Tag Archives: travel

Holidays, Quingo Scooters

Quingo Accessible Holidays: Villa Carpe Diem

At this time of year we’re often eager to book a summer holiday, and we’re constantly looking around for ideas and inspiration on where to go! Quingo Scooters understand that finding somewhere that’s perfect is extremely important, especially when it comes to accessibility.

In our series of blog posts on accessible holidays, we’ve been looking at the best spots for your summer getaway. Today, we’re taking you to the beautiful south coast of Cyprus to the Villa Carpe Diem.

Cyprus is a popular holiday destination that certainly doesn’t lack in scenery, history and culture. An island in the Eastern Mediterranean, it’s known for its beaches and its wine growing regions. The capital, Nicosia, is also known for its archaeological sites.

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The Villa

Villa Carpe Diem is a fully accessible private villa, family owned and specifically built to be mobility scooter and wheelchair accessible. In the Larnaca District of Cyprus, you’ll find the small village of Maroni, where the Villa Carpe Diem is located. It offers absolutely stunning countryside and sea views for a luxurious and relaxing week (or two!) away, and is just 3km from the nearest beach. The villa is quite large and sleeps up to 8 people, perfect for a group holiday!

The Villa Carpe Diem has everything you need and could want for an accessible summer holiday.

  • 10 x 5 metre salt water pool
  • Outdoor terrace dining area
  • 4 bathrooms
  • 3 bedrooms
  • Sunbeds
  • Wheelchair accessible vehicle (optional)

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Accessible apartment

The whole property is adapted for mobility scooters, but if you don’t fancy holidaying in a group you can just book the accessible self-contained apartment instead, which is where the accessible master suite is located. It also has an accessible sitting room and wet room. Some other features of the apartment are:

  • Electric profiling beds with memory foam mattresses
  • Easy Trak ceiling track and Voyager hoist system
  • Oxford Major manual hoist for swimming pool
  • Easy going, wide ramped access to the garden, swimming pool and common areas of the villa
  • Level access tiled flooring throughout

Overall, this is the perfect place for a sunny beach holiday. You can jet off on your mobility scooter for a relaxing time away, with no worries and everything already thought about for you. Check out the Villa Carpe Diem website for information on booking and pricing.

Share your accessible holiday 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.

Attractions, Days Out, Quingo Scooters

Quingo Accessible Attractions: Tower Bridge Exhibition, 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.

This week we’re back in the capital, exploring the iconic Tower Bridge Exhibition. If you’re planning a trip to London this summer (or whenever!) then be sure not to miss this must see attraction. The most famous bridge in the world boasts an iconic structure, spectacular views and glass floor, modern exhibitions and even Victorian Engine Rooms.

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What’s on at the Tower Bridge Exhibition?

There’s plenty to see and do at your day out at the fully accessible Tower Bridge Exhibition.

Glass Floor – The newest feature at the exhibition, where you can see London life through a glass floor. This is a unique viewpoint 42 metres above the River Thames. And if you time it right, you might just see the Tower Bridge lifting below you! Don’t worry if you don’t fancy looking down – the walkways also offer some amazing views of London, and you can take a look at the ‘Great Bridges of the World’ display for some impressive examples of engineering!

Engine Rooms – The engine rooms are located a few minutes from the South Tower, and are dubbed as one of London’s ‘hidden gems’. Here you’ll be able to appreciate huge steam engines, furnaces and accumulators that were once used to power the raising of the Tower Bridge. There’s also an incredible short film, explaining the ingenious technology used to keep to bridge going for over 120 years.

South Tower – Here you’ll see a short bespoke video shown by the artist Stephen Biesty, showing the incredible construction of the Bridge. Afterwards you can take the accessible lift down to the LED-lit motion sensitive artworks, which depict all of the iconic buildings along the Thames.

There is a full list of ticket prices and opening times on the Tower Bridge Exhibition website. 

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 Accessibility

The Tower Bridge Exhibition is a fully accessible venue. On arrival you’ll be greeted by an automatic door operated by Tower Bridge’s friendly and helpful staff. Throughout there are accessible lifts to different areas of the exhibition, including the Towers and the Engine Rooms, enabling you to see absolutely everything the Tower Bridge has to offer. Fully accessible toilets are located in the North and South Towers and in the Engine Rooms.

