Tag Archives: getaways

Attractions, Days Out, Holidays, Quingo Scooters

Quingo Accessible Getaways: Newcastle

A well-deserved holiday is never far away, and Quingo Scooters are on hand to help you plan it! There are so many unique spots around the UK, which you can visit easily as a mobility scooter, providing you with memories you’ll cherish for ever. It’s no easy task whittling these choices down, when looking for that next fabulous location to visit, so we’re revealing our top suggestions for accessible getaways!

You might want to wrap up warm, as this week we’re taking you up North! The region’s beating heart of Newcastle is a top getaway destination. It features a range of cultural attractions and it’s one of the UK’s most accessible cities, giving you so much to see and do.

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Welcome to Newcastle

Situated in scenic Tyneside, Newcastle is famous the world over for its friendly people, who are sure to welcome you to their city. Not only is the region home to breath-taking sites, such as the legendary ‘Angel of the North’ statue, it also features various accessible attractions, including:

  • Jesmond Dene Park: If you’re looking for an oasis of peace, Jesmond Dene Park is for you. Based just outside Newcastle city centre, Jesmond Dene Park features both native and exotic trees, as well as wildlife such as Kingfishers and Red Squirrels, and a café which serves tasty treats. Free to enter, the park is accessible, with accessible routes located throughout.
  • Discovery Museum: Delve into the history of Newcastle at the Discovery Museum. Opened in 1993 the Museum, which is located Blandford Square and is free to enter, houses maritime and science related attractions such as the iconic Sturbina steam ship – once the fastest on earth! All its floors have level access and there are lifts and accessible toilets across the site.
  • Theatre Royal: There’s no better place to catch a show than Newcastle’s Theatre Royal. The space, located on Grey Street, hosts everything from thrilling stage adaptions to fun musicals. You can find ticket prices on the what’s on page of the Theatre’s website and it’s really accessible with level access, lifts and accessible spaces in its stall, grand circle and upper circle seats.
  • Laing Art Gallery: For culture enthusiasts, the Laing Art Gallery is a must-see attraction. A few streets away from the Theatre Royal, it is free to visit, although there may be charges for some exhibits. Here you’ll discover British oil paintings, watercolours, ceramics, silver and glassware from across the ages. There is level access into the building and it has a lift up to the first floor.
  • Seven Stories: If you’re travelling with children, Seven Stories on Lime Street is well worth a visit. Billed as ‘the national centre for children’s books,’ this space brings iconic tales to life with readings, exhibitions and more. Ticket prices vary for adults and children of different ages, but these can be found here. Seven Stories has accessible parking, level access and lifts to all floors.

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Navigating Newcastle

It’s easy to travel to, and around Newcastle. The best way to reach the city is to catch a train to Newcastle Train Station, which is based at the centre of this scenic metropolis. When it comes to getting around, there’s no better way than the Tyneside and Wear Metro, which is a very affordable travel option. Its trains are fully accessible, with either lifts or ramps at all stations for ease of access.

Newcastle’s has a wide range of accessible hotels. Our top pick is the Royal Station Hotel on Neville Street, based near the train station. Known for its grand Victorian façade, the Hotel includes sumptuous period interiors, but modern, minimalist rooms, making for an interesting contrast. Accessible rooms in the Royal Station Hotel are available upon request and it also boasts a fantastic restaurant which has become popular for its elegant afternoon teas and delicious Sunday carvery’s.

The council of Newcastle are committed to promoting greater accessibility in their city. There are a variety of accessible parking bays dotted across Newcastle, which are open to blue badge holders, with a full list available at the parking in Newcastle section of the council’s website. Meanwhile, if you click here, you’ll find information on the public accessible toilets located across the city. With so much on offer, you’re sure to have a fabulous time if you choose Newcastle for your next getaway!

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, Holidays, Quingo Scooters

Quingo Accessible Getaways: York

There are so many great British cities that welcome mobility scooter users that it’s hard to know where to start when planning you next holiday. At Quingo Scooters, we’re making it easier for you to explore the UK’s cultural landscape at your leisure, by revealing our top picks of accessible getaways.

Today we’re heading for York, based in the heart of North Yorkshire, England’s biggest county today. It was founded originally by the Romans, who called it ‘Eboracum’. Alongside Bath York is one of the UK’s oldest continuously habituated cities, with a wealth of historical sites just waiting for you.

