Tag Archives: attractions

Attractions, Days Out, Quingo Scooters

Quingo Accessible Attractions: The Royal Observatory, London

Quingo Scooters are 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. Today we’re looking at the stars as we head to Greenwich, London.

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The Royal Observatory

Playing a major role in the history of astronomy and navigation, The Royal Observatory is situated on a hill in Greenwich Park overlooking the River Thames. It is most famous for being the location of the prime meridian, a geographical coordinate system at which longitude is defined to be 0°.

Voted a top 10 visitor attraction in London, the Observatory was historically commissioned in 1675 by King Charles II, with the foundation stone being laid on 10 August. The Royal Observatory sits on a site chosen by Sir Christopher Wren back in 1675, and today it’s a place where you can go and explore your place in the universe.

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What is there to do?

  • Prime Meridian – You can’t visit the Observatory without having your photo taken on the official Prime Meridian Line! Since the late 19th century, Prime Meridian has been the reference line for GMT, and divides the eastern and western hemispheres of the earth. This is similar to how the equator divides the northern and southern hemispheres. You can take your selfie on the Meridian Line from 10am to 5pm daily.
  • Planetarium – Asteroid: Mission Extreme – This is definitely an extraordinary experience not to be missed. Perfect for the whole family, here you can go on an epic journey of the universe and delve deeper into the dangers and opportunities presented by asteroids. You can find out what it would take for astronauts to reach an asteroid, and how such an adventure could benefit humankind. There’s always a different kind of Planetarium show on at the Royal Observatory, so check here to see what’s on when you plan to go.  

 Accessibility

The majority of the Royal Observatory is fully accessible – this includes main attractions such as Prime Meridian. The Planetarium building is also fully accessible, and has a spacious room for a mobility scooter inside.

A steep footpath leads up to the Royal Observatory from Greenwich Park, however you may wish to take the accessible alternative road inside the park which is signposted. You can also stop halfway to take in a great view of the city.

There is a good sized accessible toilet in the Observatory, and there is a selection of accessible cafes and restaurants. All the information you’ll need, including ticket prices and opening times, can be found on the Royal Observatory website.

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.

Days Out, Quingo Scooters

Quingo Accessible Days Out: Castle Howard

Here at Quingo Scooters we know how much fun it can be to spend a day out doing something different, or visiting a place you thought maybe wasn’t accessible enough. We’re always on the lookout for a day out to share with Quingo Scooters Users that has something for everyone.

Today we’re heading to North Yorkshire, where you’ll find one of the finest stately homes and gardens in Britain. Castle Howard is a private residence approximately 15 miles north of York, and has been the home of the Carlisle branch of the Howard family for more than 300 years. Castle Howard is incredibly familiar to television and film audiences, as it’s known as the fictional ‘Brideshead’ in the Granada Television 1981 adaptation of Evelyn Waugh’s ‘Brideshead Revisited’ and a two hour remake for the cinema starring Emma Thompson.

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What is there to do at Castle Howard?

If you’re looking for a day out in Yorkshire where you can explore the great outdoors, marvel at exceptional architecture and have a unique shopping experience, this is definitely for you. There’s definitely something that everyone will enjoy. It’s worth having a look at the exhibitions too, as these change regularly.

After you’ve enjoyed a picnic by the lake, discover the house with its unique rooms. Every room is stocked with world famous collections of paintings, porcelain and murals. Highlights include Lady Georgina’s Bedroom, the Grand Staircase, the Antique Passage and the magnificent Great Hall.

After taking in those impressive sights, Castle Howard’s shops and cafes are the perfect place to relax and treat yourself. There are a range of cafes serving everything you could wish for from delicious home baking to seasonal sandwiches. The shops have unique gift items, toiletries, homeware, jewellery and countryside ranges. There’s also a farm shop so you can take home some magnificent local produce! Don’t forget to stop off at the garden centre for some seasonal plants!

The courtyard part of Castle Howard is open all year round with free entry and parking, but be sure to check opening times for each individual outlet.

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Accessibility

The majority of Castle Howard is accessible to everyone. A paved route in the Stable Courtyard provides access to all the café’s, shops, toilets and ticket office. Throughout the grounds there are accessible cut grass and gravel paths, and in the house you’ll find a stairlift if you want to explore the main floor of the house.

All of the shops and cafes at Castle Howard are fully accessible. You’ll find adapted toilets in the Stable Courtyard, in the house and at the Boathouse Cafe.

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.

Attractions, Days Out, Quingo Scooters

Quingo Accessible Attractions: Edinburgh Zoo

Quingo Scooters are 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!

One of Scotland’s most popular visitor attractions, Edinburgh Zoo is also one of Europe’s leading centres of conservation with over 800,000 visitors a year. Set over 82 acres, the Zoo is non-profit. It lies on the south facing slopes of Corstorphine Hill, providing excellent views of the city of Edinburgh.

The Zoo plays an amazing part in the conservation of animals, with its co-ordinated programmes, funding and expertise. On top of this, Edinburgh Zoo is involved in many scientific pursuits, such as captive breeding of endangered animals and research into animal behaviour. Overall, the Zoo is a great day out for all the family with something that everyone will want to see!

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What can I see?

There are many amazing animals to be appreciated at Edinburgh Zoo, such as:

The Giant Panda Exhibit – Edinburgh Zoo is the only home to Giant Pandas in the UK. Give Tian Tian and Yang Guang a visit at the Giant Panda enclosure. Both pandas are entirely solitary animals that only meet during breeding season once a year. The enclosures feature tree trunks for the pandas to scratch against and climb, large wooden climbing frames, tree houses, caves and ponds.

