Tag Archives: mobility scooters

Days Out, Holidays, Quingo Scooters

Quingo Accessible Getaways: Liverpool

Planning your next holiday? Quingo Scooters have the perfect destination, helping you have plenty of fun and creating lifetime memories. With so many destinations around the UK it can often be a challenge to pick just one! We’ve trimmed the list down and have been revealing our top locations to visit for an accessible getaway.

Warm up your vocal chords because this week we’re taking you to Merseyside! Known for the birth of one of the most famous boy bands in history, Liverpool has plenty on offer. And, as one of the most accessible cities in the UK, it provides a range of attractions for all ages.

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Welcome to Liverpool

Overlooking the North-West coast is the city of Liverpool, best known for its culture and music scene. With plenty of fun attractions to visit we can see why! For football fans, it’s the home of two of the Premiership’s biggest football teams. But if you’re more into leisurely touring the city, you’ll find mouth-watering restaurants, a huge range of shops in the Liverpool One centre and many accessible cultural attractions. Be sure to check out these highlights:

  • The Beatles Story – Discover the story of how one of the world’s biggest boy bands was formed and created in the heart of Liverpool. With lifts throughout, it is perfectly accessible. Visitors must note that a maximum of five wheelchair users are allowed into the exhibit at one time, so guests are advised to book in advance to avoid disappointment. The exhibit is equipped with accessible toilets and also allows for the use of assistance dogs.
  • The World Museum – This exhibit is set over five floors has a range of thrilling exhibits explaining world history – definitely a worthwhile attraction to visit for history fanatics! The museum is fully accessible and allows for assistance dogs; the cafes, shops and toilets are all accessible as well. Some exhibits have audio equipment available, and the planetarium has designated accessible spaces.
  • Liverpool Cathedral – This magnificent building is one of Liverpool’s most popular attractions. The 5th largest cathedral in the world, its architecture is impressive and is certainly an attraction you won’t want to miss! The cathedral has two accessible points and is mostly mobility scooter accessible throughout.
  • Eating in Liverpool – not only does Liverpool boast incredible attractions, it has a number of impressive restaurants hosting a huge range of cultures and cuisines. There are numerous restaurants/cafes/bistros that are fully accessible.

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Getting about in Liverpool

Travelling around Liverpool is incredibly easy as a mobility scooter user, as it has many accessible transport links in and around the city. There are specially designed accessible buses, which have wide doors, flat floors and low entrances. One of the most popular ways to explore Liverpool is on the Mersey Ferry; the ferries are also fully accessible, complete with toilet facilities. If bad weather has been forecast, it is advised to call ahead, as rough weather can often mean there is significant movement on the ferries. Being one of the most popular cities in the UK, there are many transport routes around Liverpool such as excellent train connections and direct flights from John Lennon airport.

Liverpool has a selection of accessible accommodation that can cater for all needs and requirements. There are a range of B&Bs, hotels, apartments and luxury hotels for you to choose from. There is accessible accommodation in and around the city, with plenty of choice and range you’ll be able to find the perfect accommodation to suit you.

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: Steven Joseph Theatre

Wherever you travel in the UK, you’ll be greeted by a treasure trove of fantastic cultural attractions which you can explore as a mobility scooter user. It’s hard to know where to check out first, so Quingo Scooters is putting together a guide to the UK’s most accessible attractions to help you decide.

We’re taking you on a trip to the seaside this week, as we head to the town of Scarborough. This North Yorkshire town is known for its golden sandy beaches, thrilling amusements and breath-taking historic ruins, but one of its highlights is undoubtedly the Steven Joseph Theatre.

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Take in a show

The Steven Joseph Theatre has served as one of Scarborough’s top cultural sites for decades. It was originally opened as a small ‘theatre in the round’ on the first floor of a public library in 1955 by actor Steven Joseph. It flourished but struggled to find a permanent home until the existing Steven Joseph Theatre was set up in an old Odeon cinema in 1996 and it has thrived ever since.

