Tag Archives: accessible attractions

Attractions, Days Out, Quingo Scooters

Quingo Scooters Accessible Attractions: Brunel’s SS Great Britain

Fondly remembered as “the greatest experiment since the Creation”, Brunel’s SS Great Britain is a ship that changed the world. Combining size, power and innovative technology, it is undoubtedly one of the most important historic vessels in the world. This week, Quingo Scooters are visiting the “great-great-grandmother” of all modern ships to discover the true stories behind it.

Voted ‘Best Heritage Venue’ by the Rough Guide to Accessible Britain, this passenger steamship museum has been beautifully restored to immerse its visitors in its story. Eamon McClelland, Past President of the Access Association, noted that “the Access Association has been impressed with the level of commitment given to resolving issues within this historic dockyard”.

A wonderful experience for the whole family, you’ll have no concerns navigating this ground-breaking attraction.

Quingo Scooters SS Great Britain 2

What’s On

There is so much to see and do at Brunel’s SS Great Britain. Whether you want to head beneath the glass sea, take in the sights, sounds and smells, and board the ship itself. As well as these permanent exhibitions, there are many seasonal events on the packed schedule of activities that you’re sure to enjoy.

  • Victorian Christmas Weekend (9-10 December): Brunel’s SS Great Britain is transported back in time to a Dickensian landscape. Complete with Victorian characters and falling snow, the exhibition transforms the dockyard. Whether you want to buy festive gifts or enjoy some seasonal treats, this immersive experience is perfect for this winter.
  • Discovery Talk- Incredible Journey (28 November): included in the price of admission, this talk guides you through the SS Great Britain’s 84-year voyage back home. Follow the journey from its abandonment in a desolate cave in the Falklands to Bristol, rescued just in time.
  • Flash, bang, wallop! (daily): Dress up in bonnets and crinolines to pose for a portrait in this Melbourne photographic studio. Travel back in time in Victorian clothes for a souvenir you can enjoy for years to come.

Quingo Scooters SS Great Britain 3

Opening Times and Entry Prices

Brunel’s Great Britain is open all year round, excluding 24-25 December and the second Monday in January. Opening times are seasonal and can be found here. Ticket prices vary, with companions and assistants receiving free entry. A full list of ticket prices can be found here.

Getting There

Situated in Bristol’s historic Great Western Dockyard, SS Great Britain is easily accessible through all major transport. It is located 20 minutes away from Bristol city centre and 30 minutes away from Bristol Temple Meads train station. Ferries run every 40 minutes and make numerous stops around the harbour. If you are travelling by car, follow the white anchor symbol on the brown tourist signs. There is a car park located next to the attraction, which includes 4 blue badge spaces. More information can be found here.

Accessibility

The venue has impressed with its accessibility features. The Dry Dock, Dockyard Museum, Brunel Institute and the ship are fully accessible for scooter users. Any pathways that are cobblestone based have alternative routes provided. In addition to this, there are lifts throughout the exhibition and accessible toilets throughout. Full information about SS Great Britain’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: The Blue Planet Aquarium

Home to Europe’s largest collection of sharks, the Blue Planet Aquarium in Cheshire is designed with everyone in mind. In this week’s Accessible Attractions series, Quingo Scooters are travelling through shark tunnels and flooded forests to bring you one of the UK’s finest aquariums.

Those with a love of the water and its creatures will be enthralled by more than 100 living displays. You can discover an underwater world and marvel at the marine life, as sharks and fish swim all around you. The Blue Planet Aquarium is also recognised by the Rough Guide to Accessible Britain as the ‘UK’s Finest Aquarium’.

Quingo Scooters Blue Planet fish
Photo: Pixabay

What’s On

At Blue Planet Aquarium, you can enjoy many attractions from daily talks and feeds, including a daily otter feed and another featured animal of the day to plenty of attractions and displays.

  • Diving with sharks: A recognized PADI Discover SCUBA session, this shark encounter gets you close to one of the most famous marine animals. You’ll be taught the basics of diving by a highly qualified team and, without cages, you’ll come face to face with 10ft Sand Tiger Sharks. Sure to be an unforgettable encounter for all!
  • Dive shows at the Aquatheatre: With at least three live shows a day, this is an experience not to miss! Surrounded by reefs, the presenter will tell you all about the fascinating creatures housed at the aquarium as you see them swim by. You’ll even see divers and join in the presentation. You’ll also have the chance to ask all the questions you want in this personal talk with an expert.
  • Deep Sea Dining – Nautilus Kitchen: Here you can enjoy a delicious meal prepared with fresh ingredients. However, the real attraction of this restaurant is the view. Surrounded by the largest collection of sharks in Europe, you can enjoy your meal as you watch many varieties of fish swim by.

Quingo Scooters Blue Planet Aquarium 2 jellyfish

Opening Times and Entry Prices

The Blue Planet Aquarium is open daily from 10am to 5pm. During peak times, such as school holidays and weekends, it is open from 10am to 6pm. Ticket prices vary, and full-time carers receive free entry. A full list of ticket prices can be found here.

