Tag Archives: mobility scooters

Holidays, Quingo Scooters

Quingo Accessible Holidays: Forest Holidays, Sherwood Forest

It can sometimes be difficult to come up with interesting and different places to holiday, 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 in our series, helping you find the perfect location for getaway – whether it be for the week or just the weekend. Today we discover something a little different, with lots of history and fantastic woodland scenery. Perfect for the crisp autumnal nights, these cabins will ensure you have everything you need for a cosy night in.

QUINGO ACCESSIBLE HOLIDAYS: FOREST HOLIDAYS, SHERWOOD FOREST 1

Sherwood Forest

In Nottinghamshire stands a famous forest, known for its association with the legend of Robin Hood. In the 1200’s, which was thought to be the time of Robin Hood, the main London to York roar ran straight through Sherwood Forest. Travellers were often at the mercy of robbers living outside of the law – hence the name ‘outlaw’.  Sherwood Forest was opened as a country park to the public in 1969, and a portion of the Forest was designated a National Nature Reserve by English Nature in 2007. Home to the famous Major Oak, Sherwood Forest retains many very old oaks.

Sherwood Pines Forest Park

Sherwood Pines Forest Park has been a part of the forest since 2012, where you can feel cocooned in luxury in a natural setting. Wooded since the end of the ice age, Sherwood Forest has 3,300 acres of forest to explore from your cabin doorstep.

As soon as you arrive the outside world falls away, leaving you to relax in your cabin and enjoy the peaceful woodland views. Or maybe you’d like to take part in some of the many activities and see some of the great nature surrounding Sherwood Forest. You can cater for yourself, go out to eat or even get the Sherwood Pines team to deliver you a Pizza Night Pack for the ultimate cosy night in!

 Accessibility

The accessible cabin at Sherwood Pines is called Copper Beech. This two bedroomed cabin has everything you need to ensure you have a stress-free stay, including ramped access to the cabin and outside terrace. In the bathroom you’ll find a wet room with an accessible toilet and adjustable shower. Lowered cooking and sink areas in the kitchen also make cooking an easy task.

This can be a pet friendly cabin if you want to bring your furry friends with you, and this carries an additional charge of £10 per pet per night. There are parking spaces for two cars outside of the cabin making the transition into the cabin as easy as possible.

There are loads of extras you can order to make the cabin as luxurious as you like throughout your stay, such as in cabin spa treatments, champagne and chocolates and pre-ordered food. Have a look here for a full list.

QUINGO ACCESSIBLE HOLIDAYS: FOREST HOLIDAYS, SHERWOOD FOREST 2

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.

Attractions, Days Out, Quingo Scooters

Quingo Accessible Attractions: The Royal Observatory, London

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 looking at the stars as we head to Greenwich, London.

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The Royal Observatory

Playing a major role in the history of astronomy and navigation, The Royal Observatory is situated on a hill in Greenwich Park overlooking the River Thames. It is most famous for being the location of the prime meridian, a geographical coordinate system at which longitude is defined to be 0°.

Voted a top 10 visitor attraction in London, the Observatory was historically commissioned in 1675 by King Charles II, with the foundation stone being laid on 10 August. The Royal Observatory sits on a site chosen by Sir Christopher Wren back in 1675, and today it’s a place where you can go and explore your place in the universe.

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What is there to do?

  • Prime Meridian – You can’t visit the Observatory without having your photo taken on the official Prime Meridian Line! Since the late 19th century, Prime Meridian has been the reference line for GMT, and divides the eastern and western hemispheres of the earth. This is similar to how the equator divides the northern and southern hemispheres. You can take your selfie on the Meridian Line from 10am to 5pm daily.
  • Planetarium – Asteroid: Mission Extreme – This is definitely an extraordinary experience not to be missed. Perfect for the whole family, here you can go on an epic journey of the universe and delve deeper into the dangers and opportunities presented by asteroids. You can find out what it would take for astronauts to reach an asteroid, and how such an adventure could benefit humankind. There’s always a different kind of Planetarium show on at the Royal Observatory, so check here to see what’s on when you plan to go.  

