Tag Archives: days out

Quingo Scooters Accessible Routes: Dunwich Coast

There are so many wonderful places to explore right here in the UK, and at Quingo Scooters we want to do everything we can to share them with you. So, in our latest series of the best accessible routes in the country that you can enjoy on your mobility scooter, we visit Dunwich in Suffolk.

The Dunwich Coast

If you love history, beautiful nature and even the odd ghost story, you’ll love Dunwich. It’s remote, far out on the Suffolk coast, and a fantastic place to enjoy some peace and quiet.

Today, it’s hard to believe but this quiet village was once a city as important as London, the capital of the kingdom of the Eastern Angles, the seat of Anglo-Saxon bishops and a busy port. Slowly, over the centuries the city has been consumed by the sea. The largest part of the destruction took place in one day, in 1286, when the city lost many of its buildings, including churches and monasteries. Which is where the ghost stories come in. The stories go that on a dark and windy night you can still hear the ghostly bells tolling under the waves.

Whether that’s true or not, Dunwich certainly has a special atmosphere. We recommend visiting any time between July and September, when Dunwich Heath is a riot of spectacular colour. And if you’re a nature lover, there are also hides between Dunwich and Minsmere Nature Reserve that are a perfect place to spot birds and other wildlife. Once you’ve enjoyed a day in the fresh air, we also highly recommend a meal at the village’s lovely Ship Inn.

Quingo Scooters Accessible Routes: Dunwich Coast - Dunwich Heath

Accessibility

There are three ways around the Heath at Dunwich, which all have flat paths. Take your pick from the 2.5-mile Gorse route, the 1.2-mile Heather route and the 1.1-mile Birch route. Again, go in spring or summer when the gorse and heather is out, you might even get to see red deer!

If you want to park at the Dunwich Beach and Heath car park, there are four Blue Badge parking bays behind the Coastguard Cottages. There is also ramped access and an accessible toilet at the Coastal Centre.

Quingo Scooters Accessible Routes: Dunwich Coast - Dunwich Heath 2

Down the road, Minsmere Nature Reserve also has eight Blue Badge spaces. While the paths and hides at the reserve vary in terms of accessibility, a number have been adapted for access. To find out more, check out their accessibility page here.

Of course, this is a remote spot, but it’s still surprisingly easy to get there. By road, it’s well signposted from the A12. There are buses from Darsham and Saxmundham (although you’ll need to call them to book, on 01728 833526).

The nearest railway station is Darsham, which is just a short taxi drive away.

Share your accessible route with Quingo Scooters!

If you’ve been to visit any great accessible routes on your Quingo Scooter, 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.

Quingo Scooters Accessible Attractions: The National Football Museum, Manchester

Football is one of the most – if not the most – popular games in the world. Millions of fans from all over the world watch their favourite teams play the beautiful game each season. There are highs, lows and plenty of sporting stories going back decades. If football is your thing, we’ve got the perfect day out for you!

The National Football Museum in Manchester is the World’s biggest and best football museum and home to the game’s greatest stories. From the players and games to the fans, the whole scope of football is covered here. No matter who your team is, you’ll find plenty of interesting and entertaining exhibits, from a Hall of Fame of players past and present, to fascinating facts about how football became the global phenomenon it is today. There’s fan memorabilia, pitch-side photos, commentary and much more to see – and get involved in. You’ll even come face to face with the legendary 1966 Jules Rimet World Cup trophy!

Quingo Scooters National Football Museum
Editorial credit: Yuangeng Zhang / Shutterstock.com

What’s on

This week, Quingo Scooters is heading to Manchester to get in on the action! Let’s see what’s on offer…

