Tag Archives: accessible attraction

Days Out, Quingo Scooters

Quingo Accessible Days Out: RHS Garden Rosemoor

Here at Quingo Scooters, we encourage you to get out on your mobility scooter and explore various accessible venues across the UK. You can enjoy everything nature has to offer by heading to various garden centres. In our series of articles, we’re highlighting days out you can enjoy as a mobility scooter user and today, we’re looking at Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) Garden Rosemoor.

QUINGO ACCESSIBLE DAYS OUT: RHS GARDEN ROSEMOOR 2

RHS Garden Rosemoor

Based in Great Torrington, Devon, RHS Garden Rosemoor features a stunning show garden and other natural attractions.

The main formal garden is a nature-lover’s paradise. It houses ornamental spaces featuring shrubs, roses, perennials and bulbs, along with highly cultivated long-term projects. It has various themed areas for you to check out, including a stream and rock gully, a woodland green and a fruit and vegetable garden, where you can learn how to grow your own produce. It also has a quaint cottage garden, lined with brick pathways and flowering shrub/perennial filled beds.

Here you can also visit the stone garden, where plants like camellias, acers and peonies are cultivated in a sheltered, courtyard-style space. RHS Rosemoor Garden regularly hosts seasonal shows for you to attend. It’s putting on a Winter Sculpture exhibition which lasts to 19th February 2017. Open daily from 10am to 5pm, it showcases pieces from a diverse range of sculptors. It’ll also host gardening workshops and courses across 2017, teaching you how to cultivate your own outdoor spaces.

It’s open every day except Christmas Day, from 10am – 6pm between April and September and 10am – 5pm between October and March. You can buy an adult ticket for £12.10. If you are bringing children aged five to 16, they can enter for £6.05 per ticket. You get unlimited free admission if you’re an RHS member, which you can become for as little as £44.25 per year.

QUINGO ACCESSIBLE DAYS OUT: RHS GARDEN ROSEMOOR 3

Accessing the gardens 

You can reach RHS Garden Rosemoor easily by using the information listed on the ‘how to get here’ section of its website to plan your trip. There is parking near the venue’s main entrance, which features 26 easy access parking bays. You can find out more about its access facilities on the RHS Garden Rosemoor’s official online portal.

RHS Garden Rosemoor features a level ramp leading up to its main entrance and the venue’s ground floor is easily accessible for mobility scooter users. We should note that there is an accessible toilet near the site’s main entrance and there is another behind its Wisteria Tea Rooms, located in Lady Anne’s Garden, which was named after the garden’s original creator. RHS Garden Rosemoor has good signage for accessible routes throughout the site.

The site’s formal garden is mostly accessible for mobility scooter users. Most of its offshoot areas, such as the fruit and vegetable garden, are accessible, but Lady Anne’s Garden, as well as lake and woodland walks supply limited access, due to their steps and slopes. We would recommend that you plan your route through the site’s outdoor spaces before you visit, to get the most out of your visit. Meanwhile, RHS Garden Rosemoor’s Visitor Centre, shop, plant centre, restaurant, lecture hall, library and Peter Buckley Learning Centre are all fully accessible.

Share your accessible days out with Quingo!

If you’ve been to visit any great accessible places on your Quingo or would like us to write about a particular place you have visited, we’d be delighted to hear from you! You can email your stories, recommendations and pictures by filling out the contact form on our website and we’ll feature them on our blog.

 About Quingo

The Quingo Scooter range features six models to suit your needs and budget. New models are now available from just £22/week on our new contract hire scheme which includes all servicing and maintenance, Insurance, Roadside Recovery, Call Outs and Consumables including Batteries and Tyres. For more information on this or the latest Quingo Scooter range, please visit our website. Alternatively, if you have any Service questions you can always contact us or call customer services on 01582 430 900.

Keep up to date with the latest mobility scooter advice, tips and interesting places to visit on the Quingo Scooter Users Blog. Connect with Quingo and keep up to date with all our latest news on Facebook and Twitter.

All Quingo Personal Mobility Vehicles are provided by Forever Active, the UK’s exclusive distributor. Forever Active is a trading name of Advantage Marketing Corporation Limited (AMC).  AMC Limited is an appointed representative of First Senior Insurance Services Ltd which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. First Senior Insurance Services FSA Register number is 308478.

Attractions, Days Out, Quingo Scooters

Quingo Accessible Attractions: Scottish Seabird Centre

Quingo Scooters encourages our users to get out and about on their mobility scooters, so they can visit interesting, or even unusual places, particularly those that you didn’t think were accessible enough. In our series of articles, we’ve been shedding light on some very accessible attractions across the country that you can discover on your mobility scooter.

