Quingo Scooters are always encouraging users to get out and about to visit interesting or unusual places on their mobility scooters, especially places that you didn’t think were accessible enough. Over our series of blog posts we’ve been sharing with you some extremely accessible attractions to explore on your mobility scooter.
This week we’re exploring an accessible attraction in Ripon, North Yorkshire. Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Water Garden is one of the largest and best preserved ruined Cistercian monasteries in England. It is located around 3 miles south-west of Ripon, near the village of Aldfield. The Abbey is situated alongside a Georgian water garden and medieval deer park.
Fountains Abbey
This magnificent Abbey originated from humble beginnings, as it was established by 13 devout monks seeking a simpler existence. Over 400 years later, Henry VIII demanded the closure of the Abbey and the monks left behind the most complete Cistercian Abbey remains in the country. People have been drawn to this inspiring place for centuries, as the atmospheric ruins that remain are a window into a way of life which shaped the medieval world.
Parkland
Now recognised as a World Heritage Site, Fountains Abbey has green lawns that stretch down to the riverside – a perfect spot for a picnic if it’s a nice day. Riverside paths lead to the deer park – home to Red, Fallow and Sika deer. You’ll also spot some ancient trees here too; limes, oaks and sweet chestnuts.
Studley Royal Water Garden
Inspired by the work of two great French landscape gardeners, John Aislabie and his son, the Water Garden has a formal and geometric design. It has extraordinary views, including the much photographed Temple of Piety. In the Water Garden you’ll also find classical statues, follies and garden buildings carefully positioned within the landscape. If you’re visiting the Gardens, be sure not to miss the highlight, known as “The Surprise View” or “Anne Boleyn’s Seat”. This gives an astonishing view of the Abbey ruins in the distance, and was designed to cause a sharp intake of breath when visitors came across it.
Find out about some of the other attractions on the Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal website.
Accessibility
Despite Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal being an ancient monument, it has been well preserved and has good accessibility. There are accessible routes around the river and lakes where you can take in the picturesque views. Access to the Abbey ruins is via West Gate, and are accessed via undulating grass. Inside the ruins it is a mixture of compacted earth and gravel, which is manageable on a mobility scooter or wheelchair. There are a few ramps and grassy slopes enabling access to key parts of the ruins.
The Lakeside café is fully accessible if you fancy a refreshment, and has some tables with cutaway sections for mobility scooter users. There are fully accessible and well equipped toilet facilities at the Visitor Centre, Lakeside Café and near West Gate.
Share your accessible attraction with Quingo!
If you’ve been to visit any great accessible places 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
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.
