Category Archives: Quingo Scooters

Attractions, Quingo Scooters

Quingo Christmas Market Series: Birmingham

Your Quingo means going out is much more pleasurable and safe during the winter months so we thought we would find you some great ways you can use your scooter to keep active and enjoy the wintertime!

This week we’re heading to the West Midlands as we visit the Birmingham Christmas Markets. Together with the huge range of Christmas events on offer, Birmingham’s Christmas markets offer a delightful and exciting experience for all visitors.

Birmingham’s Frankfurt Christmas Market

This is the largest authentic German market outside Germany and Austria. The centrepiece of the city’s festive event calendar returns to Birmingham each year in mid-November for 5 weeks. Explore over 180 stalls selling gifts, jewellery, decorations, handmade toys, delicious German fare and of course the ever popular Glühwein!

According to Visit Birmingham, there are some highlights you mustn’t miss out on…

German Bratwurst & Brezel – German Bratwurst (white or red sausage) and Brezel are traditional German foods and are famous throughout the world. How the Bratwurst is served varies by region, but it is commonly served with a Brötchen (roll). The Brezel is type of bread and is particularly famous in South Germany and Austria. German speakers also call it “Laugenbrezel” (lyle pretzel).

Glühwein – German mulled wine. Glühwein is a traditional and loved hot alcoholic Christmas drink which is usually made of white and red wine and various spices such as cinnamon, cloves, lemon slices and aniseed. The perfect warmer for a cold winter night!

Sing along with the singing moose – Over the years, Birmingham’s singing Christmas moose, named Chris Moose, has become a famous Christmas favourite! Chris Moose is located directly in front of the Council House entrance. This guarantees a Christmassy atmosphere and a lot of fun for young and old!

Craft Market

Adjacent to the Frankfurt Market the West Midlands’ own traders offer an entirely different selection of beautiful hand-crafted items at the Christmas Craft Market, all created by local artisans, as well as ethnic goods imported from all over the world.

Stalls offer a huge range of locally hand-crafted items, including decorative ironwork, wood carvings, handbags, toys, musical instruments and organic soaps and cosmetics.

In addition to the crafts, a huge range of locally produced food and drink is on offer to tantalise hungry shoppers, including organic sausages and real ale from local micro-breweries, as well as homemade chutneys and cheeses to take home and enjoy.

Coupled together, the two markets generate an incredible atmosphere and a unique shopping experience, creating the feel of a small, bustling village within the heart of the city centre.

The markets run from 12 November to 22 December in Victoria Square, New Street and Centenary Square from 10am-9pm every day. Find a really useful map of the markets here.

 

Accessibility

It is advised that you travel into Birmingham Christmas Markets by public transport wherever possible. For more information on rail, bus and Metro services, and an interactive journey planner, visit Network West Midlands.

If you do travel in by car however, the nearest car parks are Town Hall, Paradise Circus (accessed via diversionary route), NIA, Snow Hill, Markets or Dudley Street.

Fully accessible toilets are on Waterloo Street and in Centenary Square.

About Quingo

The Quingo Scooter range features six models to suit your needs and budget. For more information on the Quingo Scooter range, please visit our website. Alternatively, if you have any 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. Quingo are proud to work closely with Age UK and feature regularly in local press.

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, Quingo Scooters

Quingo Christmas Market Series: Edinburgh

Your Quingo means going out is much more pleasurable and safe during the winter months so we thought we would find you some great ways you can use your scooter to keep active and enjoy the wintertime!

This time we’re moving slightly further afield to one of the UK’s most famous Christmas Markets! Famous the world over for its hilltop castle, cultural festivals and Hogmanay street party, Edinburgh provides a magical backdrop for Christmas shopping, nights out and exceptional winter events.

Running from 20 November – 4 January, Edinburgh’s Christmas offers no shortage of things to see and do this winter. Similar to London Christmas Markets, there are a number of different things going on around the city of Edinburgh, and we’ve picked out some highlights.

 

Scottish Market in St Andrew Square

The Scottish Market in St Andrew Square is the place to be for the best craft, food and drink that Scotland has to offer! Just some of the treats available here include:

  • Locally produced sausages
  • Fresh seafood
  • Unique chocolate
  • Delightful cupcakes
  • Gin
  • Scottish brewed craft beer
  • Scottish crafted jewellery and woodwork

The market is open from 10am-10pm every day.

