Tag Archives: attractions

Attractions, Days Out, Quingo Scooters

Quingo Accessible Attractions: Brodsworth Hall

If you’re a history enthusiast, you’ll find plenty of sites to visit throughout the UK on your mobility scooter. Here at Quingo Scooters, we’re building up a guide of accessible attractions for you to check out, allowing you to delve into the fascinating depths of our country’s past on your next getaway.

This time we’re taking you to Brodsworth Hall. One of South Yorkshire’s must-see attractions, this is a grand Victorian country house, which boasts some of the most beautiful gardens you’ll ever see.

QUINGO ACCESSIBLE ATTRACTIONS: BRODSWORTH HALL 3

Brodsworth Hall

Brodsworth Hall was originally built in the 1860s in Doncaster, South Yorkshire. The property, which is a great example of the Italianate architectural style, survived mostly in-tact through the trials and tribulations of the 20th Century, before being taken on by English Heritage in 1990, who then opened it up to the public. You can get a fascinating glimpse into the Victorian vision of life at Brodsworth Hall.

You can check out the home itself by taking the Union Guided Tour. On this excursion, you’ll see the mansion’s sumptuously decorated halls and bedrooms, which really evoke a sense of classic 19th Century grandeur. You’ll also see the billiard room – a perfectly preserved gentleman’s retreat. The tour further features visits to the library, which still has its original faded carpets and wallpaper and the Victorian kitchen, known for its impressive range of authentic cooking tools. The property also boasts delightful tearooms, where you can indulge in traditional English treats at reasonable prices.

QUINGO ACCESSIBLE ATTRACTIONS: BRODSWORTH HALL 2

The gardens are also well worth a visit and there are several for you to explore. This includes the formal garden, known for its meticulously manicured lawns, grand three-tiered Dolphin fountain and precise geometric flower beds, which are filled with everything from violas to tulips. Other spaces you can visit include the Italian Garden, known for its wildflowers and shrubbery and the Rose Garden, which has a 45 metre pergola bedecked in scented roses, honeysuckle and vines, at its very centre.

You can visit Brodsworth Hall from 10am to 4pm. The gardens, tea rooms and servants’ quarters – where you can learn how the ‘other half’ lived in Victorian times, are open daily, year round, but the house itself only opens in summer. You can enter for free if you’re an English Heritage member, which costs as little as £3.63 per month, otherwise an adult ticket to Brodsworth Hall will cost you £10.40. As the house is closed right now, you can get an adult ticket for the rest of Brodsworth Hall for £6.70. Visit the ‘prices and opening times’ section of Brodsworth Hall’s website to learn more.

Getting around

You’ll be able to travel to and get around Brodsworth Hall easily. Just head to the ‘plan your visit’ section of their website, so you can see how to reach the site by car or public transport. There are five accessible parking spaces directly outside of Brodsworth Hall and there’s level access to the entrance.

Brodsworth Hall is really easy to navigate as a mobility scooter user. The ground floor is completely level and there’s an original Victorian lift which you can take up to the first floor, giving you access to the property’s lavish bedrooms. Brodsworth Hall also features an exhibition which sheds light on the property’s past, which has level access, and there’s also ramped access to its tea rooms and shop.

English Heritage has made sure that Brodsworth Hall promotes comfort for all users. There are accessible toilets located throughout the property. Meanwhile, the property’s Formal, Grove and Rose Gardens are all lined with tarmac paths, so you’ll have no problem exploring these lush, scenic areas on your mobility scooter. Head to the ‘access’ page of Brodsworth Hall’s website to discover more!

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, Holidays, Quingo Scooters

Quingo Accessible Getaways: York

There are so many great British cities that welcome mobility scooter users that it’s hard to know where to start when planning you next holiday. At Quingo Scooters, we’re making it easier for you to explore the UK’s cultural landscape at your leisure, by revealing our top picks of accessible getaways.

