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.
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!
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.