Tag Archives: travel

Attractions, Days Out, Quingo Scooters

Quingo Scooters Accessible Attractions: The National Football Museum, Manchester

Football is one of the most – if not the most – popular games in the world. Millions of fans from all over the world watch their favourite teams play the beautiful game each season. There are highs, lows and plenty of sporting stories going back decades. If football is your thing, we’ve got the perfect day out for you!

The National Football Museum in Manchester is the World’s biggest and best football museum and home to the game’s greatest stories. From the players and games to the fans, the whole scope of football is covered here. No matter who your team is, you’ll find plenty of interesting and entertaining exhibits, from a Hall of Fame of players past and present, to fascinating facts about how football became the global phenomenon it is today. There’s fan memorabilia, pitch-side photos, commentary and much more to see – and get involved in. You’ll even come face to face with the legendary 1966 Jules Rimet World Cup trophy!

Quingo Scooters National Football Museum
Editorial credit: Yuangeng Zhang / Shutterstock.com

What’s on

This week, Quingo Scooters is heading to Manchester to get in on the action! Let’s see what’s on offer…

  • Hall of Fame: Here, you’ll meet the greatest managers, players and teams in the English game. Celebrating and highlighting the achievements of the all-time top talents in the game, you’ll find profiles and facts about every member of this prestigious group. With over 152 players and managers commended here, and more inductees added each year, it’s always a fascinating look at the individuals who have shaped the game.
  • BBC Radio Commentary Collection: Do you remember the commentator who provided the soundtrack to your club’s greatest achievements? In an archive compiled of hundreds of the most memorable BBC radio football commentary clips, you’ll be able to relive the some of the greatest moments in footballing history. Capturing the passion of the game, you’ll laugh, cry, cheer and shout at these audio gems. Whether you’re reliving spectacular wins, Cup runs, promotions, super survivals, glorious goals or bumbling bloopers, your team’s history comes to life. It’s a must for all football fans.
  • The Game: In this exhibition, the story of the football is depicted through the photography of Stuart Roy Clarke. Since 1989, Clarke has been capturing and documenting the ever-changing face of football. Reflecting this, Clarke’s The Game is a dynamic exhibition that will grow and change over 12 months, with his hand-picked favourite images at the core. From fans to grounds, these evocative photographs tell the story of affection, purpose and passion in football.
  • Global Game: From a village sport to a global phenomenon, this exhibition explores the history of football. Tracking its journey to becoming the world’s most popular sport, here you’ll experience the rise of the global game. If you’re a big fan of the World Cup, this is the perfect place for you. The growth of the sport’s biggest competition is covered here. Why not learn all about how the World Cup came about and how each country joined? While you’re in the exhibition, make sure to see the 1966 Jules Rimet trophy. Presented to the England Football Team following their historic win at the 1966 World Cup, it’s a sight not to be missed for any football fan.
  • Pelé – Art, Life Football: This exhibition explores the life and career of football icon Pelé. Described as a player like no other, this global superstar defined what it means to be an elite footballer. From Santos to New York, with 4 World Cups in between, this exhibition tracks the iconic player through the eyes of photographers and artists from around the world. In addition to a superb collection of art inspired by the man, the National Football Museum has brought together iconic items from our own collection and those owned by private collectors to illustrate the life and career of the first man to truly transcend the global game. From memorabilia surrounding his career to performance stats, this exhibition celebrates a great player who truly changed the game.
  • Football+ opportunities: Should you upgrade your package, you’ll find a range of activities on offer. Using your Football+ credits, you’ll be able to take part in activities that put you in the centre of the game. The Match of the Day Commentary Challenge puts you in the box for a classic FA Cup moment. It’s the perfect place to test out your commentary skills. Alternatively, a Lift The Trophy exhibition allows you to get your hands on some virtual silverware. It’s time to strike your best celebratory pose and get a photo to keep forever – the perfect memento of your day.
Quingo Scooters National Football Museum
Editorial credit: Anton_Ivanov / Shutterstock.com

Where to eat and drink

While at the National Football Museum, stop for a snack at Café Football on the ground floor of the museum. Everything from the food to the décor captures the essence of the beautiful game. You can get everything from pies to cakes here, as well as a large selection of hot and cold drinks. Football Plus+ Season Ticket holders get 20% off everything in the café.

If you’re looking to treat yourself, head to The Rabbit in The Moon, located on floors 5 and 6. This restaurant from Michelin star chef Michael O’Hare brings fine dining to football.

Opening times

The National Football Museum is open daily from 10am to 5pm. Admission is free, however, the museum is a registered charity and they welcome donations to support their work. You can upgrade your package through donations, information is available here.

Getting there

Located in the centre of Manchester, the National Football Museum is easily accessible by all forms of transport. If you are travelling by car, take the M60 and follow the brown signs indicating the National Football Museum. Blue Badge parking is available on Todd Street or at nearby car parks, including the Arena, Exchange, Shudehill and High Street. If you are travelling by train, the nearest train station is Victoria Station, a short 2-minute journey from the museum. As well as this, Victoria Station is home to a Metrolink stop, the best stop to get off at should you be travelling by tram. Frequent buses also service the area. More information on getting to the museum is available here.

Accessibility

The National Football Museum is fully accessible to all visitors. There are automatic doors at the main entrance, as well as lifts to all floors. The exhibit includes ramps to all raised areas and accessible toilets on the ground floor and levels 1, 2 and 4. In addition to this, there is Blue Badge parking available on Todd Street, outside Victoria Station. Further Blue Badge parking can be found at nearby NCP car parks, including the Arena, Exchange, Shudehill and High Street. Full information on the museum’s 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.

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.

QUINGO ACCESSIBLE ATTRACTIONS: STEVEN JOSEPH THEATRE 1

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.

Attractions, Days Out, Holidays, Quingo Scooters

Quingo Accessible Getaways: York

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

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

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Welcome to York

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

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

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Getting around

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

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

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

About Quingo

The Quingo Scooter range features six models to suit your needs and budget. New models are now available from just £22/week on our new contract hire scheme which includes all servicing and maintenance, Insurance, Roadside Recovery, Call Outs and Consumables including Batteries and Tyres. For more information on this or the latest Quingo Scooter range, please visit our website. Alternatively, if you have any Service questions you can always contact us or call customer services on 01582 430 900.

Keep up to date with the latest mobility scooter advice, tips and interesting places to visit on the Quingo Scooter Users Blog. Connect with Quingo and keep up to date with all our latest news on Facebook and Twitter.

All Quingo Personal Mobility Vehicles are provided by Forever Active, the UK’s exclusive distributor. Forever Active is a trading name of Advantage Marketing Corporation Limited (AMC).  AMC Limited is an appointed representative of First Senior Insurance Services Ltd which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. First Senior Insurance Services FSA Register number is 308478.