Tag Archives: accessibility

Attractions, Days Out, Holidays, Quingo Scooters

Quingo Scooters Accessible Getaways: A Day Out In Belfast

Despite its challenging history, Belfast is fast becoming a hugely popular tourist destination for those looking to get away for a few days. There is certainly plenty to see and do. In the latest of our Accessible Getaways series, Quingo Scooters looks at just a few of the fantastic things you can enjoy during a few days in this great city.

Exploring Belfast

Where to start? There’s so much to explore in Belfast’s various quarters, from the cobbled streets around its cathedral and its Game of Thrones connection to the hundreds of great bars and restaurants and of course its sites of historic and cultural importance like the Peace Walls and its many murals. Here’s our pick.

  1. Go for a Black Cab tour

It’s not just London that’s famed for its black cabs. Belfast has its own version too and hiring one for a tour is a great way to get an insight into this fascinating city, its history and its culture. Like in London, Belfast cabbies always have plenty to say, so you’re sure to learn a lot about the city along the way. So much of the city’s history, good and bad, has come down to the significance of different areas and the relationships between communities, and few people understand the geography, and people, of a city better than a cab driver.

The cabs used by Belfast Taxi Tours, one of a number of operators, are all fully accessible. We recommend contacting them directly to discuss your particular requirements here.

Quingo Scooters Accessible Getaways: A Day out in Belfast

  1. Visit the birthplace of the Titanic

The loss of the Titanic is one of the most enduring and tragic stories in maritime history and it began in the Harland & Wolff shipyards in Belfast. After the decline of shipbuilding in the city (a tragic story in itself), the land was transformed into the Titanic Quarter. Today, it’s home to Titanic Belfast, home of the world’s largest Titanic visitor experience. The museum tells the Titanic story across nine different galleries and you can even walk on the decks of the last White Star vessel, the SS Nomadic. The Slipways themselves, where the great ships were once launched, is also an unmissable experience. It was awarded Europe’s Leading Tourist Attraction and the World’s Leading Tourist Attraction by the World Tourism Awards a couple of years ago, and its easy to see why.

As you’d expect from one of Europe’s leading attractions, the Titanic Belfast is fully accessible. You won’t be able to take your scooter onto the Shipyard Ride, but other than that all attractions are easily accessed via level access. There are also lifts to all levels. Blue Badge holders do have to pay for parking here – there are ten accessible spaces available. Find out more here.

Quingo Scooters Accessible Getaways: A Day out in Belfast
Editorial credit: Nataliya Hora / Shutterstock.com
  1. Take in the Peace Walls and Murals

Around half of the people who died during The Troubles in Northern Ireland did so in Belfast, and the city still bears the scars of that conflict today. A visit to the Peace Walls is an important reminder of that past, and the way in which the city was once divided. The Northern Irish government has said it will remove them all by 2023, but it is a hugely controversial subject. The barriers were built to separate Protestant and Catholic communities, and today along with the city’s many murals it is well worth taking time to see them. The best way to visit the walls and the powerful murals that have been painted on many city buildings is to take a Black Cab tour.

The walls and murals are on typical residential Belfast streets and roads, so in that sense they are easily accessible. However, if you’re taking a Black Cab tour – which we recommend – the cabs are also fully accessible.

  1. The Ulster Museum

From dinosaurs to Egyptian mummies, meteorites to beautifully polished stone axes and treasure from the Spanish Armada, the Ulster Museum is a must visit. There’s an exhibition on The Troubles, and a Game of Thrones tapestry, as well as the peaceful Botanical Gardens next door where you can relax afterwards.

The Museum car park is free for Blue Badge holders, and there are five designated bays available. Some of the surfaces leading to the entrance are uneven, so you may need some assistance, but the museum itself is fully accessible with a lift to all floors. To find out more, visit here for a full guide.

