Tag Archives: accessible

Accessible Routes, Days Out, Quingo Scooters

Quingo Accessible Routes: Virginia Water, Windsor Great Park Estate

When you’re fancying a change of scenery, or a bit of fresh air, there’s nothing better than going for a trip outdoors on your mobility scooter. In our Accessible Routes series, Quingo Scooters are sharing some outdoor routes for you to take on your mobility scooter.

QUINGO ACCESSIBLE ROUTES: VIRGINIA WATER, WINDSOR GREAT PARK ESTATE 2

Virginia Water and the Valley Gardens

Virginia Water and the Valley Gardens are part of the Windsor Great Park Estate, located in Wentworth, Surrey. Created by the shared vision of Sir Eric Savill and Hope Finlay, these valleys were planted with exotic azaleas, magnolias and other booms from all over the world. A truly exceptional place, there are many routes in Windsor Great Park Estate. It is exceptionally well kept, and combined with its accessible paths it makes for a great day out for everyone. The sights you’ll see are absolutely beautiful, The Valley Gardens is famous for its wonderful Punch Bowl display – a natural amphitheatre of multi-coloured azaleas which are in full bloom each May.

Accessible Route 

Name: Virginia Water

Type of route: Circular

Distance: 4.5 miles

Gradient: A few ups and downs

Terrain: Easy

Facilities: Parking, Pub, Toilets, Café

QUINGO ACCESSIBLE ROUTES: VIRGINIA WATER, WINDSOR GREAT PARK ESTATE 3QUINGO ACCESSIBLE ROUTES: VIRGINIA WATER, WINDSOR GREAT PARK ESTATE 3

You can find the car park to Virginia Water just off the A30 – if you are using a satellite navigation system simply enter the postcode GU25 4QF. When you reach the car park, follow the brown tourist signs for the Savill Garden.

A circular route of 4.5 miles, Virginia Water has a great path suitable for mobility scooters, wheelchairs and pushchairs. The first three miles of the route are tarmac, taking you around the lake and offering some really picturesque views. After this the path slopes gradually for around 40 metres, so make sure to take extra care on this section. The path for the remaining 1.5 miles is gravel, but is still more than accessible. There are plenty of benches in the first part of the route if members of the group wish to stop for a rest, however there are less in the second part.

Throughout the route there are plenty of signs and information boards if you wish to learn a few facts on your way around. This is great, as it makes the route incredibly easy to follow. There are also maps provided within The Valley Gardens which highlight a mobility scooter walk through the gardens. It also highlights other points of interest, so it’s a great idea to pick one of these up!

Toilets can be found in the pub, which is directly by the Virginia Water car park. At the start of the route, you’ll also come across an ice cream and snack bar.  Inside the Savill Garden Centre, you’ll find a lovely cage and shop to browse around at your leisure.

Disclaimer: Please remember to always exercise caution – Quingo cannot be held responsible for any accidents that may occur whilst exploring the route. If you aren’t sure about certain parts of the route, it’s best to avoid them.

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.

Accessible Routes, Quingo Scooters

Quingo Accessible Routes: Mills Pit and Common, Bedfordshire

Quingo Scooters know just how great it is to get outdoors and into the countryside, to get some fresh air and appreciate the fantastic scenery! In our Accessible Routes series, we’ll be sharing some routes for you to take on your mobility scooter, where you can spend a day in the great outdoors.

QUINGO ACCESSIBLE ROUTES: MILLS PIT AND COMMON, BEDFORDSHIRE 2

Arlesey, Bedfordshire

Arlesey is a large village in Bedfordshire, located near the border with Hertfordshire and about three miles north-west of Letchworth Garden City.  Through the mid twentieth century, Arlesey had a thriving brick making industry, with five brickworks operating around the town in 1900. Although the famous Arlesey White bricks are no longer produced there, you’ll find lakes in place of some of the old sites. The Blue Lagoon is now used for sailing, whilst the Green Lagoon is used for fishing.

Accessible Route

Name: Mills Pit and Common

Type of route: Circular, there and back

Distance: 1 mile

Gradient: A few ups and downs

Terrain: Medium

Facilities: Parking, Pub, Toilets, Café

This route is a great for when you fancy a nice short trip out. It’s circular with a few ups and downs but is a largely easy route that will take you along the banks of the River Hiz. The kissing gates and paths are both mobility scooter friendly.

QUINGO ACCESSIBLE ROUTES: MILLS PIT AND COMMON, BEDFORDSHIRE 3
Editorial credit: cj127Photography / Shutterstock.com

The route starts at the village hall, where you should leave the car park and turn left. You’ll then meet a multiple junction after about a quarter of a mile – this is the old site of the village pump. Interestingly, a replica of this can be found outside the village hall where the route starts and ends.

Here, you should turn right and head up the hill to the railway bridge. Immediately over the bridge, turn right and follow the track to the bottom of the hill and round to the left to the end of Mill Lane.

Follow the path through the kissing gate along the riverside path. Here you’ll find two disabled fishing points if that’s something you’re interested in. After that you’ll pass through another kissing gate, where the footpath finishes and you enter the Mill Pits Meadows. Follow this to the bridge and you’ll find a weir on the river where there are two accessible picnic tables. This is a site of one of the old mills, and the remains of the millrace can even be seen in the water.

