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.