Quingo Scooters Accessible Getaways: A Day out in Belfast
Editorial credit: Anton_Ivanov / Shutterstock.com

Where to stay

There are plenty of places to stay in Belfast, from great B&Bs to stunning 5 star hotels. We recommend the city centre if you’re staying a few days, to cut down on travel time, but the historic Cathedral Quarter also makes for a more interesting alternative. It’s packed with great cafes and pubs too. Queens Quarter is more focused around students, but is still a vibrant place to base yourself for a few days.

Eating out

Belfast has a great range of places to eat out, to suit any budget. If you’re looking for an affordable breakfast, we recommend Conor, which is locally-sourced comfort food in a lovely environment.

You’ve also got plenty of choice for lunch. We love the West Gourmet Sandwich Bar which is accessible and great if you’re in the centre of town. It’s always busy and friendly. Find out more on Facebook here.

Getting there

One of the best things about Belfast is how straightforward it is to get to for visitors from the rest of the UK. It’s a short hop by plane, with Flybe, Aer Lingus, British Airways, KLM and Eastern Airways all servicing Belfast City Airport. You can also fly to Belfast International Airport with EasyJet, Ryanair, Jet2, Wizz and Norwegian Airlines.

An alternative is the ferry. There are a number of lines running from Liverpool, Cairnryan and the Isle of Man. And if you’re coming by car, the M1 is the main road into the city from Dublin.

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.

Attractions, Days Out, Quingo Scooters

Quingo Scooters Accessible Attractions: A Day Out in Blackpool

Blackpool is one of the UK’s most beloved seaside towns, welcoming thousands of visitors each year.

With its beaches, piers and theme park, Blackpool Pleasure Beach, is often the focal point for a fun family day trip. There’s also a lot more to discover in the city too!

This week, Quingo Scooters is taking in the best that this seaside resort has to offer. Here’s your accessible attractions guide to a day out in Blackpool…

What to do

Blackpool Zoo

Blackpool Zoo is a wonderful 32-acre site that’s home to all creatures great and small. It’s home to more than 1,000 animals from all over the world, from aardvarks to tigers.

Quingo Scooters Accessible Attractions: A Day Out in Blackpool zoo
Editorial credit: Electric Egg / Shutterstock.com

Here are just some of the highlights…

  • Seeing the animals: At Blackpool Zoo there are several main exhibits including: Orangutan Outlook, Project Elephant Base Camp, Amazonia, Gorilla Mountain, Giraffe Heights, Dinosaur Safari, Children’s Farm, Lemur Wood, Big Cat House, Wallaby Walkabout, Wolf Ridge and Active Oceans. Plus, there’s lots more to see including lions, tigers, penguins, flamingos, reptiles, amphibians and arthropods.
  • Conservation programmes: As well as protecting and caring for the animals, Blackpool Zoo also supports conservation programmes throughout the world. On your next visit to Blackpool Zoo, why not find out more about this incredible work.
  • Animal experiences: While you’re at Blackpool Zoo, there are several activities that you can take part in such as feeding times with penguins and lemurs. If you think you’d make a great trainer, you can also try some of the zoo’s training experiences, such as being a zoo keeper for a day.
  • Keeper school courses: If you have kids who are crazy about animals they are sure to love one of the courses that helps them learn about the animals and what the job of a zoo keeper involves. The courses are available to 8-17-year-olds.
  • Talks and displays: Blackpool Zoo has several animal talks, displays and feeds every day of the year. This is the perfect chance to see some of your favourite animals up close. What better way to spend your day than learning more about animals from the people who know them best? More information on these talks can be found here.

Blackpool Zoo is fully accessible, starting at its recently resurfaced and level car park, you’ll find 12 Blue Badge spaces and the entrance is accessible with large double glass doors welcoming you into the foyer. In each of the 4 toilet blocks, you’ll find accessible facilities and all exhibits and cafes are accessible.

Full information on accessibility at Blackpool Zoo is available here.

