Tag Archives: manchester

Attractions, Days Out, Quingo Scooters

Quingo Scooters Accessible Getaways: A Day Out in Manchester

From industry-changing inventions and world-class football to generation-defining music, Manchester has it all. As the UK’s third largest metropolitan borough, this city offers a diverse range of activities, food, experiences and people. Manchester offers the perfect day out, no matter what you’re interested in – history, music, football, shopping, science and so much more.

This week, Quingo Scooters are heading to Manchester to see what makes the city so great. From museums and shops to food, we’re looking at all the hotspots this city has to offer. Let’s get started…

Quingo Scooters Manchester

What to do

Here are some of our top picks for days out in the city.

  • Imperial War Museum: This iconic museum tells the stories of lives shaped by war. Using galleries, exhibitions, displays and events, your perception of war will be challenged and reshaped on this emotive journey.

The Big Picture Show: Using surround sound and projected digital moving images, this exhibition brings to life an individual experience of war. As you walk through this immersive and sensory exhibition, history becomes a personal journey. Each of 7 shows focus on a different aspect of war, creating a comprehensive and thought-provoking look at conflict. History fans will love this experience!

Mixing it: Known as ‘The Changing Faces of Wartime Britain’, this display uncovers the forgotten histories of service people and civilians who came to Britain during the Second World War. Here you’ll explore a fascinating transition period in British history and culture. This view of the migration is based on specially recorded oral histories, allowing the personal journey to shine through. Showcasing a personal look at movements that have shaped history, this display offers a unique perspective on British culture.

Reactions: Throughout history, conflict and war have inspired art. In this exhibition, you’ll get an up-close look at artists’ response to battle and conflict. This exhibition encourages artistic responses to the themes, architecture and collections of the museum, unveiling new and unique ways to explore the impact of conflict. Here, you’ll discover how war helped shape culture and how this was expressed – a must for art lovers!

The museum itself is fully accessible. There are accessible toilets throughout the exhibition and lifts to all floors, with smooth floor surfaces throughout. More information on the Imperial War Museum can be found here.

  • Manchester Arena: If you’re in the mood to catch a concert or show, Manchester Arena is the venue for you. As the third largest arena in Europe, it has a capacity of 21,000 and welcomes a wide range of artists to perform each year. Opened in 1995 it’s hosted the likes of Torvill and Dean, the Spice Girls, Kylie Minogue, Take That, Santana, Peter Kay, Lee Evans and boxing fights featuring Amir Khan and Mike Tyson. The arena was also used for the 2002 Commonwealth Games. A full line-up of what’s on in 2018 can be found here.

Manchester Arena is also fully accessible. The box office window has a lowered counter and loop system, while the counters have been lowered at concession stands. For each set of facilities, there is at least one accessible toilet. When you’re arriving or leaving the arena, you’ll also find lift access to the arena’s NCP car park and to Victoria Station. It’s the ideal place to catch your favourite performer!

  • Intu Trafford Centre: If you love shopping, Manchester is the place for you! Whether you’re interested in high-end fashion or picking up a few bargains, the city has it all. What’s more, the city is home to the second largest shopping centre in the United Kingdom. The Intu Trafford Centre is a favourite spot among shopaholics – and it’s not hard to see why. With over 280 shops and services, there’s plenty of shops, restaurants and entertainment to keep your busy all day!

The Trafford Centre is fully accessible, with nine speaking lifts located around the centre to provide easy access to all levels. There are multiple accessible toilets located around the centre and smooth services. As well, you’ll find Blue Badge parking spaces in their car park. You can find out more information about the Trafford Centre’s accessibility here.

Where to eat and drink

No matter what you’re in the mood for or what your budget is, you’re sure to find an amazing place to eat in Manchester.

There’s no better place to take in the amazing views that the city has to offer than Cloud 23 at the Hilton. Located on the 23rd floor of the Hilton hotel, you’ll find a number of lifts that take you up to this breath-taking bar. Offering panoramic views and smooth floors throughout, this unique bar is located at Manchester’s highest point. Here, you’ll find a range of hot and cold food, delicious meals and even an Afternoon Tea. It’s the perfect place if you’re looking to treat yourself!

If you’re looking for something quick, why not try out the New Emperor in Manchester’s Chinatown? Offering delicious Chinese and Asian food served in a buffet style, this hot, fresh and authentic food offers great value. With a step-free entrance and an accessible toilet, it’s the perfect accessible restaurant for when you’re in Chinatown!

Throughout Manchester, there is a wide range of restaurants, cafés and pubs to try out. Why not explore them on your next visit?