  • Hall of Fame: Here, you’ll meet the greatest managers, players and teams in the English game. Celebrating and highlighting the achievements of the all-time top talents in the game, you’ll find profiles and facts about every member of this prestigious group. With over 152 players and managers commended here, and more inductees added each year, it’s always a fascinating look at the individuals who have shaped the game.
  • BBC Radio Commentary Collection: Do you remember the commentator who provided the soundtrack to your club’s greatest achievements? In an archive compiled of hundreds of the most memorable BBC radio football commentary clips, you’ll be able to relive the some of the greatest moments in footballing history. Capturing the passion of the game, you’ll laugh, cry, cheer and shout at these audio gems. Whether you’re reliving spectacular wins, Cup runs, promotions, super survivals, glorious goals or bumbling bloopers, your team’s history comes to life. It’s a must for all football fans.
  • The Game: In this exhibition, the story of the football is depicted through the photography of Stuart Roy Clarke. Since 1989, Clarke has been capturing and documenting the ever-changing face of football. Reflecting this, Clarke’s The Game is a dynamic exhibition that will grow and change over 12 months, with his hand-picked favourite images at the core. From fans to grounds, these evocative photographs tell the story of affection, purpose and passion in football.
  • Global Game: From a village sport to a global phenomenon, this exhibition explores the history of football. Tracking its journey to becoming the world’s most popular sport, here you’ll experience the rise of the global game. If you’re a big fan of the World Cup, this is the perfect place for you. The growth of the sport’s biggest competition is covered here. Why not learn all about how the World Cup came about and how each country joined? While you’re in the exhibition, make sure to see the 1966 Jules Rimet trophy. Presented to the England Football Team following their historic win at the 1966 World Cup, it’s a sight not to be missed for any football fan.
  • Pelé – Art, Life Football: This exhibition explores the life and career of football icon Pelé. Described as a player like no other, this global superstar defined what it means to be an elite footballer. From Santos to New York, with 4 World Cups in between, this exhibition tracks the iconic player through the eyes of photographers and artists from around the world. In addition to a superb collection of art inspired by the man, the National Football Museum has brought together iconic items from our own collection and those owned by private collectors to illustrate the life and career of the first man to truly transcend the global game. From memorabilia surrounding his career to performance stats, this exhibition celebrates a great player who truly changed the game.
  • Football+ opportunities: Should you upgrade your package, you’ll find a range of activities on offer. Using your Football+ credits, you’ll be able to take part in activities that put you in the centre of the game. The Match of the Day Commentary Challenge puts you in the box for a classic FA Cup moment. It’s the perfect place to test out your commentary skills. Alternatively, a Lift The Trophy exhibition allows you to get your hands on some virtual silverware. It’s time to strike your best celebratory pose and get a photo to keep forever – the perfect memento of your day.
Quingo Scooters National Football Museum
Editorial credit: Anton_Ivanov / Shutterstock.com

Where to eat and drink

While at the National Football Museum, stop for a snack at Café Football on the ground floor of the museum. Everything from the food to the décor captures the essence of the beautiful game. You can get everything from pies to cakes here, as well as a large selection of hot and cold drinks. Football Plus+ Season Ticket holders get 20% off everything in the café.

If you’re looking to treat yourself, head to The Rabbit in The Moon, located on floors 5 and 6. This restaurant from Michelin star chef Michael O’Hare brings fine dining to football.

Opening times

The National Football Museum is open daily from 10am to 5pm. Admission is free, however, the museum is a registered charity and they welcome donations to support their work. You can upgrade your package through donations, information is available here.

Getting there

Located in the centre of Manchester, the National Football Museum is easily accessible by all forms of transport. If you are travelling by car, take the M60 and follow the brown signs indicating the National Football Museum. Blue Badge parking is available on Todd Street or at nearby car parks, including the Arena, Exchange, Shudehill and High Street. If you are travelling by train, the nearest train station is Victoria Station, a short 2-minute journey from the museum. As well as this, Victoria Station is home to a Metrolink stop, the best stop to get off at should you be travelling by tram. Frequent buses also service the area. More information on getting to the museum is available here.

Accessibility

The National Football Museum is fully accessible to all visitors. There are automatic doors at the main entrance, as well as lifts to all floors. The exhibit includes ramps to all raised areas and accessible toilets on the ground floor and levels 1, 2 and 4. In addition to this, there is Blue Badge parking available on Todd Street, outside Victoria Station. Further Blue Badge parking can be found at nearby NCP car parks, including the Arena, Exchange, Shudehill and High Street. Full information on the museum’s accessibility 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.