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Welcome to York

York is an incredibly charming city, known by tourists across the world for its quaint shops, magnificent architecture, classic pubs and historic atmosphere. It has various accessible attractions, including:

  • York Minster: Built in the 7th Century, York Minster is one of the UK’s oldest cathedrals. Free to visit, it has a treasure trove of must-see sites. These include medieval stained glass windows, magnificent statues of English kings and an undercroft, where you’ll find ancient cultural treasures. The majority of York Minster is level and there’s an accessible lift to the undercroft.
  • York Art Gallery: Based on Exhibition Square, a stone’s throw away from the Minster, York Art Gallery is a true site to behold. It includes pieces spanning over 600 years, such as paintings, drawings and ceramics, shedding light on the UK’s glorious cultural past. You can check out the space free of charge and it’s very accessible, with a lift going up to its upper gallery.
  • Grand Opera House: Watch talented musical performance at York’s Grand Opera House. Based on Cumberland Street, the venue hosts everything from moving musicals to fun tribute acts. You can book a place to a show online at ATG Tickets. The Grand Opera House is mostly accessible, with spacious toilets and the venue’s staff always on hand to help.
  • National Railway Museum: If you’re curious about how the UK went from a rural society, to a global industrial power, check out the National Railway Museum. You can enter without paying a penny, and you’ll find the museum on Leeman Road, just a few minutes away from York Train Station. Fully accessible, the space’s exhibits tell the story of the rise of rail in Britain.

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Getting around

York is a very mobility scooter-friendly city. The easiest way to get there is by train, with the centrally located York Train Station serving as your gateway into the city. There are plenty of taxi services that you can use to navigate the city, with a list available here. This includes York Wheels, a service where, for a small fee, volunteers will take you around York. Most of its buses and park and ride services are also accessible, with more details, including a journey route planner tool, listed at Travel York.

Finding a place to stay in York, which is known for its mix of modern hotels and traditional town houses, is easy. There’s a list of accessible York hotels available on Euansguide, which includes the very affordable Hotel 53. Located at 53 Piccadilly, in central York, the hotel boasts affordable, spacious accessible rooms, complete with en-suite facilities and lifts throughout the building. It also offers delicious food, with the option of having breakfast sent to your room (for £4) between Mondays and Fridays.

There are accessible toilets located across York, open from 8am to 8pm. Some will be attended, for which you will require a RADAR card, these are available at a cost of £3.50 for those who have a blue badge. You can call York Visitor Centre on 01904 550099 or go to their website, http://www.visityork.org to get in touch with staff and find out more.

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, Holidays, Quingo Scooters

Quingo Accessible Getaways: Bath

Quingo Scooters likes to inspire users to become tourists, by travelling to some of the world’s top destinations on their mobility scooters. In our series of articles, we’re continuing to add to our list of accessible getaways both at home and abroad, which you can visit easily as a mobility scooter user.

Today we’re taking you to Bath. Located in Somerset, this is one of the country’s most popular tourist destinations, known especially for its fascinating historical attractions and stunning architecture.

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Bath tourism

Originally established in Roman times, Bath is one of the UK’s oldest human settlements which still stands today. Due to its incredible history, the entire city of Bath is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and it’s the only British city to hold this honour. It features various accessible attractions, including:

  • Roman Baths: Built on top of natural hot springs, the Roman Baths were constructed in 70AD. This complex, which is one of the best preserved Roman ruins on earth, includes the remains of heated rooms, baths, statues and temples, making it a must for history enthusiasts. This site features accessible toilets, a ramp up to its entrance, accessible public areas and a lift.
  • Fashion Museum: This attraction houses eye-catching fashions dating back to 1600, with over 160 dressed figures for you to see. Here you’ll find everything from Georgian-era gowns to cutting-edge, modern styles, allowing you to explore the evolution of fashion. It includes an accessible entrance and accessible public areas and toilets, with lifts throughout the building.
  • Victoria Art Gallery: This is Bath’s second-most visited museum, attracting around 117,000 guests per year. It houses works produced by some of the greatest British artists. This includes a permanent collection, which is free to visit, featuring works from Turner and Gainsborough. Here you’ll find a ramp up to the main entrance, as well as a lift, enabling full accessibility.
  • No 1. Royal Crescent: Step back in time, by checking out this authentic Georgian townhouse. It is a fine example of Palladian architecture, having been built between 1767 and 1774. The house showcases various displays and exhibits which house authentic furniture, paintings, textiles and carpets from this era. It has level access to public areas and a lift.

Check out the Visit Bath website to familiarise yourself with the opening times and admission prices for these attractions. This site also features a plan your visit section, where you can download guides and brochures, and also learn about its Visitor Information Centre – the first port of call for many tourists.

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Accessibility

On the plan your visit page, you’ll also find a handy access for all section, which features information on how you can take advantage of Bath as a mobility scooter user. It includes a list of accessible accommodation, such as the popular Holiday Inn Express. Located just a mile from Bath city centre and its railway station, the hotel has disabled parking, level access to all areas and accessible rooms. It also has accessible living areas and bathrooms, which include shower chairs, WCs with handrails and even furniture re-arrangement upon request.

The access for all page also covers the Visitor Information Centre, where you can find details on accessible accommodation and attractions. Located next to Bath Abbey, the Centre is less than a mile from the train station and is accessible by bus and taxi. The nearest carpark is less than five minutes away, on Manvers Street. You can find out more about the Visitors Information Centre, which has an automatic door and level access, on the accessibility statement included on the access for all page.

The access for all section is a fantastic resource for mobility scooter users, as it also features downloadable accessibility guides and details on mobility scooter friendly facilities.

