Tag Archives: uk days out

Accessible Routes, Days Out, Quingo Scooters

Quingo Scooters Accessible Routes: The Ridgeway

With most of the country currently in the grip of some glorious summer weather, many of us are looking to get out and about to make the most of it while it lasts. Fortunately, the UK has a huge number of accessible routes that are great to explore on your mobility scooter. In this, the latest in our series of accessible routes, Quingo Scooters heads south, to the historic Ridgeway path.

The Ridgeway

There can be few accessible routes that we’ve covered here that are as ancient as The Ridgeway. It’s been around, in one form or another, since prehistoric times. The route has been used over the millennia by everyone from soldiers to herders, and it passes through some glorious countryside. It’s a varied landscape too, with the 87-mile route taking in rolling downland and beautiful woods along the way.

Many people start their Ridgeway journey in the historic village of Avebury, and it is a beautiful site to explore. It’s home to the largest stone circle in Britain as well as the incredible West Kennet long barrow and the largest prehistoric mound in Europe at Silbury Hill. There is dedicated Blue Badge parking 200 yards from the stone circle, and quite a bit of the circle itself is also accessible. All of the museums and galleries, as well as Avebury Manor and gardens are accessible and have ramped entrances. You can also find accessible toilets behind the Barn Gallery. The National Trust site here also has plenty of information to help you plan your visit.

Quingo Scooters Accessible Routes: The Ridgeway
Editorial credit: jax10289 / Shutterstock.com

We’re also big fans of the section of The Ridgeway between Ogbourne St George and Sparsholt Firs. While this whole 16-mile route might be a bit much, it is one of the most fascinating sections of the entire Ridgeway path, with plenty of prehistoric sites to see along the way. It’s remote too, so you’ll be travelling along quiet tracks, parts of which have been surfaced with limestone.

The entire western half of The Ridgeway is potentially accessible, weather permitting, and you’ll be able to soak up some of the incredible history of this area as you travel along it. Everything from long barrows to Iron Age forts and white horses in the chalk hillsides.

Quingo Scooters Accessible Routes: The Ridgeway

Accessibility at The Ridgeway

One of the best things about The Ridgeway route is just how accessible so much of it is. A lot of the route follows paths that are unobstructed by stiles, so travellers on mobility scooters will be able to access the whole western half of the route as well as a big chunk of The Ridgeway between Britwell Hill and Wainhill. A word of caution though, it can be a little rough going from time to time as it isn’t paved, so exercise caution if the weather hasn’t been great in the days leading up to your expedition.

If those sections do look like they might be inaccessible, then there is also a great section between Fox Hill to Ashbury that has a generally more solid surface. There is also parking available at both ends of this section of the route, although unfortunately without designated Blue Badge spaces. A great place to start your journey along The Ridgeway is the National Trails website, here.

And if you’re planning on spending a bit more time in the area then we certainly recommend taking a look at this great leaflet that has been produced by the Chilterns Conservation Board and Chiltern Society, called ‘Miles Without Stiles in The Chilterns’, It’s a source of loads of useful information on accessible routes on and around The Ridgeway.

Getting there

Due to its proximity to London and the rest of the south east of England, The Ridgeway is easily accessible by road and rail. If you’re relying on public transport then we recommend planning your journey at the Traveline website. Alternatively if you’re heading to the area by car, then the M4 is your best bet. There are also regular trains from London Paddington to Swindon and Reading and from London Marylebone to High Wycombe. And it’s also worth saying that The Ridgeway itself is exceptionally well signposted, so you shouldn’t get lost en route!

Share your accessible route with Quingo!

If you’ve been to visit any great accessible routes 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 Scooters Accessible Getaways: A Day Out In Exeter

Exeter is set in one of the most beautiful parts of the country, but aside from the many charms of the Devon countryside, there is plenty to get up to in this delightful city. Here, Quingo Scooters, as part of our Accessible Getaways series, finds out more about what this fantastic city has to offer.

Quingo Scooters Accessible Getaways: A Day Out In Exeter
Editorial credit: Christian Lathom-Sharp / Shutterstock.com

Exploring Exeter

One of the things we look for most when we’re choosing the getaways we cover here is diversity, and Exeter certainly has a broad range of things to do for most visitors. The great news is that much of it is accessible too, impressively so for a town that has so many historic sites. So, whether you’re into gazing in awe at the city’s imposing thousand-year old cathedral, doing a spot of browsing in the popular Princesshay shopping centre or getting your culture fix in the Royal Albert Memorial Museum, you’ll find it here.