Today we’re heading for York, based in the heart of North Yorkshire, England’s biggest county today. It was founded originally by the Romans, who called it ‘Eboracum’. Alongside Bath York is one of the UK’s oldest continuously habituated cities, with a wealth of historical sites just waiting for you.

QUINGO ACCESSIBLE GETAWAYS: YORK 2

Welcome to York

York is an incredibly charming city, known by tourists across the world for its quaint shops, magnificent architecture, classic pubs and historic atmosphere. It has various accessible attractions, including:

  • York Minster: Built in the 7th Century, York Minster is one of the UK’s oldest cathedrals. Free to visit, it has a treasure trove of must-see sites. These include medieval stained glass windows, magnificent statues of English kings and an undercroft, where you’ll find ancient cultural treasures. The majority of York Minster is level and there’s an accessible lift to the undercroft.
  • York Art Gallery: Based on Exhibition Square, a stone’s throw away from the Minster, York Art Gallery is a true site to behold. It includes pieces spanning over 600 years, such as paintings, drawings and ceramics, shedding light on the UK’s glorious cultural past. You can check out the space free of charge and it’s very accessible, with a lift going up to its upper gallery.
  • Grand Opera House: Watch talented musical performance at York’s Grand Opera House. Based on Cumberland Street, the venue hosts everything from moving musicals to fun tribute acts. You can book a place to a show online at ATG Tickets. The Grand Opera House is mostly accessible, with spacious toilets and the venue’s staff always on hand to help.
  • National Railway Museum: If you’re curious about how the UK went from a rural society, to a global industrial power, check out the National Railway Museum. You can enter without paying a penny, and you’ll find the museum on Leeman Road, just a few minutes away from York Train Station. Fully accessible, the space’s exhibits tell the story of the rise of rail in Britain.

QUINGO ACCESSIBLE GETAWAYS: YORK 3

Getting around

York is a very mobility scooter-friendly city. The easiest way to get there is by train, with the centrally located York Train Station serving as your gateway into the city. There are plenty of taxi services that you can use to navigate the city, with a list available here. This includes York Wheels, a service where, for a small fee, volunteers will take you around York. Most of its buses and park and ride services are also accessible, with more details, including a journey route planner tool, listed at Travel York.

Finding a place to stay in York, which is known for its mix of modern hotels and traditional town houses, is easy. There’s a list of accessible York hotels available on Euansguide, which includes the very affordable Hotel 53. Located at 53 Piccadilly, in central York, the hotel boasts affordable, spacious accessible rooms, complete with en-suite facilities and lifts throughout the building. It also offers delicious food, with the option of having breakfast sent to your room (for £4) between Mondays and Fridays.

There are accessible toilets located across York, open from 8am to 8pm. Some will be attended, for which you will require a RADAR card, these are available at a cost of £3.50 for those who have a blue badge. You can call York Visitor Centre on 01904 550099 or go to their website, http://www.visityork.org to get in touch with staff and find out more.

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: York Minster

Over the centuries the UK built up a rich cultural legacy, leaving behind plenty of majestic buildings, such as cathedrals, for you to explore as a mobility scooter user. At Quingo Scooters, we’re devoted to helping you plan exciting days out, so we’re building up a list of these accessible attractions.

We want to draw your attention to one of this country’s most visited religious sites today. Join us as we head to the iconic York Minster, which should be included on any history buff’s bucket list!

QUINGO ACCESSIBLE ATTRACTIONS: YORK MINSTER 2

York Minster

Based in the heart of York, the city’s eponymous Minster was originally built by the Anglo-Saxons way back in 637 A.D. The glorious building was renovated throughout the centuries, taking on its current gothic façade during the 13th Century. Today the Minster houses a treasure trove of medieval stained glass artworks and stone masterpieces, such as its gothic nave, for you to check out.