Everything you need to know about accessibility at the Tower Bridge Exhibition before your arrival can be found in their Access for All Guide.

Share your accessible attraction with Quingo!

If you’ve been to visit any interesting attractions 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.

Accessories, Attractions, Days Out, Quingo Scooters

Accessible Days Out: Parks

Quingo Scooters are always on the lookout for accessible places where you can really enjoy being on your mobility scooter. As the days start to get nicer and warmer, we love discovering places where you can enjoy the outdoors and take some time out.

Whether you want somewhere to sit and enjoy the sun whilst enjoying a refreshing ice cream, or you want somewhere where you can keep going and appreciate the scenery from all angles, we want to share some great parks for you and your mobility scooter.

York Museum Gardens

The York Museum Gardens are botanical gardens that surround the Yorkshire Museum. They stretch from the River Ouse up to the back of the York Art Gallery on one side, and from Marygate to Museum Street on the other. Famous for the fantastic collection of trees, shrubs, perennials and bulbs, the gardens are the perfect place to go and relax on a warm sunny day. Here you can enjoy the peace and tranquillity that the gardens have to offer, and escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

The gardens are a great spot for a picnic, and if you go on a Sunday there is a garden tour 1-2pm! The paths in the gardens are all fairly wide and aren’t too steep. The gardens are free to enjoy at your own leisure, and you only pay if you want to venture inside to the museum.

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Halden Forest Park, Exeter  

Just 15 minutes from Exeter, the 3,500 acres of woodland has a broad appeal to different age groups and is an all year round park. Halden Forest Park is perfect if you fancy a ramble around the picturesque woods.

The park has a variety of different trails. The Discovery Trail is 1.5 miles, designed with mobility scooters and wheelchairs in mind, and is fully surfaced. It has regular resting points where you can stop and enjoy the scenery for a bit, and then afterwards you can enjoy a drink in the accessible café.  There is ample parking and accessible toilets on site, and level access to most of the other facilities there.

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Clumber Park, Nottingham

If you’re looking for somewhere where part of the group can relax in the sun whilst the others explore the different activities on offer, then Clumber Park is perfect for you. Situated in the heart of the historical Sherwood Forest, its beautiful stretch of parkland, heath and woods cover more than 3,800 acres. Once the country estate of the Dukes of Newcastle, Clumber Park is home to some amazing wildlife, and on occasion you might be lucky enough to spot a delicate peacock.

If you don’t fancy chilling out with the ducks and other wildlife whilst you eat your picnic, you can always take a peek inside Clumber House and the iconic glasshouse in the Walled Kitchen Garden – The National Trust’s longest glasshouse.

Share your accessible attraction with Quingo!

If you’ve been to visit any interesting attractions 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.

Attractions, Days Out, Holidays, Quingo Scooters

Where Are The Best Accessible Holidays in Ireland?

Now that the weather is showing signs of improving and we’re full steam ahead to summer, Quingo Scooters wanted to share with you some ideas for the perfect getaway! We’ve recently shared with you some of the best accessible holidays in Scotland and England, so naturally we’re moving across to Ireland this week.

Ireland has much to offer and many sights to appreciate. Whether you fancy a city break in the popular tourist destinations of Dublin or Belfast, or you want to escape to the hills and countryside of Irelands Ancient East – Ireland really does offer something for everyone.

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Countryside Cottages – Kerry

County Kerry is the perfect place to go if you’re looking for rugged coastline and picturesque mountains. Situated in the southwest of Ireland, Kerry offers the Killarney National Park which boasts forests, moorland and landmarks such as Torc Waterfall and Torc Mountain.

The Countryside Cottages are self-catering holiday homes, within close proximity to the heart of the town. The centre offers plenty to do for everyone – there’s many shops, restaurants and pubs. Also nearby you’ll find the Tralee Aquadome with waves, slides and rapids for the younger members of your group and a sauna, steam room and water massage for the adults. Back on site, there’s a play area for any toddlers in your group.

The wheelchair adapted cottages have widened doors and a ground floor bedroom. This includes twin beds, a roll in shower with support rails and a hoist for the bed if required. Country cottages are nationwide and you can find more information including how to book online.

