Tag Archives: gardens

Accessible Routes, Days Out

Quingo Scooters Accessible Getaways Best UK Gardens

The British are a nation of gardeners, and when we are not tending our own, there is nothing we enjoy more than taking a look around someone else’s. Fortunately, the UK is blessed with hundreds of incredible gardens, many of which are accessible to those of us who use mobility scooters. Here is our guide to the best UK gardens.

The Eden Project

We had to start our round up of the UK’s best and most accessible gardens with one of its most unusual and well known. The Eden Project is a truly remarkable place to explore and happily much of it is completely accessible. It is divided up into a number different garden spaces, housed within huge biomes that even feature a rainforest canopy route which can be accessed by wheelchair users. It is fully accessible, beginning with three access designated car parks for Blue Badge holders. They also offer accessible Park and Ride buses, a member of the Eden Project team can also meet you to take you from the car parks to the centre itself if you need it. We were also really impressed by their access volunteers who are on hand around the site to offer any help you need. To discuss your visit, call the team on 01726 818558 or email them at [email protected]

The Eden Project - Quingo Scooters

Kew Gardens

One of the most famous gardens in the world, and with good reason. Kew attracts thousands of visitors every year who come to see its unsurpassed collection of plants. The team there have made a real effort to make as much of the experience as accessible as possible for all. All parking is free for Blue Badge holders, and there are eight designated parking spaces in the car park as well as three more to the right of the Elizabeth Gate on Kew Green. It is really straightforward to get around too – there are flat, tarmac paths throughout most of the gardens themselves. Unfortunately, you won’t be able to take your scooter into Kew’s iconic glass houses, but the team there do offer wheelchairs that can be used in these more confined spaces.

The Lost Gardens of Heligan

One of the most remarkable gardens in the UK, and an absolute must-visit for any gardener. The story behind these gardens is fascinating: they lay forgotten about for many years under the overgrown remains of this rambling estate. Since their rediscovery, the gardens have been restored to a state that gives visitors a real sense of the original vision that was laid out over 400 years ago. A large part of this historic site is accessible (with the exception of The Jungle and Wider Estate, which has more uneven paths and some steep slopes). The rest of the site is fantastic to explore, with over 13 acres of the Northern Gardens as well as the indoor attractions at the Hide and the Steward’s House. Take a look at their dedicated accessibility page here to plan your visit.

Lost Gardens of Heligan - Quingo Scooters

Exbury Gardens, New Forest

We’re huge fans of the New Forest anyway, but if you’re in the area and are looking to find a fascinating garden that is also fully accessible, then head to Exbury. The gardens themselves are huge, at over 200 acres, but thankfully there is also a small steam railway (with four accessible carriages) that will help you to navigate the site. The highlight for us is the Rothschild Collection of rhododendrons, azaleas, camellias and rare trees and shrubs: a riot of spectacular colour that is well worth exploring. The gardens have dedicated Blue Badge spaces at the front of the main car park and while you won’t be able to take your scooter onto every path there is an extensive network of accessible trails for you to explore.

Exbury Gardens - Quingo Scooters

The Trentham Estate

Because it has been created almost completely on one level, the gardens at Trentham are incredibly accessible for anyone using a mobility scooter or wheelchair. There is a handy map here and there are also 54 free disabled car parking spaces just by the main entrance and close to the Trentham Garden Centre. The gardens themselves are stunning (Alan Titchmarsh is a big fan!) and include the recently revitalised Italian Gardens and the wonderful Floral Labyrinth. At the heart of it all is the lake, designed by Capability Brown, that has an accessible path all the way around it.

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: The Alnwick Garden

This week, Quingo Scooters are heading to Alnwick, Northumberland as part of our Accessible Attractions series. Alnwick Garden, a complex of former gardens for Alnwick Castle, offers a fun and exciting day out. This day is a must for any lovers of nature and adventure!

Situated in the heart of Northumberland and north of Newcastle, the revived gardens offer entertainment for the whole family. The Duchess of Northumberland’s vision for a forgotten plot has been transformed into a magical experience full of enchantment and imagination. Home to one of the largest wooden tree houses in the world and a poisonous garden, there’s plenty to do at Alnwick Garden.

Quingo Scooters Alnwick Gardens 2

What’s On

The Alnwick Garden is home to one of the most innovative gardens in Britain. As well as displaying seasonal flowers and plants in its impressive grounds, guests can also explore treetop pathways and see magnificent water features throughout. There are also activities for all to enjoy throughout the park.

