Tag Archives: accessible days out

Days Out

Quingo Scooters Accessible Getaway Aberdeen

Aberdeen is a truly unique city. Its architecture is defined by the granite that gives it its nickname, and the culture of the place is very much wrapped up in the city’s long maritime history. Here is Quingo Scooters’ guide to Aberdeen, the hidden jewel of the north east of Scotland.

Enjoy the unique architecture of St Machar’s Cathedral

If there is one thing you’ll notice when you head to Aberdeen (apart from the wind), it’s the city’s stunning buildings. The city is largely built out of granite, and one of the most impressive buildings is the ancient St Machar’s Cathedral. The first Norman cathedral was built on this site in 1131, and the building’s stunning stained glass windows and fortified frontage are well worth a look. The walls do contain a dark secret though – when William Wallace (of Braveheart fame) was hanged, drawn and quartered, one part of him was buried in the walls.

There is no accessible toilet (you’ll have to use the one at The Hub in St Machar’s Drive nearby), but other than that there is level access via automatic doors into this medieval building. Once you’re inside there is access throughout, with the exception of the gallery. The cathedral doesn’t have its own car park, but there are often spaces next to the churchyard itself.

Have a peaceful moment in Johnson Gardens

If the dark drama of St Machar’s is all too much then we recommend spending a few hours among the colourful blooms of the Japanese themed Johnson Gardens. It’s been part of Aberdeen’s daily life since the thirties and it is a wonderful place to come and enjoy some natural peace and quiet in the heart of the city. It’s especially beautiful at the moment as the spring flowers come into bloom. There is relatively level access throughout the gardens, but look out for a few steep slopes. The paths are a mix of tarmac, cobbles, and some chipping. It has its own car park, but no designated Blue Badge holder spaces.

Soak up some of Aberdeen’s maritime heritage

Of course the sea is an ever present influence in Aberdeen, and there are few better places to get a sense of this history than the Aberdeen Maritime Museum. It is a fascinating way to learn more about this city’s long and often dramatic relationship with the sea, and includes collections that cover everything from ship building to fishing and of course, the oil and gas industry. It is also almost fully accessible to those of us using a mobility scooter, with ramps and lifts throughout. It doesn’t have its own parking, but there are designated Blue Badge spaces at the Shiprow NCP car park nearby

Get hands on with history and culture at Aberdeen Treasure Hub

Aberdeen’s main art gallery is currently closed for a huge refurbishment, but many of its treasures are on display at the Aberdeen Treasure Hub. This unique place is where the city stores many of its collections when they are not on display in the city museums and galleries, and is a fascinating opportunity to see everything from objects that are a part of the city’s maritime history through to some of its most famous paintings. It is only open on Wednesdays and Thursdays but it is well worth making the time to visit this fascinating (and fully accessible) experience. You will need to book in advance though, so just give the team a call on 0 3000 200 293 to arrange your visit.

Eating out in Aberdeen

There are plenty of great places to eat out in Aberdeen, and if you are looking for something cheap and cheerful then you can’t do much better than Jo Jo’s Coffee Shop. It’s fully accessible and just a fantastically friendly place to enjoy lunch (and we also recommend their afternoon tea). If you’re after something a bit more up market then head to the No 1 Bar & Grill on Queen’s Terrace. It’s still pretty informal but they serve a great range of modern Scottish dishes (think lots of fresh fish and steak) and it’s level and accessible too.

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

Accessible Routes, Days Out, Quingo Scooters

Quingo Scooters Accessible Spa Towns

The UK is blessed with many wonderful natural resources, from our National Parks to the many areas of wilderness and the dramatic landscapes that we have to explore. But our natural springs are another resource that can also be found up and down the country, and they have been a draw for visitors for millennia. Here is Quingo Scooters’ guide to some of the UK’s most accessible spa towns and experiences.

Bath

We had to start with Bath, a place that is (literally) synonymous with its beautiful Roman spas. As Britain’s most famous spa town, you most certainly won’t be alone when you visit, but it is possible to get away from the crowds (particularly during the week) and bathe in the city’s world famous hot springs. You’ll find that plenty of the hotels have their own spas, but we recommend the Thermae New Royal Bath for a traditional spa in a modern, accessible setting. It is fully accessible with lifts and ramps throughout, although we do recommend giving the team there a call on 01225 33 1234 to discuss any particular needs you might have. Appropriately enough, you’ll find the baths on Bath Street and Hot Bath Street. If you are arriving by car, then there are 11 Blue Badge spaces at the nearby Avon Street car park.

Editorial credit: aroundworld / Shutterstock.com

Harrogate

Heading north now to Harrogate, another spa town that has built its reputation on the quality of its spring water. The springs in Harrogate were first discovered in 1571 by William Slingsby and the town has been a popular destination for generations of visitors ever since. The centrepiece of Harrogate’s spa experience are the wonderful Turkish Baths. These fully restored Victorian baths are absolutely stunning, and they offer a range of treatments and spa experiences to enjoy. It is a lavish, luxurious experience, and the team there are also very helpful to visitors who have a range of mobility requirements. There are accessible changing facilities including a wet room and many of the baths and treatments themselves are accessible. You can also park nearby at the Jubilee Car Park on Union Street which has a number of Blue Badge spaces.