Quingo Scooters Manchester

Getting there

As a major city and a popular destination for many visitors, Manchester is easily accessible by all major forms of transport. If you are travelling by car, take the M60 – also known as the Manchester Ring Motorway, as it is an orbital motorway that passes through all of Greater Manchester’s metropolitan boroughs. Wherever you’re travelling in Manchester by car, it’s likely you’ll need this route. If you are parking in the city centre, there are several Blue badge spaces available. These can be found on Todd Street, located by Victoria Station, or at one of the city’s NCP car parks, such as the Arena, Exchange, Shudehill and High Street. Alternatively, if you are travelling by train, there are 3 train stations: Victoria, Piccadilly and Oxford Road. As well, the city is connected through the MetroLink, making it easy to get around. A number of bus services also frequent the area. More information on getting around in Manchester 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 Scooters Accessible Attractions: The People’s History Museum, Manchester

Aimed at showing visitors that ‘there have always been ideas worth fighting for’, the People’s History Museum in Manchester is the national museum of democracy. Taking an immersive and interactive tour of Manchester and Britain, you’ll experience political and social change from the Peterloo Massacre of 1819, right up to the present day. From key speeches by notable figures to explorations of the average life, the museum gives a comprehensive and stunning view of the past. As a key cultural attraction of Greater Manchester, over 100,000 people a year come to see the incredible revolution and reform started in Manchester.

This week, Quingo Scooters is heading to Manchester to learn more about the impact Manchester has had on the democracy of Britain. With two permanent galleries, 7 themes, 1500 historic objects and many interactive exhibitions, there’s so much to see. Let’s get started…

Quingo Scooters People's History Museum 2
Editorial credit: 4kclips / Shutterstock.com

What’s on

There’s always something exciting on at the People’s History Museum in Manchester. With a selection of permanent and temporary exhibitions, make sure to check here to see what’s on offer.

  • Main Gallery One: This is home to a march through time. Covering Britain’s struggle for democracy over 2 centuries. Divided into 7 themes and 2 galleries, you’ll follow a chronological order of British and North West history. These themes are revolution, reformers, workers and voters. With a wide range of interactive and almost 1,500 historic objects, this immersive experience takes you through political and social reform over 200 years. From the rise of Manchester at the centre of Britain’s Industrial revolution to the formation of Trade Unions, you can explore the movements that created society as we know it!

Must see: Did you know that the Suffragette movement was born in Manchester? This gallery covers the formation of the Manchester Society for Women’s Suffrage in 1867 and the Women’s Social and Political Union (WSPU) founded in Manchester by Emmeline Pankhurst and her sisters in 1903. With banners, posters and minutes from meetings, the journey for women’s right to vote is covered in amazing detail. A must-see for all interested in politics and revolution!

  • Main Gallery Two: Starting in 1945 at the end of World War II, this journeys through political and social upheaval. Showcasing the shift of politics from parties to issues, war and peace, equality, strikes and migration are all covered here. You’ll even see incredible insight into the working-class leisure activities popular in the mid-20th century, including football and music from Manchester.

Must see: Showcasing both sides of famous protests, history is visually brought to life. With an audio-visual show that helps to create the atmosphere of a march or protest, the noise and fluttering banners creates an unforgettable experience!

  • Savage Ink: Through many publications, this exhibition presents the history of the satirical cartoon. From its pioneering start in the late 18th century through to those artists working on graphic novels, newspapers and comic books today. Presenting the cartoon as an important form of visual protest, the historical importance of the art form is brought to life.

Must see: The satirical cartoon has documented some of the biggest moments in the long fight for suffrage and representation. This exhibition presents rare historical cartoons from William Hogarth, James Gillray, Steve Bell and Peter Fluck. This showcases the incredible impact these cartoons had presenting a relatable and honest portrayal of history.

  • The House of Kings and Queens: Manchester has long had a proud history of supporting the LGBT community. In this spectacular exhibition, documentary photographer Lee Price presents striking images of LGBT life from Sierra Leone. This is part of Queer Contact Festival 2018, celebrating LGBT arts and culture across Greater Manchester. Providing amazing insight into the struggles faced daily for LGBT in Sierra Leone, this exhibition is not to be missed!

Where to eat and drink

The Left Bank café bar offers a wide selection of food from snacks and hot meals including vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free options.

Whether you want to enjoy a hand-crafted coffee, seasonal British food or try some of the best local ales Greater Manchester has to offer, the Left Bank café bar has it all. On sunny days, you’ll even be able to enjoy the café’s riverside terrace! More information on what’s available can be found here.

