Tag Archives: Accessible Christmas

Attractions, Days Out, Quingo Scooters

Best accessible Christmas pantomimes

Pantomimes are an essential part of the holiday season. Whether you’ve got kids in tow, or friends and family who need entertaining, there is nothing quite like a show to get you in the festive mood.

From traditional pantos to something a little different, we’ve scoured the country to find the most accessible shows for you this year. So, here is Quingo Scooters’ pick of the very best accessible pantomimes in the UK.

Goldilocks and the Three Bears, The London Palladium

There is ramped access to the main entrance at the London Palladium. You can also take a lift from the foyer to the stalls – the circles are not accessible. The team there just ask that you book in advance and give them a call on 0844 412 4648 to discuss your needs. Book your tickets here.

Quingo Scooters Accessible Christmas Pantomimes The London Palladium
Editorial credit: goga18128 / Shutterstock.com

The Nativity Panto, King’s Head Theatre, London

Something a bit different this time. It’s a pantomime, but perhaps not quite as we know it. The King’s Head Theatre in Islington has taken the traditional Nativity story as their inspiration this year. What makes it different is that it’s an opera company behind this show.

We love it because it feels small-scale and original. It’s opera but have no fear – there are still plenty of cheesy jokes and great tunes.

There is full access into the theatre itself. The team do recommend however that you give them a call before you come just to make sure they’re ready to meet your needs. Their number is 020 7226 8561. Get your tickets here.

Cinderella, The Theatre Royal in Nottingham

We head north next, to a genuine Christmas institution. The Theatre Royal in Nottingham has long been a favourite with families and kids looking for some festive fun. This year’s pantomime certainly won’t disappoint.

It’s a classic tale for one – the magical Cinderella. But what makes it truly special is the pantomime royalty taking part in this production. So, Les Dennis and Connor McIntyre of Coronation Street fame take a bow. They’ll also be joined on stage by another light entertainment legend – Pop Idol’s Gareth Gates as Prince Charming!

The Theatre Royal is a beautiful building and has accessible entrances and a number of accessible spaces in the stalls.

Jack and the Beanstalk, King’s Theatre, Glasgow

We’ve picked this final pantomime for its stellar cast and great reputation. Elaine C Smith (of Rab C Nesbitt fame) is in the starring role this year. She’s always a brilliant performer and is always popular with the local crowds.

She’s joined on stage by Scottish comedian and actor Johnny Mac, so expect plenty of gags. It’s always a high-quality production, with great tunes and plenty to keep kids of all ages amused.

It’s a fabulous venue too, and it has accessible spaces in the stalls. Just use the accessible entrance on Elmbank Street to enter the theatre. Get your tickets here while they’re still available.

Quingo Scooters Accessible Christmas Pantomimes The London Palladium
Editorial credit: Mick Atkins / Shutterstock.com

About Quingo Scooters

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

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

All Quingo Personal Mobility Vehicles are provided by Forever Active, the UK’s exclusive distributor. Forever Active is a trading name of Advantage Marketing Corporation Limited (AMC).  AMC Limited is an appointed representative of First Senior Insurance Services Ltd which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. First Senior Insurance Services FSA Register number is 30847

Attractions, Days Out

Accessible getaways: Best accessible Christmas tours and trails

Looking to get out and about this festive season? Christmas is a wonderful time of the year, and a good time to explore the great outdoors.

From sherry tours to magnificent gardens, woodland trails to unique Advent calendars, there’s something for everyone. Here is Quingo Scooter’s guide to the very best accessible Christmas tours and trails.

Countdown to Christmas with the Living Advent Calendar, Saltaire

If you want a unique and accessible Christmas experience, then this Advent trail in Saltaire, West Yorkshire, is one of the best. Saltaire is a special place – a purpose-built village for the workers at nearby Salt’s Mill.

We think their Living Advent Calendar trail is a wonderful idea. Each year, houses in this historic place decorate their windows with a new opening, every night from 1 December. They open in turn through to 24 December. They’re endlessly inventive and well worth exploring. However, bear in mind that if you want to see the full trail then you’ll need to visit after 24 December!

