Category Archives: Holidays

Attractions, Days Out, Holidays, Quingo Scooters

Quingo Accessible Getaways: York

There are so many great British cities that welcome mobility scooter users that it’s hard to know where to start when planning you next holiday. At Quingo Scooters, we’re making it easier for you to explore the UK’s cultural landscape at your leisure, by revealing our top picks of accessible getaways.

Today we’re heading for York, based in the heart of North Yorkshire, England’s biggest county today. It was founded originally by the Romans, who called it ‘Eboracum’. Alongside Bath York is one of the UK’s oldest continuously habituated cities, with a wealth of historical sites just waiting for you.

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Welcome to York

York is an incredibly charming city, known by tourists across the world for its quaint shops, magnificent architecture, classic pubs and historic atmosphere. It has various accessible attractions, including:

  • York Minster: Built in the 7th Century, York Minster is one of the UK’s oldest cathedrals. Free to visit, it has a treasure trove of must-see sites. These include medieval stained glass windows, magnificent statues of English kings and an undercroft, where you’ll find ancient cultural treasures. The majority of York Minster is level and there’s an accessible lift to the undercroft.
  • York Art Gallery: Based on Exhibition Square, a stone’s throw away from the Minster, York Art Gallery is a true site to behold. It includes pieces spanning over 600 years, such as paintings, drawings and ceramics, shedding light on the UK’s glorious cultural past. You can check out the space free of charge and it’s very accessible, with a lift going up to its upper gallery.
  • Grand Opera House: Watch talented musical performance at York’s Grand Opera House. Based on Cumberland Street, the venue hosts everything from moving musicals to fun tribute acts. You can book a place to a show online at ATG Tickets. The Grand Opera House is mostly accessible, with spacious toilets and the venue’s staff always on hand to help.
  • National Railway Museum: If you’re curious about how the UK went from a rural society, to a global industrial power, check out the National Railway Museum. You can enter without paying a penny, and you’ll find the museum on Leeman Road, just a few minutes away from York Train Station. Fully accessible, the space’s exhibits tell the story of the rise of rail in Britain.

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Getting around

York is a very mobility scooter-friendly city. The easiest way to get there is by train, with the centrally located York Train Station serving as your gateway into the city. There are plenty of taxi services that you can use to navigate the city, with a list available here. This includes York Wheels, a service where, for a small fee, volunteers will take you around York. Most of its buses and park and ride services are also accessible, with more details, including a journey route planner tool, listed at Travel York.

Finding a place to stay in York, which is known for its mix of modern hotels and traditional town houses, is easy. There’s a list of accessible York hotels available on Euansguide, which includes the very affordable Hotel 53. Located at 53 Piccadilly, in central York, the hotel boasts affordable, spacious accessible rooms, complete with en-suite facilities and lifts throughout the building. It also offers delicious food, with the option of having breakfast sent to your room (for £4) between Mondays and Fridays.

There are accessible toilets located across York, open from 8am to 8pm. Some will be attended, for which you will require a RADAR card, these are available at a cost of £3.50 for those who have a blue badge. You can call York Visitor Centre on 01904 550099 or go to their website, http://www.visityork.org to get in touch with staff and find out more.

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, Holidays, Quingo Scooters

Quingo Accessible Getaways: Bath

Quingo Scooters likes to inspire users to become tourists, by travelling to some of the world’s top destinations on their mobility scooters. In our series of articles, we’re continuing to add to our list of accessible getaways both at home and abroad, which you can visit easily as a mobility scooter user.

Today we’re taking you to Bath. Located in Somerset, this is one of the country’s most popular tourist destinations, known especially for its fascinating historical attractions and stunning architecture.

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Bath tourism

Originally established in Roman times, Bath is one of the UK’s oldest human settlements which still stands today. Due to its incredible history, the entire city of Bath is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and it’s the only British city to hold this honour. It features various accessible attractions, including:

  • Roman Baths: Built on top of natural hot springs, the Roman Baths were constructed in 70AD. This complex, which is one of the best preserved Roman ruins on earth, includes the remains of heated rooms, baths, statues and temples, making it a must for history enthusiasts. This site features accessible toilets, a ramp up to its entrance, accessible public areas and a lift.
  • Fashion Museum: This attraction houses eye-catching fashions dating back to 1600, with over 160 dressed figures for you to see. Here you’ll find everything from Georgian-era gowns to cutting-edge, modern styles, allowing you to explore the evolution of fashion. It includes an accessible entrance and accessible public areas and toilets, with lifts throughout the building.
  • Victoria Art Gallery: This is Bath’s second-most visited museum, attracting around 117,000 guests per year. It houses works produced by some of the greatest British artists. This includes a permanent collection, which is free to visit, featuring works from Turner and Gainsborough. Here you’ll find a ramp up to the main entrance, as well as a lift, enabling full accessibility.
  • No 1. Royal Crescent: Step back in time, by checking out this authentic Georgian townhouse. It is a fine example of Palladian architecture, having been built between 1767 and 1774. The house showcases various displays and exhibits which house authentic furniture, paintings, textiles and carpets from this era. It has level access to public areas and a lift.