York Minster boasts various must-see sites like a grand 19th Century organ and collections based in the Minster’s legendary undercoft including priceless artefacts such as the horn of Ulf, a 1000 year old decorated elephant tusk. The Minster is also home to the King’s Screen, which features statues of 15 English Kings. Other areas of interest include its octagonal Chapter House and the five sisters’ window, built to commemorate the British Empire women who died in World War One.

You can also find a range of events to take part in at York Minster. This includes church services and performances by the talented Minster Choir. It opens for sightseeing between 9am and 5pm on weekdays, and between 12.45pm and 5pm on Sundays, with adult tickets for the Minster itself coming in at £10. Visit the York Minster website’s opening times and admissions page to learn more.

QUINGO ACCESSIBLE ATTRACTIONS: YORK MINSTER 3

Navigating the Minster

York Minster’s staff have made it their mission to welcome every visitor, and it is very accessible for mobility scooter users. York Minster is about 10 minutes away from the city’s train station, making it simple for out-of-towners to find. It does not have a car park, but there are pay and display car parks a short distance away, with more details available on the getting here section of York Minster’s website.

The vast majority of York Minster is accessible, and you can learn more details by checking out the Accessibility portion of its website. You will have no problem entering the building, as the path outside is level and its double width doors measure 90cm in size. You will be immediately greeted by a reception desk, just 10 metres away from the doors, where you can find plenty of information on the Minster.

You can use your mobility scooter across most of the public areas of York Minster, as there is level access throughout. There is also a lift, situated just 58 metres away from York Minster’s entrance, which will take you down to the undercroft and crypt. The lift measures 135cm x 145cm and its doors are 90cm wide, while its controls are in reach for mobility scooter users. It also has a mirror, making it easier for you to reverse out. The entrance further houses a 90cm wide accessible toilet, with level access.

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, Holidays, Quingo Scooters

Quingo Accessible Getaways: Bath

Quingo Scooters likes to inspire users to become tourists, by travelling to some of the world’s top destinations on their mobility scooters. In our series of articles, we’re continuing to add to our list of accessible getaways both at home and abroad, which you can visit easily as a mobility scooter user.

Today we’re taking you to Bath. Located in Somerset, this is one of the country’s most popular tourist destinations, known especially for its fascinating historical attractions and stunning architecture.

QUINGO ACCESSIBLE GETAWAYS: BATH 1

Bath tourism

Originally established in Roman times, Bath is one of the UK’s oldest human settlements which still stands today. Due to its incredible history, the entire city of Bath is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and it’s the only British city to hold this honour. It features various accessible attractions, including:

  • Roman Baths: Built on top of natural hot springs, the Roman Baths were constructed in 70AD. This complex, which is one of the best preserved Roman ruins on earth, includes the remains of heated rooms, baths, statues and temples, making it a must for history enthusiasts. This site features accessible toilets, a ramp up to its entrance, accessible public areas and a lift.
  • Fashion Museum: This attraction houses eye-catching fashions dating back to 1600, with over 160 dressed figures for you to see. Here you’ll find everything from Georgian-era gowns to cutting-edge, modern styles, allowing you to explore the evolution of fashion. It includes an accessible entrance and accessible public areas and toilets, with lifts throughout the building.
  • Victoria Art Gallery: This is Bath’s second-most visited museum, attracting around 117,000 guests per year. It houses works produced by some of the greatest British artists. This includes a permanent collection, which is free to visit, featuring works from Turner and Gainsborough. Here you’ll find a ramp up to the main entrance, as well as a lift, enabling full accessibility.
  • No 1. Royal Crescent: Step back in time, by checking out this authentic Georgian townhouse. It is a fine example of Palladian architecture, having been built between 1767 and 1774. The house showcases various displays and exhibits which house authentic furniture, paintings, textiles and carpets from this era. It has level access to public areas and a lift.

Check out the Visit Bath website to familiarise yourself with the opening times and admission prices for these attractions. This site also features a plan your visit section, where you can download guides and brochures, and also learn about its Visitor Information Centre – the first port of call for many tourists.