While you’re there, why not pop into Salt’s Mill itself? Today, there’s an art gallery, bookshop and an excellent restaurant in this former industrial space. It’s also fully accessible with lifts to all floors.

It’s worth saying that it is hilly in Saltaire (it’s Yorkshire, after all). There is also one cobbled street (Albert Terrace) too. But the village itself is generally accessible, particularly for those of us using a mobility scooter. You can find out more about accessible facilities here.

Quingo Scooters Accessible Christmas Trails and Tours Advent Saltaire

Transport yourself to a Winter Wonderland

Every year, London’s Hyde Park is transformed into something truly magical. Of course, it is a great city park at any time of the year. But when the Winter Wonderland arrives in town, it’s well worth a visit. It’s a wonderful experience, not just for the kids but for people of all ages.

Of course, if you are visiting with family then there is plenty here to keep the little ones entertained. From spectacular circus acts to a big wheel, you’re spoiled for choice. But it is a wonderful place to just get into the Christmas mood too. The park itself is beautiful at this time of year. It is a lovely place to just wrap up warm and explore. It is also completely accessible to all.

The Winter Wonderland itself is free, and there are over 100 Christmas stalls to browse for last-minute gifts. These sell everything from jewellery to Christmas treats to keep you going. There are a number of ticketed attractions however, so make sure you book ahead for these. For more accessibility information, check out their dedicated page here.

Quingo Scooters Accessible Christmas Hyde Park

Explore the light trail at RHS Garden Wisley

RHS Wisley is one of the most renowned gardens in the world and is a wonderful place to visit at any time of the year. There is a huge amount to explore here, from its world-class plant collections to seasonal events such as a magical Christmas light trail.

The light installations are inspired by the plants and trees in the garden and are truly beautiful, especially on these dark winter nights. Follow the accessible trail from the welcome building. 

Once you’ve taken in the light trail, there is still plenty to keep you busy. The restaurant here is excellent, as is the plant centre where you can get advice from some of the best in the business. They’re all fully accessible to mobility scooter users too.

Quingo Scooters Accessible Christmas Tours RHS Garden Wisley
Editorial credit: Alexandra Glen / Shutterstock.com

Blow away the cobwebs with a Boxing Day trail in Brighton’s Stanmer Park

After a few days of over-indulgence, there is nothing quite like getting out and enjoying some fresh air. Of course, there are a huge number of accessible trails right across the country, and we’ve picked out some of our favourites in a previous post.

But for this festive season, we recommend the lovely Stanmer Park near to Brighton. It is a five-mile trail though beautifully peaceful woodland. There are a few hills but the trail is firm and accessible.

The surroundings are peaceful, and a day out here is the perfect way to recharge your batteries. If you’re looking to finish the trail with a meal, then the Swan Inn in Falmer does affordable, no-nonsense pub grub.

About Quingo Scooters

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

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

All Quingo Personal Mobility Vehicles are provided by Forever Active, the UK’s exclusive distributor. Forever Active is a trading name of Advantage Marketing Corporation Limited (AMC).  AMC Limited is an appointed representative of First Senior Insurance Services Ltd which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. First Senior Insurance Services FSA Register number is 30847

Days Out, Holidays, Quingo Scooters

Accessible getaways: Best accessible Christmas activities with kids

For children, Christmas really is the most wonderful time of the year. So, if you’ve got little ones of your own, or grandchildren visiting, what can you do to make their Christmas even more special?

To help you out, we’ve picked some of our favourite Christmas kids’ accessible activities. From an Elf Emporium and Gingerbread House to a trip to one of the UK’s biggest shopping destinations, there’s plenty to choose from. Here is Quingo Scooters’ guide to the best accessible Christmas activities with kids.

Quingo Scooters - santa's grotto and elf emporium

Santa’s Grotto and Elf Emporium

The Milky Way Adventure Park near Clovelly in North Devon offers a magical and fun-filled day out for all the family this festive season.