European Christmas Market in East Princes St Gardens

For the past 20 years in the heart of the city, the popular Christmas market has located in its picturesque setting below the Mound.

The European market stretches from the Mound, along East Princes Street Gardens Terrace and around the Scott Monument. The Market offers a unique shopping experience for every type of visitor with its fair of crafters, artists, gift shops and edible surprises for the foodies!

This market is also open from 10am-10pm every day.

24 Doors of Advent

A real life advent calendar! Each day from 1 – 24 December, a building around Edinburgh that’s usually closed to the public will open its doors, and it’s all completely free. Here’s how to decide when to visit depending on what you want to see:

1 Dec: Botanic Cottage
2 Dec: Edinburgh Gin Distillery
3 Dec: Gracemount Youth and Community Center
4 Dec: St Giles’ Cathedral
5 Dec: The Victorian School Room
5 Dec: National Museum of Scotland
6 Dec: Coburg House
7 Dec: Lady Haig’s Poppy Factory
8 Dec: Leith Registrars Marriage Suite
9 Dec: Scottish Tourist Guide Cannongate door tour
10 Dec: Rock House
11 Dec: Cockenzie House and Gardens
12 Dec: Customs House
13 Dec: Mansfield Traquair Centre
14 Dec: Assembly Rooms
15 Dec: Gilmerton Cove
16 Dec: Forth Bridge
17 Dec: New Register House
18 Dec: The Biscuit Factory
19 Dec: Talbot Rice Gallery
20 Dec: The Glasite Meeting House
21 Dec: Dovecot Gallery
22 Dec: The Real Mary King’s Close
23 Dec: The City Chambers
24 Dec: St John’s Scottish Episcopal Church
24 Dec: Dalmeny Parish Church

 

Santa Land

Santa Land is a pop-up, outdoor children’s venue located in East Princes Street Gardens. It features:

  • Santa’s Grotto
  • Christmas Tree Maze
  • The Santa Train
  • Children’s market,

And family-friendly rides:

  • Christmas Tree Slide
  • Race-a-Rama
  • Swan Lake
  • Reindeer Ride
  • Rollercoaster

The activities range from £1-£5, so it’s nice and affordable too.

 Accessibility

The walkways of Edinburgh’s Christmas have been made as even as possible, and there are ramps where needed. However there is advice to note that due to the temporary nature of the site, ramps may occasionally be steeper than 1:12. But that shouldn’t be a problem on your Quingo Scooter!

In terms of parking, there is pay and display available on Frederick Street, George Street, Hanover Street and Waterloo Place. This is free for blue badge holders with no time limit. Full details and locations of street Blue Badge parking bays can be found on the City of Edinburgh Council website or you can call them on 0131 469 3891.

Edinburgh isn’t overwhelmingly large in size, which makes finding your way around a lot easier. Buses are the most popular form of transport in the city, and information about timetables and access can be found on Lothian Buses website. The other popular option are the trams, they can take you along the length of the city too. Additionally there are numerous taxi ranks located around the city.

About Quingo

The Quingo Scooter range features six models to suit your needs and budget. For more information on the Quingo Scooter range, please visit our website. Alternatively, if you have any 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. Quingo are proud to work closely with Age UK and feature regularly in local press.

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, Quingo Scooters

Quingo Christmas Market Series: Manchester

Your Quingo scooter means going out is much more pleasurable and safe during the winter months so we thought we would find you some great ways you can use your scooter to keep active and enjoy the wintertime!

This week we’re continuing with our Christmas Market series, and after the festive delights that the capital had to offer, we’re heading back up north!

 

Spoilt for Choice

The Christmas Markets are located in different spaces around the city, each with its own distinct character and atmosphere. They will all be open from Saturday 14 November until Monday 21 December.

The array of over 300 stalls will leave you spoilt for choice, with mouth-watering delicacies from all over Europe. The choice is getting bigger and bigger every year and includes gifts, crafts, jewellery, clothes, toys and an array of food and drink. Treat yourself to anything from Dutch mini pancakes, to Hungarian goulash to Spanish paella to French profiteroles. Relax with a hot chocolate, German or Spanish beer, or French wine. Soak up the atmosphere of a truly international event with a uniquely Mancunian flavour.