QUINGO ACCESSIBLE GETAWAYS: BATH 2

Accessibility

On the plan your visit page, you’ll also find a handy access for all section, which features information on how you can take advantage of Bath as a mobility scooter user. It includes a list of accessible accommodation, such as the popular Holiday Inn Express. Located just a mile from Bath city centre and its railway station, the hotel has disabled parking, level access to all areas and accessible rooms. It also has accessible living areas and bathrooms, which include shower chairs, WCs with handrails and even furniture re-arrangement upon request.

The access for all page also covers the Visitor Information Centre, where you can find details on accessible accommodation and attractions. Located next to Bath Abbey, the Centre is less than a mile from the train station and is accessible by bus and taxi. The nearest carpark is less than five minutes away, on Manvers Street. You can find out more about the Visitors Information Centre, which has an automatic door and level access, on the accessibility statement included on the access for all page.

The access for all section is a fantastic resource for mobility scooter users, as it also features downloadable accessibility guides and details on mobility scooter friendly facilities.

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, Days Out, Quingo Scooters

Quingo Accessible Routes: Danbury Country Park

Quingo Scooters empowers our users to go forward and explore the UK’s glorious natural beauty at their leisure. In our series of articles, we’re bringing some of the nation’s best accessible routes to your attention, highlighting various green spaces you can discover on your mobility scooter.

Today, we’re travelling down to Essex, the UK’s most southerly county. The area plays host to Danbury Country Park, a popular natural attraction which boasts various accessible routes.

QUINGO ACCESSIBLE ROUTES: DANBURY COUNTRY PARK 2

Danbury Country Park

Based in Danbury, Essex, Danbury Country Park lies on an estate which was originally constructed back in the 13th Century. Today it includes a range of stunning natural sites, such as meadows, woodlands, lakes and ornamental gardens. Its main route will take you past the Park’s stunning lakes, where you can get a glimpse of fascinating wildlife such as carp, ducks, coots, moorhens and even kingfishers. You can also go fishing on its lower and western lakes from 8.30am until dusk from 16th June to 14th March.

The park’s greenery is simply breath-taking. It’s a good place to visit in late spring, as this is when the rhododendrons in its ornamental gardens start to bloom, providing you with a spectacular show. The space also plays host to wildflower-strewn meadows, which are known for attracting butterflies in the summer, as well as majestic trees such as sweet chestnuts, hornbeams and ancient oaks.

Danbury Country Park is also a history enthusiast’s dream, as it features various ancient structures for you to check out. This includes an old ice house, where before the invention of refrigerators, ice from the lake was stored in winter for use in the palace which once existed on its grounds. The venue also puts on various events such as its annual Easter Bunny Trail, where kids can hunt down and paint eggs. Danbury Country Park is free to visit and opens daily from 8am until dusk.

QUINGO ACCESSIBLE ROUTES: DANBURY COUNTRY PARK 3

Accessibility

Danbury Country Park is a fully accessible attraction for mobility scooter users. It is accessible via the Essex public transport system and you can book a trip through Traveline South East’s Journey Planner tool. You can also reach Danbury Country Park by car, with the venue’s primary car park located between Woodhill Lodge and its main lakes, providing easy access to the park. There are small fees for parking, ranging from £1 for up to 30 minutes to £4 for over three hours.

The space is known for its hard-surface and well-maintained tracks. Most of Danbury Country Park’s trails are suitable for mobility scooters, with the popular lakeside path being the easiest, as well as most scenic, to travel. There are also plenty of picnic tables dotted around Danbury Country Park, providing various spaces to stop, rest and enjoy a bite to eat as you enjoy some natural sights.

There are also two accessible restroom complexes, which include disabled facilities, in Danbury Country Park. These are located across from the site’s main lakes carpark and adjacent to the smaller woods car park. These facilities, however are closed in the period between November and April every year.

Share your accessible route with Quingo!

If you’ve been to visit any great accessible routes 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.