Tag Archives: Blackpool Zoo

Accessible Routes, Days Out

Quingo Scooters Accessible Getaways Blackpool

Britain’s favourite seaside resort is world famous for its iconic Tower, its rich entertainment history and of course, ballroom dancing. Plus, it’s a really accessible city. Let’s take a quick getaway to Blackpool…

Sandcastle Water Park

It might seem like madness to begin this review of one of Britain’s best-known beach resorts with a review of an indoor waterpark, but bear with us. We’re choosing to feature the fabulous Sandcastle Water Park for a couple of reasons. Not least that the weather in Blackpool can’t always be relied on to provide perfect swimming conditions for all the family! But the main reason is the fabulous job the team there does in making this place as accessible and inclusive as possible. There are plenty of pool chairs available if you need help getting in to the water, and the accessible changing rooms are great. There are also lots of ‘Access For All Ambassadors’ who are never far away and ready to lend a hand should you need it. Very impressive indeed.

Stanley Park

We love Stanley Park. It is completely accessible, with tarmac paths throughout, and it is just one of those parks that seaside towns like Blackpool do so well. Within its 390-odd acres, there really is something for everyone. If you’re a nature lover, you will enjoy the Italian Gardens and the rose gardens. If you are heading along there with the kids, then they will have a great time exploring the Blackpool Model Village which is fully accessible with paved paths throughout. There’s crazy golf (of course) and much, much more. If all that activity sounds a bit much, then pay a visit to the beautiful Art Deco Café, which serves great food (including a gorgeous afternoon tea), and offers some lovely views of the park itself.

Blackpool Zoo

While you are in the area of Stanley Park then we also seriously recommend a trip to Blackpool Zoo. Once again, the team ensures that as much of the place is as accessible as possible. All of the enclosures are multilevel, so whether you want to get up close and personal with a lion or look a western lowland gorilla in the eye, this is the place. It is busy, as you’ll expect, but once again the designers made a real effort to create an environment that everyone can enjoy without it feeling too overwhelming. Very highly recommended, and a great way to wile away a few hours.

Blackpool Zoo Bus - Quingo Scooters
Editorial credit: Electric Egg / Shutterstock.com

The Blackpool Tower

No trip to Blackpool is complete without a trip up the iconic Tower. It is a spectacular structure that dominates the beachfront, and it is worth making the effort to get to the top. The good news is that it is surprisingly straightforward to do this, even for those of us with limited mobility. There are lovely big lifts that will take you all the way up (and allow you to take in the 4D cinema experience on the way). However, it is once you are up at the viewing platform that the fun really starts, as you will be able to head out onto the glass floor to get a truly knee-wobbling perspective on the town below you. Not one for the faint of heart! While you are there, you should also pay a visit to the beautiful Tower Ballroom. Unfortunately, you won’t be able to take your mobility scooter in there but they do have free wheelchairs which you can use.

Editorial credit: Billy Stock / Shutterstock.com

Comedy Carpet

Of course, most people will head straight for the Blackpool Tower, and rightly so. But before you go up, we  highly recommend you spare a few minutes to explore the Comedy Carpet in front of the Tower itself. Over two square kilometres in size, this work of art is made up of over 160,000 granite letters which together celebrate the many hundreds of comedians and writers who have performed here in Blackpool. It is a fantastic tribute to the funny men and women who are such an important part of the culture of the place.

Probably the best fish and chips in the world

This is the part where we usually review all of the best restaurants in whichever town or city we’re featuring. But when you’re in Blackpool, there really is only one thing you are going to want: fish and chips. So, this time, we’re giving a big mention to Taylor’s Fish and Chips cafe and takeaway, which is very popular with visitors and locals, it’s accessible, and has truly amazing fish and chips.

Accessible Parking

It is worth mentioning that there are a number of car parks in Blackpool with designated Blue Badge parking. You will find parking at the Houndshill Centre and there is also Central Car-parks which is open air, and close by the main sights like the Tower. You can also park on the street in the town for a short time.

Getting to Blackpool

Blackpool is easy to get to by car: just take Junction 32 off the M6, and then follow the M55 in to the city. It’s also well connected by train. Just catch a train to Blackpool from Preston, or take one of the direct services to Blackpool North from Manchester International Airport, Manchester Piccadilly, Manchester Victoria, Liverpool Lime Street or York.

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 Attractions: A Day Out in Blackpool

Blackpool is one of the UK’s most beloved seaside towns, welcoming thousands of visitors each year.

With its beaches, piers and theme park, Blackpool Pleasure Beach, is often the focal point for a fun family day trip. There’s also a lot more to discover in the city too!

This week, Quingo Scooters is taking in the best that this seaside resort has to offer. Here’s your accessible attractions guide to a day out in Blackpool…

What to do

Blackpool Zoo

Blackpool Zoo is a wonderful 32-acre site that’s home to all creatures great and small. It’s home to more than 1,000 animals from all over the world, from aardvarks to tigers.

