Tag Archives: attractions

Attractions, Days Out, Wellbeing

Where Are The Best Accessible Swimming Pools?

Here at Quingo Scooters we understand that for mobility scooter users, keeping fit is not always easy. We’re always looking to share ways that you can improve your overall wellbeing, and we previously shared with you some ways in which you could keep fit on your mobility scooter.

Swimming is a really effective way of improving your wellbeing and fitness, and can be fun at the same time. This week we want to share with you some of the most accessible swimming pools around, so that you can feel completely at ease when trying this great activity.

Quingo WHERE ARE THE BEST ACCESSIBLE SWIMMING POOLS? 2

Yearsley Pool – York

Starting in York, the Yearsley swimming pool is situated just off a main road through York – Haxby Road. It is also very accessible by public transport, and has been specifically designed to be suitable for disabled visitors.

On entrance, access to the building is flat and you are greeted by a low level reception desk. The changing rooms are fully accessible and have been specifically designed for wheelchairs and mobility scooters. There are numerous grab rails situated throughout the changing room, a fold out bench, shower with a seat and an emergency alarm.

The swimming pool itself has an automatic door which is operated by an easy reach button. Poolside, there is a manual hoist for access in and out of the pool, as well as easy access stairs. There are 4 steps leading into the shallow end of the pool, with handrails at either side. There is also a balcony and spectator area for if other members of your group want to stay and accompany you.

Tollcross International Swimming Centre – Glasgow

Located on the High Street in Glasgow, the Tollcross International Swimming Centre in Glasgow has clearly put a lot and thought and planning into making it a fully accessible experience. Hosting swimming events at the 2014 commonwealth games, this state of the art centre has an Olympic standard 50 metre swimming pool.

On arrival, there are designated blue badge parking spaces right outside the front door. The main entrance is easily accessible with automated doors. Going into the complex, the changing rooms are fully accessible and incredibly spacious. The wet rooms and toilets are equally accessible.

In the swimming pool itself, there is a PoolPod system, which is a way for mobility impaired swimmers to independently access the swimming pool. This is a great and innovative system, where the user independently controls pool access without the need for the pool attendant’s intervention.

Aspire Leisure Centre – London

In the capital, in the north-west region of Stanmore, you’ll find Europe’s first leisure centre for disabled and non-disabled visitors. As well as a swimming pool, there is also a fully accessible gym with state of the art adapted equipment at the Aspire Leisure Centre.

The centre is fully accessible throughout. The pool is 25 metres long and is maintained between 30-32 degrees, making sure that it’s nice and warm at all times. This is especially beneficial for those with conditions that are temperature sensitive. The pool has full ramped access, which removes the need for hoists to get in and out of the pool.

As well as swimming at your own leisure, there are lessons on offer here too. There are also various different swimming sessions so there’s definitely something for everyone.

Quingo WHERE ARE THE BEST ACCESSIBLE SWIMMING POOLS? 3

Share with Quingo!

If you’ve visited an accessible swimming pool we haven’t talked about, we’d love to hear from you and share it on our blog! You can do this by filling out the contact form on our website.

 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 Lowry, Salford

Over our latest series of blog posts the Quingo Scooters team have been encouraging mobility scooter users to get out and about visiting interesting or unusual places. In our accessible attractions series, we aim to share some hidden gems; places that you wouldn’t usually visit or that you maybe thought weren’t accessible for your Quingo Scooter. This week we’re taking you to Manchester to an accessible attraction that has something to offer for everyone.

On Pier 8 at Salford Quays sits The Lowry – a large theatre and gallery complex named after the early 20th century painter, L.S. Lowry. However, don’t be fooled by this as the complex has so much more to offer than its art galleries. Officially opened in 2000 by Queen Elizabeth II, this impressive complex has two theatres and a drama studio which is host to plays, comedy, musical events and Opera North.  There are also restaurants and bars to treat yourself to a post-show meal, and an accessible shopping centre next door if you want to turn it into a real day out!

QUINGO ACCESSIBLE ATTRACTIONS: THE LOWRY, SALFORD 2

The Lowry Galleries

The art galleries at The Lowry offer a stunning and exclusive look at some of the finest art around. With the different exhibitions constantly changing, there’s always something fresh to take a look at.

Every month sees the ‘Art After Hours’ exhibition, in which The Galleries keep their lights on and the doors wide open so you can join them for exclusive events, drinks and art after hours. This is something really special and different, and the July instalment sees music from the Galleries’ resident singer/songwriter Lucy Hopkins. What a great way to liven up your art viewing. Admission is free, and you can check what else is going on at the Galleries on the Lowry website to help plan your visit effectively.