Opening times and prices

The People’s History Museum is open 10am to 5pm daily, excluding 24-26 December and 1 January. On the second Thursday of the month, the museum is open from 10am to 8pm. Admission to the museum is free, with most events also free of charge. Donations are welcome while you are there. Further information can be found here.

Quingo Scooters People's History Museum 3

Getting there

Located in Spinningfields, Manchester, the museum is accessible by all major forms of transport. It is 5 minutes away from the centre of Manchester, and serviced by frequent bus and metrolinks. The nearest railway station is Salford Central. If you are travelling by car, there is ample Blue Badge parking. This is available on New Bailey Street, Stanley Street and St Mary’s Street, all of which offer on-street parking bays. More information on getting there can be found here.

Accessibility

The People’s History Museum is fully accessible for all visitors. With ramps up to the main entrance, there is an automatic opening leading to the reception area. The attraction has lifts to all floors and accessible toilets on the lower ground, ground and second floor. Blue Badge parking is available close by at New Bailey Street’s on-street parking, pay and display machine parking bays on Stanley Street and on St Mary’s Street. Should you want to contact the museum for more information on accessibility, you can call on 0161 838 9190 or emailing at [email protected]. Full information on 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 Scooters Accessible Attractions: Manchester Christmas Markets

With over 300 exciting stalls and chalets spread across 10 sites, Manchester’s award-winning Christmas Markets are unmissable. With local and European producers offering a plethora of treats, from glühwein and bratwurst to handmade jewellery and trinkets, there’s plenty to enjoy. At Quingo Scooters, we’re heading there to bring you the best that these markets have to offer!

Starting in Cathedral Gardens, the markets take you through the city. With drinks, food, entertainment and gifts along the way, you can take in all the festive delights in the bustling centre. Be sure not to miss the iconic Father Christmas sitting on Manchester Town Hall in Albert Square!

Quingo Scooters Manchester Christmas Market 2

What’s on

  • Ice Rink in Cathedral Gardens (November 4 2017 -January 7 2018): If ice skating takes your fancy, head to the rink in Cathedral Gardens. Set against the backdrop of the Cathedral and the markets, this outdoor ice rink is perfect for beginners and experts. Open 11am-9pm from November 4 to January 7, excluding Christmas Day and Boxing Day, it’s great fun.
  • Market stalls: There are hundreds of stalls with a wide range of treats to eat, drink, buy and enjoy. Getting bigger every year, 2017’s selection is sure to be the best yet. Treat yourself to delicious foods from across Europe, from Dutch pancakes to Hungarian Goulash. Relax with a German beer or French wine as you soak up the festive ambiance of a truly international experience.
  • Traditional Beer Halls: One of the highlights of the markets are the traditional beer halls. You’ll find several Bavarian-style beer halls where you can sample German beers, glühwein, hot chocolate and more from commemorative mugs. The biggest beer hall this year is in Albert Square. Did we mention they are also heated and sheltered, providing a welcome cosy retreat?

Quingo Scooters Manchester Christmas Market 3

Opening times and prices

The Christmas Markets are free to enter and open from 19th November to 20th December. The main Albert Square market will be open from 10am-9pm daily. All of the other markets throughout the city will be open from 10am-7.30pm throughout November, with closing times extending to 8pm in December.  The Ice Rink is open from November 4th to January 7th from 11am-9pm, excluding Christmas day and Boxing Day. More information can be found here.

Getting there

Situated in the city centre, the Manchester Christmas Markets are accessible by all major public transport links. Manchester Victoria train station is located a few minutes away from the start of the market sites. Buses also run continuously throughout the city, with stops near all the market locations. In addition to this, the city’s Metrolink tram service has been extended throughout the city centre, with platforms placed near key locations. Blue badge parking is also available around the city, with sites being displayed here. Further information on getting to the markets can be found here.

Accessibility

All of the market sites are roughly within a quarter mile of each other. They are fully accessible, and the routes and location are on flat ground. Accessible toilets can be found on the ground floor of the Town Hall Extension. This is located next to the Albert Square markets on Lloyd Street.

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.

Holidays, Quingo Scooters, Reviews

Where are Europe’s Five Most Accessible Cities?

Quingo Scooters encourages you to get out and see the world, from the comfort of your mobility scooter. Previously we’ve shared some great accessible getaways for you in different locations to try as a mobility scooter user. If you fancy going somewhere a little more continental, today we’re going to reveal the five most accessible cities in Europe.