In Santa’s Grotto and the Elf Emporium on 7, 8, 14, 15, 20, 21 and 22 December you can meet Father Christmas, decorate gingerbread, write a letter to Santa and make Reindeer food. In the lovely Buzzlewick’s Elf Emporium, Buzzlewick the elf and friends will be helping father Christmas to sort and load children’s letters ready for him to take back to the North Pole. As well as lots of festive fun, there are plenty of other activities to take part in, including Ziggy’s Blast Quest, indoor Droid Destroyer dodgems, a mini train ride and an indoor pay area. It’s very popular and so booking is essential. You can book online here.

quingo scooter - Blenheim Palace light trail and Alice in the Palace
Editorial credit: Fulcanelli / Shutterstock.com

Blenheim Palace light trail and Alice in the Palace

If you want to put a bit of sparkle into your Christmas with kids, then an accessible light trail is a magical way to spend a few hours. One of our favourites is at the spectacular Blenheim Palace.

We particularly love this one because of its incredible scale. There’s an aerial light show, an illuminated waterfall, and even glowing flowers among the snowdrops. It’s stunning. There’s also a wonderful Water Terrace light finale, family rides, hot chocolate and toasted marshmallows to choose from.

There’s also Alice in the Palace – a topsy-turvy wonderland that brings the magic of Alice In Wonderland to life.

The team at Blenheim have done a great job of making this place as accessible as possible. However, our advice, as always, is to just give them a quick call to make sure they have everything you need for your visit.  You can get in touch with them on 01993 810530.

The Gingerbread House

York Mansion House is bursting with festive fun and flavour this year – it’s being transformed into a Gingerbread house!

Bring the family along for the day and immerse yourselves in the delightful displays and decorations. It really is a feast for the senses that includes a Gingerbread Trail and dressing up for kids, mulled wine for the adults. And, of course – gingerbread.

The Gingerbread house is accessible and open until 22 December. You don’t need to book in advance. But we recommend visiting the Mansion House website for more information about prices and opening times, before your trip.

Quingo Scooters - Father Christmas in his grotto

Visit Father Christmas in his grotto

Shopping is pretty much unavoidable at this time of year. And if you’re in the London area, there’s a good chance that you’ll find yourself at the gigantic Westfield shopping centre at some point. Of course, picking up those last-minute Christmas gifts with kids in tow can get stressful. So why not book at trip to Santa’s Snowflake Grotto while you’re there?

We’ve picked this one out for a couple of reasons. Firstly, it’s just a fun experience for the little ones. They get to meet Santa in his cabin, receive a gift and even make their own Christmas decoration.

But of course, we’ve also chosen it for its accessibility. The team at Westfield have made the attraction as accessible as possible, and any helpers get in for free. They recommend that once you’ve booked your ticket, just drop them a line at [email protected] to let them know of any other special requirements.

About Quingo Scooters

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

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

All Quingo Personal Mobility Vehicles are provided by Forever Active, the UK’s exclusive distributor. Forever Active is a trading name of Advantage Marketing Corporation Limited (AMC).  AMC Limited is an appointed representative of First Senior Insurance Services Ltd which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. First Senior Insurance Services FSA Register number is 30847

Attractions, Days Out, Holidays, Quingo Scooters

Accessible getaways abroad: Accessible Christmas Markets

Is there anything better to get you in a festive mood than a Christmas market? They bring together everything that is best about the time of the year. Great food and drink, local handicrafts and a warm atmosphere. And because they are often outside, they are one of the most accessible activities you can enjoy this time of year.

But while we’ve seen a rise in the number of the markets over recent years, they’re not all created equal. And at a time of year when time and money is at a premium, you don’t want to be wasting either. So, to help you out, here is Quingo Scooters guide to the very best and most accessible Christmas markets out there.

Christkindlesmarkt, Nuremberg

Nuremberg is home to the Christmas market to end all Christmas markets. Germany is synonymous with Christmas markets, and you are spoiled for choice right across the country. But this is beautiful market in the city’s Hauptmarkt is the real deal.

