket offices.

On Warner Bros. Studio’s website there is a great video on accessibility around the studio, which is definitely worth a watch before you go. It’ll enable you to really make the most of your visit!

Share your accessible attraction with Quingo!

If you’ve been to visit any interesting attractions on your Quingo or would like us to write about a particular place you have visited, we’d be delighted to hear from you. You can email your stories, recommendations and pictures by filling out the contact form on our website and we’ll feature them on our blog.

About Quingo Scooters

The Quingo Scooters 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 Accessible Attractions: Lincoln Castle

The team at Quingo Scooters are always keeping an eye out for interesting or unusual places that you can visit on your mobility scooters.

Continuing with our accessible attractions series, we want to share another great place that you wouldn’t usually think to visit, or that you maybe thought wasn’t accessible enough for your mobility scooter.

Today we want to share an amazing piece of history with you as we explore Lincoln Castle. Constructed in the late 11th Century by William the Conqueror, Lincoln Castle is now open to the public as a museum. One of the reasons the castle is so special is that it is quite unusual in the way that it has two mottes (two parts of the castle are on raised stonework), and it is one of only two such castles in the country. The ancient monument remains one of the most impressive Norman castles in the UK.

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Medieval Wall Walk

Visitors can experience the full glory of Lincoln Castle’s great stone curtain wall – one if it’s most dramatic features. The wall is described as a ‘permanent reminder of its role as a mighty medieval stronghold’.

Even though Lincoln Castle has many steps and uneven surfaces at times, it has been specifically made as accessible as possible for mobility scooters. The east section of the Medieval Wall Walk is completely accessible, with an entrance gate for mobility scooters and a lift to the east section of the wall. The views you see from here are absolutely spectacular!

Victorian Prison

The Victorian Prison isn’t as scary as it may sound, but it is a fascinating look inside the prison which was designed for a ‘separate system’. This was an isolating regime that kept prisoners apart from other prisoners, ultimately stopping any corrupting influences. For the hard-core history fans – you can even dress up as a member of staff, such as the Governor or the Matron!

Although the Victorian Prison has been made fully accessible where possible, it is important to note that parts of the prison have very narrow walkways and doors. However, there is a lift between all three floors of the, and each floor is fully accessible to mobility scooter users.

In the Victorian Prison Chapel, you’ll find an accessible viewing platform. Here you can survey the congregation from the platform, just as the Chaplain would have done many years ago.  Another exciting feature of this part of the Castle are the specially commissioned films and interactive touch screen tables.

Magna Carta

Last year on the 15th June, it was the 800 year anniversary of King John and the Barons meeting at Runnymede to discuss a charter of liberties that would change the course of history. The new Magna Carta Vault is one of the most impressive parts of Lincoln Castle’s £22m restoration. Here you can view the Magna Carta in all its glory in the stately vault, and discover more about it on the underground widescreen cinema. The cinema has a 210 degree wrap around screen and 3D sound – a real experience.

The Magna Carta vault and the cinema are both fully accessible, and there is a lift that takes you down into the vault. It is important to note that there are periods of the year where the Magna Carter needs to be cared for and taken away from any lighting, so the exhibition is shut from 30 November and re-opens 24 March this year.

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Other Information

The mobility scooter-friendly entrance to the castle is via the East Gate – this is because the West Gate has a very steep ramp up to the entrance. It is suggested that you see a member of the Lincoln Castle team in the shop upon your arrival, for access related information that will help you to make the most out of your visit.

You’ll find accessible toilets located on the ground floor of the Victorian Prison or at the East Gate entrance to the Medieval Wall Walk.

Lincoln Castle doesn’t have any designated parking, but there are several car parks in the vicinity.

All the exhibitions are priced individually, so you can pick and choose which ones you want to visit or simply do them all in one day! Blue badge holders are entitled to a concession ticket, and carers of disabled visitors are entitled to free entry. Pricing information can be found on the Lincoln Castle website.

Share your accessible attraction with Quingo!

If you’ve been to visit any interesting attractions on your Quingo or would like us to write about a particular place you have visited, we’d be delighted to hear from you. You can email your stories, recommendations and pictures by filling out the contact form on our website and we’ll feature them on our blog.

About Quingo Scooters

The Quingo Scooters 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 Accessible Attractions: At-Bristol

Quingo Scooters are always encouraging users to get out and about and visit interesting or unusual places on their mobility scooters.

In the second of our latest accessible attractions series, we want to share another hidden gem that you wouldn’t usually think to visit, or that you maybe thought weren’t accessible enough for your mobility scooter.

This week we’re getting scientific and reaching for the stars at At-Bristol. At-Bristol’s stated aim is to ‘make science accessible for all’, and it certainly does so with interactive hands on exhibits, shows and workshops. Something else that you mustn’t miss at the museum is the planetarium – even those members of your group that aren’t as enthusiastic about science are sure to be stunned by it. The two floor science centre is suitable for all ages and has something that will satisfy everyone’s curiosity.

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The Centre

The project opened in 2000 as part of the regeneration of the historical Floating Harbour, and was funded with a contribution from the National Lottery. At-Bristol is situated on the former Canon’s Wharf, and is described as ‘one of the UK’s most exciting interactive exhibitions’.  At-Bristol was interestingly developed from a 1906 railway goods shed, which was part of Brunel’s original Great Western network.

