At Quingo we love sharing places with you that you maybe thought weren’t accessible enough for your mobility scooter, but where you can enjoy a great day out!

This week we want to take a dive into the world of sharks and sawfish, as we explore the extraordinary aquarium The Deep.

The Deep has been awarded numerous times for its accessibility, including Gold in the National Enjoy England Awards – Access for All category and Silver in the Enjoy England Award in the Access for All Category. In this blog post we’re going to take a look at some of the current highlights of this fully mobility scooter accessible attraction.

The Deep, situated in Hull in East Riding of Yorkshire, has over a massive 3000 creatures. Since its opening in 2002, the world’s only submarium has had over 3 million visitors, and has been voted the best family place to visit in Hull. The Deep tells the story of the world’s oceans, using interactive exhibitions and displays, from the beginning of time right through to present day.

Daily Highlights

All day every day there are exciting things happening at The Deep:

• Dive Show – The scariest but most exciting of all would have to be watching the divers feed the sharks their dinner! This takes place at 2pm each day.
• Touchpool Sessions – This gives you the chance to handle some of the smaller species including starfish, velvet swimmer crabs and sea urchins (no sharks!). You can do this at 30am, 11.30am, 12.30pm, 1.30pm, 2.30pm, 3.30pm and 4.30pm every day.
• Penguin Feed – Penguins are fed by the team of Aquarists at 11.30am and 3.30pm each day and it’s open for you to watch.

March into Madness

The Deep’s newest exhibition, March into Madness gives you the chance to explore animal and human superpowers. This exhibition is great for all the family and gives you the chance to see the penguins being fed, take part in the superhero trail, watch science street entertainers and much more.

Despite the name, March into Madness runs through until April 17^th. For more information on all the exhibitions that will be happening when you plan to visit, including schedules and ticket prices, just take a look on The Deep website.

Accessibility

On entrance to The Deep there is a wide automatic door. There is then a lift to take you to the top and then a gentle slope down. There are lifts on all levels of the aquarium, and there are platform lifts as an alternative to steps. The only part of The Deep that isn’t accessible to mobility scooters is the dome into one of the tanks. However, there is a glass fronted lift so that you don’t miss a thing.

The restaurant café, situated on the top floor, has four tables especially for mobility scooters and wheelchairs. There are three accessible toilets spread out over the different levels, to ensure that you’re never far away from one!

The staff at The Deep are always happy to assist or answer any questions during your visit. Before you go you can always download their accessibility guide to assist you with everything you need, such as transport and car parking.

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.

At Quingo we love sharing places with you that you maybe thought weren’t accessible enough for your mobility scooter, but where you can enjoy a great day out!

This week we’re sharing a slice of culture with you, with one of the most famous and recognisable sights of London.

The Cathedral

Sitting on Ludgate Hill, at the highest point of London, St. Paul’s Cathedral is host to national events and traditions. Currently the seat of the Bishop of London, St. Paul’s was dedicated to Paul the Apostle more than 1400 years ago, thought to have been built between 1675 and 1710. Today however, it is a working church with hourly prayer and daily services. The famous dome, on the top of the Cathedral, is still amongst the highest in the world and can be seen for miles.

Sightseeing

The sightseeing ticket is the best way to see everything that St. Paul’s Cathedral has to offer, and get an all-round insight into the history of the Cathedral. You will be able to follow in the footsteps of royalty and political leaders on the Cathedral floor, and experience the unique acoustics of the dome in the Whispering Gallery. After that you can visit the crypt where some of the UK’s greatest heroes are buried. You can get information on the sightseeing ticket on the St. Paul’s Cathedral website where information on the tours that are available can also be found.

The Collections

The collections at St. Paul’s Cathedral are a unique record of the spiritual, liturgical, architectural, administrative and social life of this outstanding building. There are many artefacts that you’ll have chance to look at in depth, but some of the highlights are Tyndale’s New Testament and The William II Charter. Before your visit you can plan what you want to see by exploring the collections search.

Accessibility

For such a historical building, you’ll be surprised at just how accessible it has been made for mobility scooters. The main west front is famously accessed by 24 steps. However, the south churchyard entrance is completely step free and leads to a modern lift serving the crypts and the Cathedral floor. For anyone who doesn’t feel comfortable using a lift however, there is a ramp at the north entrance. Be sure to contact the Cathedral in advance if you wish to use this on 0207 246 8357.

The quire and sacrarium have a small user-operated chairlift, and assistance is always available should it be required. A carer’s entrance is also offered free on arrival when purchasing a standard sightseeing ticket.

Any other information you may require prior to your arrival can be found on the St. Paul’s Cathedral website.

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.

Here at Quingo Scooters we are always encouraging users to get out and about to visit interesting or unusual places on their mobility scooters.

Over the last few blog posts we’ve been sharing some really interesting days out, places and attractions that you maybe thought weren’t accessible enough for your mobility scooter. Today we’re excited to be visiting royalty as we take a trip to Kensington Palace.