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, Holidays, Quingo Scooters

Quingo Scooter’s Top 3 Accessible Hotels in Scotland

Quingo Scooters understand that when you’re thinking about your next holiday or weekend away, there are certain things to consider for you and your mobility scooter. You want somewhere that can cater for your needs, be accessible and most importantly be comfortable for a relaxing time away.

Scotland is an incredible location for a weekend getaway, so we’ve put together our top 5 accessible hotels for you to take a look at and maybe plan your next adventure!

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Crieff Hydro Hotel, Crieff

In the highland hills of Perthshire, you’ll find the stunning Crieff. A hub for tourism, the market town trades mainly on its whisky and cattle droving history. Every year the town hosts the Crieff Highland Games, which include music and dancing competitions – a great spectacle! The Crieff Hydro Hotel is a luxury Victorian style retreat, and is a great choice as it offers plenty of space and smooth paths. It has a fully accessible ground floor bedroom which includes an easy to use wet room. There is also lift access to all the other areas within the hotel. Tourist attractions nearby include the Caithness Glass visitor centre and Glenturret Distillery.

Millennium Hotel, Glasgow

If you’re looking for somewhere a little more busy and vibrant than the highlands, try out the city of Glasgow in Scotland’s western Lowlands. Known for its Victorian and art nouveau architecture, Glasgow a national cultural hub, home to the Scottish Opera, Scottish Ballet and the National Theatre of Scotland. The Millennium hotel is right next to Queen Street station, and it couldn’t be more central to the city. The accessible room has plenty of space to move around, and the wet room is fully equipped with facilities such as handrails. On arrival, the hotel will also go through a PEEP (fire evacuation plan) with you so that you can feel completely comfortable and at ease throughout your stay.

Lamlash Bay Hotel, Lamlash

If what you had in mind was to spend some downtime in a quaint little village with a seafront, then Lamlash is the spot for you. The largest village by population on the Isle of Arran, Lamlash is 4 miles to the south of ferry port Brodick. The village is the perfect location for some relaxation where you can sit back, enjoy the shorefront and maybe spot a seal or two! The Lamlash Bay Hotel will place you right on that shorefront, and as its family run it gives you the warmest of welcomes. The Family Suites have their own entrance which has a ramp, large doorways and a fully accessible shower inside the wet room. The food and drink at the Lamlash Bay Hotel is also top notch, you chose from a variety of beers, ales and malts to accompany your stone baked pizza.        

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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, Holidays

Quingo Accessible Holidays: Helsey House Cottages, Skegness

At this time of year everyone’s searching for their best holiday yet, whether it’s at home or abroad! Quingo Scooters are always discovering brand new places to visit, and we understand just how important is to find somewhere fully accessible where you can be completely comfortable.

We’ve been sharing some accessible holidays with you over the last couple of months, helping you find the perfect location for your summer getaway. Today we’ve found somewhere right beside the seaside, perfect for someone who wants the sea and sand but wants the convenience of holidaying in England. We’re heading to sunny Skegness.

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Helsey

Set in the hamlet of Helsey, near Hogsthorpe, Helsey House Cottages are perfectly located to explore East Lincolnshire and the Lincolnshire coast. Helsey is around 5 miles to the seaside village of Chapel St Leonards and around a 20 minute drive to Skegness Pier.  

Helsey House Cottages

If you want somewhere with lots of character, look no further. Helsey House Cottages can be found in the grounds of the historic Helsey House, an old Victorian farmhouse built in the 1880’s. The cottages have been converted from cattle sheds and stalls belonging to the former dairy farm.

Furnished to the highest standard, the cottages still manage to maintain the original features and characteristics of the buildings. There are two different cottages to choose from, The Cow Shed Cottage and The Dairy Cottage. Both can accommodate up to 5 people with the addition of full size bunk beds if you need them.

They both have private gardens which are equipped with seating and barbecues if you want to enjoy eating outside in the summer evening. If you prefer to stay inside, the cottages both have fully equipped kitchens complete with a microwave, coffee maker, toaster, fridge and freezer.

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Editorial credit: Elizabethmaher / Shutterstock.com

Accessibility

The cottages are purpose built to be completely accessible, situated on ground level with no steps. Registered as Mobility Level 1 under the National accessible scheme, the cottages can offer you tailored help if required to make your stay as comfortable as possible.

With laminated flooring for ease of mobility and an open plan living room, getting around the living quarters on your mobility scooter is made extremely easy. Both cottages have an accessible shower with a separate bath, and a toilet seat riser is available on request. In the kitchen all worktops and the sink are lowered, and the oven door can be accessed from the side to ensure maximum accessibility.

There are also some extras that can be provided if you so wish:

  • It can be arranged for groceries to be available on arrival
  • A self-propelled wheelchair and a shower commode is available
  • Bed raisers are available
  • An Oxford midi 150 mobile hoist is available

If you require any of these, all you have to do is let Helsey House Cottages know at the time of booking.

Share your accessible holiday with Quingo!

If you want to share your mobility scooter accessible holiday, 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.