Tag Archives: accessible attraction

Attractions, Days Out, Quingo Scooters

Quingo Accessible Attractions: Steven Joseph Theatre

Wherever you travel in the UK, you’ll be greeted by a treasure trove of fantastic cultural attractions which you can explore as a mobility scooter user. It’s hard to know where to check out first, so Quingo Scooters is putting together a guide to the UK’s most accessible attractions to help you decide.

We’re taking you on a trip to the seaside this week, as we head to the town of Scarborough. This North Yorkshire town is known for its golden sandy beaches, thrilling amusements and breath-taking historic ruins, but one of its highlights is undoubtedly the Steven Joseph Theatre.

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Take in a show

The Steven Joseph Theatre has served as one of Scarborough’s top cultural sites for decades. It was originally opened as a small ‘theatre in the round’ on the first floor of a public library in 1955 by actor Steven Joseph. It flourished but struggled to find a permanent home until the existing Steven Joseph Theatre was set up in an old Odeon cinema in 1996 and it has thrived ever since.

You can visit the Steven Joseph to take in a range of shows from kid’s pantos to gripping dramas. It has two stages, the first of which is ‘The Round Theatre;’ a unique circular space, where you can get a 360 degree view of all the action on stage. It also has ‘The McCarthy Theatre’ – a more traditional stage. Shows expected to come to the Steven Joseph this year include Little Voice, Grimm’s Tales, Cyrano and Charlie and the Light Fantastic, so you’re sure to find something for every member of the group.

If you check out the Steven Joseph Theatre website’s what’s on page, you can find a full list of its existing and upcoming productions, along with details on showing times and ticket prices. The Steven Joseph Theatre also boasts a shop, where you can pick up fantastic handcrafted items made by the finest local artisans. It also contains restaurant/bar space, where you can relax with a meal and a drink in the intermission, whilst waiting with baited breath for your show to commence once more.

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Accessible venue

The Steven Joseph is a great attraction for any mobility scooter user, as it is incredibly accessible. You can get to the Steven Joseph Theatre with little fuss, as it is situated a few minutes away from Scarborough train station. There are accessible parking bays located on nearby Albemarle Crescent, while if you’re a blue badge holder, you can park for free on Hannover Road just 20 metres away from the theatre. Check out the website’s visiting us page to find more information on the different ways of getting there.

You will be able to navigate your way around the Steven Joseph Theatre with ease. The building is accessible by ramp, which is located on the right side of its entrance. You can then take another ramp from the entrance up to the box office, allowing you to book tickets to whatever show takes your fancy. There are also accessible toilets dotted around the Steven Joseph Theatre.

The Theatre is just as accessible inside as it is outside. There are lifts to the shop, restaurant/bar and both The Round Theatre and The McCarthy Theatre. There are accessible seats in both theatres, located close to the lifts. You can also request accessible seating on the front row of both theatres by contacting staff at least 24 hours before you arrive. Visit the website’s access page, to find out more about accessibility at the Steven Joseph Theatre.

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, Holidays, Quingo Scooters

Quingo Accessible Getaways: Newcastle

A well-deserved holiday is never far away, and Quingo Scooters are on hand to help you plan it! There are so many unique spots around the UK, which you can visit easily as a mobility scooter, providing you with memories you’ll cherish for ever. It’s no easy task whittling these choices down, when looking for that next fabulous location to visit, so we’re revealing our top suggestions for accessible getaways!

You might want to wrap up warm, as this week we’re taking you up North! The region’s beating heart of Newcastle is a top getaway destination. It features a range of cultural attractions and it’s one of the UK’s most accessible cities, giving you so much to see and do.