Milan, Italy

The best European city for mobility scooters is Milan. The metropolis is not only an Italian fashion and cultural capital, but it won the City Access Award last year, showing that it’s made great strides to improve accessibility. Travelling to Milan is easy as Italy’s railways, as well as the city’s Linate and Malpensa airports are fully accessible. It boasts various accessible attractions, such as the Piazza del Duomo. This is near iconic sites such as Milan Cathedral and the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II shopping mall, where you can find shops from legendary Italian brands such as Prada as well as stylish bars and cafes.

Boras, Sweden

Sweden is a great country for mobility scooter users. In 2015 its government made lack of accessibility a new form of discrimination, and as a result great efforts have been made to make it much easier to get around. Sweden’s crown jewel is its second largest city, Boras. It has a range of “accessible hotels,” with an “accessible path of travel,” so it’ll be easy to find somewhere to stay. This lush city is known for its open green spaces like Ranmaparken, which includes paved paths, making it great for mobility scooter users. Various attractions in Boras, like its Textile Museum and City Theatre, are fully accessible, giving you plenty to see and do.

Quingo WHERE ARE EUROPE’S FIVE MOST ACCESSIBLE CITIES? 2

Berlin, Germany

The German city of Berlin is the ideal getaway location for any mobility scooter user. It’s really easy to travel in Berlin as its buses, metro lines and taxis are all mobility scooter friendly. It also has wide pavements and both vocal and visual signals at road crossings. It’s hard to not find an accessible attraction in Berlin. All its top sites from Potsdam, the old Reichstag and Charlottenburg Palace, to Madame Tussauds and the Jewish Museum of Berlin, can be navigated easily with a mobility scooter.

Quingo WHERE ARE EUROPE’S FIVE MOST ACCESSIBLE CITIES? 3

Barcelona, Spain

If you’re looking for blazing sun and fabulous artistic attractions, Barcelona is the place for you. This Spanish city’s metro stations are 80% accessible, while its buses are 100% accessible, so getting around won’t be a problem. We’d suggest that you take a shopping trip on the iconic Las Ramblas Street while in Barcelona, as it’s completely flat. In Barcelona, you can go to the front of the line as a mobility scooter user when seeing sites like the gorgeous Sagrada Familia church, which is also free to enter.

Manchester, UK

You don’t have to leave the UK for an accessible holiday as our very own Manchester is fantastic for anyone who uses a mobility scooter. The north-western hub has wide, smooth pavements making it easy to get around, while the majority of its bars and shops have step-free entrances. It also houses various mobility scooter-friendly attractions like Etihad Stadium and the Trafford Centre, while restaurants like El Gato Negro, which does Spanish Tapas, are some of the most accessible in the UK.

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

Where are the Best Accessible Shopping Centres?

When you’re after a good session of retail therapy, Quingo Scooters know how important it is to find somewhere that is completely accessible where you can feel entirely at ease.

Previously on the blog we’ve shared the best accessible restaurants in the north and south of the country. In this post we’re sharing the best accessible shopping centres so that you can get planning even more days out!

Intu Trafford Centre – Manchester

A favourite amongst the shopaholics, intu Trafford Centre is the second largest shopping centre in the United Kingdom. Located in Greater Manchester, the centre is a great place to go if you’re after all the best high street names – most of their flagship stores are located at the Trafford Centre. You won’t be short of places to eat and drink here either, as there are plenty of places to choose from!

The Trafford Centre is fully accessible, with nine speaking lifts located around the centre to provide easy access to all levels. There are multiple disabled toilets located around the centre, including dedicated accessible units which specifically cater for the needs of disabled people.

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The Centre:MK – Milton Keynes

With over 200 shops and restaurants under one roof, The Centre:MK houses large stores such as John Lewis, House of Fraser and Marks and Spencer. The Centre:MK is aesthetically pleasing too – the elegant steel frames design echoes the shopping streets of the Galleria in Milan.

The centre has great accessibility. It’s all under one roof and is on one level, with all main doors fitted with automated door opening controls at mobility scooter height. Parking is also on one level and really accessible, so no ramps or lifts are needed.

WHERE ARE THE BEST ACCESSIBLE SHOPPING CENTRES? 2

Westfield London

The largest covered shopping development in the capital, Westfield London can be found in the London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham. Open until 10pm every day except Sunday, the centre is one of latest to open in the country, making it the ultimate shopper’s paradise. As well as all your favourite high street brands, you’ll also want to discover The Village – a world of luxury housing leading fashion designers such as Burberry, Louis Vuitton and more.

Westfield is extremely accessible as almost all of the shops have level access, making them very easy to get in and out of. The centre itself has plenty of lifts, with good signage and plenty of seats if members of your group fancy a rest. There are plenty of accessible toilets throughout the centre, and the car parks have many designated blue badge parking spaces.

Share your accessible place with Quingo!

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