 Accessibility

The majority of the Royal Observatory is fully accessible – this includes main attractions such as Prime Meridian. The Planetarium building is also fully accessible, and has a spacious room for a mobility scooter inside.

A steep footpath leads up to the Royal Observatory from Greenwich Park, however you may wish to take the accessible alternative road inside the park which is signposted. You can also stop halfway to take in a great view of the city.

There is a good sized accessible toilet in the Observatory, and there is a selection of accessible cafes and restaurants. All the information you’ll need, including ticket prices and opening times, can be found on the Royal Observatory 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 Old Farmhouse, Hexham

Here at Quingo Scooters we love browsing for getaways, somewhere to sneak off to for the weekend or maybe spend a whole week 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 taking a trip to Northumberland in the East of England to The Old Farmhouse.

QUINGO ACCESSIBLE GETAWAYS: THE OLD FARMHOUSE, HEXHAM 2

The Old Farmhouse

Set within 600 acres of open farmland, The Old Farmhouse isn’t short of fantastic views of the countryside. It’s a former 18th century farmhouse, skilfully restored and now offering fantastic luxury accommodation. Being all on one level, The Old Farmhouse prides itself on being completely accessible to mobility scooter and wheelchair users.

The property has two bedrooms and two modern wet rooms, so it’s perfect for 2-4 guests. However, if there’s more of you that isn’t a problem – The Old Farmhouse sits close to Grindon Cartshed which can be booked for additional people. With plenty to see and do in the surrounding areas, a break here would be perfect for a weekend, a few days or a whole week away! The property is close to Hayden Bridge train station, giving you access to Newcastle or Carlisle if you fancy a day in the city. Alternatively, if you fancy something slightly different there is easy access to the Lake District or Hadrian’s Wall.

Accommodation

The accessible bedroom has a transfer space of 900mm to the left or right of the bed, which can be moved to one side if more space is required. The wet room in the bathroom has a vertical hand rail and level controls, whilst on the floor there is a non-slip bath mat. If required, there can be a self-propelled shower wheel chair made available to you.

The well equipped kitchen has level access with a full sized oven and fridge freezer. The worktops are also at a more accessible height of 86cm.

In the living area, you’ll find that it is all open plan with tiled flooring and moveable furniture. Underfloor heating ensures that you are comfy and relaxed at all times, and the drying room ensures you can dry out anything that may have been caught in an unfortunate rain shower!

More information can be found on The Old Farmhouse’s Accessibility Statement which is available on request. Alternatively, there is a great video to watch online.

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What is there to do?

There are a number of attractions and things to do around Hexham, including:

  • Alnwick Castle
  • Alnwick Gardens
  • Beamish – the North of England open air museum
  • Hadrian’s Wall
  • Hadrian’s Wall Country
  • Hareshaw Lynn
  • Historic market town of Hexham
  • Killhope – The North of England lead mining museum
  • Lake District National Park
  • Langley Castle
  • Lindisfarne Holy Island
  • MetroCentre – Gateshead – Europe’s largest shopping and leisure destination
  • Northumberland National Park

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 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.

Days Out, Holidays, Quingo Scooters

Disabled Holidays Announce First Fully Accessible Coach Trip!

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. You might also want to discover new ways of travelling that you always thought weren’t accessible enough.  This week Disabled Holidays announced that their first fully accessible coach trip is now on sale, and it’s definitely an exciting one!

DISABLED HOLIDAYS ANNOUNCE FIRST FULLY ACCESSIBLE COACH TRIP! 2

Fully Accessible Adventure

Now on sale for an April 2017 departure, the trips use specialist adapted coaches that are purpose built with all the facilities needed for comfortable travel over long distances. Disabled Holidays teamed up with accessible travel charity Jumbulance to provide the coaches, which are part coach and part ambulance.

The first trip will be travelling to Holland and The Netherlands next April, and the trip itself is a complete package that includes travel, half-board hotel accommodation and excursions – including entry into the Keukenhof Gardens. Overall you will be away for 9 days, with 7 of those spent visiting different places and 2 spent travelling.