QUINGO ACCESSIBLE ATTRACTIONS: SCOTTISH SEABIRD CENTRE 2
Editorial credit: Edinburghcitymom / Shutterstock.com

Scottish Seabird Centre

Today, we’re going up into the UK’s most northerly country, to find out more about the Scottish Seabird Centre. Based at the North Berwick Harbour, in the county of East Lothian, it’s a marine wildlife conservation and discovery centre.

It costs £8.95 for an adult ticket to the Scottish Seabird Centre. However as a mobility scooter user, if you bring ID you’ll qualify for a £6.65 concession ticket, while children’s tickets total £4.65, but those under the age of three can enter free of charge. At the attraction, you can check out a range of marine wildlife, including seals and dolphins, as well as seabirds like puffins, fulmars and gulls. It features the world’s largest Northern gannets colony and biggest colony of puffins on Britain’s East Coast. At the moment the centre is open 10am-4pm on weekdays and 10am-5pm on weekends, opening times vary depending on which month you visit.

QUINGO ACCESSIBLE ATTRACTIONS: SCOTTISH SEABIRD CENTRE 3

What is there to do?

This venue’s main attraction is its Discovery Centre. Here you can control remote cameras, to see wildlife living in its natural habitat, across the Firth of Forth Islands. The centre also houses a wildlife theatre, where you can view short films across the day, a fish tank which features sea urchins, flatfish and Eel pouts and a scope deck, which provides stunning views of the Firth of Forth. Visit the wildlife calendar to find out which animals you can check out at different times of the year.

You can also try other activities at the Scottish Seabird Centre. It runs a Forth Ferry, which takes you on the 45 minute journey between North Berwick and Anstruther to enjoy great days on either side of the Firth of Forth. Until March 2017, you can visit its Tomorrow’s Lobster exhibition, where you can learn about the life cycle of this fascinating creature. In addition, the Scottish Seabird Centre has East Lothian’s only sundeck and a great café, which serves both gluten-free and vegetarian cuisine.

Accessibility

The Scottish Seabird Centre, which lies just 30 minutes’ drive from Edinburgh, is a fully accessible building, making it easy for you to visit as a mobility scooter user. You can travel to the Centre via train, bus, taxi, ferry, or by car, and you can use the find us tool to easily plan your trip. You’ll find disabled parking in the Scottish Seabird Centre’s carpark and adjacent to the main building.

When you arrive, go up the Centre’s tarmac-covered path to reach its step-free, 880mm wide, double doors. The push button by the side of the doors will open them and allow you to enter the Centre’s ground floor, which has a flat vinyl surface that’s suitable for mobility scooter users. The Centre also has accessible toilets and you can access its Boat Trip Booking office by going down the side road to the nearby harbour and up the adjacent ramp. Meanwhile, you can take an 880mm wide lift up to the venue’s popular Discovery Centre. Find out more by reading the Centre’s Accessibility Statement.

Share your accessible attraction with Quingo!

If you’ve been to visit any great accessible places on your Quingo or would like us to write about a particular place you have visited, we’d be delighted to hear from you! You can email your stories, recommendations and pictures by filling out the contact form on our website and we’ll feature them on our blog.

About Quingo

The Quingo Scooter range features six models to suit your needs and budget. New models are now available from just £22/week on our new contract hire scheme which includes all servicing and maintenance, Insurance, Roadside Recovery, Call Outs and Consumables including Batteries and Tyres. For more information on this or the latest Quingo Scooter range, please visit our website. Alternatively, if you have any Service questions you can always contact us or call customer services on 01582 430 900.

Keep up to date with the latest mobility scooter advice, tips and interesting places to visit on the Quingo Scooter Users Blog. Connect with Quingo and keep up to date with all our latest news on Facebook and Twitter.

All Quingo Personal Mobility Vehicles are provided by Forever Active, the UK’s exclusive distributor. Forever Active is a trading name of Advantage Marketing Corporation Limited (AMC).  AMC Limited is an appointed representative of First Senior Insurance Services Ltd which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. First Senior Insurance Services FSA Register number is 308478.

Attractions, Days Out, Quingo Scooters

Quingo Scooters Top 5 Christmas Accessible Attractions

Quingo Scooters know that the Christmas period is the perfect time to spend with close ones, and what better way than to enjoy a festive accessible attraction? In this post we’ve put together our top 5 Christmas accessible attractions – maybe you’ll be tempted to visit one!

QUINGO SCOOTERS TOP 5 CHRISTMAS ACCESSIBLE ATTRACTIONS 2

The London Eye – London

If you want to see the capital in a completely different light, the panoramic views offered by The London Eye simply cannot be beaten. And, for a real breath-taking moment, try getting on at night so you can take in an amazing array of Christmas lights across London! Fully accessible, The London Eye offers an assisted boarding service, which you are advised to pre-book.