Check out the Visit Bath website to familiarise yourself with the opening times and admission prices for these attractions. This site also features a plan your visit section, where you can download guides and brochures, and also learn about its Visitor Information Centre – the first port of call for many tourists.

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Accessibility

On the plan your visit page, you’ll also find a handy access for all section, which features information on how you can take advantage of Bath as a mobility scooter user. It includes a list of accessible accommodation, such as the popular Holiday Inn Express. Located just a mile from Bath city centre and its railway station, the hotel has disabled parking, level access to all areas and accessible rooms. It also has accessible living areas and bathrooms, which include shower chairs, WCs with handrails and even furniture re-arrangement upon request.

The access for all page also covers the Visitor Information Centre, where you can find details on accessible accommodation and attractions. Located next to Bath Abbey, the Centre is less than a mile from the train station and is accessible by bus and taxi. The nearest carpark is less than five minutes away, on Manvers Street. You can find out more about the Visitors Information Centre, which has an automatic door and level access, on the accessibility statement included on the access for all page.

The access for all section is a fantastic resource for mobility scooter users, as it also features downloadable accessibility guides and details on mobility scooter friendly facilities.

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.

Holidays, Quingo Scooters, Reviews

Where are Europe’s Five Most Accessible Cities?

Quingo Scooters encourages you to get out and see the world, from the comfort of your mobility scooter. Previously we’ve shared some great accessible getaways for you in different locations to try as a mobility scooter user. If you fancy going somewhere a little more continental, today we’re going to reveal the five most accessible cities in Europe.

Milan, Italy

The best European city for mobility scooters is Milan. The metropolis is not only an Italian fashion and cultural capital, but it won the City Access Award last year, showing that it’s made great strides to improve accessibility. Travelling to Milan is easy as Italy’s railways, as well as the city’s Linate and Malpensa airports are fully accessible. It boasts various accessible attractions, such as the Piazza del Duomo. This is near iconic sites such as Milan Cathedral and the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II shopping mall, where you can find shops from legendary Italian brands such as Prada as well as stylish bars and cafes.

Boras, Sweden

Sweden is a great country for mobility scooter users. In 2015 its government made lack of accessibility a new form of discrimination, and as a result great efforts have been made to make it much easier to get around. Sweden’s crown jewel is its second largest city, Boras. It has a range of “accessible hotels,” with an “accessible path of travel,” so it’ll be easy to find somewhere to stay. This lush city is known for its open green spaces like Ranmaparken, which includes paved paths, making it great for mobility scooter users. Various attractions in Boras, like its Textile Museum and City Theatre, are fully accessible, giving you plenty to see and do.

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Berlin, Germany

The German city of Berlin is the ideal getaway location for any mobility scooter user. It’s really easy to travel in Berlin as its buses, metro lines and taxis are all mobility scooter friendly. It also has wide pavements and both vocal and visual signals at road crossings. It’s hard to not find an accessible attraction in Berlin. All its top sites from Potsdam, the old Reichstag and Charlottenburg Palace, to Madame Tussauds and the Jewish Museum of Berlin, can be navigated easily with a mobility scooter.

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Barcelona, Spain

If you’re looking for blazing sun and fabulous artistic attractions, Barcelona is the place for you. This Spanish city’s metro stations are 80% accessible, while its buses are 100% accessible, so getting around won’t be a problem. We’d suggest that you take a shopping trip on the iconic Las Ramblas Street while in Barcelona, as it’s completely flat. In Barcelona, you can go to the front of the line as a mobility scooter user when seeing sites like the gorgeous Sagrada Familia church, which is also free to enter.

Manchester, UK

You don’t have to leave the UK for an accessible holiday as our very own Manchester is fantastic for anyone who uses a mobility scooter. The north-western hub has wide, smooth pavements making it easy to get around, while the majority of its bars and shops have step-free entrances. It also houses various mobility scooter-friendly attractions like Etihad Stadium and the Trafford Centre, while restaurants like El Gato Negro, which does Spanish Tapas, are some of the most accessible in the UK.

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, Holidays, Quingo Scooters

Quingo Scooter’s Top 3 Accessible Hotels in Scotland

Quingo Scooters understand that when you’re thinking about your next holiday or weekend away, there are certain things to consider for you and your mobility scooter. You want somewhere that can cater for your needs, be accessible and most importantly be comfortable for a relaxing time away.