  • A Garden of Fairytales: Inspired by the Grimm fairytales, this interactive experience invites guest to save Beauty from the garden’s Evil Queen. Solving clues along the way, guest travel along a magical journey, in which benches sing, frog princes talk and magic mirrors guide your way. Live actors play fairytale characters and direct guests on their quest. This experience is magical for the whole family.
  • Christmas At Alnwick Garden: Beginning in late November, Christmas starts to arrive at Alnwick Garden. Throughout the end of November and December, you can expect to see many Christmas treats. From Christmas Markets and ice skating, to disco party nights and mixology courses, there’s something here for everyone. Different activities are available most days and more information can be found here.
  • The Treehouse Restaurant: With a gradually sloping pathway up to the entrance, this offers a unique dining experience for the whole family to enjoy. With wooden pathways, twinkling lights and a log fire, it’s a magical experience situated in the trees of Alnwick Garden. Showcasing local produce, the menu always has seasonal delights. Here you can enjoy The Duchess of Northumberland’s own “Deadly Jane” range of cocktails, a fine selection of wine and beer, and regular live music.

Opening Times and Entry

The Alnwick Gardens are open daily, excluding 25 December. Opening times vary by season. The summer opening times are 10am-4pm (31 March-31 October). The winter opening times change more frequently due to seasonal festivities and can be found here. Ticket prices vary, with carers obtaining free entry.

Quingo Scooters Alnwick Gardens 3

Getting There

The Alnwick Garden is just off the A1 in the heart of Northumberland. It is easily accessible by car, train and bus. If you are travelling by car, the route is well signposted and the main car park is off Denwick Lane. There is free blue badge parking provided. Buses connect the gardens to Newcastle and surrounding towns. If you are travelling by train, the Alnmouth stop is 4 miles away from the Alnwick Garden, with connecting buses and taxis available from here. More information can be found here.

Accessibility

Alnwick Garden has smooth, solid surfaces, with wheelchair accessible routes throughout. There are pathways to all areas of this garden, including the rope bridges, treehouse and waterfall. Alternative routes have been created, with slopes and gradual inclines being used as a replacement to stairs. Lifts are also available. There are fully accessible toilets throughout the gardens, as well as seating provided all through the gardens. Before you visit, you can get support for your trip through speaking to a member of staff at 01665 511350 and choosing option 1.  More information about Alnwick Garden’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.

Attractions, Days Out, Quingo Scooters

Quingo Accessible Attractions: Hampton Court Palace

In ages gone by, our monarchs built grand residences across the UK, so they could live in the true luxury befitting of their status. Many are still standing, providing you with plenty of great days out as a mobility scooter user. But where do you begin? Here’s where Quingo Scooters comes in. We’re bringing the UK’s top accessible attractions to your attention and we’ve got a great one for you in this post.

Join us, as we go to one of the country’s most stunning royal residences – Hampton Court Palace. Based at Hampton, Richmond upon Thames in Greater London, Hampton Court Palace is a massive complex, where you can experience what life was really like for the crème de la crème of English history.

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Hampton Court Palace

Hampton Court Palace was built by Cardinal Thomas Wolsey, one of King Henry VIII’s favourites, in 1515. When Wolsey inevitably fell out of favour, Henry seized the building and it housed various monarchs over time, with George II being the last King to reside there. The palace was renovated many times, but most notably by King William III, who had aspirations of making it a rival to the Palace of Versailles in France, turning Hampton Court Palace into a true architectural marvel in the process.

To visit Hampton Court Palace today, is to familiarise yourself with the magnificence of royal living. It has a number of fascinating attractions for you to explore, including its iconic Great Hall, known for their splendid tapestries. The complex also houses the Chapel Royal, which is legendary for its beautiful ceiling, and also features a replica of Henry VIII’s crown. Other highlights include its Cumberland Art Gallery, which displays magnificent works from the Royal Collection and Henry VIII’s state apartments, which shed light on the personality of one of England’s most notorious rulers.

You cannot visit Hampton Court Palace without also spending time in its lush gardens. Spread across 60 acres, these green spaces possess winding paths, bubbling fountains, magnificent trees – including solid walls of yew and over one million flowering bulbs, making for a truly magical experience. You can go to Hampton Court Palace at any time of the year, from 10am to 6pm in summer and from 10am to 4.30pm in winter. Depending on the time of year, adult tickets start from £18 and you can find out more on the tickets and prices section of the official Hampton Court Palace website.

