Tag Archives: mobility scooters

Attractions, Days Out, Quingo Scooters

Quingo Accessible Attractions: Mercat Tours, Edinburgh

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. Today we’re heading to Edinburgh for a lesson in history and ghosts.

QUINGO ACCESSIBLE ATTRACTIONS: MERCAT TOURS, EDINBURGH 2

Mercat Tours

Mercat Tours offer all kinds of different history walks and ghost tours from Edinburgh’s award winning storytellers. An absolute must if you’re visiting Edinburgh for a short or long getaway, these tours are sure to shed a whole new light on the city’s past whilst delivering a captivating story.

Mercat Tours have attained the ‘Investors in People’ recognition within five years of operating, and were named a Five Star tourist attraction by VisitScotland.

There are many tours available but these sometimes vary depending on the time of year.

If you’ve got a moderate to large sized group, Mercat Tours also offer private tours where you can explore and learn about everything from Edinburgh’s Old Town to the Blair Street Underground Vaults and more.

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Accessibility

Tours are sometimes looked upon as attractions that wouldn’t be considered too accessible. However, Mercat tours love welcoming mobility scooter users to Edinburgh, and they will go above and beyond to help you explore the city. That’s why there are many tours available, so that there is something for everyone. For example, The Royal Mile tour provides level access all the way, with a couple of dropped kerbs. You will have no problem getting around and seeing everything there is to see.

If you need to use an accessible toilet, the tour guide will make you aware of where the nearest ones are and they will make time in the tour should these be required.

To make it as easy as possible to understand what the tours involve before you book, Mercat Tours has developed an access statement. The company have many videos on it’s website which enable you to see detailed information such as the tour routes, buildings visited and facilities available. The team are always happy to chat to you if you require any additional help too.

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.

Attractions, Days Out, Quingo Scooters

Quingo Accessible Attractions: Royal Shakespeare Theatre

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 for a fantastic day out! This week we’re heading to Stratford-upon-Avon to step in to the world of Shakespeare.

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Royal Shakespeare Theatre

Dedicated to the English playwright, the Royal Shakespeare Theatre is owned by the Royal Shakespeare Company. Situated in Shakespeare’s birthplace, the theatre is located in the town of Stratford-upon-Avon beside the river Avon.

It seats over 1000 after undergoing a major renovation in November 2010, known as the Transformation project. Part of the renovation included creating a new thrust stage auditorium, designed to bring actors and audiences closer together. The distance of the furthest seat from the stage has been reduced from 27 metres to 15 metres.

The renovation included the creation of an array of public spaces, including a Riverside Café, Rooftop Restaurant and an observation tower. Part of the renovation also involved making the theatre fully accessible for the first time, and more comfortable for people with disabilities. There are also other Royal Shakespeare Theatres at other locations, including London and the USA and Canada.

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What’s on?

As expected, the theatre is home to many of Shakespeare’s works. The plays are on for a selected period of time and are in rotation so that more of his works can be performed. Some current highlights include:

  • Cymbeline – 31st October to 17th December 2016
  • King Lear – 10 November to 23rd December 2016
  • Much Ado About Nothing 9th December 2016  to 18th March 2017

There are also some other performances that aren’t to be missed:

  • Snow in Midsummer by Frances Ya-Chu Cowhig – 23rd February to 25th March 2017
  • The Hypocrite by Richard Bean – 31st March to 29th April 2017
  • Salome by Oscar Wilde – 2nd June to 6th September 2017

You can discover all of the performances by going to the what’s on section of the Royal Shakespeare Theatre website.

Accessibility  

The renovation in 2010 created three times as many dedicated mobility scooter and wheelchair spaces than the previous auditorium. When booking your tickets, make the Box Office aware that you require a dedicated accessible space. You can also request an audio described or captioned performance too if required.

There is a large lift to all levels of the theatre, and these are fully accessible to mobility scooter users. There are seven Blue Badge Holder parking bays on Waterside which is directly outside the Royal Shakespeare Theatre, and there are ten bays on Chapel Lane which is the road opposite.

More access information is available on the Royal Shakespeare Theatre website.

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.

Holidays, Quingo Scooters

Quingo Accessible Getaways: The Moat House, Annan

Here at Quingo Scooters we love browsing for getaways, somewhere to sneak off to for the weekend, or even spend the whole week somewhere if you fancy! In our accessible series we’ve been discovering some of the best accessible holidays and getaways around, at home and abroad.

