Tag Archives: Accessibility Routes

Accessible Routes, Days Out

Quingo Scooters Accessible Getaways Best UK Gardens

The British are a nation of gardeners, and when we are not tending our own, there is nothing we enjoy more than taking a look around someone else’s. Fortunately, the UK is blessed with hundreds of incredible gardens, many of which are accessible to those of us who use mobility scooters. Here is our guide to the best UK gardens.

The Eden Project

We had to start our round up of the UK’s best and most accessible gardens with one of its most unusual and well known. The Eden Project is a truly remarkable place to explore and happily much of it is completely accessible. It is divided up into a number different garden spaces, housed within huge biomes that even feature a rainforest canopy route which can be accessed by wheelchair users. It is fully accessible, beginning with three access designated car parks for Blue Badge holders. They also offer accessible Park and Ride buses, a member of the Eden Project team can also meet you to take you from the car parks to the centre itself if you need it. We were also really impressed by their access volunteers who are on hand around the site to offer any help you need. To discuss your visit, call the team on 01726 818558 or email them at [email protected]

The Eden Project - Quingo Scooters

Kew Gardens

One of the most famous gardens in the world, and with good reason. Kew attracts thousands of visitors every year who come to see its unsurpassed collection of plants. The team there have made a real effort to make as much of the experience as accessible as possible for all. All parking is free for Blue Badge holders, and there are eight designated parking spaces in the car park as well as three more to the right of the Elizabeth Gate on Kew Green. It is really straightforward to get around too – there are flat, tarmac paths throughout most of the gardens themselves. Unfortunately, you won’t be able to take your scooter into Kew’s iconic glass houses, but the team there do offer wheelchairs that can be used in these more confined spaces.

The Lost Gardens of Heligan

One of the most remarkable gardens in the UK, and an absolute must-visit for any gardener. The story behind these gardens is fascinating: they lay forgotten about for many years under the overgrown remains of this rambling estate. Since their rediscovery, the gardens have been restored to a state that gives visitors a real sense of the original vision that was laid out over 400 years ago. A large part of this historic site is accessible (with the exception of The Jungle and Wider Estate, which has more uneven paths and some steep slopes). The rest of the site is fantastic to explore, with over 13 acres of the Northern Gardens as well as the indoor attractions at the Hide and the Steward’s House. Take a look at their dedicated accessibility page here to plan your visit.

Lost Gardens of Heligan - Quingo Scooters

Exbury Gardens, New Forest

We’re huge fans of the New Forest anyway, but if you’re in the area and are looking to find a fascinating garden that is also fully accessible, then head to Exbury. The gardens themselves are huge, at over 200 acres, but thankfully there is also a small steam railway (with four accessible carriages) that will help you to navigate the site. The highlight for us is the Rothschild Collection of rhododendrons, azaleas, camellias and rare trees and shrubs: a riot of spectacular colour that is well worth exploring. The gardens have dedicated Blue Badge spaces at the front of the main car park and while you won’t be able to take your scooter onto every path there is an extensive network of accessible trails for you to explore.

Exbury Gardens - Quingo Scooters

The Trentham Estate

Because it has been created almost completely on one level, the gardens at Trentham are incredibly accessible for anyone using a mobility scooter or wheelchair. There is a handy map here and there are also 54 free disabled car parking spaces just by the main entrance and close to the Trentham Garden Centre. The gardens themselves are stunning (Alan Titchmarsh is a big fan!) and include the recently revitalised Italian Gardens and the wonderful Floral Labyrinth. At the heart of it all is the lake, designed by Capability Brown, that has an accessible path all the way around it.

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.

Accessible Routes, Days Out

Quingo Scooters Accessible Getaways Blackpool

Britain’s favourite seaside resort is world famous for its iconic Tower, its rich entertainment history and of course, ballroom dancing. Plus, it’s a really accessible city. Let’s take a quick getaway to Blackpool…

Sandcastle Water Park

It might seem like madness to begin this review of one of Britain’s best-known beach resorts with a review of an indoor waterpark, but bear with us. We’re choosing to feature the fabulous Sandcastle Water Park for a couple of reasons. Not least that the weather in Blackpool can’t always be relied on to provide perfect swimming conditions for all the family! But the main reason is the fabulous job the team there does in making this place as accessible and inclusive as possible. There are plenty of pool chairs available if you need help getting in to the water, and the accessible changing rooms are great. There are also lots of ‘Access For All Ambassadors’ who are never far away and ready to lend a hand should you need it. Very impressive indeed.