Faiytale Farm – Oxfordshire

If you’ve got some smaller members of the group to entertain this Christmas, they’ll love Fairytale Farm! A sensory wonderland that the whole family will enjoy, Fairytale Farm has an adventure playground, an enchanted walk and the chance to meet some friendly animals. Fairytale Farm was the UK’s first visitor attraction to bear in mind accessibility for children when building.

The Roald Dahl Museum and Story Centre – Buckinghamshire

If you’ve ever been captivated by one of Roald Dahl’s classics, you’ll find this museum fascinating! The Roald Dahl Museum comprises of hands on displays, chocolate doors and secrets about the people and places that inspired Dahl’s books. This fully accessible attraction also offers writing tips from the likes of J.K. Rowling and Jaqueline Wilson too – definitely one for a group of all ages.

Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway – Cumbria

This is the Lake District’s oldest, longest and most scenic railway. Ravenglass is the only coastal village in the Lake District National Park, and there is plenty to see and do. This includes shops, museums and places to eat and drink that are sure to make you feel festive! The main station at Ravenglass has accessible toilets and parking, as well as accessible carriages on the train itself.

QUINGO SCOOTERS TOP 5 CHRISTMAS ACCESSIBLE ATTRACTIONS 3

The Roman Baths – Bath

Containing the preserved remains of one of the greatest religious spas of the ancient world, The Roman Baths has unique thermal springs. Incredibly fascinating, The Roman Baths have audio guides with a range of commentaries for different age groups, interests and languages. See if you can spot the costumed characters too! Lifts are available throughout, making the site is fully accessible.

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: Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal

Quingo Scooters are always encouraging users to get out and about to visit interesting or unusual places on their mobility scooters, especially places that you didn’t think were accessible enough. Over our series of blog posts we’ve been sharing with you some extremely accessible attractions to explore on your mobility scooter.

This week we’re exploring an accessible attraction in Ripon, North Yorkshire. Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Water Garden is one of the largest and best preserved ruined Cistercian monasteries in England. It is located around 3 miles south-west of Ripon, near the village of Aldfield. The Abbey is situated alongside a Georgian water garden and medieval deer park.

QUINGO ACCESSIBLE ATTRACTIONS: FOUNTAINS ABBEY AND STUDLEY ROYAL 2

Fountains Abbey

This magnificent Abbey originated from humble beginnings, as it was established by 13 devout monks seeking a simpler existence. Over 400 years later, Henry VIII demanded the closure of the Abbey and the monks left behind the most complete Cistercian Abbey remains in the country. People have been drawn to this inspiring place for centuries, as the atmospheric ruins that remain are a window into a way of life which shaped the medieval world.

Parkland

Now recognised as a World Heritage Site, Fountains Abbey has green lawns that stretch down to the riverside – a perfect spot for a picnic if it’s a nice day. Riverside paths lead to the deer park – home to Red, Fallow and Sika deer. You’ll also spot some ancient trees here too; limes, oaks and sweet chestnuts.

Studley Royal Water Garden

Inspired by the work of two great French landscape gardeners, John Aislabie and his son, the Water Garden has a formal and geometric design. It has extraordinary views, including the much photographed Temple of Piety. In the Water Garden you’ll also find classical statues, follies and garden buildings carefully positioned within the landscape. If you’re visiting the Gardens, be sure not to miss the highlight, known as “The Surprise View” or “Anne Boleyn’s Seat”. This gives an astonishing view of the Abbey ruins in the distance, and was designed to cause a sharp intake of breath when visitors came across it.

Find out about some of the other attractions on the Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal website.

QUINGO ACCESSIBLE ATTRACTIONS: FOUNTAINS ABBEY AND STUDLEY ROYAL 3

Accessibility

Despite Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal being an ancient monument, it has been well preserved and has good accessibility. There are accessible routes around the river and lakes where you can take in the picturesque views. Access to the Abbey ruins is via West Gate, and are accessed via undulating grass. Inside the ruins it is a mixture of compacted earth and gravel, which is manageable on a mobility scooter or wheelchair. There are a few ramps and grassy slopes enabling access to key parts of the ruins.

The Lakeside café is fully accessible if you fancy a refreshment, and has some tables with cutaway sections for mobility scooter users. There are fully accessible and well equipped toilet facilities at the Visitor Centre, Lakeside Café and near West Gate.

Share your accessible attraction with Quingo!

If you’ve been to visit any great accessible places on your Quingo or would like us to write about a particular place you have visited, we’d be delighted to hear from you! You can email your stories, recommendations and pictures by filling out the contact form on our website and we’ll feature them on our blog.