The Markets can be found at the following locations:

  • Albert Square
  • Brazennose Street
  • King Street
  • Ann’s Square
  • Exchange Street
  • Market Street
  • New Cathedral Street
  • Exchange Square
  • Corn Exchange
  • Cathedral Garden

Exchange Square comprises of a brand new, two storey indoor beer house for this year. It accompanies The Mill, a new bar area complete with a huge smoking chimney as its centrepiece, to celebrate the industrial heritage of Manchester.

Cathedral Gardens is the dedicated family area, offering a traditional fun fair and other entertainment. It has a more child friendly atmosphere for young visitors wishing to experience the magic of Manchester’s Christmas Markets.

Market Street was a new addition to the Markets last year, but it returns this year after its success. This means the site will be expanded with even more chalets offering top gift ideas after local retailers reported a boost to footfall and sales figures during the market season.

The Corn Exchange will return as development work to refurbish the building has turned it in to the Market’s major food destination!

There is even a nicely plotted out map on the official Manchester City Council’s website to ensure you can choose exactly which route to take!

 

Accessibility

Spread across the city centre, the Christmas Markets are all located within roughly a quarter of a mile of each other and are fully accessible to all.

Manchester City Council suggest that if you prefer a quieter, more relaxing experience where you can avoid the hustle and bustle, weekday evenings and mornings are just that.

Accessible toilets are located on Lloyd Street, on the ground floor of the Town Hall Extension.

Travelling to the Markets

Manchester City Council suggest leaving your car at home this year, to both avoid the hassle of parking and so that you can enjoy a drink or two in the beer tent! They ensure that navigating your way around Greater Manchester couldn’t be easier during the festive period.

There are a few public transport services that will get you both to and around the different Christmas markets in Manchester City Centre – train, tram or bus. There is a ticket that gives you unlimited travel on any bus, train or tram in Greater Manchester for one day too, starting from just £5.20. The metrolink tram system is especially good for travel within the city, and is an easily accessible system – all stops have either a ramp, lift or escalator access.

For an added incentive, when buying your train ticket into the city centre be sure to request that it covers free Metrolink City Zone travel so you can make the most of your trip. For more information visit metrolink.co.uk

 

About Quingo

The Quingo Scooter range features six models to suit your needs and budget. For more information on the Quingo Scooter range, please visit our website. Alternatively, if you have any 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. Quingo are proud to work closely with Age UK and feature regularly in local press.

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, Quingo Scooters

Quingo Christmas Market Series: London

Your Quingo means going out is much more pleasurable and safe during the winter months so we thought we would find you some great ways you can use your scooter to keep active and enjoy the wintertime!

Continuing with our merry Christmas Market series, this week we’re in the capital. London is a buzzing, vibrant place at the best of times, so in the run up to Christmas you definitely can’t miss the festivities!

London is a big place with a lot of different Christmas markets, but we’ve picked the one that we think is the most famously exciting – the family favourite Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park! Winter Wonderland is open 20th November until 3rd January, 10am-10pm every day (excluding Christmas day)

 

The Market

The Christmas market at Winter Wonderland is full of arts and crafts trinkets, jewellery and decorations that make perfect presents for friends and family. Also good to explore the Angels and Yuletide market, where charming wooden chalets are overflowing with festive goods.

There are more than 200 fairy lit Bavarian style wooden chalets in the market, with something for everyone. Entrance to the market part of Winter Wonderland is free. The market is located in the famous Bavarian village, where you can tuck into bratwurst, sup a stein of German beer and watch live oompah bands perform.

Other Activities

As well as the Christmas Market there are other exciting attractions not to be missed to get you in to the Christmas spirit!

  • Magical Ice Kingdom – Described as “an awe-inspiring walk through a fantastical world of real ice and snow”. It is the largest of its kind in the UK and created especially by Winter Wonderland, young and old will be enchanted by this kingdom of ice, full of fairy-tale magic!
  • Santa Land – Something for the little ones. Explore the land of Santa, see his workshop, meet the elves or ride on the Santa Express. An enchanting experience with children’s rides, games, eateries and all the magic of Christmas!
  • Bar Ice – And something for the adults! Immersed in a truly arctic setting, enjoy the glow of the glistening ice. On arrival, you are handed a special winter cloak and gloves to keep you warm, then you’ll be served drinks in your own unique ice glass!
  • Circus Shows – Zippos Circus shows are performed in the Mega Dome, and it is the newest and biggest circus tent in the UK. It offers a warm and comfortable theatre style atmosphere, and the show itself will leave you amazed!
  • Giant Wheel – soar 60 metres into the London sky in the comfort of enclosed pods. Experience spectacular 360˚ panoramic views over Winter Wonderland and beyond!