It’s been around since at least the 17th century, but it could be far older. It is rich in tradition, from the Christkind parade that kicks it off, to the stalls themselves. These are packed with plenty of local delicacies and handicrafts. The space between them is also easily navigable on your scooter.

If you’re looking for a souvenir, then we recommend you find a rauschgoldengel. These golden angel decorations are the symbol of Christmas here. And while you’re hunting for one, buy yourself a Nuremberg sausage to keep you going!

For more information on how to get around Nuremberg, head to the city’s official site here.

Vánoční trhy, Old Town Square, Prague

Truly one of our favourite destinations on the planet, we’ve featured a getaway in the Czech capital before in Accessible Getaways Abroad: Accessible Prague.

Prague is great at any time of the year, and although it can get seriously cold, it’s well worth heading there for Christmas. Of course, expect plenty of crowds – this is Prague after all, and the Old Town Square is busy 365 days a year. But don’t let that put you off.

Prepare for a sensory overload. This is one of the most beautiful squares in Europe, and when the Christmas market is running it is a riot of light, colour, sights and smells. You can buy anything here, from ceramics to wooden handicrafts. There is even a stable with a real live donkey!

If you’re feeling peckish, try some pastries (trdelník) or roasted hams (pražská šunka). And of course, there is always plenty of great Czech beer or warm mulled wine on hand to wash it all down.

Quingo Scooters Accessible Christmas Market Prague

St Nicholas Fair, York

Something a little closer to home now, and a market in one of the UK’s most beautiful and historic cities. York’s St Nicholas Fair is a traditional Christmas market that is full of local Yorkshire delicacies from local producers. It recently won an award for Best Large Speciality Market, and we think it’s well deserved.  

Once again, you’re surrounded by the smell of mulled wine and warm mince pies as you browse the stalls. But what makes York so special is the stunning medieval surroundings. It’s hard to imagine a more Christmassy setting. And if the market isn’t enough, you could also head to The Grand Hotel on Station Rise to have Afternoon Tea in The Grand Boardroom (with Christmas carols!). There are accessible lifts to all floors.

St Nicholas Fair is fully accessible and runs through to 22nd December.

Quingo Scooters Accessible Christmas Markets York
Editorial credit: Ms Deborah Waters / Shutterstock.com

The Christmas village, Hafnarfjörður

We can’t talk about Christmas markets without mentioning this very special town in Iceland. It might not be one of the biggest Christmas markets, but we love it for its uniquely Icelandic atmosphere. Hafnarfjörður is now Iceland’s third largest town and is close enough to central Reykjavik to be easily accessible. It truly comes to life around Christmas, when it opens its own Christmas village in the old town.

This must be one of the few Christmas markets where you can relax in a geothermal pool before heading off to browse the stalls. These feature plenty of traditional Icelandic crafts, as well as lots of local delicacies to keep you going. We recommend the delicious laufabrauð flatbreads, or some tasty piparkökur ginger snaps.

The market is only 20 minutes by bus from the centre of Reykjavik and is completely accessible to all.

Did you know?

Dresden holds the record for the oldest official Christmas market – they first held one there way back in 1434!

Travelling with scooters

The great news for those of you travelling abroad is that Quingo Scooters are all approved for air travel by IATA so you won’t have any problems taking them on the plane. That said, it is always well worth getting in touch directly with any train, bus and airlines you want to use just to double check their rules on scooters before you go. For more handy tips on travelling with your scooter by air, take a look at our page here.

Share your accessible getaways abroad with us

Do you have any accessible getaways abroad recommendations? In Europe or perhaps further afield? If you do, we’d love to hear from you, so drop us a line and we’ll feature them.

About Quingo Scooters

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

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

All Quingo Personal Mobility Vehicles are provided by Forever Active, the UK’s exclusive distributor. Forever Active is a trading name of Advantage Marketing Corporation Limited (AMC).  AMC Limited is an appointed representative of First Senior Insurance Services Ltd which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. First Senior Insurance Services FSA Register number is 30847