Madame Tussauds

Have you ever wanted to meet your favourite celebrity? While Madame Tussauds may not be able to make that exact wish come true, it does offer the next best thing. With waxwork figures of some of the world’s most famous people, there’s someone that everyone will want to have their photo taken with. From music stars and sports stars to the cast of Coronation Street (including the actual street), you’ll be transported to the sets of your favourite films and tv shows. Make sure you don’t miss the new Marvel Super Heroes exhibit too! Try lifting Thor’s hammer, putting together the Avengers, saving New York with Spider-man or even guarding the galaxy with Groot and Rocket!

Quingo Scooters Accessible Attractions: A Day Out in Blackpool street
Editorial credit: Rolf_52 / Shutterstock.com

Most of the facilities at Madame Tussauds are accessible, as there is a lift between each floor, and staff available to help at all times. More information on accessibility can be found here.

SEA LIFE Blackpool

While you’re by the sea, why not take in SEA LIFE Blackpool and discover some of the amazing creatures that call our seas their home?

The SEA LIFE centre offers an incredible insight into marine life. Let’s look at some of our favourite exhibitions…

  • Feeding shows: Feeding times at SEA LIFE Blackpool are a great highlight. Each feed is accompanied by a talk from a member of the SEA LIFE Blackpool team, who explain exactly what’s going on, teach you about the creatures in their care and answer any questions you may have. Keep a special eye out for the shark feeding times, it’s a sight you really shouldn’t miss!
  • Interact with the sharks: Unsurprisingly, the Sharks are one of the biggest attractions at SEA LIFE Blackpool. We recommend exploring the maze of tunnels that wind under their huge tank so you can watch them and then visiting the Shark Feeding Experience, where trained keepers will talk you through their diet and you can watch. For those of you feeling particularly daring, you can even go snorkelling in the display!
  • Nobby the Giant Lobster: Of all the animals at SEA LIFE Blackpool, not many have a more interesting story than Nobby the Giant Lobster. In 2009, he was caught by fishermen off the coast of North Wales. After being rescued, Nobby was brought to SEA LIFE, where he is now safe and happy. Nobby weighs in at around 10lb, and his keepers think he’s at least 100 years old!

SEA LIFE in Blackpool is fully accessible. You’ll find smooth and even floors throughout, with accessible toilets. Blue Badge parking available on the nearby Bonny Street. More information can be found here

Where to eat and drink

Throughout Blackpool, you’re sure to find plenty of places for fish and chips! Why not try out The Sea Fish and Chips Restaurant near the promenade for a true taste of the seaside? With ramped access at the entrance, you’ll find all the classics inside. From cod to fishcakes.

If you’re in the mood for fine cuisine before catching a show, Empress Grill is the perfect place for you. Located in Winter Gardens, it offers delicious British cuisine.

There are plenty of places to eat in Blackpool, whether you want breakfast, a quick snack, lunch or dinner.

Getting there

Situated on the North-West coast, Blackpool is easily accessible via several routes. Take Junction 32 off the M6, and the M55 will lead you almost to the beach. In the centre, you’ll find several car parks that offer Blue Badge spaces, including Bonny Street, Central car park, Houndshill Shopping Centre car park and West Street car park. Blackpool is well-connected to the national railway network, with Blackpool North and Blackpool South stations. There are also many bus and coach services that travel into the city. More information on getting here can be found here.

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.

Attractions, Days Out, Quingo Scooters

Quingo Scooters Accessible Getaways: A Day Out in Manchester

From industry-changing inventions and world-class football to generation-defining music, Manchester has it all. As the UK’s third largest metropolitan borough, this city offers a diverse range of activities, food, experiences and people. Manchester offers the perfect day out, no matter what you’re interested in – history, music, football, shopping, science and so much more.

This week, Quingo Scooters are heading to Manchester to see what makes the city so great. From museums and shops to food, we’re looking at all the hotspots this city has to offer. Let’s get started…

Quingo Scooters Manchester

What to do

Here are some of our top picks for days out in the city.