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Welcome to Newcastle

Situated in scenic Tyneside, Newcastle is famous the world over for its friendly people, who are sure to welcome you to their city. Not only is the region home to breath-taking sites, such as the legendary ‘Angel of the North’ statue, it also features various accessible attractions, including:

  • Jesmond Dene Park: If you’re looking for an oasis of peace, Jesmond Dene Park is for you. Based just outside Newcastle city centre, Jesmond Dene Park features both native and exotic trees, as well as wildlife such as Kingfishers and Red Squirrels, and a café which serves tasty treats. Free to enter, the park is accessible, with accessible routes located throughout.
  • Discovery Museum: Delve into the history of Newcastle at the Discovery Museum. Opened in 1993 the Museum, which is located Blandford Square and is free to enter, houses maritime and science related attractions such as the iconic Sturbina steam ship – once the fastest on earth! All its floors have level access and there are lifts and accessible toilets across the site.
  • Theatre Royal: There’s no better place to catch a show than Newcastle’s Theatre Royal. The space, located on Grey Street, hosts everything from thrilling stage adaptions to fun musicals. You can find ticket prices on the what’s on page of the Theatre’s website and it’s really accessible with level access, lifts and accessible spaces in its stall, grand circle and upper circle seats.
  • Laing Art Gallery: For culture enthusiasts, the Laing Art Gallery is a must-see attraction. A few streets away from the Theatre Royal, it is free to visit, although there may be charges for some exhibits. Here you’ll discover British oil paintings, watercolours, ceramics, silver and glassware from across the ages. There is level access into the building and it has a lift up to the first floor.
  • Seven Stories: If you’re travelling with children, Seven Stories on Lime Street is well worth a visit. Billed as ‘the national centre for children’s books,’ this space brings iconic tales to life with readings, exhibitions and more. Ticket prices vary for adults and children of different ages, but these can be found here. Seven Stories has accessible parking, level access and lifts to all floors.

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Navigating Newcastle

It’s easy to travel to, and around Newcastle. The best way to reach the city is to catch a train to Newcastle Train Station, which is based at the centre of this scenic metropolis. When it comes to getting around, there’s no better way than the Tyneside and Wear Metro, which is a very affordable travel option. Its trains are fully accessible, with either lifts or ramps at all stations for ease of access.

Newcastle’s has a wide range of accessible hotels. Our top pick is the Royal Station Hotel on Neville Street, based near the train station. Known for its grand Victorian façade, the Hotel includes sumptuous period interiors, but modern, minimalist rooms, making for an interesting contrast. Accessible rooms in the Royal Station Hotel are available upon request and it also boasts a fantastic restaurant which has become popular for its elegant afternoon teas and delicious Sunday carvery’s.

The council of Newcastle are committed to promoting greater accessibility in their city. There are a variety of accessible parking bays dotted across Newcastle, which are open to blue badge holders, with a full list available at the parking in Newcastle section of the council’s website. Meanwhile, if you click here, you’ll find information on the public accessible toilets located across the city. With so much on offer, you’re sure to have a fabulous time if you choose Newcastle for your next getaway!

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 Accessible Attractions: Hampton Court Palace

In ages gone by, our monarchs built grand residences across the UK, so they could live in the true luxury befitting of their status. Many are still standing, providing you with plenty of great days out as a mobility scooter user. But where do you begin? Here’s where Quingo Scooters comes in. We’re bringing the UK’s top accessible attractions to your attention and we’ve got a great one for you in this post.

Join us, as we go to one of the country’s most stunning royal residences – Hampton Court Palace. Based at Hampton, Richmond upon Thames in Greater London, Hampton Court Palace is a massive complex, where you can experience what life was really like for the crème de la crème of English history.

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Hampton Court Palace

Hampton Court Palace was built by Cardinal Thomas Wolsey, one of King Henry VIII’s favourites, in 1515. When Wolsey inevitably fell out of favour, Henry seized the building and it housed various monarchs over time, with George II being the last King to reside there. The palace was renovated many times, but most notably by King William III, who had aspirations of making it a rival to the Palace of Versailles in France, turning Hampton Court Palace into a true architectural marvel in the process.

To visit Hampton Court Palace today, is to familiarise yourself with the magnificence of royal living. It has a number of fascinating attractions for you to explore, including its iconic Great Hall, known for their splendid tapestries. The complex also houses the Chapel Royal, which is legendary for its beautiful ceiling, and also features a replica of Henry VIII’s crown. Other highlights include its Cumberland Art Gallery, which displays magnificent works from the Royal Collection and Henry VIII’s state apartments, which shed light on the personality of one of England’s most notorious rulers.