This is a great opportunity to relax and take in the sights of the river and the wildlife. The river has an abundance of fish, and you may even see a Kingfisher flash past. When you’re ready to return to the village hall, simply go back the way you came.

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.

Holidays, Quingo Scooters

Quingo Accessible Getaways: The Moat House, Annan

Here at Quingo Scooters we love browsing for getaways, somewhere to sneak off to for the weekend, or even spend the whole week somewhere if you fancy! In our accessible series we’ve been discovering some of the best accessible holidays and getaways around, at home and abroad.

This week we’re discovering a fully accessible cosy winter getaway, perfect for those chilly nights wrapped up next to the log fire.

QUINGO ACCESSIBLE GETAWAYS: THE MOAT HOUSE, ANNAN 2

Annan

A town and former royal burgh in Dumfries and Galloway, Annan is located in south-west Scotland. It’s known for its public buildings such as Annan Academy, the Georgian building known as ‘Bridge House’ and the Historic Resources Centre. With the river embanked, Annan serves as a maritime town whose shipyards build many clippers and other boats. Today the small town is full of fascinating architecture and relaxing river views.

The Moat House

Located on the edge of Annan, The Moat House is a bright and spacious holiday cottage. Equipped with everything a family with disabled members or friends might need, The Moat House is the perfect place to take a well-deserved holiday. Located in the bustling little town of Annan, you’ll find everything you need with the independent shops and cafes.

The Moat House is a unique historic building in an interesting location, and the cottage has been uniquely designed with accessibility in mind, whether yourself or someone in your party just needs a little assistance or everyday tasks. There is level access to the whole of the house, with lifts between floors making it suitable for mobility scooters throughout. Everything is in place to ensure you have a relaxing and carefree getaway.

There are loads of places to visit and things to do whilst you’re there too. These include:

QUINGO ACCESSIBLE GETAWAYS: THE MOAT HOUSE, ANNAN 3

Accessibility

The cottages have incredible accessible facilities, whilst providing a holiday that is perfect for all ages – and pets are welcome!

On arrival to the cottage you’ll find a spacious, welcoming reception hall that has space for parking and charging your mobility scooter. Moving on the kitchen, this is equipped with ovens, cupboards and fridges at a lowered height. There is a rise and fall sink and hob, and an accessible dining table to enjoy your meals at.

In all of the bedrooms you’ll find either a twin or double contouring bed, a configuring bed, a king-size bed, and optional pull out additional beds. The bathrooms feature a rise and fall shower, high and low sinks, accessible toilets and ceiling track hoists.

More details on the facilities in the cottage can be found on The Moat House Website.

Share your accessible getaway with Quingo!

If you want to share your mobility scooter accessible getaway, we’d be delighted to hear from you. You can email your stories, recommendations and pictures by filling out the contact form on the Quingo Scooters 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: Emirates Spinnaker Tower, Portsmouth

Here at Quingo Scooters we’re 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 for a fantastic day out!

In this post we’re exploring great heights in Portsmouth!

QUINGO ACCESSIBLE ATTRACTIONS: EMIRATES SPINNAKER TOWER, PORTSMOUTH 2

Emirates Spinnaker Tower

Standing 170 metres above Portsmouth Harbour and the Solent, the Emirates Spinnaker Tower is an established British icon. Taller than the London Eye, Blackpool Tower and Big ben, the landmark observation tower opened in 2005. Part of the redevelopment of Portsmouth Harbour, the Emirates Spinnaker Tower’s shape was chosen by Portsmouth residents and reflects the city’s maritime history.

What is there to do?

Since opening, over 2.5 million people have made a trip to the Tower to appreciate the magnificent views. There are three decks on the tower – Deck 1, Deck 2 and the Sky Deck which is the highest deck.

You can start your experience by watching the Tower’s new animated film show where you can learn everything you need to know about Portsmouth’s past. After that you can surround yourself with breath-taking 350 degree city, country and seascapes stretching over 23 miles – definitely a sight you won’t forget in a hurry! There’s also a view guarantee offered by the Tower – if you can’t see the three Solent Forts on the day of your visit, you can return for free within 3 months. With i-view touchscreens and audio guides throughout, every member of the group will be engrossed.

On deck 2 you’ll discover the café, where you can enjoy afternoon tea whilst you take in the spectacular views.  Also available are a selection of sandwiches, sweet treats, scones with clotted cream and jam, and a selection of teas and coffee. You can see the entire menu here.

If you want to make a night of it, the Emirates Spinnaker Tower also hosts their own Comedy Club. On selected nights throughout the year, you’ll be able to see famous acts from the best TV comedy shows such as Live at the Apollo, Mock the Week, 8 out of 10 Cats and more.

QUINGO ACCESSIBLE ATTRACTIONS: EMIRATES SPINNAKER TOWER, PORTSMOUTH 3

Accessibility

Emirates Spinnaker Tower tried to enable as many visitors as possible to experience the stunning views it has to offer. Decks 1 and 2 are fully accessible via an internal lift and audio guides, group guided tours, informative guide books and other facilities are available.

There are some blue badge spaces in the car park which is nearby, with an accessible lift to take you up to ground floor level. There are also accessible toilet facilities in the Tower.

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.