  • Imperial War Museum: This iconic museum tells the stories of lives shaped by war. Using galleries, exhibitions, displays and events, your perception of war will be challenged and reshaped on this emotive journey.

The Big Picture Show: Using surround sound and projected digital moving images, this exhibition brings to life an individual experience of war. As you walk through this immersive and sensory exhibition, history becomes a personal journey. Each of 7 shows focus on a different aspect of war, creating a comprehensive and thought-provoking look at conflict. History fans will love this experience!

Mixing it: Known as ‘The Changing Faces of Wartime Britain’, this display uncovers the forgotten histories of service people and civilians who came to Britain during the Second World War. Here you’ll explore a fascinating transition period in British history and culture. This view of the migration is based on specially recorded oral histories, allowing the personal journey to shine through. Showcasing a personal look at movements that have shaped history, this display offers a unique perspective on British culture.

Reactions: Throughout history, conflict and war have inspired art. In this exhibition, you’ll get an up-close look at artists’ response to battle and conflict. This exhibition encourages artistic responses to the themes, architecture and collections of the museum, unveiling new and unique ways to explore the impact of conflict. Here, you’ll discover how war helped shape culture and how this was expressed – a must for art lovers!

The museum itself is fully accessible. There are accessible toilets throughout the exhibition and lifts to all floors, with smooth floor surfaces throughout. More information on the Imperial War Museum can be found here.

  • Manchester Arena: If you’re in the mood to catch a concert or show, Manchester Arena is the venue for you. As the third largest arena in Europe, it has a capacity of 21,000 and welcomes a wide range of artists to perform each year. Opened in 1995 it’s hosted the likes of Torvill and Dean, the Spice Girls, Kylie Minogue, Take That, Santana, Peter Kay, Lee Evans and boxing fights featuring Amir Khan and Mike Tyson. The arena was also used for the 2002 Commonwealth Games. A full line-up of what’s on in 2018 can be found here.

Manchester Arena is also fully accessible. The box office window has a lowered counter and loop system, while the counters have been lowered at concession stands. For each set of facilities, there is at least one accessible toilet. When you’re arriving or leaving the arena, you’ll also find lift access to the arena’s NCP car park and to Victoria Station. It’s the ideal place to catch your favourite performer!

  • Intu Trafford Centre: If you love shopping, Manchester is the place for you! Whether you’re interested in high-end fashion or picking up a few bargains, the city has it all. What’s more, the city is home to the second largest shopping centre in the United Kingdom. The Intu Trafford Centre is a favourite spot among shopaholics – and it’s not hard to see why. With over 280 shops and services, there’s plenty of shops, restaurants and entertainment to keep your busy all day!

The Trafford Centre is fully accessible, with nine speaking lifts located around the centre to provide easy access to all levels. There are multiple accessible toilets located around the centre and smooth services. As well, you’ll find Blue Badge parking spaces in their car park. You can find out more information about the Trafford Centre’s accessibility here.

Where to eat and drink

No matter what you’re in the mood for or what your budget is, you’re sure to find an amazing place to eat in Manchester.

There’s no better place to take in the amazing views that the city has to offer than Cloud 23 at the Hilton. Located on the 23rd floor of the Hilton hotel, you’ll find a number of lifts that take you up to this breath-taking bar. Offering panoramic views and smooth floors throughout, this unique bar is located at Manchester’s highest point. Here, you’ll find a range of hot and cold food, delicious meals and even an Afternoon Tea. It’s the perfect place if you’re looking to treat yourself!

If you’re looking for something quick, why not try out the New Emperor in Manchester’s Chinatown? Offering delicious Chinese and Asian food served in a buffet style, this hot, fresh and authentic food offers great value. With a step-free entrance and an accessible toilet, it’s the perfect accessible restaurant for when you’re in Chinatown!

Throughout Manchester, there is a wide range of restaurants, cafés and pubs to try out. Why not explore them on your next visit?