You cannot visit Hampton Court Palace without also spending time in its lush gardens. Spread across 60 acres, these green spaces possess winding paths, bubbling fountains, magnificent trees – including solid walls of yew and over one million flowering bulbs, making for a truly magical experience. You can go to Hampton Court Palace at any time of the year, from 10am to 6pm in summer and from 10am to 4.30pm in winter. Depending on the time of year, adult tickets start from £18 and you can find out more on the tickets and prices section of the official Hampton Court Palace website.

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Touring the palace

Hampton Court Palace is open to all visitors, and it’s one of the region’s top accessible attractions. It is easily reachable by train, as you can get a 35 minute train which will take you from London Waterloo to Hampton Court, and these services run every half hour. You can also get there by car, as it lies on the A308 and is well sign posted. It has on-site parking, with nine accessible spaces available for blue badge holders, and you can learn more on the getting here page of its official website.

You will have no problem getting around Hampton Court Palace, as it’s extremely accessible. There is level access from the parking area to its main entrance with the accessible parking spaces located just 50 metres away. There is level access throughout the ground floor of Hampton Court Palace, with a wide lift going up to the state apartments on the first floor. There is also level access in the gardens, with various flat paths available, as well as to the Palace’s information centre, where you can find out more about the venue.

There are also three fully accessible shops at Hampton Court Palace, where you can buy a souvenir to remind you of your time at this fascinating site. These are the Palace Shop, the Garden Shop, and the Tudor Kitchens Shop, while you can visit the Tudor Kitchens themselves and learn about the culinary traditions of our ancestors, via a ramp. Hampton Court Palace further includes various accessible toilets around the complex. You can learn more by visiting the accessibility page of its website.

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 Accessible Attractions: Brodsworth Hall

If you’re a history enthusiast, you’ll find plenty of sites to visit throughout the UK on your mobility scooter. Here at Quingo Scooters, we’re building up a guide of accessible attractions for you to check out, allowing you to delve into the fascinating depths of our country’s past on your next getaway.

This time we’re taking you to Brodsworth Hall. One of South Yorkshire’s must-see attractions, this is a grand Victorian country house, which boasts some of the most beautiful gardens you’ll ever see.

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Brodsworth Hall

Brodsworth Hall was originally built in the 1860s in Doncaster, South Yorkshire. The property, which is a great example of the Italianate architectural style, survived mostly in-tact through the trials and tribulations of the 20th Century, before being taken on by English Heritage in 1990, who then opened it up to the public. You can get a fascinating glimpse into the Victorian vision of life at Brodsworth Hall.

You can check out the home itself by taking the Union Guided Tour. On this excursion, you’ll see the mansion’s sumptuously decorated halls and bedrooms, which really evoke a sense of classic 19th Century grandeur. You’ll also see the billiard room – a perfectly preserved gentleman’s retreat. The tour further features visits to the library, which still has its original faded carpets and wallpaper and the Victorian kitchen, known for its impressive range of authentic cooking tools. The property also boasts delightful tearooms, where you can indulge in traditional English treats at reasonable prices.

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The gardens are also well worth a visit and there are several for you to explore. This includes the formal garden, known for its meticulously manicured lawns, grand three-tiered Dolphin fountain and precise geometric flower beds, which are filled with everything from violas to tulips. Other spaces you can visit include the Italian Garden, known for its wildflowers and shrubbery and the Rose Garden, which has a 45 metre pergola bedecked in scented roses, honeysuckle and vines, at its very centre.

You can visit Brodsworth Hall from 10am to 4pm. The gardens, tea rooms and servants’ quarters – where you can learn how the ‘other half’ lived in Victorian times, are open daily, year round, but the house itself only opens in summer. You can enter for free if you’re an English Heritage member, which costs as little as £3.63 per month, otherwise an adult ticket to Brodsworth Hall will cost you £10.40. As the house is closed right now, you can get an adult ticket for the rest of Brodsworth Hall for £6.70. Visit the ‘prices and opening times’ section of Brodsworth Hall’s website to learn more.