Stanley Park

We love Stanley Park. It is completely accessible, with tarmac paths throughout, and it is just one of those parks that seaside towns like Blackpool do so well. Within its 390-odd acres, there really is something for everyone. If you’re a nature lover, you will enjoy the Italian Gardens and the rose gardens. If you are heading along there with the kids, then they will have a great time exploring the Blackpool Model Village which is fully accessible with paved paths throughout. There’s crazy golf (of course) and much, much more. If all that activity sounds a bit much, then pay a visit to the beautiful Art Deco Café, which serves great food (including a gorgeous afternoon tea), and offers some lovely views of the park itself.

Blackpool Zoo

While you are in the area of Stanley Park then we also seriously recommend a trip to Blackpool Zoo. Once again, the team ensures that as much of the place is as accessible as possible. All of the enclosures are multilevel, so whether you want to get up close and personal with a lion or look a western lowland gorilla in the eye, this is the place. It is busy, as you’ll expect, but once again the designers made a real effort to create an environment that everyone can enjoy without it feeling too overwhelming. Very highly recommended, and a great way to wile away a few hours.

Blackpool Zoo Bus - Quingo Scooters
Editorial credit: Electric Egg / Shutterstock.com

The Blackpool Tower

No trip to Blackpool is complete without a trip up the iconic Tower. It is a spectacular structure that dominates the beachfront, and it is worth making the effort to get to the top. The good news is that it is surprisingly straightforward to do this, even for those of us with limited mobility. There are lovely big lifts that will take you all the way up (and allow you to take in the 4D cinema experience on the way). However, it is once you are up at the viewing platform that the fun really starts, as you will be able to head out onto the glass floor to get a truly knee-wobbling perspective on the town below you. Not one for the faint of heart! While you are there, you should also pay a visit to the beautiful Tower Ballroom. Unfortunately, you won’t be able to take your mobility scooter in there but they do have free wheelchairs which you can use.

Editorial credit: Billy Stock / Shutterstock.com

Comedy Carpet

Of course, most people will head straight for the Blackpool Tower, and rightly so. But before you go up, we  highly recommend you spare a few minutes to explore the Comedy Carpet in front of the Tower itself. Over two square kilometres in size, this work of art is made up of over 160,000 granite letters which together celebrate the many hundreds of comedians and writers who have performed here in Blackpool. It is a fantastic tribute to the funny men and women who are such an important part of the culture of the place.

Probably the best fish and chips in the world

This is the part where we usually review all of the best restaurants in whichever town or city we’re featuring. But when you’re in Blackpool, there really is only one thing you are going to want: fish and chips. So, this time, we’re giving a big mention to Taylor’s Fish and Chips cafe and takeaway, which is very popular with visitors and locals, it’s accessible, and has truly amazing fish and chips.

Accessible Parking

It is worth mentioning that there are a number of car parks in Blackpool with designated Blue Badge parking. You will find parking at the Houndshill Centre and there is also Central Car-parks which is open air, and close by the main sights like the Tower. You can also park on the street in the town for a short time.

Getting to Blackpool

Blackpool is easy to get to by car: just take Junction 32 off the M6, and then follow the M55 in to the city. It’s also well connected by train. Just catch a train to Blackpool from Preston, or take one of the direct services to Blackpool North from Manchester International Airport, Manchester Piccadilly, Manchester Victoria, Liverpool Lime Street or York.

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.

Accessible Routes, Accessories, Days Out

Quingo Scooters Accessible Getaways Oxford

A beautiful city of dreaming spires, unique galleries and museums, wonderful public open spaces and of course a world-famous university: Oxford is a fantastic place to spend a few days. Here is our pick of some of the best accessible places to visit.

The Pitt Rivers Museum

No visit to Oxford is complete without a trip to the Pitt Rivers Museum. Augustus Henry Lane-Fox Pitt Rivers was a British Army officer who is world-renowned as one of founders of modern archaeology, and this museum is a celebration of his many discoveries. The fascinating thing that makes this museum so unique is its quirky organisation: artefacts are grouped by type rather than where they are from. It sounds a little chaotic, but it works: the place is a fascinating collection of many thousands of unique objects.