Quingo Scooters Accessible Getaways: A Day Out in Whitby

There’s nothing better than a day spent at the seaside. From fish and chips to beautiful tearooms, Whitby is the perfect place to visit on your next trip to the beach. Offering stunning views, as well historic and cultural hotspots, you’ll always find something to explore in Whitby. Did you know that the Gothic Whitby Abbey was even the inspiration for Bram Stoker’s ‘Dracula’? But there’s nothing scary about this beautiful seaside town in Yorkshire!

This week, Quingo Scooters are looking at the best that this town has to offer, from the Cleveland Ironstone Mining Museum to the studio of artist John Freeman. With all this and more, let’s get started…

Quingo Scooters Whitby

What to do

Cleveland Ironstone Mining Museum: History fans are sure to love this museum. Taking a journey into the underground world of a real Ironstone Mine, here you’ll learn all about the customs, life and skills of the Cleveland miners. Celebrating the heritage of the industry, this attraction is home to some incredible memorabilia, ensuring the legacy of the mines through conservation, preservation and displays of artefacts, documents and photographs. With 5 distinct areas to explore, there’s so much to see here!

  • The Museum: Following a short film introducing the origins, decline and legacy, you’ll be able to journey inside the gallery. Here, you’ll find incredible and unique artefacts that guide you through the history of the area. Have you ever wondered how much a miner was paid, or what work equipment they carried into the black tunnels? This museum has all the answers.
  • The Upcast: Delving deeper into the old buildings, learn all about the immense Sirocco Fan and the ventilation systems used to quench fires and – more importantly – keep miners alive. Here you’ll get an incredible view of the 60-foot ventilation shaft. Watch out for the black waters below…
  • The Tally Cabin: Learn all about where the miners started and ended their day! Located at the mouth of the North Drift, this is where the workers signed in and out daily. In 1916, this was even home to local people sleeping as Zeppelin airships flew overhead!
  • The Dark Room: Prepare to be plunged into complete darkness! In this immersive experience, you’ll experience the blackness that miners were met with as they travelled below the ground. As you listen to the story of 12-year-old Fred and his memories of his first day underground as a “trappy lad”, you’ll understand what these miners faced daily.
  • The Experience: Have you ever wondered how ironstone was drilled and blasted over a century ago? Here you’ll come face to face with the candlelit tunnels of the underground workplace. Following the deputy on duty, you’ll see demonstrations and even light the fuse to set off the blast!

The Studio of John Freeman: Whitby artist John Freeman is well-known for his watercolour paintings of the North Yorkshire landscape. With his subjects ranging from a wide variety of local sources, these enchanting paintings are all on display at his studio in Whitby.

In his recently expanded studio, located in the heart of Whitby’s East Side, you’ll find over 160 of his works on display. This is the perfect place to marvel at his highly collectable Nocturne paintings, his studies of H.M. Endeavour and his striking renderings of a host of local places. From remote moorlands to the popular Goathlands, Freeman’s scenic works are not to be missed!

Why not take home a print to remember your incredible day out in Whitby?

Spend a day at the beach: Whitby is the perfect seaside town – so why not spend your day at the beach? There is a wide slipway down to the seafront, as well as lifts. Once there, you’ll find a flat promenade to journey down as you take in the charming views of the sea. With colourful beach huts and incredible coastlines, you’re sure to encounter some beautiful sites!

With a traditional long pier and gaps down to the sea, Whitby’s beach is sure to provide an idyllic day. The perfect place to enjoy your fish and chips!

Where to eat and drink

No visit to a seaside town is complete without fish and chips. For the best – and most accessible – try Quayside. Situated on Whitby’s breathtaking harbour, you’ll find award-winning takes on the classic fish and chips. If it’s a sunny day, why not take your food to go and enjoy the incredible views?

If you’re in the mood for Indian food, passage to India is perfect. Located near the train station, this restaurant offers some of the best Indian food in Whitby.

For smaller snacks or even a drink, there are plenty of cafes and tearooms to be found throughout the town. Coast Bar & Bistro is located between Robin Hood’s Bay and the historic port of Whitby, in the 5 Star Northcliffe Holiday Park. Perfect for incredible views and tasty treats!