About Quingo

The Quingo Scooter range features six models to suit your needs and budget. New models are now available from just £22/week on our new contract hire scheme which includes all servicing and maintenance, Insurance, Roadside Recovery, Call Outs and Consumables including Batteries and Tyres. For more information on this or the latest Quingo Scooter range, please visit our website. Alternatively, if you have any Service questions you can always contact us or call customer services on 01582 430 900.

Keep up to date with the latest mobility scooter advice, tips and interesting places to visit on the Quingo Scooter Users Blog. Connect with Quingo and keep up to date with all our latest news on Facebook and Twitter.

All Quingo Personal Mobility Vehicles are provided by Forever Active, the UK’s exclusive distributor. Forever Active is a trading name of Advantage Marketing Corporation Limited (AMC).  AMC Limited is an appointed representative of First Senior Insurance Services Ltd which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. First Senior Insurance Services FSA Register number is 308478.

Attractions, Days Out, Quingo Scooters

Quingo Accessible Attractions: Penhurst Place and Gardens

Quingo Scooters are always encouraging users to get out and about to visit interesting or unusual places on their mobility scooters, especially places that you didn’t think were accessible enough. Over our series of blog posts we’ve been sharing with you some extremely accessible attractions to explore on your mobility scooter.

Today we’re taking a trip to the South East of England to the county of Kent. The second most populous county in the South East, Kent is drenched in history and incredible views. In particular, we’re focusing on the village of Penhurst, a civil parish in the Sevenoaks district of Kent. Just West of Tonbridge, the village lies in beautiful countryside and was once owned by Henry VIII. The village is full of old timber-framed buildings and converted oast houses, with traditions such as cricket and the village fete still very much part of the community today. Nearby, you’ll discover a fantastic day out at Penhurst Place and Gardens.

QUINGO ACCESSIBLE ATTRACTIONS: PENHURST PLACE AND GARDENS 2

Penhurst Place and Gardens

Penhurst Place is an extraordinary historic building, with something that will fascinate everyone! It is the ancestral home of the Sidney family, and was also the birthplace of the great Elizabethan poet Sir Phillip Sidney. This original medieval house still remains as one of the most complete surviving examples of 14th century domestic architecture in England.

Open to the public for viewing, the house and gardens are fully accessible and make for a fantastic day out. As well as things to see – including the 10 rooms in the house including the impressive medieval Baron’s Hall – there is also something for the little ones in your group. They will be incredibly impressed at what the toy museum has to offer, and then afterwards they can try their hand at the maize maze!

After everyone’s taken in the history and sights of the house and gardens, they can enjoy something to eat and drink at the Porcupine Pantry or Garden restaurant. Or if you prefer to bring your own food and go al fresco, picnics are welcomed to enjoy in the grounds.

QUINGO ACCESSIBLE ATTRACTIONS: PENHURST PLACE AND GARDENS 3

Accessibility

For mobility scooter users, Penhurst Place offers a variety of alternative routes and experiences to make sure you get the most out of your visit. On arrival, make sure you grab an accessibility leaflet which will show you all the recommended mobility scooter routes. You can also download one from the internet before you go if you prefer.

The entrance to the House is accessible by portable ramps, and the Gardens have been made fully accessible for mobility scooters and wheelchairs – the route mostly consists of tarmac and grass paths.

Parking for visitors with disabilities is right next to the visitor entrance, Porcupine Pantry café and the gift shop, and has a concrete path to the entrance. All eateries and the gift shop are fully accessible, and there is an accessible toilet next to Porcupine Pantry.

Share your accessible attraction with Quingo!

If you’ve been to visit any great accessible places on your Quingo or would like us to write about a particular place you have visited, we’d be delighted to hear from you! You can email your stories, recommendations and pictures by filling out the contact form on our website and we’ll feature them on our blog.

About Quingo

The Quingo Scooter range features six models to suit your needs and budget. New models are now available from just £22/week on our new contract hire scheme which includes all servicing and maintenance, Insurance, Roadside Recovery, Call Outs and Consumables including Batteries and Tyres. For more information on this or the latest Quingo Scooter range, please visit our website. Alternatively, if you have any Service questions you can always contact us or call customer services on 01582 430 900.

Keep up to date with the latest mobility scooter advice, tips and interesting places to visit on the Quingo Scooter Users Blog. Connect with Quingo and keep up to date with all our latest news on Facebook and Twitter.

All Quingo Personal Mobility Vehicles are provided by Forever Active, the UK’s exclusive distributor. Forever Active is a trading name of Advantage Marketing Corporation Limited (AMC).  AMC Limited is an appointed representative of First Senior Insurance Services Ltd which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. First Senior Insurance Services FSA Register number is 308478.