This week we’re discovering a fully accessible cosy winter getaway, perfect for those chilly nights wrapped up next to the log fire.

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Annan

A town and former royal burgh in Dumfries and Galloway, Annan is located in south-west Scotland. It’s known for its public buildings such as Annan Academy, the Georgian building known as ‘Bridge House’ and the Historic Resources Centre. With the river embanked, Annan serves as a maritime town whose shipyards build many clippers and other boats. Today the small town is full of fascinating architecture and relaxing river views.

The Moat House

Located on the edge of Annan, The Moat House is a bright and spacious holiday cottage. Equipped with everything a family with disabled members or friends might need, The Moat House is the perfect place to take a well-deserved holiday. Located in the bustling little town of Annan, you’ll find everything you need with the independent shops and cafes.

The Moat House is a unique historic building in an interesting location, and the cottage has been uniquely designed with accessibility in mind, whether yourself or someone in your party just needs a little assistance or everyday tasks. There is level access to the whole of the house, with lifts between floors making it suitable for mobility scooters throughout. Everything is in place to ensure you have a relaxing and carefree getaway.

There are loads of places to visit and things to do whilst you’re there too. These include:

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Accessibility

The cottages have incredible accessible facilities, whilst providing a holiday that is perfect for all ages – and pets are welcome!

On arrival to the cottage you’ll find a spacious, welcoming reception hall that has space for parking and charging your mobility scooter. Moving on the kitchen, this is equipped with ovens, cupboards and fridges at a lowered height. There is a rise and fall sink and hob, and an accessible dining table to enjoy your meals at.

In all of the bedrooms you’ll find either a twin or double contouring bed, a configuring bed, a king-size bed, and optional pull out additional beds. The bathrooms feature a rise and fall shower, high and low sinks, accessible toilets and ceiling track hoists.

More details on the facilities in the cottage can be found on The Moat House Website.

Share your accessible getaway with Quingo!

If you want to share your mobility scooter accessible getaway, we’d be delighted to hear from you. You can email your stories, recommendations and pictures by filling out the contact form on the Quingo Scooters 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: Emirates Spinnaker Tower, Portsmouth

Here at Quingo Scooters we’re 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 for a fantastic day out!

In this post we’re exploring great heights in Portsmouth!

QUINGO ACCESSIBLE ATTRACTIONS: EMIRATES SPINNAKER TOWER, PORTSMOUTH 2

Emirates Spinnaker Tower

Standing 170 metres above Portsmouth Harbour and the Solent, the Emirates Spinnaker Tower is an established British icon. Taller than the London Eye, Blackpool Tower and Big ben, the landmark observation tower opened in 2005. Part of the redevelopment of Portsmouth Harbour, the Emirates Spinnaker Tower’s shape was chosen by Portsmouth residents and reflects the city’s maritime history.

What is there to do?

Since opening, over 2.5 million people have made a trip to the Tower to appreciate the magnificent views. There are three decks on the tower – Deck 1, Deck 2 and the Sky Deck which is the highest deck.

You can start your experience by watching the Tower’s new animated film show where you can learn everything you need to know about Portsmouth’s past. After that you can surround yourself with breath-taking 350 degree city, country and seascapes stretching over 23 miles – definitely a sight you won’t forget in a hurry! There’s also a view guarantee offered by the Tower – if you can’t see the three Solent Forts on the day of your visit, you can return for free within 3 months. With i-view touchscreens and audio guides throughout, every member of the group will be engrossed.

On deck 2 you’ll discover the café, where you can enjoy afternoon tea whilst you take in the spectacular views.  Also available are a selection of sandwiches, sweet treats, scones with clotted cream and jam, and a selection of teas and coffee. You can see the entire menu here.

If you want to make a night of it, the Emirates Spinnaker Tower also hosts their own Comedy Club. On selected nights throughout the year, you’ll be able to see famous acts from the best TV comedy shows such as Live at the Apollo, Mock the Week, 8 out of 10 Cats and more.

QUINGO ACCESSIBLE ATTRACTIONS: EMIRATES SPINNAKER TOWER, PORTSMOUTH 3

Accessibility

Emirates Spinnaker Tower tried to enable as many visitors as possible to experience the stunning views it has to offer. Decks 1 and 2 are fully accessible via an internal lift and audio guides, group guided tours, informative guide books and other facilities are available.

There are some blue badge spaces in the car park which is nearby, with an accessible lift to take you up to ground floor level. There are also accessible toilet facilities in the Tower.

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.

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.

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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.