Quingo Scooters Manchester

Getting there

As a major city and a popular destination for many visitors, Manchester is easily accessible by all major forms of transport. If you are travelling by car, take the M60 – also known as the Manchester Ring Motorway, as it is an orbital motorway that passes through all of Greater Manchester’s metropolitan boroughs. Wherever you’re travelling in Manchester by car, it’s likely you’ll need this route. If you are parking in the city centre, there are several Blue badge spaces available. These can be found on Todd Street, located by Victoria Station, or at one of the city’s NCP car parks, such as the Arena, Exchange, Shudehill and High Street. Alternatively, if you are travelling by train, there are 3 train stations: Victoria, Piccadilly and Oxford Road. As well, the city is connected through the MetroLink, making it easy to get around. A number of bus services also frequent the area. More information on getting around in Manchester can be found here.

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.

Attractions, Days Out, Quingo Scooters

Quingo Scooters Accessible Attractions: The National Football Museum, Manchester

Football is one of the most – if not the most – popular games in the world. Millions of fans from all over the world watch their favourite teams play the beautiful game each season. There are highs, lows and plenty of sporting stories going back decades. If football is your thing, we’ve got the perfect day out for you!

The National Football Museum in Manchester is the World’s biggest and best football museum and home to the game’s greatest stories. From the players and games to the fans, the whole scope of football is covered here. No matter who your team is, you’ll find plenty of interesting and entertaining exhibits, from a Hall of Fame of players past and present, to fascinating facts about how football became the global phenomenon it is today. There’s fan memorabilia, pitch-side photos, commentary and much more to see – and get involved in. You’ll even come face to face with the legendary 1966 Jules Rimet World Cup trophy!

Quingo Scooters National Football Museum
Editorial credit: Yuangeng Zhang / Shutterstock.com

What’s on

This week, Quingo Scooters is heading to Manchester to get in on the action! Let’s see what’s on offer…

  • Hall of Fame: Here, you’ll meet the greatest managers, players and teams in the English game. Celebrating and highlighting the achievements of the all-time top talents in the game, you’ll find profiles and facts about every member of this prestigious group. With over 152 players and managers commended here, and more inductees added each year, it’s always a fascinating look at the individuals who have shaped the game.
  • BBC Radio Commentary Collection: Do you remember the commentator who provided the soundtrack to your club’s greatest achievements? In an archive compiled of hundreds of the most memorable BBC radio football commentary clips, you’ll be able to relive the some of the greatest moments in footballing history. Capturing the passion of the game, you’ll laugh, cry, cheer and shout at these audio gems. Whether you’re reliving spectacular wins, Cup runs, promotions, super survivals, glorious goals or bumbling bloopers, your team’s history comes to life. It’s a must for all football fans.
  • The Game: In this exhibition, the story of the football is depicted through the photography of Stuart Roy Clarke. Since 1989, Clarke has been capturing and documenting the ever-changing face of football. Reflecting this, Clarke’s The Game is a dynamic exhibition that will grow and change over 12 months, with his hand-picked favourite images at the core. From fans to grounds, these evocative photographs tell the story of affection, purpose and passion in football.
  • Global Game: From a village sport to a global phenomenon, this exhibition explores the history of football. Tracking its journey to becoming the world’s most popular sport, here you’ll experience the rise of the global game. If you’re a big fan of the World Cup, this is the perfect place for you. The growth of the sport’s biggest competition is covered here. Why not learn all about how the World Cup came about and how each country joined? While you’re in the exhibition, make sure to see the 1966 Jules Rimet trophy. Presented to the England Football Team following their historic win at the 1966 World Cup, it’s a sight not to be missed for any football fan.
  • Pelé – Art, Life Football: This exhibition explores the life and career of football icon Pelé. Described as a player like no other, this global superstar defined what it means to be an elite footballer. From Santos to New York, with 4 World Cups in between, this exhibition tracks the iconic player through the eyes of photographers and artists from around the world. In addition to a superb collection of art inspired by the man, the National Football Museum has brought together iconic items from our own collection and those owned by private collectors to illustrate the life and career of the first man to truly transcend the global game. From memorabilia surrounding his career to performance stats, this exhibition celebrates a great player who truly changed the game.
  • Football+ opportunities: Should you upgrade your package, you’ll find a range of activities on offer. Using your Football+ credits, you’ll be able to take part in activities that put you in the centre of the game. The Match of the Day Commentary Challenge puts you in the box for a classic FA Cup moment. It’s the perfect place to test out your commentary skills. Alternatively, a Lift The Trophy exhibition allows you to get your hands on some virtual silverware. It’s time to strike your best celebratory pose and get a photo to keep forever – the perfect memento of your day.
Quingo Scooters National Football Museum
Editorial credit: Anton_Ivanov / Shutterstock.com