The centre is actually a charity, although not many people realise this. They receive no direct central government funding, instead relying on ongoing support from visitors, members, a board of trustees, grantmakers, corporate partners and volunteers.

Exhibitions

At-Bristol’s programme of activity changes regularly, so it’s worth checking their website to see what’s on when you plan to go. Here are some of the highlights on at the moment:

Winter Stargazing 3D

This is certainly an experience not to be missed. Here you can stare at space in amazing 3D in the UK’s first digital 3D planetarium. You’ll feel like you’re flying through space from the comfort of your mobility scooter, and you can even find out what Tim Peak is up to in the international space station! Stargazing is recommended for those aged 18+.

Good Vibrations

This is a great option for everyone, especially if you have younger children with you, and takes place in the live science studio. The exhibition explores all different kinds of vibrations from under the sea to outer space, bird song and bass bins.  The younger members of the family will be amazed when they visualise the different sounds you can make with your voice and create light sabre effects with springs!

Space Explorers

The Space Explorers show is an interactive extravaganza, where you can experience for yourself blasting off into space and becoming a fully qualified space explorer. Take off from Earth in a rocket ship and zoom through the Solar System, all from the comfort of your mobility scooter!

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Accessibility

At-Bristol boast plenty of accessible facilities including level access with lifts to all floors, wide doors and lots of space between exhibits.

The planetarium shows are fully accessible, but it is advised that you contact At-Bristol beforehand, as there are limited spaces for mobility scooters. The centre can be contacted on 0117 915 1000 (9-5 Monday-Friday, excluding Bank Holidays).

The toilets, café and shop in the centre are all fully accessible and have plenty of room in them. You’ll find the on-site car park is also fully accessible, with automated doors onto Millennium Square.

The general admission ticket will cost you from £14.50 for an adult and from £9.40 for a child over 2, under 2’s go free. The extra cost for some exhibitions can vary, so it’s worth checking this out before you go on the At-Bristol website. It is also worth noting that there is free admission for dedicated assistants, part of the centres pact to make science accessible for all.

Share your accessible attraction with Quingo!

If you’ve been to visit any interesting attractions on your Quingo or would like us to write about a particular place you have visited, we’d be delighted to hear from you. You can email your stories, recommendations and pictures by filling out the contact form on our website and we’ll feature them on our blog.

About Quingo Scooters

The Quingo Scooters 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 Accessible Attractions: York Art Gallery

The Quingo Scooters team are always keen to encourage scooter users to get out and about and visit interesting or unusual places.

In our accessible attractions series, we aim to share some of the hidden gems that you wouldn’t usually visit or that you maybe thought weren’t accessible for your Quingo Scooter.

This week the Quingo team wanted to share some of the remarkable and accessible cultural attractions in the historic city of York with you. The York Art Gallery is part of the York Museums Trust, and is also situated minutes from York Minster, so it’s possible to visit both whilst on a day trip. If you’re already a bit of an art expert, or you just fancy a day out that’s a little bit different, York Art Gallery caters for everyone.

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Rich History

The Gallery holds a collection of paintings that spans more than 600 years. The works range from 14th century Italian panels to 20h century works by LS Lowry and David Hockney.

The building itself is also of historic interest having first opened its doors to the public in 1879 and then becoming York’s city Art Gallery in 1892.

If you’ve never been to an art gallery before, but fancy something different, York Art Gallery will definitely provide the wow factor.

Collections

There’s so much more than just paintings at York Art Gallery:

  • Decorative Arts: here you’ll find more than 3000 pieces in a variety of materials including ceramics, glassware and textiles. The collection of ceramics from the Yorkshire potteries dates from the 1600’s to the 1900’s.
  • Modern ceramics: This is the world’s most extensive collection of modern British Studio Ceramics, with more than 5,000 pieces on show.
  • Works on Paper: These include drawings, watercolours and prints with around half featuring the city of York by local artists.
  • Paintings: York is famous for its collection of paintings spanning the history of Western European, but there is something that will appeal to everyone and regular touring exhibitions. In March 2016 one of the largest touring exhibitions of British First World War Art will reach York Art Gallery.

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Accessible Art

York Gallery re-opened in August 2015, after it was made fully accessible to wheelchair and mobility scooter users. It now has two entrances – one at the front and one at the rear through York Museum Gardens. There are also accessible toilets on the ground and first floors of the gallery.

There are also the shop and Café No. 8 for you to refuel after discovering all the offerings of the gallery.

York Art Gallery offer an ‘Access Day Ticket’ which enables those who are aged 17-24 and receive support allowance entry for £4. The standard adult entry price is £7.50, which includes a 10% gift aid donation, and children under 16 get in the gallery for free.

If you’re making your way from York train station on your Quingo Scooter, it should take around 15-20 minutes to get to the gallery. If you’re visiting by car, the nearest car park is on Marygate which is around 5 minutes away.

For any other enquiries you have about York Art Gallery, you can always check their website before you go.

If you’ve been to visit any interesting attractions on your Quingo or would like us to write about a particular place you have visited, we’d be delighted to hear from you. You can email your stories, recommendations and pictures by filling out the contact form on our website and we’ll feature them on our blog.

About Quingo Scooters

The Quingo Scooters 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.