The Palace

Kensington Palace, built by Sir George Coppin in 1605, sits in Kensington Gardens in the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea. It is currently home to the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, Prince Harry, the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester, the Duke and Duchess of Kent, and Prince and Princess Michael of Kent. Previously it has been resided by important historical figures such as Queen Anne, Princess Margaret and Queen Victoria – whom has her own exhibition in the Palace discovering her extraordinary life.

Although this part of the Palace isn’t open to the public, the state rooms are. After its £12 million refurbishment in 2012 you can now explore the fully accessible, ever changing exhibitions that the Palace has to offer. We’ll take a look at some of the highlights.

Fashion Rules – Restyled

Following on from the previous popular exhibition Fashion Rules, Restyled further explores the fashion of three royal woman – HM Queen Elizabeth II, Princess Margaret and Diana, Princess of Wales. It’s a celebration of each woman’s unique and individual style in the years they led the fashion trends. Here you will be able to appreciate some of the iconic outfits and designers these women wore in their fashion heyday. The general admission ticket to Kensington Palace includes access to the Fashion Rules – Restyled exhibition.

Victoria Revealed

In the Victoria Revealed exhibition, you’ll discover hidden secrets about Queen Victoria’s extraordinary life – in her own words! You’ll get to see personal objects in the rooms where she once lived and get an in depth, intimate account of Queen Victoria’s incredible life.  You not only get to discover Victoria as a queen, but also as a mother and a wife in this exhibition inspired by her own journals.

Accessibility

Kensington Palace is a fully accessible venue, and there is level access from Kensington Gardens to the Palace itself with a lift to all floors when you get inside the Palace. Accessible toilets are provided both in the Palace Café and within the Palace itself.

Visitors who are registered disabled pay adult price, but one accompanying carer can enjoy complimentary entry. There are some Blue Badge parking spaces located next to the Orangery, however these are limited and it’s necessary to book in advance by calling +44 (0)20 3166 6199.

All other information such as ticket prices, opening times and anything else you might need when you’re booking your trip can be found on the Kensington Palace website.

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.

Quingo Scooters are always encouraging users to get out and about and to spend a day out visiting interesting or unusual places on their mobility scooters.

Today we want to share with you one of the world’s premier zoos. A trip to the zoo is a really enjoyable day for all ages and interests. You get to see animals you would never get to see in the outside world, making it a truly unique experience to enjoy on your mobility scooter!

Chester Zoo, located at Upton in Cheshire, and has 125 acres of award winning gardens. Opened in 1931, it is home to 20,000 animals, and the Zoo has a wide variety of conservation projects at home and abroad. Chester Zoo has been rated 5 out of 5 stars for accessibility on Euan’s Guide, and so we want to share the highlights of this fun accessible day out.

The Animals

Chester Zoo has a massive 20,000 animals from 500 different species. It’s interesting to note that around half  of those species are on the threatened list! The Zoo is one of the world’s leading centres for conservation, working to protect animals and plants from extinction in the UK and worldwide.

There are ramps and lifts to access all the indoor enclosures and they are all clearly identifiable. The ramps also have at least one rail alongside for extra stability. Most of the animal enclosures, including the elephant and the penguin enclosures, have a low viewing glass which makes it easy for mobility scooter users to get a good view.

Islands

Islands at Chester Zoo is a recreation of the tropical environments of the six South East Asian islands, made available for visitors to explore at their leisure. You will become real-life conservationists as you move through the different islands. Visitors are encouraged to write down and record their findings, which may include what it is that’s pushing some of the wildlife to extinction. It’s important to report any evidence recorded to the Zoo’s conservationists which will help them with their research and vital projects in the field.

Check out the interactive islands map before you go to find out more about Panay, Papua, Bali, Sumatra, Monsoon Forest, Sumba and Sulawesi.

Dinosaurs… The Next Adventure

Running from the 28^th May to the 4^th September this year, Dinosaurs… The Next Adventure is a journey back in time to the Jurassic Period. You’ll be able to experience life amongst the predators and their prey, from one of the biggest carnivores of all, the Giganotosaurus right through to the gentle plant eating Brachiosaurus.

The exhibition has been away for 4 years, but is returning in May due to popular demand with Chester Zoo’s largest collection of dinosaurs so far.

Accessibility

Throughout the Zoo there are accessible toilet facilities, and there’s a handy map you can use to check where the nearest one is. There’s also 100 parking bays located near the entrance for disabled visitors.

There are lifts for mobility scooters available at Oakfield House and in the Realm of the Red Ape enclosure. All of the other indoor animal enclosures have a ramp for easy access, with at least one hand bar and double doors to enable full accessibility for your scooter.

Chester Zoo offer free entry for an accompanying carer per a full paying adult purchasing a disabled ticket. It’s worth noting that prices do change depending on what day you’re wanting to visit. We’d always recommend checking and booking online via the Chester Zoo website first. You can also find opening times on the website too and plenty of other helpful information.

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.