Getting There

Located in the centre of the North West, the Blue Planet Aquarium is easily accessible by all key travel routes. If you are travelling by car, look out for Blue Planet Aquarium brown tourist signs and signs for Cheshire Oaks Designer Outlet. There is accessible parking outside the main building. By train, the nearest railway station is Ellesmere Port, which is around 2 miles away. There are also regular buses running from surrounding areas. More information can be found here.

Accessibility

The Blue Planet Aquarium has lifts on each floor and ramps throughout so that every area of the aquarium is accessible. There are disabled toilets throughout the building and you can find more information on Blue Planet’s accessibility 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: British Music Experience

With more than 600 items of music memorabilia and interactive experiences, the British Music Experience offers a journey through sound that defines generations. As part of our Accessible Attractions series, this week Quingo Scooters heads to Liverpool.

The city’s British Music Experience explores the history of British music with exhibitions showcasing costumes, instruments and memorabilia. From the Beatles and David Bowie to the Spice Girls and Oasis, the stories of the biggest artists are played out visually. Whatever age you are and whatever style of music you love, you’re sure to be entertained!

Quingo Scooters British Music Experience 2
Editorial credit: berm_teerawat / Shutterstock.com

What’s On

There’s always plenty to soak up at the British Music Experience, from permanent galleries and activities, to an everchanging and exciting series of events.

  • Weekend Gibson Open Sessions (every Saturday 1-3pm): Guests – from beginners to experienced musicians – are welcome at the Gibson Open Sessions on Saturdays. Here you get the chance to experience top-flight electric guitars, drumkits and keyboards, with in-house experts on hand to provide valuable tips.
  • Dance the Decades Experience (permanent): Learn all of the moves that characterised decades of music, bringing together over 70 years and 12 iconic dance styles. Suitable for all ages, this experience fuses history and music to create a fun and immersive event for the whole family.
  • 24-Hour Party People with Dave Haslam (29 November, 7pm): Celebrating Manchester’s music scene of the late 80s/early 90s, the British Music Experience is screening ’24 Hour Party People’ followed by a conversation with DJ Dave Haslam. Through the film and talk, you will be able to relive the Madchester glory days, looking at the creation of the legendary Factory Records label and the success of The Hacienda.

Quingo Scooters British Music Experience 3

Ticket Prices and Entry

The British Music Experience is open daily, excluding the 25 and 26 December. It is open from 10am to 5pm. Ticket prices vary, with more information available here.

Getting There

Situated on Liverpool’s Waterfront, the British Music Experience is based in the Cunard Building. If you are arriving by public transport, you’ll find several options available to you. If you’re travelling by train, the nearest drop off points are James Street and Moorfields, both a short distance from the exhibition. All buses into Liverpool stop off at the Liverpool ONE bus station, which is adjacent to Liverpool Waterfront. In addition, the experience is located directly opposite the Mersey Ferry terminal, if you’re arriving by boat. Those travelling by car will find the route well-signposted with some blue-badge parking on-street, however, this is limited. There is a coach drop off point available outside the main entrance. More information can be found here.

Accessibility

There are two entrances to the British Music Experience, with the accessible entrance on Brunswick Street. This can be reached via a ramp, with intercom at the door to provide further assistance. Alternatively, staff outside the main entrance on Canada Boulevard can provide assistance. The main space provides plenty of seating and there are accessible toilets throughout the exhibition. The ticket desks have lowered counters and all circulation spaces are fully accessible, including the Merch Store and Star Café. More information about the British Music Experience’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: The Alnwick Garden

This week, Quingo Scooters are heading to Alnwick, Northumberland as part of our Accessible Attractions series. Alnwick Garden, a complex of former gardens for Alnwick Castle, offers a fun and exciting day out. This day is a must for any lovers of nature and adventure!

Situated in the heart of Northumberland and north of Newcastle, the revived gardens offer entertainment for the whole family. The Duchess of Northumberland’s vision for a forgotten plot has been transformed into a magical experience full of enchantment and imagination. Home to one of the largest wooden tree houses in the world and a poisonous garden, there’s plenty to do at Alnwick Garden.

Quingo Scooters Alnwick Gardens 2

What’s On

The Alnwick Garden is home to one of the most innovative gardens in Britain. As well as displaying seasonal flowers and plants in its impressive grounds, guests can also explore treetop pathways and see magnificent water features throughout. There are also activities for all to enjoy throughout the park.

  • A Garden of Fairytales: Inspired by the Grimm fairytales, this interactive experience invites guest to save Beauty from the garden’s Evil Queen. Solving clues along the way, guest travel along a magical journey, in which benches sing, frog princes talk and magic mirrors guide your way. Live actors play fairytale characters and direct guests on their quest. This experience is magical for the whole family.
  • Christmas At Alnwick Garden: Beginning in late November, Christmas starts to arrive at Alnwick Garden. Throughout the end of November and December, you can expect to see many Christmas treats. From Christmas Markets and ice skating, to disco party nights and mixology courses, there’s something here for everyone. Different activities are available most days and more information can be found here.
  • The Treehouse Restaurant: With a gradually sloping pathway up to the entrance, this offers a unique dining experience for the whole family to enjoy. With wooden pathways, twinkling lights and a log fire, it’s a magical experience situated in the trees of Alnwick Garden. Showcasing local produce, the menu always has seasonal delights. Here you can enjoy The Duchess of Northumberland’s own “Deadly Jane” range of cocktails, a fine selection of wine and beer, and regular live music.