Getting around

You’ll be able to travel to and get around Brodsworth Hall easily. Just head to the ‘plan your visit’ section of their website, so you can see how to reach the site by car or public transport. There are five accessible parking spaces directly outside of Brodsworth Hall and there’s level access to the entrance.

Brodsworth Hall is really easy to navigate as a mobility scooter user. The ground floor is completely level and there’s an original Victorian lift which you can take up to the first floor, giving you access to the property’s lavish bedrooms. Brodsworth Hall also features an exhibition which sheds light on the property’s past, which has level access, and there’s also ramped access to its tea rooms and shop.

English Heritage has made sure that Brodsworth Hall promotes comfort for all users. There are accessible toilets located throughout the property. Meanwhile, the property’s Formal, Grove and Rose Gardens are all lined with tarmac paths, so you’ll have no problem exploring these lush, scenic areas on your mobility scooter. Head to the ‘access’ page of Brodsworth Hall’s website to discover more!

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, Holidays, Quingo Scooters

Quingo Accessible Getaways: York

There are so many great British cities that welcome mobility scooter users that it’s hard to know where to start when planning you next holiday. At Quingo Scooters, we’re making it easier for you to explore the UK’s cultural landscape at your leisure, by revealing our top picks of accessible getaways.

Today we’re heading for York, based in the heart of North Yorkshire, England’s biggest county today. It was founded originally by the Romans, who called it ‘Eboracum’. Alongside Bath York is one of the UK’s oldest continuously habituated cities, with a wealth of historical sites just waiting for you.

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Welcome to York

York is an incredibly charming city, known by tourists across the world for its quaint shops, magnificent architecture, classic pubs and historic atmosphere. It has various accessible attractions, including:

  • York Minster: Built in the 7th Century, York Minster is one of the UK’s oldest cathedrals. Free to visit, it has a treasure trove of must-see sites. These include medieval stained glass windows, magnificent statues of English kings and an undercroft, where you’ll find ancient cultural treasures. The majority of York Minster is level and there’s an accessible lift to the undercroft.
  • York Art Gallery: Based on Exhibition Square, a stone’s throw away from the Minster, York Art Gallery is a true site to behold. It includes pieces spanning over 600 years, such as paintings, drawings and ceramics, shedding light on the UK’s glorious cultural past. You can check out the space free of charge and it’s very accessible, with a lift going up to its upper gallery.
  • Grand Opera House: Watch talented musical performance at York’s Grand Opera House. Based on Cumberland Street, the venue hosts everything from moving musicals to fun tribute acts. You can book a place to a show online at ATG Tickets. The Grand Opera House is mostly accessible, with spacious toilets and the venue’s staff always on hand to help.
  • National Railway Museum: If you’re curious about how the UK went from a rural society, to a global industrial power, check out the National Railway Museum. You can enter without paying a penny, and you’ll find the museum on Leeman Road, just a few minutes away from York Train Station. Fully accessible, the space’s exhibits tell the story of the rise of rail in Britain.

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Getting around

York is a very mobility scooter-friendly city. The easiest way to get there is by train, with the centrally located York Train Station serving as your gateway into the city. There are plenty of taxi services that you can use to navigate the city, with a list available here. This includes York Wheels, a service where, for a small fee, volunteers will take you around York. Most of its buses and park and ride services are also accessible, with more details, including a journey route planner tool, listed at Travel York.

Finding a place to stay in York, which is known for its mix of modern hotels and traditional town houses, is easy. There’s a list of accessible York hotels available on Euansguide, which includes the very affordable Hotel 53. Located at 53 Piccadilly, in central York, the hotel boasts affordable, spacious accessible rooms, complete with en-suite facilities and lifts throughout the building. It also offers delicious food, with the option of having breakfast sent to your room (for £4) between Mondays and Fridays.

There are accessible toilets located across York, open from 8am to 8pm. Some will be attended, for which you will require a RADAR card, these are available at a cost of £3.50 for those who have a blue badge. You can call York Visitor Centre on 01904 550099 or go to their website, http://www.visityork.org to get in touch with staff and find out more.

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.