You can visit the Steven Joseph to take in a range of shows from kid’s pantos to gripping dramas. It has two stages, the first of which is ‘The Round Theatre;’ a unique circular space, where you can get a 360 degree view of all the action on stage. It also has ‘The McCarthy Theatre’ – a more traditional stage. Shows expected to come to the Steven Joseph this year include Little Voice, Grimm’s Tales, Cyrano and Charlie and the Light Fantastic, so you’re sure to find something for every member of the group.

If you check out the Steven Joseph Theatre website’s what’s on page, you can find a full list of its existing and upcoming productions, along with details on showing times and ticket prices. The Steven Joseph Theatre also boasts a shop, where you can pick up fantastic handcrafted items made by the finest local artisans. It also contains restaurant/bar space, where you can relax with a meal and a drink in the intermission, whilst waiting with baited breath for your show to commence once more.

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Accessible venue

The Steven Joseph is a great attraction for any mobility scooter user, as it is incredibly accessible. You can get to the Steven Joseph Theatre with little fuss, as it is situated a few minutes away from Scarborough train station. There are accessible parking bays located on nearby Albemarle Crescent, while if you’re a blue badge holder, you can park for free on Hannover Road just 20 metres away from the theatre. Check out the website’s visiting us page to find more information on the different ways of getting there.

You will be able to navigate your way around the Steven Joseph Theatre with ease. The building is accessible by ramp, which is located on the right side of its entrance. You can then take another ramp from the entrance up to the box office, allowing you to book tickets to whatever show takes your fancy. There are also accessible toilets dotted around the Steven Joseph Theatre.

The Theatre is just as accessible inside as it is outside. There are lifts to the shop, restaurant/bar and both The Round Theatre and The McCarthy Theatre. There are accessible seats in both theatres, located close to the lifts. You can also request accessible seating on the front row of both theatres by contacting staff at least 24 hours before you arrive. Visit the website’s access page, to find out more about accessibility at the Steven Joseph Theatre.

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: 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.

Accessible Routes, Days Out, Quingo Scooters

Quingo Accessible Routes: The Monsal Trail

Do you want to explore the great outdoors? At Quingo Scooters we’re constantly bringing you our top picks of the most breath-taking accessible routes the UK has to offer.

In today’s article we head to Derbyshire, one of England’s most scenic counties. Here you’ll find the Monsal Trail in the picturesque Peak District – one of the nation’s most mobility scooter-friendly routes.

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Monsal Trail

The Monsal Trail is a former railway line that was transformed into a track and opened up for the public to enjoy in 1981. This route begins just north of the small Derbyshire market town of Bakewell. Although 8.5 miles in total, you can pick and choose parts of the route you wish to see, and there are many amenities along the way, such as cafes, pubs and shops. Your Quingo is well within range of this, however we do recommend you charge it up fully before venturing out.

The route, which is free to travel, will take you all the way to the head of Chee Dale, allowing you a glimpse of the region’s glorious limestone valleys as you pass. The Trail is great for nature spotters. You’ll get the chance to see lots of birds, trees, cows, sheep and more as you travel. Monsal Trail includes six tunnels for you to journey through as well, giving you the chance to really experience what this railway line used to be like. There are two short tunnels, Chee Tor No.2 and Rusher Cutting and four longer tunnels – Headstone, Cressbrook, Litton and Chee Tor No1. The bigger tunnels are fully lit in daylight hours, so you’ll have no problem finding your way.

You can also make several stops as you go along the Monsal Trail, giving you a unique glimpse into local Derbyshire life. Not far from Bakewell, you’ll encounter Hassop Train Station, which opens daily from 9am to 5pm and is definitely worth a visit. It has a café, which serves a great selection of tasty, home-made snacks and is known for its delicious breakfasts, which they begin serving from 9am. The station also has a book store where you can pick up some great literature before going on further.

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Traveling the trail

If the Monsal Trail sounds like your cup of tea, you can get there easily enough. Visit the ‘how to find’ page on the Monsal Trail section of the Peak District’s website to find information on your travel options, so you can plan your journey. The Trail is easily reachable by car and there are a number of pay and display car parks along the way. If you want to do the whole route, it’s a good idea to use the car park at Bakewell Station, which is right next to the Trail’s starting point.