There are also a wide range of cafés, restaurants and pubs throughout this beautiful town. Why not find your favourite on your next visit?

Quingo Scooters Whitby

Getting there

This historic town is accessible by a wide variety of means. If you are travelling by car, you’ll need to take the A171 and follow the road across rolling hills until you’re met with the panoramic view of Whitby’s coastline. There are a number of short-stay Blue Badge bays along the streets, with long-term Blue Badge parking being found in the numerous pay and display car parks. These can be found at several locations, including on Cliff Street, Church Street and the train station. There is also a park and ride service that is fully accessible and runs every 10 minutes. If you are travelling by bus, there are many services that run frequently. A full schedule is available here. The nearest stop for trains is Whitby Train Station. If you want to add a special touch to your travels, you can even take a steam train across the moors. More information about this unforgettable experience is available here. Further details about all forms of transport into Whitby can be found here.

Accessibility

While the picturesque town of Whitby certainly is old, it has smooth pavements throughout making it easy to navigate. Throughout the town, you’ll find accessible toilets, including along the sides of the beach and along the top of the cliff. There are several spaces allotted for Blue Badge parking available in Whitby. If you are staying for less than 3 hours, there are Blue Badge bays for on-road parking. For a longer amount than this, there are pay and display spaces available. Alternatively, there is a park and ride system that is fully accessible to all riders, with more information available 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.

Quingo Scooters Accessible Attractions: SEA LIFE Brighton

Discover the fascinating underwater world and its amazing creatures at SEA LIFE Brighton. With marine animals from all over the world, the world’s oldest aquarium continues to delight long after its 1872 opening. Featuring over 3,500 remarkable creatures and 6 Aquarium Zones, there’s a lot to see. This week, Quingo Scooters is heading to the seaside city of Brighton to delve into everything marine life.

From Arctic to tropical climates and fresh to salt water, this attraction covers all bases to bring you a dazzling variety of creatures. One minute you’ll find yourself face to face with a shark, and the next you’ll be surrounded by a shoal of fish in their ocean tunnel.

Quingo Scooters SEA LIFE Brighton 2

What’s on

At SEA LIFE Brighton, there’s a lot to see and plenty of activities and events. Here is Quingo Scooters’ pick of the best:

  • Claws: Did you know that crabs are among the sea’s most feared predators? Neither did we! You can learn more about why and all about crabs from around the world at this exhibit.
  • Feeding times: While at SEA LIFE, make sure to catch a feed. Throughout the day, there are several marine life feeds, accompanied by a fact-filled talk by a member of staff. From a turtle’s morning snack to being able to see a shark’s daily meal, these family-friendly shows are informative and interesting. With marine life facts and close encounters, it’s a must for any visit!
  • Victorian Arcade: With a variety of fresh and salt water creatures, this arcade forms the perfect start to your visit. Housed in the original Victorian architecture of the aquarium, this section has been home to marine life since 1872. With big fish displays and interactive rock pools, you’ll get an up-close view of sea life, from star fish to stingrays.
  • Rainforest adventure: This hot and humid section will transport you to a tropical climate. Here you’ll find water dragons, piranhas, terrapins and even an anaconda. Home to fish, reptiles and amphibians, this captivating experience gives a glimpse into life in the rainforest!
  • Auditorium and Ocean Tunnel: Surrounded by a 750,000 litre ocean display, this immersive experience gets you closer to the amazing creatures. As the world’s largest under-sea glass tunnel, you’ll be surrounded by shoals of wondrous animals. Showcasing 3 species of sharks, tropical fish, rays and rescued sea turtles, you’ll experience the ocean through the glass tunnels as sea life swims above your head.
  • Secrets of the reef: Sea life from the Maldives reefs are on display in this attraction, where you’ll be able to meet the regal tang and clownfish. With talks from experts, you’ll learn the threats to coral reefs and see how SEA LIFE is working to rebuild the Maldives’ coral reefs.
  • Café: Should you need a break from all the excitement, there is a coffee shop located in the Victorian Arcade. With snacks and drinks available here, it’s the perfect place to rest in-between exciting exhibitions.