Itinerary

This is a great trip if you’re a real explorer who loves visiting plenty of different places! The suggested itinerary is as follows:

Day 1: Travel to Hull and go on an overnight ferry to Rotterdam

Day 2: Arrive at hotel and explore De Rijp – a small traditional Dutch town

Day 3: Explore Amsterdam – including the ‘Blue Boat’ accessible cruise

Day 4: Explore Volendam and Marken – they’re neighbours on the Ijsselmeer and both quaint villages

Day 5: Visit Keukenhof Gardens – the world renowned flower gardens at Lisse

Day 6: A trip to Alkmaar cheese market – a small town near to De Rijp

Day 7: A half day trip to Monnickendam – including a visit to the Cheese & Clogs factory

Day 8: Free day

Day 9: Return from Hull and drop offs

Any other information you want to know including how to book this exciting holiday can be found on the Disabled Holidays website, or alternatively you can give their friendly team a call on 01457 833 444.

DISABLED HOLIDAYS ANNOUNCE FIRST FULLY ACCESSIBLE COACH TRIP! 3

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.

Attractions, Days Out, Tips and Advice

Where Are The Best Accessible Restaurants In Manchester?

Whether you’re wanting a weekend treat, celebrating something special, or simply want an easier option for dinner – Quingo Scooters know how important it is to find somewhere to eat that is completely accessible where you can feel entirely at ease.

Previously on the blog we’ve been to London to check out the best accessible restaurants there, and today we’re heading north to discover some accessible Manchester eateries.

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El Gato Negro – 52 King Street

If you’re a fan of Spanish tapas – this is definitely worth checking out. The Good Food Guide hailed El Gato Negro the ‘best tapas in the north’, whilst The Times ranked the restaurant the number one tapas bar in the country. Chef Simon Shaw is known for creating simple, bold and confident tapas dishes. He takes the best of modern and traditional Spanish flavours and techniques, whilst drawing on inspiration from closer to home.

El Gato Negro is fully accessible, with level access from the street and tables with enough space to park your mobility scooter at the side of. And if you did want to remain on your mobility scooter whilst eating, there’s room for that too. There is a spacious accessible toilet (complete with grab rails) located in the basement of the restaurant, accessed by a lift.

Teacup Kitchen – 53-55 Thomas Street

When you’re in Manchester looking for a light bite – look no further. Teacup Kitchen is the place to be for toast, afternoon tea or cakes. Located in the Northern Quarter, Teacup Kitchen is renowned for its amazing coffee and cream tea.

Overall Teacup Kitchen is a very accessible establishment. The entrance is wide and spacious, enabling easy access into the café’s seating area, and there is plenty of space in-between tables to accommodate mobility scooter users. There is a large disabled toilet in the café, which is incredibly spacious and has a low handled door and grab rails inside.

The French by Simon Rogan – The Midland Hotel, Peter Street

The French offers modern British food from Chef Simon Rogan, in a relaxed environment. Located in the Midland Hotel, the restaurant caters guests as well as visitors. The French has the perfect balance of heritage and progressive cuisine, delivering the best flavours by using seasonal produce grown on their own personal farms. This restaurant is great for when you fancy a real treat.

On arrival you’ll find a ramp from the street in to the hotel, with a lift operating up to the restaurant. In the restaurant itself, tables are adjusted to allow space for your mobility scooter and you’ll find the staff attentive but not intrusive. There is an also an accessible toilet in The French. Overall, a wonderful experience!

Hotspot Ess Paradies – 372 Barlow Moor Road

Hotspot Ess Paradis is known as the ‘home of hearty food’ – and that isn’t wrong. Specialising in American and German food, Hotspot is focused on providing exceptional customer service and an all-round great eating experience. A family business, the restaurant uses the highest quality ingredients from Germany and the local area – you’ll be in for a truly authentic experience!

There is a ramp from the pavement up into the restaurant, and seating inside is very flexible. Tables can be moved to suit your needs, and the staff here will do everything they can to make your experience as comfortable as possible.

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Share your accessible restaurant with Quingo!

If you’ve been to visit any great accessible restaurants 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 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.