Theatres

There are two theatres at The Lowry, offering a wide variety of performances from comedy, drama and music acts. The Lyric Theatre has 1,730 seats whilst the Quays has 466 for smaller performances. The Lyric Theatre has the largest stage in the United Kingdom outside London’s West End, and it even played host to the 2011 Royal Variety Performance.

If you’re into your comedy, one of the highlights of this summer at The Lowry will be when Sara Pascoe, who is known for being on Live at the Apollo and Mock the Week, performs her stand up extravaganza ‘Animal’. And if you’re after something a little bit different, don’t miss Derren Brown as he brings his ‘Miracle’ show to the Lowry until the 13th July. All the information on what’s on at the Lowry can be found on their website.

QUINGO ACCESSIBLE ATTRACTIONS: THE LOWRY, SALFORD 3

Accessibility

The Lowry is a fully accessible venue, with plenty of ramps, lifts to all floors and wide doors throughout.

Outside the building there is a passenger drop off point. There is also secure parking available in The Lowry Outlet Mall car park which is free for blue badge holders. From the street outside there is great level access, with volunteers to assist on the entrance doors. There are also accessible toilets throughout, which are incredibly spacious.

In the actual theatres there are spaces for your mobility scooter where the seats have been removed to accommodate, with stools available for carers. The Lowry are available on 0161 848 1850 if you have any questions or queries regarding your visit.

Share your accessible attraction with Quingo!

If you want to share your mobility scooter accessible attraction, 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 Days Out: Windermere Lake Cruises

Here at Quingo Scooters we’ve been sharing places with you that would be perfect for a day out, especially places you’d never think to visit or you didn’t know existed! It’s great finding brand new accessible places to visit on your mobility scooter.

This week it’s another boat themed day out, as we explore the largest natural lake in England. Windermere is in the heart of the Lake District, and offers some absolutely stunning views of Cumbria and the surrounding areas.

Offering cruises that range from 45 minutes to 3 hours, Windermere Lake Cruises is the most popular attraction in Cumbria. This is perfect if you fancy a relaxing day out where you can enjoy some picturesque mountain scenery, secluded bays and many wooded islands.

QUINGO ACCESSIBLE DAYS OUT: WINDERMERE LAKE CRUISES 2

The Cruises

You can start your journey from Bowness, Ambleside or Lakeside, and if you fancy making a day of it you can break up your journey with some great local attractions. There are range of different cruises available, depending on how long you want to be on the water and the places you want to see. All of the cruises include fascinating commentary on the history and points of interest surrounding Windermere. Here are just a few of the many cruises available:

  • Islands Cruise – A shorter trip, this 45 minute journey is a circular cruise from Bowness. This cruise is great for exploring the islands of Windermere, and runs all year round.
  • Yellow Cruise – This 90 minute cruise runs all year round, serving Bowness to Lakeside or vice versa.
  • Buffet Cruise – If you’re fancying something a little more luxurious, treat yourself to the buffet cruise! With live music and a 2 course buffet, this cruise runs in the summer months so you can take advantage of the sun bouncing off the lake. 

QUINGO ACCESSIBLE DAYS OUT: WINDERMERE LAKE CRUISES 3

Accessibility

Around half of Windermere Lake Cruises are in mobility scooter accessible ‘steamers’, which are marked in black on the timetable. There is also space to sit either inside or outside on your mobility scooter. Although the toilets on board are only accessible by steps, there are fully accessible toilets on the quayside.

To get on and off the boats, there is a ramp which differs in steepness depending on how high the boat sits in the water. The site has a long stay car park, and blue badge holders get one extra hour of car parking free.

Windermere Lake Cruises do strongly advise that you call them to confirm which vessel is operating on which service, so that they can ensure you can travel on an accessible steamer at your chosen date and time.

Share your accessible attraction with Quingo!

If you’ve been to visit any interesting attractions 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 Scooters

The Quingo Scooters 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: Tower Bridge Exhibition, 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.

This week we’re back in the capital, exploring the iconic Tower Bridge Exhibition. If you’re planning a trip to London this summer (or whenever!) then be sure not to miss this must see attraction. The most famous bridge in the world boasts an iconic structure, spectacular views and glass floor, modern exhibitions and even Victorian Engine Rooms.

QUINGO ACCESSIBLE ATTRACTIONS: TOWER BRIDGE EXHIBITION, LONDON 2

What’s on at the Tower Bridge Exhibition?

There’s plenty to see and do at your day out at the fully accessible Tower Bridge Exhibition.

Glass Floor – The newest feature at the exhibition, where you can see London life through a glass floor. This is a unique viewpoint 42 metres above the River Thames. And if you time it right, you might just see the Tower Bridge lifting below you! Don’t worry if you don’t fancy looking down – the walkways also offer some amazing views of London, and you can take a look at the ‘Great Bridges of the World’ display for some impressive examples of engineering!