Where to eat and drink

While at the National Football Museum, stop for a snack at Café Football on the ground floor of the museum. Everything from the food to the décor captures the essence of the beautiful game. You can get everything from pies to cakes here, as well as a large selection of hot and cold drinks. Football Plus+ Season Ticket holders get 20% off everything in the café.

If you’re looking to treat yourself, head to The Rabbit in The Moon, located on floors 5 and 6. This restaurant from Michelin star chef Michael O’Hare brings fine dining to football.

Opening times

The National Football Museum is open daily from 10am to 5pm. Admission is free, however, the museum is a registered charity and they welcome donations to support their work. You can upgrade your package through donations, information is available here.

Getting there

Located in the centre of Manchester, the National Football Museum is easily accessible by all forms of transport. If you are travelling by car, take the M60 and follow the brown signs indicating the National Football Museum. Blue Badge parking is available on Todd Street or at nearby car parks, including the Arena, Exchange, Shudehill and High Street. If you are travelling by train, the nearest train station is Victoria Station, a short 2-minute journey from the museum. As well as this, Victoria Station is home to a Metrolink stop, the best stop to get off at should you be travelling by tram. Frequent buses also service the area. More information on getting to the museum is available here.

Accessibility

The National Football Museum is fully accessible to all visitors. There are automatic doors at the main entrance, as well as lifts to all floors. The exhibit includes ramps to all raised areas and accessible toilets on the ground floor and levels 1, 2 and 4. In addition to this, there is Blue Badge parking available on Todd Street, outside Victoria Station. Further Blue Badge parking can be found at nearby NCP car parks, including the Arena, Exchange, Shudehill and High Street. Full information on the museum’s accessibility can be found here.

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.

Attractions, Days Out, Quingo Scooters

Quingo Scooters Accessible Attractions: Museum of London Docklands, London

For centuries, London has been one of the most important cities in the world. Starting in the 1600s, the Museum of London Docklands explores just how important the city was, telling the story of the Thames and its trade. Tracing the highs and lows of the London Docklands, you’ll learn everything for the city’s time as the most important port in the world to the decline in the 20th century. With recreations of the city, memorabilia and artefacts to discover, its perfect for any fans of history!

This week, Quingo Scooters is heading to the capital to learn all about its ports. As the winner of Time Out’s Love London 2015 award – and runner-up in 2016 – hundreds of visitors enjoy this attraction each year. Let’s see what makes the Museum of London Docklands so popular!

Quingo Scooters Museum of London Docklands
Editorial credit: Chrispictures / Shutterstock.com

What’s on

At the Museum of London Docklands, there are many exciting and permanent galleries to discover. Let’s see what’s on offer…