  1. The Cathedral

As Exeter’s most famous and most imposing landmark, we start with the cathedral. It is an absolutely stunning building and is one of the oldest cathedrals in the UK, having been originally founded by Edward the Confessor way back in 1050 AD. Like many cathedrals, this incredible building is maintained in large part by its admission fee of £7.50 for adults and £5 for seniors. We think that’s a small price to pay to be able to enjoy this great building, much of which is easily accessible with a mobility scooter. Although the cathedral itself doesn’t have a public car park, the city centre has plenty of parking options. Blue Badge holders can park in any of the spaces at the nearby Smythen Street Car Park for free.

Quingo Scooters Accessible Getaways: A Day Out In Exeter
Editorial credit: travellight / Shutterstock.com
  1. Retail therapy at Princesshay

No getaway is complete without a little bit of shopping and Exeter makes it very easy for everyone to be able to enjoy the many high street stores and independent shops here. The new Princesshay shopping centre has been designed very much with this as a priority and is easily accessible for all. So, spend a few hours here and get your retail fix! Princesshay is central, and it is straightforward to get there, with ample parking spaces nearby. The car park just off Paris Street has 18 wide bays and 14 bays for Blue Badge Holders. Take a look here for more information.

  1. The Royal Albert Memorial Museum

It is refreshing to visit a museum or gallery that has so clearly put a great deal of thought into how to make the experience as accessible as possible for all visitors. The Royal Albert Memorial Museum is just such a place, with most of its many fantastic exhibitions and world class collections free of obstacles and easily accessible. It’s a welcoming place and the staff there are all very helpful, but there’s also plenty of information on their website about the various accessibility features of the museum to help you plan your visit in advance. Start your visit to the Royal Albert Memorial Museum here.

One of the best things to remember about Exeter is that it also has an excellent Shopmobility scheme. This means that it is possible to hire mobility scooters and wheelchairs for your visit. Just head to their page at to find out more.

Where to stay

We’ve picked out a couple of lovely hotels that we’d recommend. The first, the Mercure Exeter Rougemont Hotel, is centrally located and has reduced mobility rooms, wheelchair access, reduced mobility facilities and an accessible bathroom.

We also recommend the fascinating Headweir Mill House. It was originally an Exeter townhouse and, although the hotel today is spread over four floors (with no lift), there are three bedrooms on the ground floor. It’s in a beautiful spot, right in the centre of Exeter on the banks of the river Exe. We recommend giving them a call on 01392 210869 to discuss your individual needs before you book.

Eating out

If you’re looking for a bite to eat in Exeter, then Bill’s is always a great option. Only the ground floor is fully accessible, but it’s a great place to enjoy everything from breakfast to a full-on evening meal (we recommend the Pan Fried Chicken with Truffle and Wild Mushrooms!). Another alternative is On The Waterfront, where you’ll find tasty locally sourced food, proper ales and a quayside terrace that’s the perfect place to soak up the sun. Find out more here. You can park nearby, at the Cathedral & Quay car park on Lower Coombe Street, which has accessible parking on level 4 that is suitable for wheelchair users, as well as free Blue Badge parking in any space above the entrance level.

Getting there

Getting to Exeter by car is straightforward. The M5 offers the easiest routes from Bristol, Cardiff and Birmingham, while the A30/A303/M3 is a more scenic journey if you’re coming from London. You can also fly to Exeter Airport from several locations, including Manchester, London City Airport, Paris and Amsterdam. It’s only five miles from the city centre too. Finally, you can also catch a train to Exeter St David’s. There are regular services there offered by Great Western Railway, Cross Country and South Western Railway.

The Travel Devon website is a good place to find more public transport information.

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 Accessible Getaways: A Day Out In Brighton

Of course, the British love a trip to the seaside, often even in the face of some less than perfect weather. So, here in the latest instalment of our Accessible Getaways series, Quingo Scooters looks at the many things that you can get up to in the beautiful seaside town of Brighton.

Visiting Brighton

As seaside resorts go, Brighton is one of the nation’s favourites. It’s a short hop down from the capital and makes for a great day out for all. With a couple of historic piers, its stunning Pavilion and of course the gorgeous front itself, there really is something for everyone. Best of all, Brighton is a truly open and accessible city. A great place to start your trip to the South Coast is to look at their website Visit Brighton here. We also recommend considering hiring an All-terrain Wheelchair if you’re planning to head out onto the pebbles.

Here are our top three things to do in Brighton.

Quingo Scooters Accessible Getaways: A Day Out In Brighton | Quingo Scooters Brighton Museum

  1. Brighton Museum

Of course, the Pavilion itself is a must-see: it is a fantastic fairy-tale concoction that is well worth a visit. But within the Royal Pavilion gardens we also highly recommend you head along to the Brighton Museum. It has a collection of exhibits as diverse and eccentric as the city itself and is a fantastic starting point for anyone wanting to get a taste of this bohemian city. There are level paths leading to the entrance through the gardens and the whole museum is accessible. There are 30 Blue Badge parking spaces at the nearby Lanes Car Park, and 6 at the NCP on Church Street. Find out more here.