Engine Rooms – The engine rooms are located a few minutes from the South Tower, and are dubbed as one of London’s ‘hidden gems’. Here you’ll be able to appreciate huge steam engines, furnaces and accumulators that were once used to power the raising of the Tower Bridge. There’s also an incredible short film, explaining the ingenious technology used to keep to bridge going for over 120 years.

South Tower – Here you’ll see a short bespoke video shown by the artist Stephen Biesty, showing the incredible construction of the Bridge. Afterwards you can take the accessible lift down to the LED-lit motion sensitive artworks, which depict all of the iconic buildings along the Thames.

There is a full list of ticket prices and opening times on the Tower Bridge Exhibition website. 

QUINGO ACCESSIBLE ATTRACTIONS: TOWER BRIDGE EXHIBITION, LONDON 3

 Accessibility

The Tower Bridge Exhibition is a fully accessible venue. On arrival you’ll be greeted by an automatic door operated by Tower Bridge’s friendly and helpful staff. Throughout there are accessible lifts to different areas of the exhibition, including the Towers and the Engine Rooms, enabling you to see absolutely everything the Tower Bridge has to offer. Fully accessible toilets are located in the North and South Towers and in the Engine Rooms.

Everything you need to know about accessibility at the Tower Bridge Exhibition before your arrival can be found in their Access for All Guide.

Share your accessible attraction with Quingo!

If you’ve been to visit any interesting attractions 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 Days Out: Wat Tyler Country Park, Basildon

When the weather’s looking promising and you have a whole free day, you want to make the most of it and go somewhere really enjoyable. That’s why Quingo Scooters have put together some accessible days out for an accessible mobility scooter friendly trip. This week we’re heading to Basildon, Essex, to share with you a day out that will suit all members of your group no matter what age.

Wat Tyler Country Park is set in 125 acres of striking parkland in the heart of the South of Essex. Located just outside the small town of Pitsea, it’s just 2 miles East of Basildon and 10 miles from the M25. The parkland is not just stunning, but it’s also got a lot of history behind it too from the earliest periods of time. The landscape has been created over many centuries through the mix of human community interaction with the natural environment. Used for grazing meadows, ancient hedgerows, blast mounds, tidal waterways, sea walls and field boundaries, you can certainly see evidence of these uses in the features of the landscape

QUINGO ACCESSIBLE DAYS OUT: WAT TYLER COUNTRY PARK, BASILDON 2

What is there to do?

  • RSPB Centre – Wat Tyler Country Park is home to the RSPB. They have a visitor centre on site which provides everything you could possibly want to know about the wildlife of Essex! The park contains a variety of habitats, with a great diversity of species. These include locally and nationally rare species, such as the green winged orchid, redshank, scarce emerald damselfly, shrill carder bee and the roesels bush cricket. Why not turn this in to a fun game to see which member of the group can spot the most!
  • The Green Centre – Opened in 2011, The Green Centre at Wat Tyler is great for the curious ones in your group! Here you’ll be able to find out more about the environmental challenges facing the modern world and learn how we can approach the little things we do every day with the environment in mind. The Green Centre is also an exemplar green building, and a showcase for exciting sustainable products and low carbon innovation.
  • Café and gift shop – Once you’ve finished exploring the park or relaxing in the sun, you can stop off at the café for some refreshments or see if anything takes your fancy at the gift shop (maybe the Himalayan salt lamp?). The café is open daily from 10am – 4.45pm and the gift shop is open daily too from 10am – 4.30pm.
  • Playground – There’s also a playground to keep any smaller members of your group entertained.

QUINGO ACCESSIBLE DAYS OUT: WAT TYLER COUNTRY PARK, BASILDON 3

Accessibility

Overall this is a great day out in terms of accessibility. On arrival you’ll find a good sized car park with 4 large disabled parking bays right outside the exhibition centre. The park in general is mainly flat, and the paths around the village green are paved. The wide walkways through the park are non-slip and have passing places. Most areas of the park are accessible, apart from some large areas of grass which wouldn’t be suitable for your mobility scooter.

Moving into the centres in the park, the exhibition centre has automatic doors, and also a restaurant upstairs with a good size lift up to it. There is also a café which has an accessible veranda for mobility scooters and wheelchairs. Accessible toilets are available throughout, and staff are always on hand to assist you with anything. The Green Centre and RSPB Centre are also fully accessible with ramps up to the entrance. 

Share your accessible attraction with Quingo!

If you’ve been to visit any interesting attractions 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 Scooters

The Quingo Scooters 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.