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Academy Plaza Hotel – Dublin

If it’s more of a city break you’re fancying, and you love the vibrant city life, the capital is the place for you. Dublin offers picturesque historical buildings such as Dublin Castle and St. Patrick’s Cathedral. However, it definitely doesn’t lack in modern offerings either. Temple Bar is the riverside nightlife and cultural quarter and Grafton Street is the city’s famous shopping area. Whatever you fancy doing, you’re sure in for a busy trip!

The accessible Academy Plaza Hotel will put you right in the middle of all the action, located just off O’Connell Street. Dublin’s new tram, LUAS stops within minutes of the hotel connecting to both mainline railway stations.

This stylish and contemporary hotel offers 14 accessible rooms, all complete with a roll in shower and low level lights and plugs. All of the floors of the hotel are accessible by lift, with the main entrance on one level and an accessible toilet in the lobby.

Ocean View Guest House – County Donegal

If you’re looking for some sea and sand, this is the place for you. Situated in the North West of Ireland, County Donegal borders the Atlantic Ocean. It’s known for its castles, rugged coastline and mountains.

Ocean View Guest House is located in Greencastle, on the Inishowen peninsula of Donegal, and is Ireland’s most northerly point. It’s full of fine sandy beaches, though we strongly recommend you don’t use your Quingo on sand, amazing scenery and lots of history. In the immediate vicinity there is the Blue Flag beach at Stroove strand and Sweet Nellie’s beach in Greencastle. Donegal has 11 Blue Flag standard beaches in total, with some of the most spectacular scenery in Ireland.

The fully accessible ground floor deluxe rooms have their own private bathroom which is especially designed for wheelchair and mobility scooter users. Throughout there are accessible lifts and ramps and an accessible garden. There is also a private and secure off road car park available for guests.

Share your accessible attraction with Quingo!

If you’ve been to visit any interesting attractions 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: Victoria and Albert Museum

At Quingo Scooters we love sharing places with you that would be perfect for a day out, especially places you’d never think to visit or you didn’t know existed! Its great finding brand new accessible places to visit on your mobility scooter.

This week we’re back on Exhibition Road, London, where we’ve previously shared with you the Natural History Museum. On the same road you’ll find The Victoria and Albert Museum – the world’s largest museum of decorative arts and design. As you’ve probably guessed the museum is named after Queen Victoria and Prince Albert, although previously it was named The South Kensington Museum before it was changed in 1899.

Founded in 1852 when it was opened by Queen Victoria, today the museum houses over 4.5 million objects from the world of art and design spanning the centuries. You’ll find everything from paintings to prints to jewellery to costumes, the range is simply stunning and you’ll even get to see The Great Bed of Ware – one of the museum’s greatest treasures.

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Here are just a few highlights of the Victoria and Albert museum:

Botticelli Reimagined

One of the highlight’s of the exhibition is Botticelli Reimagined, which runs until July 2016. This is the largest Botticelli exhibition in Britain since 1930, capturing around 50 original works by Botticelli from collections across the world. The exhibition also explores how other artists and designers have responded to the artistic legacy of Botticelli, seen as one of the greatest artists of all time, bringing together around 150 works from them.

The Ommegang

The Ommegang is one of six paintings that record a huge procession that took place in Brussels in 1615. Also named the ‘walk around’, The Ommegang of 1615 also paid tribute to Archduchess Isabella. Rulers of the Southern Netherlands, she and her husband Albert are the main subject of the painting. The paintings are thought to have been at Isabella’s palace in Tervuren by 1619, and only four of the original six survive. Two are in the Victoria and Albert Museum and the other two being in the Prado in Madrid.

Fashion

One part of the collection not to be missed in the Victoria and Albert museum is the fashion. The largest collection of apparel in the world, the intriguing fashion collection spans five centuries. Here you’ll discover 17th century gowns, 18th century ‘mantua’ dresses, 1930’s eveningwear, 1960’s daywear and post-war couture.

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Accessibility

The Victoria and Albert museum is an all-round accessible venue. There is step free access from the Cromwell Road entrance, with plenty of ramps, lifts and accessible toilets throughout the museum. Close by, around 40 metres from the accessible entrance, there are 12 blue badge parking spaces. Staff are always on hand throughout your visit to offer help and assist where needed.  When you’ve finished exploring what the museum has to offer, you can stop off at the spacious café and shop.

The museum is free entry, however certain exhibitions are charged at around the £12 mark. 

Share your accessible attraction with Quingo!

If you’ve been to visit any interesting attractions 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.