It is also remarkably accessible, with lifts and ramps throughout giving easy access to all areas. There is no parking at the museum, and the team suggest that if you are bringing your car that you park on a nearby street. There are also accessible park and ride services for the city from Headington, Redbridge, Abingdon Road, Pear Tree Roundabout, Water Eaton, Banbury Road, Kidlington and Seacourt at Botley (see below).

Pitt Rivers Museum - Quingo Scooters
Editorial credit: Hendra Oktavianus / Shutterstock.com

Ashmolean Museum

We hope you don’t mind us including another museum here, but as Oxford is such a centre of world learning it is no surprise that it also has some truly incredible collections. The Ashmolean is a museum of art and archaeology and has belonged to the University of Oxford since 1683, making it the oldest in the UK. It is absolutely packed with fascinating artefacts, including the Ballyshanon Sun Disc, one of the world’s earliest documented prehistoric objects.

The Ashmolean is fully accessible to everyone, and the team there have done a great job of making sure that everyone, of all levels of mobility, can enjoy the space. There are lifts to all floors, as well as step-free access to the shop, the accessible toilets, the café and the museum restaurant. You’ll find nine dedicated Blue Badge spaces in the museum car park too, three of which are directly outside the entrance.

Blenheim Palace

While it is a little way out of Oxford, it is still well worth making the effort to visit Blenheim Palace. This incredible building is the home of the Duke of Marlborough and was the birth place of Sir Winston Churchill. If that isn’t enough, it is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and a stunning example of Baroque architecture. Much of the palace and grounds are accessible but the best way to start your journey there is to give the team there a call on 0800 849 6500 to discuss your individual requirements. The Palace State Rooms are accessible on your scooter, and you can access them via a lift. There is also Blue Badge parking in the Palace’s main car park close to the Palace Courtyard entrance, and while is a little distance from the house it is a firm surface for your scooter.

Blenheim Place - Quingo Scooters
Editorial credit: Hendra Oktavianus / Shutterstock.com

Visit a college

Of course, Oxford is most well-known for its world-famous university. The university dominates the town, and so it is relatively easy to get a flavour of the place, but it is definitely worth paying one of its colleges a visit too if you can. Christ Church college for example has been around for around 500 years and it counts author Lewis Carroll as an alumnus. These are all old buildings of course, and so some of the college isn’t accessible, but much of it is. Scooter users can access the main gate (Tom Gate) beneath Tom Tower and explore the north and south sides of Tom Quad and the Cathedral (go in by the West Door). It is also possible to visit the historic Ante Hall.

Enjoy the peace of Christ Church meadow

Staying with Christ Church for a moment, we also recommend you pay a visit to the Christ Church meadow. This beautiful stretch of open land in the heart of the city is accessible to everyone and has a rich history of its own. It was once the scene of conflict in the Civil War, but is now home to a peaceful herd of cows. If you would like to visit the meadow, then you can access it via a ramp in the War Memorial Garden.

Christ Church College - Quingo Scooters

Enjoy a bite to eat

As you’d expect from a city that welcomes millions of visitors every year, Oxford is packed with great places to eat: and many of them are fully accessible. For a quick cheap eat we recommend Atomic Burger. It sells exactly what you’d expect, in a fun, quirky and fully accessible environment that the family will love.

For something a little more upmarket then the Cherwell Boathouse is hard to beat. The food is delicious (we recommend the slow braised venison with mash, chestnut purée and gorgeous macerated figs) and the restaurant is accessible, although we suggest giving them a call before you visit to discuss your individual requirements. There is an accessible toilet too. The Cherwell Boathouse also has 80 punts of its own to hire out, so if you’d like to try this traditional Oxford pastime of a leisurely sail yourself, just ask the team! They cost £17 per hour or £85 for a full day.

Getting to Oxford

If you’re flying from within the UK or the rest of the world, then there is a regular, 24-hour coach service from Heathrow and Gatwick. Stansted is a little trickier as you’ll need to get the Stansted Express train service to Liverpool Street and then the tube to either Paddington or Marylebone for direct trains to Oxford. There are also direct train services from Birmingham New Street, as well as routes in via Reading and Didcot.