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Touring the palace

Hampton Court Palace is open to all visitors, and it’s one of the region’s top accessible attractions. It is easily reachable by train, as you can get a 35 minute train which will take you from London Waterloo to Hampton Court, and these services run every half hour. You can also get there by car, as it lies on the A308 and is well sign posted. It has on-site parking, with nine accessible spaces available for blue badge holders, and you can learn more on the getting here page of its official website.

You will have no problem getting around Hampton Court Palace, as it’s extremely accessible. There is level access from the parking area to its main entrance with the accessible parking spaces located just 50 metres away. There is level access throughout the ground floor of Hampton Court Palace, with a wide lift going up to the state apartments on the first floor. There is also level access in the gardens, with various flat paths available, as well as to the Palace’s information centre, where you can find out more about the venue.

There are also three fully accessible shops at Hampton Court Palace, where you can buy a souvenir to remind you of your time at this fascinating site. These are the Palace Shop, the Garden Shop, and the Tudor Kitchens Shop, while you can visit the Tudor Kitchens themselves and learn about the culinary traditions of our ancestors, via a ramp. Hampton Court Palace further includes various accessible toilets around the complex. You can learn more by visiting the accessibility page of its 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.

Days Out, Quingo Scooters

Quingo Accessible Days Out: RHS Garden Rosemoor

Here at Quingo Scooters, we encourage you to get out on your mobility scooter and explore various accessible venues across the UK. You can enjoy everything nature has to offer by heading to various garden centres. In our series of articles, we’re highlighting days out you can enjoy as a mobility scooter user and today, we’re looking at Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) Garden Rosemoor.

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RHS Garden Rosemoor

Based in Great Torrington, Devon, RHS Garden Rosemoor features a stunning show garden and other natural attractions.

The main formal garden is a nature-lover’s paradise. It houses ornamental spaces featuring shrubs, roses, perennials and bulbs, along with highly cultivated long-term projects. It has various themed areas for you to check out, including a stream and rock gully, a woodland green and a fruit and vegetable garden, where you can learn how to grow your own produce. It also has a quaint cottage garden, lined with brick pathways and flowering shrub/perennial filled beds.

Here you can also visit the stone garden, where plants like camellias, acers and peonies are cultivated in a sheltered, courtyard-style space. RHS Rosemoor Garden regularly hosts seasonal shows for you to attend. It’s putting on a Winter Sculpture exhibition which lasts to 19th February 2017. Open daily from 10am to 5pm, it showcases pieces from a diverse range of sculptors. It’ll also host gardening workshops and courses across 2017, teaching you how to cultivate your own outdoor spaces.

It’s open every day except Christmas Day, from 10am – 6pm between April and September and 10am – 5pm between October and March. You can buy an adult ticket for £12.10. If you are bringing children aged five to 16, they can enter for £6.05 per ticket. You get unlimited free admission if you’re an RHS member, which you can become for as little as £44.25 per year.

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Accessing the gardens 

You can reach RHS Garden Rosemoor easily by using the information listed on the ‘how to get here’ section of its website to plan your trip. There is parking near the venue’s main entrance, which features 26 easy access parking bays. You can find out more about its access facilities on the RHS Garden Rosemoor’s official online portal.

RHS Garden Rosemoor features a level ramp leading up to its main entrance and the venue’s ground floor is easily accessible for mobility scooter users. We should note that there is an accessible toilet near the site’s main entrance and there is another behind its Wisteria Tea Rooms, located in Lady Anne’s Garden, which was named after the garden’s original creator. RHS Garden Rosemoor has good signage for accessible routes throughout the site.

The site’s formal garden is mostly accessible for mobility scooter users. Most of its offshoot areas, such as the fruit and vegetable garden, are accessible, but Lady Anne’s Garden, as well as lake and woodland walks supply limited access, due to their steps and slopes. We would recommend that you plan your route through the site’s outdoor spaces before you visit, to get the most out of your visit. Meanwhile, RHS Garden Rosemoor’s Visitor Centre, shop, plant centre, restaurant, lecture hall, library and Peter Buckley Learning Centre are all fully accessible.

Share your accessible days out 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.

QUINGO ACCESSIBLE ATTRACTIONS: FOUNTAINS ABBEY AND STUDLEY ROYAL 3

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.