  • Introduction Gallery: Situated in the previous Number 1 Warehouse of the West India Docks, this gallery looks at how the historic docks and warehouses operated at the height of their success. Journey back a 100 years into London’s past and discover authentic memorabilia and footage of the docks. This immersive experience recreates the atmosphere of the bustling commercial Port of London. History truly comes to life!
  • Trade Expansion 1600-1800: This gallery is the perfect place to learn all about the merchants, sailors and pirates who brought the docks to life. Telling the story of how ships sailed from London to India and China, fans of history will love learning about how trade was done 500 years ago!
  • London, Sugar and Slavery 1600-present: While London has historically been a port of global significance, it has not always been a positive place. Looking back somberly on London’s past, this gallery covers how the trade in enslaved Africans and sugar shaped London. Here you’ll see the names of captains, owners and destinations of the ships that sailed from London to engage in this trade. While you’re here, make sure to check out the letters of Ignatius Sancho. Born on a slave ship in the mid-Atlantic and brought to England aged 2, his best-selling book was the first prose published in Britain by an African Author. This illuminating piece of work gives an incredible first-hand account of this period of London’s history.
  • City and River 1800-1840: Have you ever wondered how the London docks took shape in the 19th century? In this gallery, you’ll discover the transformation of London through the cast new docks. As early 19th century brought great change to London’s river and port, new bridges spanned the Thames and a tunnel was dug beneath it. With the fortune of London always being tied to the river Thames, this attraction uncovers how the river was utilized to build a modern city. It’s the perfect place to learn how London transformed into the city we know today.
  • Sailortown 1840-1850: At any port in the 19th century, you were sure to find one type of person. Sailors. These men brought exotic animals, foreign delicacies and money with them, with the ports set up to entertain them after long and dull sea voyages. In this immersive experience, the Museum of London Docklands has recreated the atmosphere of London’s Sailortown. This evokes the sights, sounds and smells of Victorian London, as the twisting passages offer secrets and surprises to uncover. From the printer – where sailors could sell or trade books – to the seedy sailors’ taverns, you’ll experience what life was like for these men. It’s a must-see for any visit to the museum!
  • First Port of Empire 1840-1880: London was once the hub of the world’s largest empire. As British power and trade spread across the globe, so the port of London grew and prospered. Here you’ll learn more about London and Britain at the peak of its powers as the centre of world trade. Make sure to see the model of the SS Great Eastern while you’re here – it was one the largest ship ever built in the world.
  • Docklands at War 1939-1945: Did you know that the London Docklands were the first target in the London Blitz? Late in the afternoon of Saturday 7 September 1940, the Luftwaffe launched a massive daylight raid on London – the first of many attacks on the capital. Here you’ll learn all about how the Port survived this attack and provided vital aid in the war effort, from Dunkirk to D-Day.
  • New Port, New City 1945-present: Moving towards the present, this gallery recounts the highs and lows of London’s upriver docks, including their closure from the 1960s to the 1980s and their resurgence as the site of Europe’s largest regeneration project. Here you’ll hear and understand how London’s docks became the area we’ve come to know. Make sure to visit the reconstruction of the Underground station – perfect for learning how new tube lines has linked the Docklands to the rest of the city!

Where to eat and drink

At the Museum of London Docklands, there are a number of delicious excellent cafes and restaurants that make the perfect place to rest. Serving hot and cold meals, sandwiches, cakes and fair-trade tea and coffee, there’s a wide range of tasty treats on offer. The full list of available restaurants and cafes is available here, with something to cover all needs!

Opening times and prices

The Museum of London Docklands is open from 10am to 6pm daily, except for 24-26 December and 1 January. Entry into the museum is free.

Quingo Scooters Museum of London Docklands

Getting there

The attraction is located by the West India Quay and is accessible by all major forms of transport. If you are travelling by car, the postcode is E14 4AL. There is a car park located behind the museum on Hertsmere Road, with Blue Badge spaces available. The nearest tube stop is Canary Wharf. Frequent buses also service the area. Full information on getting there can be found here.

Accessibility

The Museum of London has been made fully accessible for all guests. This includes galleries, learning rooms, the café, shop and theatre. Accessible toilets can be found on the ground and third floor of the museum, with fully accessible lifts providing access to all floors and public spaces. The information desk has an accessible counter. Blue Badge parking spaces can be found in the public carpark behind the museum. Further information on accessibility can be found here.

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.