Quingo Scooters Accessible Attractions: A Day Out in Blackpool zoo
Editorial credit: Electric Egg / Shutterstock.com

Here are just some of the highlights…

  • Seeing the animals: At Blackpool Zoo there are several main exhibits including: Orangutan Outlook, Project Elephant Base Camp, Amazonia, Gorilla Mountain, Giraffe Heights, Dinosaur Safari, Children’s Farm, Lemur Wood, Big Cat House, Wallaby Walkabout, Wolf Ridge and Active Oceans. Plus, there’s lots more to see including lions, tigers, penguins, flamingos, reptiles, amphibians and arthropods.
  • Conservation programmes: As well as protecting and caring for the animals, Blackpool Zoo also supports conservation programmes throughout the world. On your next visit to Blackpool Zoo, why not find out more about this incredible work.
  • Animal experiences: While you’re at Blackpool Zoo, there are several activities that you can take part in such as feeding times with penguins and lemurs. If you think you’d make a great trainer, you can also try some of the zoo’s training experiences, such as being a zoo keeper for a day.
  • Keeper school courses: If you have kids who are crazy about animals they are sure to love one of the courses that helps them learn about the animals and what the job of a zoo keeper involves. The courses are available to 8-17-year-olds.
  • Talks and displays: Blackpool Zoo has several animal talks, displays and feeds every day of the year. This is the perfect chance to see some of your favourite animals up close. What better way to spend your day than learning more about animals from the people who know them best? More information on these talks can be found here.

Blackpool Zoo is fully accessible, starting at its recently resurfaced and level car park, you’ll find 12 Blue Badge spaces and the entrance is accessible with large double glass doors welcoming you into the foyer. In each of the 4 toilet blocks, you’ll find accessible facilities and all exhibits and cafes are accessible.

Full information on accessibility at Blackpool Zoo is available here.

Madame Tussauds

Have you ever wanted to meet your favourite celebrity? While Madame Tussauds may not be able to make that exact wish come true, it does offer the next best thing. With waxwork figures of some of the world’s most famous people, there’s someone that everyone will want to have their photo taken with. From music stars and sports stars to the cast of Coronation Street (including the actual street), you’ll be transported to the sets of your favourite films and tv shows. Make sure you don’t miss the new Marvel Super Heroes exhibit too! Try lifting Thor’s hammer, putting together the Avengers, saving New York with Spider-man or even guarding the galaxy with Groot and Rocket!

Quingo Scooters Accessible Attractions: A Day Out in Blackpool street
Editorial credit: Rolf_52 / Shutterstock.com

Most of the facilities at Madame Tussauds are accessible, as there is a lift between each floor, and staff available to help at all times. More information on accessibility can be found here.

SEA LIFE Blackpool

While you’re by the sea, why not take in SEA LIFE Blackpool and discover some of the amazing creatures that call our seas their home?

The SEA LIFE centre offers an incredible insight into marine life. Let’s look at some of our favourite exhibitions…

  • Feeding shows: Feeding times at SEA LIFE Blackpool are a great highlight. Each feed is accompanied by a talk from a member of the SEA LIFE Blackpool team, who explain exactly what’s going on, teach you about the creatures in their care and answer any questions you may have. Keep a special eye out for the shark feeding times, it’s a sight you really shouldn’t miss!
  • Interact with the sharks: Unsurprisingly, the Sharks are one of the biggest attractions at SEA LIFE Blackpool. We recommend exploring the maze of tunnels that wind under their huge tank so you can watch them and then visiting the Shark Feeding Experience, where trained keepers will talk you through their diet and you can watch. For those of you feeling particularly daring, you can even go snorkelling in the display!
  • Nobby the Giant Lobster: Of all the animals at SEA LIFE Blackpool, not many have a more interesting story than Nobby the Giant Lobster. In 2009, he was caught by fishermen off the coast of North Wales. After being rescued, Nobby was brought to SEA LIFE, where he is now safe and happy. Nobby weighs in at around 10lb, and his keepers think he’s at least 100 years old!

SEA LIFE in Blackpool is fully accessible. You’ll find smooth and even floors throughout, with accessible toilets. Blue Badge parking available on the nearby Bonny Street. More information can be found here

Where to eat and drink

Throughout Blackpool, you’re sure to find plenty of places for fish and chips! Why not try out The Sea Fish and Chips Restaurant near the promenade for a true taste of the seaside? With ramped access at the entrance, you’ll find all the classics inside. From cod to fishcakes.

If you’re in the mood for fine cuisine before catching a show, Empress Grill is the perfect place for you. Located in Winter Gardens, it offers delicious British cuisine.

There are plenty of places to eat in Blackpool, whether you want breakfast, a quick snack, lunch or dinner.

Getting there

Situated on the North-West coast, Blackpool is easily accessible via several routes. Take Junction 32 off the M6, and the M55 will lead you almost to the beach. In the centre, you’ll find several car parks that offer Blue Badge spaces, including Bonny Street, Central car park, Houndshill Shopping Centre car park and West Street car park. Blackpool is well-connected to the national railway network, with Blackpool North and Blackpool South stations. There are also many bus and coach services that travel into the city. More information on getting here 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.