Scotland is an incredible location for a weekend getaway, so we’ve put together our top 5 accessible hotels for you to take a look at and maybe plan your next adventure!

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Crieff Hydro Hotel, Crieff

In the highland hills of Perthshire, you’ll find the stunning Crieff. A hub for tourism, the market town trades mainly on its whisky and cattle droving history. Every year the town hosts the Crieff Highland Games, which include music and dancing competitions – a great spectacle! The Crieff Hydro Hotel is a luxury Victorian style retreat, and is a great choice as it offers plenty of space and smooth paths. It has a fully accessible ground floor bedroom which includes an easy to use wet room. There is also lift access to all the other areas within the hotel. Tourist attractions nearby include the Caithness Glass visitor centre and Glenturret Distillery.

Millennium Hotel, Glasgow

If you’re looking for somewhere a little more busy and vibrant than the highlands, try out the city of Glasgow in Scotland’s western Lowlands. Known for its Victorian and art nouveau architecture, Glasgow a national cultural hub, home to the Scottish Opera, Scottish Ballet and the National Theatre of Scotland. The Millennium hotel is right next to Queen Street station, and it couldn’t be more central to the city. The accessible room has plenty of space to move around, and the wet room is fully equipped with facilities such as handrails. On arrival, the hotel will also go through a PEEP (fire evacuation plan) with you so that you can feel completely comfortable and at ease throughout your stay.

Lamlash Bay Hotel, Lamlash

If what you had in mind was to spend some downtime in a quaint little village with a seafront, then Lamlash is the spot for you. The largest village by population on the Isle of Arran, Lamlash is 4 miles to the south of ferry port Brodick. The village is the perfect location for some relaxation where you can sit back, enjoy the shorefront and maybe spot a seal or two! The Lamlash Bay Hotel will place you right on that shorefront, and as its family run it gives you the warmest of welcomes. The Family Suites have their own entrance which has a ramp, large doorways and a fully accessible shower inside the wet room. The food and drink at the Lamlash Bay Hotel is also top notch, you chose from a variety of beers, ales and malts to accompany your stone baked pizza.        

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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.

Holidays, Quingo Scooters

Quingo Accessible Getaways: The Moat House, Annan

Here at Quingo Scooters we love browsing for getaways, somewhere to sneak off to for the weekend, or even spend the whole week somewhere if you fancy! In our accessible series we’ve been discovering some of the best accessible holidays and getaways around, at home and abroad.

This week we’re discovering a fully accessible cosy winter getaway, perfect for those chilly nights wrapped up next to the log fire.

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Annan

A town and former royal burgh in Dumfries and Galloway, Annan is located in south-west Scotland. It’s known for its public buildings such as Annan Academy, the Georgian building known as ‘Bridge House’ and the Historic Resources Centre. With the river embanked, Annan serves as a maritime town whose shipyards build many clippers and other boats. Today the small town is full of fascinating architecture and relaxing river views.

The Moat House

Located on the edge of Annan, The Moat House is a bright and spacious holiday cottage. Equipped with everything a family with disabled members or friends might need, The Moat House is the perfect place to take a well-deserved holiday. Located in the bustling little town of Annan, you’ll find everything you need with the independent shops and cafes.

The Moat House is a unique historic building in an interesting location, and the cottage has been uniquely designed with accessibility in mind, whether yourself or someone in your party just needs a little assistance or everyday tasks. There is level access to the whole of the house, with lifts between floors making it suitable for mobility scooters throughout. Everything is in place to ensure you have a relaxing and carefree getaway.

There are loads of places to visit and things to do whilst you’re there too. These include:

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Accessibility

The cottages have incredible accessible facilities, whilst providing a holiday that is perfect for all ages – and pets are welcome!

On arrival to the cottage you’ll find a spacious, welcoming reception hall that has space for parking and charging your mobility scooter. Moving on the kitchen, this is equipped with ovens, cupboards and fridges at a lowered height. There is a rise and fall sink and hob, and an accessible dining table to enjoy your meals at.

In all of the bedrooms you’ll find either a twin or double contouring bed, a configuring bed, a king-size bed, and optional pull out additional beds. The bathrooms feature a rise and fall shower, high and low sinks, accessible toilets and ceiling track hoists.

More details on the facilities in the cottage can be found on The Moat House Website.

Share your accessible getaway with Quingo!

If you want to share your mobility scooter accessible getaway, we’d be delighted to hear from you. You can email your stories, recommendations and pictures by filling out the contact form on the Quingo Scooters website and we’ll feature them on our blog.

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.