 

Accessibility

Winter Wonderland have made the walkways and public spaces as even and wide as possible. There are ramps to the bars and cafes where possible, and there are spaces in the circus shows as mentioned above designed to accommodate mobility scooters as well as an accessible pod in the Giant Wheel.

Disabled toilet facilities are available on site, and there is Pay & Display parking available on West Carriage Drive and in car parks at either end of Serpentine Bridge. Disabled Badge Park free of charge but are subject to 4 house maximum stay Monday to Saturday. After 6.30pm the 4 hour maximum no longer applies.

Tickets

Winter Wonderland offer a 2 for 1 carer ticketing scheme, to provide disabled visitors who require full time assistance with a free ticket for a partner, accompanying friend or personal assistant for all pre-bookable attractions.

All attractions have separate tickets. To prebook these and for more information on the disabled ticket scheme visit the Winter Wonderland website.

About Quingo

The Quingo Scooter range features six models to suit your needs and budget. For more information on the Quingo Scooter range, please visit our website. Alternatively, if you have any 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. Quingo are proud to work closely with Age UK and feature regularly in local press.

Attractions, Quingo Scooters

Quingo Christmas Market Series: Chatsworth

Your Quingo means going out is much more pleasurable and safe during the winter months so we thought we would find you some great ways you can use your scooter to keep active and enjoy the wintertime!

Quingo Scooters got our Christmas spirit off to a flying start with a first in the Christmas Market blog series, where we visited the incredible Lincoln Christmas Market!

This week we’re taking a look at Chatsworth Christmas Market, as it conveniently started this week on the 12th November. The festivities run right the way through until 29th November. On weekdays everything is open 10am-5.30pm, and on weekends 10am-6pm.

 

Chatsworth Christmas Market is free to enter, but there are parking charges of £5 per car on weekdays and £10 per car on weekends. However, this includes access to Chatsworth House and gardens. Booking is required to visit the house during Christmas to reduce queuing times, this can be done easily by booking online.

Accessibility

For the Christmas Market, special tracking is laid down to cover the ground which makes access easy and helps with steadiness. The markets are situated on a slope, but would be easily passable with a mobility scooter such as the Quingo, which has 5 wheels for stability.

Chatsworth House itself is fully accessible and has 2 lifts that can take you between the different floors. Although your Quingo won’t be allowed inside the house itself, Chatsworth offer wheelchairs and your mobility scooter is still free to roam the grounds and farmyard.

The farmyard entrance is at the top of the main car park, and there is a lift and ramp to give access to all parts.

Other parts of the grounds, such as the shops, Carriage House and Cavendish restaurants are all fully accessible on your Quingo. There is also a free buggy service that runs around the car park to the house and garden entrances and up to the stables and farmyard.

 

Highlights

There are many merry things going on during Christmas at Chatsworth, but here are some of the highlights not to be missed:

  • Live seasonal musical entertainment as you shop from brass bands to string quartets
  • Enjoy mulled cider and German beers in the Bavarian beer tent
  • Find the perfect presents for all the family from a wide range of stalls including toiletries, clothes and things for your home
  • Enjoy delicious food, with gourmet burgers, hotdogs, pancakes, churros, fudge and chocolate and treats galore
  • See the stunning ranges of items in the Chatsworth gift, interiors and garden shops, up in the Stables

Other Festive Treats

As well as the Christmas market there are some other festivities going on at Chatsworth House in the run up to Christmas! Here are some dates for your diary:

  • Festive feast: 26 & 27 November, 3, 4, 10 & 17 December 2015
  • Christmas wreath making: 2 and 3 December 2015
  • Masquerade Ball: 4, 5 and 12 December 2015
  • Floral workshop: Christmas at Chatsworth: 17 December 2015
  • Christmas gourmet evenings: 28 November and 19 December 2015

About Quingo

The Quingo Scooter range features six models to suit your needs and budget. For more information on the Quingo Scooter range, please visit our website. Alternatively, if you have any 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. Quingo are proud to work closely with Age UK and feature regularly in local press.