Quingo Scooters SEA LIFE Brighton 3

Opening times and prices

SEA LIFE Brighton is open 7 days a week, excluding 24 and 25 December. Opening at 10am each day, the closing time changes seasonally, with full details available here. Entry prices start at £10.50 for a one day visit, with carers and under 3s entering for free. Full price lists and ticket types are available here.

Getting there

Situated in the heart of the city, SEA LIFE Brighton is connected to all major transport links. All main routes into Brighton will take you to the seafront, where the attraction is clearly visible. If you are travelling by car, the attraction is approximately 1.3 miles away from the city centre. You can find it by following the fish symbol on the brown tourist signs. Alternatively, you can follow signs for Brighton Pier. Blue Badge parking is in the parking bay located on Madeira Drive, approximately 100m from the entrance. By train, the nearest station is Brighton Train Station, 20 minutes away from the attraction. Local buses also service the area. More information on getting to the attraction can be found here.

Accessibility

Located by Brighton Pier, the SEA LIFE centre has plenty of Blue Badge spaces around the attraction, including on-street parking. You can access the attraction itself via ramps. There is an access ramp from the beach which takes you to an access tunnel leading to the attraction. This route is clearly signposted. Once in the courtyard, you’ll find double width doors at the entrance and lowered counters. Inside the attraction, there are level surfaces and accessible toilets throughout. Carers are given free entry. Further information on the SEA LIFE centre’s accessibility is available 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.

Quingo Scooters Accessible Attractions: Magna Science

There’s no better way to beat the January blues than with an exciting day out! Exploring the earth’s elements in a series of stimulating and interactive areas, science lovers are sure to be big fans of the Magna Science Adventure Centre. This week, Quingo Scooters are heading to Rotherham to discover the spectacles of science and technology as part of our accessible attractions series.

Adventure Centre

Located in a disused steel mill, the centre is packed with exhibits and displays where you can explore science and technology and all things air, earth, fire and water. You’ll find a series of audio-visual exhibitions and informative tours to guide you through the impressive attraction which stands 9 storeys high and is a third of a mile long.

What’s on

  • Air Pavilion: Located 15 metres above the ground in Magna’s rafters and accessible by lifts, this is home to exciting air-based activities. Presenting the story and science of air, you can witness a selection of some early attempts at flight, from the comical to the disastrous. Creating patterns with air cannons or exploring how sound is made, there’s plenty to keep all entertained.
  • The Big Melt: Bringing the steel heritage of Rotherham to life, the Big Melt is an impressive and interactive feature. Using Magna’s history as a steel mill, the breathtaking feature can be seen and heard from everywhere. The show is set around one of the original electric arc furnaces to create a pyrotechnic and audio display. With the show running for 12 minutes and at regular intervals throughout the day, make sure you don’t miss this spectacle on your visit.
  • Water Pavilion: Housed in a giant steel wave, you’ll find a series of interactive games to challenge yourself as you learn all about water. Whether you’re racing to lift water by turning wheels or exploring the world of water, the rain clouds overhead mean you’re likely to get wet!
  • Café: Should you need to take a break from all the excitement, the café provides a perfect stop. With a wide variety of food and drink to enjoy, including sandwiches, pasta and hot drinks, you can sit back and relax.

Opening times and prices

Magna opens for 2018 on 3 January, from 10am to 4pm. Following on from this, opening times differ, with more information available here. Prices vary, 1-2-1 carers can visit the attraction free of charge. You can find more information on ticket prices here.

Getting there

Located in the Templeborough district of Rotherham, the site is on Magna Road and is accessible via all major travel links. If you are travelling by car, the postcode S60 1FD will bring you to the location and the route is clearly signposted. Blue badge parking is available at Meadowhall Shopping Centre, which is a mile away. National trains and local buses serve the area. The X1 Steel Link service drops visitors outside Magna every 10 minutes. More information on getting there can be found here.

Accessibility

Magna’s building is fully accessible. All surfaces are level, with lifts available to all floors. Accessible toilets can also be found throughout the attraction. For more information, you can call the centre on 01709 723116 to discuss your requirements or visit the website 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.