The Monsal Trail itself is perfect for mobility scooter users, as it’s fully accessible. You’ll find several access points along the way, where you can join the Trail via ramps. These points are at Bakewell Station, Hassop Station, Great Longstone Station and Millers Dale Station. The route itself is mostly flat and very well-maintained, so you’ll have no trouble getting around.

There are also various facilities throughout the Monsal Trail. You can find accessible parking spaces at Bakewell Station. Meanwhile, Hassop Station has an accessible toilet, while its book shop and café are also fully accessible. The café also has free Wi-Fi, so you can get online and find out more about the Monsal Trail before you carry on!

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: Brodsworth Hall

If you’re a history enthusiast, you’ll find plenty of sites to visit throughout the UK on your mobility scooter. Here at Quingo Scooters, we’re building up a guide of accessible attractions for you to check out, allowing you to delve into the fascinating depths of our country’s past on your next getaway.

This time we’re taking you to Brodsworth Hall. One of South Yorkshire’s must-see attractions, this is a grand Victorian country house, which boasts some of the most beautiful gardens you’ll ever see.

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Brodsworth Hall

Brodsworth Hall was originally built in the 1860s in Doncaster, South Yorkshire. The property, which is a great example of the Italianate architectural style, survived mostly in-tact through the trials and tribulations of the 20th Century, before being taken on by English Heritage in 1990, who then opened it up to the public. You can get a fascinating glimpse into the Victorian vision of life at Brodsworth Hall.

You can check out the home itself by taking the Union Guided Tour. On this excursion, you’ll see the mansion’s sumptuously decorated halls and bedrooms, which really evoke a sense of classic 19th Century grandeur. You’ll also see the billiard room – a perfectly preserved gentleman’s retreat. The tour further features visits to the library, which still has its original faded carpets and wallpaper and the Victorian kitchen, known for its impressive range of authentic cooking tools. The property also boasts delightful tearooms, where you can indulge in traditional English treats at reasonable prices.

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The gardens are also well worth a visit and there are several for you to explore. This includes the formal garden, known for its meticulously manicured lawns, grand three-tiered Dolphin fountain and precise geometric flower beds, which are filled with everything from violas to tulips. Other spaces you can visit include the Italian Garden, known for its wildflowers and shrubbery and the Rose Garden, which has a 45 metre pergola bedecked in scented roses, honeysuckle and vines, at its very centre.

You can visit Brodsworth Hall from 10am to 4pm. The gardens, tea rooms and servants’ quarters – where you can learn how the ‘other half’ lived in Victorian times, are open daily, year round, but the house itself only opens in summer. You can enter for free if you’re an English Heritage member, which costs as little as £3.63 per month, otherwise an adult ticket to Brodsworth Hall will cost you £10.40. As the house is closed right now, you can get an adult ticket for the rest of Brodsworth Hall for £6.70. Visit the ‘prices and opening times’ section of Brodsworth Hall’s website to learn more.

Getting around

You’ll be able to travel to and get around Brodsworth Hall easily. Just head to the ‘plan your visit’ section of their website, so you can see how to reach the site by car or public transport. There are five accessible parking spaces directly outside of Brodsworth Hall and there’s level access to the entrance.

Brodsworth Hall is really easy to navigate as a mobility scooter user. The ground floor is completely level and there’s an original Victorian lift which you can take up to the first floor, giving you access to the property’s lavish bedrooms. Brodsworth Hall also features an exhibition which sheds light on the property’s past, which has level access, and there’s also ramped access to its tea rooms and shop.

English Heritage has made sure that Brodsworth Hall promotes comfort for all users. There are accessible toilets located throughout the property. Meanwhile, the property’s Formal, Grove and Rose Gardens are all lined with tarmac paths, so you’ll have no problem exploring these lush, scenic areas on your mobility scooter. Head to the ‘access’ page of Brodsworth Hall’s website to discover 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.