If you’re coming by car, then we recommend you use one of the five Park and Ride sites on the edge of town as parking in town can be tricky. These are Oxford Parkway (north), Pear Tree (north), Redbridge (south), Thornhill (east) and Seacourt (west). If you want to bring your car into the city centre, it can be expensive, but a good place to plan your journey is Oxford council’s Blue Badge parking site here. To get to Oxford, you’ll need to take the M25 to the M40, before leaving at the A40 to head towards the city.

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.

Accessible Routes, Days Out

Quingo Scooters Accessible Routes: Lyme Regis

Here at Quingo Scooters, we certainly do love to be beside the seaside. And there are few better places to enjoy the UK’s wonderful coastline than Lyme Regis in Dorset. It is a small town, but one that promises visitors a dramatic and invigorating stay. Here are just a few of the great routes in and around Lyme Regis that are accessible to those of us using mobility scooters.

Exploring Lyme Regis

Lyme Regis is just one of those places that seems to inspire. Perhaps it is the drama of the Cobb, the spectacular Jurassic Coast, or maybe the candyfloss and the sea air, but there really is something very special about Lyme. From trails along the sea front to landscaped gardens and spectacular cliff top views, Lyme Regis really does have something for everyone.

Colourful Buildings in Lyme Regis - Quingo Scooters

 

Langmoor and Lister Gardens

This wonderful trail is a great way to get some truly spectacular views of Lyme Bay and the town of Lyme Regis. It is steep in parts, and with steps at some points, but there are alternative routes around these and it is possible to do a fully accessible circular route around the gardens. The gardens themselves are also gorgeous. There are bat boxes and bird houses to encourage the wildlife and a wonderful variety of plants that are popular not just with human visitors but also with the insects: keep an eye out for the beautiful Jersey Tiger Moth. Again, Lyme Regis isn’t huge, so any of the town centre car parks are suitable.

Along Lyme Regis seafront

Fish and chips, seagulls and the smell of the salty air: there is nothing quite like taking in the sights and sounds of the sea front at Lyme. This short trail takes you right along the front and is mostly flat all the way. It is a circular route and you can park in any of the six car parks in the town with accessible spaces (see below). It will take you past the world-famous Cobb, the huge stone wall that dominates the sea front at Lyme Regis. It plays a starring role in both Jane Austen’s novel Persuasion and the film The French Lieutenant’s Woman, so now is your chance to channel your inner Louisa Musgrove or Meryl Streep! The Cobb itself is cobbled though and the uneven surface may be uncomfortable for some scooter users.

Lyme Regis - Quingo Scooters

Lyme Regis Aquarium, The Cobb

While you are down by the sea front, we really recommend visiting the town’s aquarium. It is a great way to pass a few hours, especially if you are visiting Lyme Regis with the kids. We love it because of how close it allows you to get to some of the spectacular life of the Jurassic Coast. You can hold a starfish and feed a mullet, as well as discover more about this incredible coastline was formed over millions of years. There is level access throughout for mobility scooters, and you can park in any of the town’s central car parks. Find out more here.

The Cobb - Quingo Scooters

Lulworth Cove and Stair Hole

Lulworth Cove is about an hour’s easy drive east of Lyme Regis, but it is well worth making the effort to see this gorgeous stretch of the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site. Firstly, there is the journey itself, taking you through the stunning Dorset Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Once you are there, there is a car park with dedicated Blue Badge parking and an accessible toilet in the centre of the village. From there, there is a short section of the South West Coast Path National Trail that is fully accessible to those of using mobility scooters that takes in spectacular views of Lulworth Cove itself and the natural stone arches known as Stair Hole. You can find a detailed plan of the route here.

Accessibility

Lyme Regis is a seaside town, built on hills, so we won’t pretend that everything in the town is accessible to those of us using mobility scooters and wheelchairs. That said, much of it is, and there is actually a good deal of the town that you can visit easily. A great place to start your trip to Lyme Regis is the town’s dedicated accessibility page here. You will find lots of information about the accessible facilities in the town, including details of the six car parks. These are at Broad Street/Cobb Gate, which has 3 accessible spaces, Charmouth Road with 2, Holmbush with 8, Monmouth Beach/Cabanya with 13, Pitthouse with 1 and Woodmead Halls that has 2 accessible spaces. Blue Badge holders can also park on the sea front too.

Share your accessible route with Quingo!

If you’ve been to visit any great accessible routes on your Quingo Scooter, 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 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.