Quingo Scooters Accessible Getaways: A Day Out In Brighton | Quingo Scooters Brighton Pride 2018

  1. Pride 2018

Brighton is rightly proud of its rich and diverse culture, and the annual Pride celebrations are a truly inspiring celebration of LGBTQ equality in particular. This year’s event takes place in August, and as always there will be a real focus yet again on making it as accessible as possible for all those attending. If you’re thinking of going along, then a great place to start is their accessibility page online, here. It’s the place to reserve an early parking space in the event’s Blue Badge car parks, get a Freedom Pass for the town’s accessible toilets or even book a changing area if you’re getting into costume for the parade itself!

  1. Sea Life Brighton

Who doesn’t love an aquarium? Sea Life has been around for a long time, and their experience and expertise really shows. It has a fantastic display of animals, and the great news is that the whole of Sea Life is accessible, with the exception of the Ocean Display in the auditorium. This can still be viewed from elsewhere, however. You’ll find an accessible entrance to Sea Life by heading through the underpass that leads from the beach (there’s a ramp down to the beach too). There is on-street parking along the seafront, but there are also the 30 Blue Badge spaces at the NCP car park at the Lanes nearby. There’s also a great report on the facilities at Sea Life here.

Where to stay

From sea front hotels to little B&Bs or self-catering apartments, there’s a huge range of accommodation options in Brighton. The Hilton Brighton Metropole is huge, and is fully accessible, but we’re big fans of the fabulously funky B&B Snooze too. It has steps up to the main entrance but there is access via the restaurant.

Eating out

As you’d probably expect in a place as diverse and cosmopolitan as Brighton, there is plenty of choice when it comes to eating out. For a quick, budget friendly bite to eat we recommend Eatalio for a great twist on Italian street food.

If you fancy treating yourself to something a bit different, then try out the highly acclaimed Terre à Terre. It’s vegan, but even if you’re not then it’s still well worth exploring. It’s one of the few purely veggie restaurants to regularly turn up on lists of the UK’s best eateries. The great news is that both these places are also accessible throughout.

Getting there

Brighton is only 50 minutes on the train from London Victoria, and it’s only half an hour from London Gatwick airport if you’re flying in. Driving is also straightforward, just follow the A23/M23 south from London.

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 Scooters Accessible Routes: The Peak District

We’re very lucky here in the UK, as it is full of fantastic routes that are accessible to all. Here at Quingo Scooters we love telling people all about them and in this latest series of the best accessible routes in the country that you can enjoy on your mobility scooter, we’re off to explore the beautiful Peak District.

The Peak District

The Peak District is a real national treasure. It’s a huge favourite with many visitors, from home and abroad, because of its natural beauty, its wildness, and its accessibility. It lies right in the heart of England and makes for a great day out from any of the surrounding big cities such as Manchester, Sheffield and Derby and it has long been a welcome escape for city dwellers looking to get away from the hustle and bustle. But it also has its own busy market towns, such as Bakewell and Matlock, as well as countless beautiful little villages to explore. Buxton is known as the Gateway to the Peak District and is another charming spa town to spend some quality time in. But it’s when you head out into the countryside that you’ll really get a feel for the Peak District, and we’re pleased to say that much of it is accessible to you.

Quingo Scooters Accessible Routes: The Peak District 2

Accessibility

We think that the Peak District National Park Authority have done a great job of trying to make as much of this wild and natural environment as accessible as possible. A good place to start exploring is to head to their website. There, you’ll find a comprehensive list of some of the places that you can visit on your mobility scooter. They feature places like the beautiful valley of Dovedale, which has a large car park (although unfortunately there are no concessions for Blue Badge holders) and an accessible toilet. There is a limestone pavement by the river which is fairly smooth and easy to navigate, but there is also an alternative road on the other bank of the River Dove that you can follow up the river. Another route is the Monsal Trail, a disused railway which is now open to all, and is easily accessible on your mobility scooter. It’s a gorgeous route, running 8.5 miles from Topley Pike near Buxton to Coombs viaduct near Bakewell. You can park at the old stations in Bakewell or Millers Dale, where you can easily access the trail itself.

Quingo Scooters Accessible Routes: The Peak District 3

Reaching the Peak District itself is straightforward and there are regular rail services from Manchester, Sheffield and Derby to the major towns such as Matlock, Buxton and Glossop. If you’re coming by car, bear in mind that many of the roads are narrow, making it hard to park. There are however 45 car parks in the National Park, with around 54 designated Blue Badge parking spaces between them. Take a look at the local authority’s car parking page here to find out more.

Share your accessible route with Quingo!

If you’ve been to visit any great accessible routes on your Quingo Scooter, 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 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.