Penguins Rock – Here you’ll find Europe’s largest outdoor penguin pool, at 65 metres long and 3.5 metres deep containing 1.2 million litres of water. The newly refurbished enclosure features lowered perimeters to make viewing more accessible. The mock sandy beaches add a great visual touch, and also provide the penguins with different textures which are suitable to their feet. When you visit the penguins you’ll also see them have fun with a beautiful stone waterfall feature, a water shoot and a diving board made out of carved rock. And if you catch them at the right time, you’ll be able to see the penguins in their famous parade!

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Accessibility

Overall, Edinburgh Zoo has great accessibility. Many of the paths around the Zoo can be accessed by mobility scooter. The entrance to the Zoo also has an accessible entrance. Due to the hilly nature of the location, some routes are accessed by steps or steep slopes. However, the Zoo provides transport for mobility scooter and wheelchair users enabling you to access parts of the zoo which have steep hills. Simply make a member of staff aware upon your arrival.

The Edinburgh Zoo accessibility map has all the information you need when planning your journey. There are accessible toilets throughout, and the car park has blue badge spaces. Visitors who require special assistance are offered free admission for one accompanying carer when paying the full adult or child price.

If there’s any other information you need, don’t hesitate to give the Zoo a call on 0131 314 0326.

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.

Attractions, Days Out, Quingo Scooters

Quingo Accessible Attractions: The National Media Museum

Quingo Scooters are 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.

In Bradford, West Yorkshire, you’ll find the National Media Museum. Part of the Science Museum Group, here you’ll see exhibitions focusing on photography, television, animation, videogaming, the internet and the scientific principles behind light and colour. Spread out over seven floors, there are 3.5 million pieces to take a look at. On top of all that, there’s also a Picturehouse cinema, including an IMAX screen.  The popular Bradford International Film Festival was also hosted here until 2014.

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Editorial credit: Electric Egg / Shutterstock.com

What’s on?

This is a great day out for all ages, as there’s always loads of different activities to participate in. There’s interactive galleries, cultural and educational activities and events. Here’s a few things that are going on at the moment at the National Media Museum:

  • Games Lounge – Definitely one for any Playstation addicts in the group, here you can play your way through classic games in their original or console formats. You can also learn about the history of videogaming, and discover the story behind the global phenomenon. Some of the highlights include original arcade machines such as Space Invaders and Street Fighter II. They cost the same as when they were first in use – 10-50 pence!
  • In Your Face – Running until 30th October, In Your Face is an experience for the whole group. The idea is to investigate the most photographed, examined and expressive part of the human body through a pick and mix adventure. This consists of interactive demonstrations, displays and activities. There’s loads of fun challenges and experiments to throw yourself into and explore unusual ideas!

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Accessibility

Overall there is great accessibility at the National Media Museum. The entrance to the front of the building is level and has automatic doors. For those entering from the car park entrance, this rear door has automatic push buttons.

Throughout the museum there are a number of accessible toilets – on the ground floor, level 3, level 5 and the picture Ville bar with plenty of room to manoeuvre.

In the car park there are parking spaces for blue badge holders. The museum shop is fully accessible, and the café is as well – a great place to grab a bite to eat! The café has two heights of tables to accommodate mobility scooter users and all seating is movable.

For more information, the museum has an access guide on their website which should contain everything you need to know.

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.

Attractions, Days Out, Quingo Scooters

Quingo Accessible Attractions: Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal

Quingo Scooters are 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.

This week we’re exploring an accessible attraction in Ripon, North Yorkshire. Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Water Garden is one of the largest and best preserved ruined Cistercian monasteries in England. It is located around 3 miles south-west of Ripon, near the village of Aldfield. The Abbey is situated alongside a Georgian water garden and medieval deer park.

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Fountains Abbey

This magnificent Abbey originated from humble beginnings, as it was established by 13 devout monks seeking a simpler existence. Over 400 years later, Henry VIII demanded the closure of the Abbey and the monks left behind the most complete Cistercian Abbey remains in the country. People have been drawn to this inspiring place for centuries, as the atmospheric ruins that remain are a window into a way of life which shaped the medieval world.

Parkland

Now recognised as a World Heritage Site, Fountains Abbey has green lawns that stretch down to the riverside – a perfect spot for a picnic if it’s a nice day. Riverside paths lead to the deer park – home to Red, Fallow and Sika deer. You’ll also spot some ancient trees here too; limes, oaks and sweet chestnuts.

Studley Royal Water Garden

Inspired by the work of two great French landscape gardeners, John Aislabie and his son, the Water Garden has a formal and geometric design. It has extraordinary views, including the much photographed Temple of Piety. In the Water Garden you’ll also find classical statues, follies and garden buildings carefully positioned within the landscape. If you’re visiting the Gardens, be sure not to miss the highlight, known as “The Surprise View” or “Anne Boleyn’s Seat”. This gives an astonishing view of the Abbey ruins in the distance, and was designed to cause a sharp intake of breath when visitors came across it.

Find out about some of the other attractions on the Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal website.

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Accessibility

Despite Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal being an ancient monument, it has been well preserved and has good accessibility. There are accessible routes around the river and lakes where you can take in the picturesque views. Access to the Abbey ruins is via West Gate, and are accessed via undulating grass. Inside the ruins it is a mixture of compacted earth and gravel, which is manageable on a mobility scooter or wheelchair. There are a few ramps and grassy slopes enabling access to key parts of the ruins.

The Lakeside café is fully accessible if you fancy a refreshment, and has some tables with cutaway sections for mobility scooter users. There are fully accessible and well equipped toilet facilities at the Visitor Centre, Lakeside Café and near West Gate.

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.