Cheltenham

We have picked Cheltenham partly because it just a beautiful place to be. This Regency period spa town is a real jewel, set in the rolling hills of the Cotswolds (also designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty). The town’s mineral springs were first discovered way back in 1716 and its reputation as a place to get away, rest and relax has only grown in the intervening years. While the town itself is peaceful enough, we also have to recommend Ellenborough Park, a local spa that is hidden away close to Cleeve Hill. The hotel there has four accessible bedrooms with ensuite facilities, and the spa itself is also fully accessible, with lifts, level access and handrails. You can park on the grounds, and there are 11 spaces reserved for Blue Badge holders.

Great Malvern

Another town in an Area of Outstanding Beauty, Malvern has been famous for its spring water since the Victorians first discovered its healing properties. They were responsible for a huge boom in the town as visitors flocked to enjoy hydrotherapy treatments, and while the town is a little quieter now than it was in its Victorian heyday, it is still a truly relaxing place to unwind. The town itself is well worth exploring, with a new fully accessible theatre in the Winter Gardens and some beautiful examples of Victorian architecture in the town centre. We also loved The Malvern Spa, a modern, accessible spa experience that includes a 20 metre hydrotherapy pool, a salt grotto and even a ‘herb sauna’. Give the team a call on 01684 878831 to discuss any special requirements you might have before you visit.

Spa accessibility

Because most spas have been built with relaxation and recuperation in mind, you will find that most will be generally accessible to those of us with different mobility needs. It is always worth giving the spa team a call before you go however just to make sure that your stay is as comfortable as possible. When it comes to having the very best accessible spa experience, it is the little things, like an extra towel to cover the hot metal arms of a wheelchair while you are in a steam room, that can make all the difference.

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 308478.

Attractions, Days Out, Quingo Scooters

Quingo Scooters Accessible Getaways: A Day Out in Manchester

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

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

Quingo Scooters Manchester

What to do

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Where to eat and drink

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

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

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

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

Quingo Scooters Manchester

Getting there

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

About Quingo

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

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

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

Attractions, Days Out, Quingo Scooters

Quingo Scooters Accessible Attractions: Museum of London Docklands, London

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

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

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

What’s on

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

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

Where to eat and drink

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

Opening times and prices

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

Quingo Scooters Museum of London Docklands

Getting there

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

Accessibility

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

About Quingo

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

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

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

Attractions, Days Out, Quingo Scooters, Reviews

Quingo Scooters Accessible Attractions: Edinburgh Christmas Markets

One of the UK’s most popular Christmas markets, Edinburgh has created six spectacular weeks of festive delights this year. Christmas celebrations cover the entire city, with plenty to see and do and a warming drink or delicious food on offer as you take it all in. As Quingo Scooters heads north, we’re bringing you a festive edition of our Accessible Attractions series to celebrate Edinburgh Christmas Markets!

Set against the beautiful backdrop of Edinburgh Castle, you can take in the festivities of the Hogmanay street party or go shopping for unique gifts the whole family will enjoy. Edinburgh Christmas Markets provide the perfect festive fun – pre or post-Christmas Day – for everyone!

Quingo Scooters Edinburgh Christmas Market 2

What’s on

  • 24 Days of Advent (1-24 December): Every day leading up Christmas, a real-life advent calendar will be opened. On each day, a building around Edinburgh that’s usually closed to the public will be opening its doors for you to explore. From the gin distillery to the National Museum of Scotland, there’s plenty for everyone to see and enjoy, all for free!
  • Scottish Markets: Located in St Andrew Square, you can find lots of amazing craft, food and drink. All locally sourced from Scotland, the treats include locally produced sausages, Edinburgh gin, Scottish brewed craft beer and beautifully crafted jewellery and woodwork. Open every day, it’s the perfect place to pick up a few presents or treat yourself this festive season.
  • Santa’s Grotto (18 November-24 December 2017): No Christmas market is complete without a Father Christmas. This chance for children to meet him is a delight for all, as you gather round to hear a festive fairytale. After meeting Father Christmas and his helpers, children will receive a small gift.

Quingo Scooters Edinburgh Christmas Market 3

Opening times and prices

The attraction is free to enter and is open from 19 November to 7 January. East Princes Street Gardens, St. Andrew Square and George Street are open from 10am to 10pm, with various attractions open throughout the day. More information can be found here.

Getting there

Located in the heart of the city, Edinburgh Christmas Markets take place across multiple city centre locations. These are East Princes Street Gardens, St Andrew Square, Festival Square and George Street. The markets are accessible through all major transport links. If you are travelling by train, Edinburgh Waverly is located a short distance away from all locations. There is blue badge parking at various locations throughout the city, as well as buses and trams throughout the city. Although in different locations, the markets are a very short distance from each other, with plenty to see on the way. More information is available here.

Accessibility

The pathways through Edinburgh Christmas Markets have been made as even as possible, to aid accessibility and with ramps to many stalls. Some rides are accessible, including wider pods in the Big Wheel and wheelchairs are allowed on the ice rink.

Blue badge parking is also available on Frederick Street, George Street, Hanover Street and Waterloo Place. More information 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.