Opening Times and Entry

The Alnwick Gardens are open daily, excluding 25 December. Opening times vary by season. The summer opening times are 10am-4pm (31 March-31 October). The winter opening times change more frequently due to seasonal festivities and can be found here. Ticket prices vary, with carers obtaining free entry.

Quingo Scooters Alnwick Gardens 3

Getting There

The Alnwick Garden is just off the A1 in the heart of Northumberland. It is easily accessible by car, train and bus. If you are travelling by car, the route is well signposted and the main car park is off Denwick Lane. There is free blue badge parking provided. Buses connect the gardens to Newcastle and surrounding towns. If you are travelling by train, the Alnmouth stop is 4 miles away from the Alnwick Garden, with connecting buses and taxis available from here. More information can be found here.

Accessibility

Alnwick Garden has smooth, solid surfaces, with wheelchair accessible routes throughout. There are pathways to all areas of this garden, including the rope bridges, treehouse and waterfall. Alternative routes have been created, with slopes and gradual inclines being used as a replacement to stairs. Lifts are also available. There are fully accessible toilets throughout the gardens, as well as seating provided all through the gardens. Before you visit, you can get support for your trip through speaking to a member of staff at 01665 511350 and choosing option 1.  More information about Alnwick Garden’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: Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre

This week, Quingo Scooters are heading to London as part of our Accessible Attractions series. A reconstruction of the 1599 Theatre, Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre is a must for any lovers of history or literature!

Situated on the Thames, Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre is a unique celebration of the world’s most popular playwright. Whether you want to discover more about Shakespeare and his London or see his plays staged, there’s always something interesting to see. Using performance, tours and galleries, the Globe creates an authentic and detailed experience of Shakespeare in performance.

Quingo Scooters Globe Theatre
Photo: Tom ReedyWikimedia Commons

What’s On

Activities at the Globe range from plays to presentations, both permanent and temporary.

  • Globe Tours (all year, 9.30am-5pm): Take a guided tour around the Globe Theatre, which departs every 30 minutes. The tour allows guests to examine Sam Wanamaker’s epic reconstruction of the 1599 Elizabethan theatre. It explores both historical and contemporary elements, to deliver a modern experience of Elizabethan theatre. In summer months, guests can discover the Sam Wanamaker indoor theatre. Based on Tudor and Jacobean theatre, this small space is designed with intricate detail to the period.
  • Exhibition (all year, 9am-5pm): Throughout the year, the Globe is home to many temporary and permanent exhibitions and galleries. Here you can explore the life of Shakespeare and his contemporaries. Currently, the ‘Festival In Focus’ exhibition displays photographs of over 600 performers. View them on stage, see audience reactions and discover backstage stories. Produced by a group of leading theatre photographers, it provides a candid insight into the diverse and vibrant performances at the Globe.
  • Performances: No trip to the Globe is complete without a show. From mid-April to mid-October, you can enjoy performances in the open-air theatre. In the colder months, the indoor Sam Wanamaker Playhouse is home to several exciting plays. This winter is no exception, showing plays including ‘The Secret Theatre’ (16 November-16 December 2017) and ‘All’s Well That Ends Well’ (11 January-3 March 2018)
Quingo Scooters Globe Theatre
Photo: Txllxt TxllxTWikimedia Commons

Opening Times and Entry

The Globe Theatre’s standard opening is 9am-5pm daily, excluding 24 and 25 December. Prices for this vary seasonally. For performances, opening times and prices vary. The Box Office is open from 10am-6pm daily.  Additional information on opening times can be found here and information on prices can be found here.

Getting There

Situated on the South Bank of the Thames, the Globe is accessible from the Waterloo and Southwark Bridge. There is limited parking possible on New Globe Walk and the surrounding area with a blue badge. There are Underground stations close by, with Blackfriars and Mansion House 10 minutes away, and London Bridge, Southwark and St Paul’s 15 minutes away. If you are travelling by bus, there are several nearby bus stops and a coach stop by Southwark Bridge. Additional information can be found here.

Accessibility

There is flat access to Shakespeare’s Globe and accessible entrances can be found on New Globe Walk. The entrance to the Exhibition is accessed via a ramp on Bankside. Ramps and lifts to all floors are found within the theatre, as well as accessible toilets throughout. Guests travelling to the Globe can use the Access Information Line, operating from 10am-5pm, Monday to Friday. Here, you will find advice in specialised services, as well as more information. This can be found at 020 7902 1409 or [email protected]. You can view or download the Globe Theatre’s full accessibility information 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.