Tag Archives: UK

Attractions, Quingo Scooters

Quingo Christmas Market Series: Kent

Your Quingo means going out is much more pleasurable and safe during the winter months so we thought we would find you some great ways you can use your scooter to keep active and enjoy the wintertime!

Back down South we go today, as we discover what Leeds Castle in Kent has to offer for us now everyone has well and truly got in to the swing of the festive season!

This Christmas, Leeds Castle will celebrate the traditions of the festive season, with lots of activities and events for the whole family. The atmospheric castle will be decorated with cinnamon and orange wreaths, pine trees and sparkling lights. Castle in Kent hosts the annual Christmas Market on the Cedar Lawn overlooking the Castle, running on 5th, 6th, 12th, 13th, 19th to 23rd December. On top of this the Notes of Christmas event runs from the 5th to 24th December.

The Christmas Market

When the castle has been transformed into a Winter Wonderland from the 5th December, you’ll be able to discover festive finds inside and outside the castle.

On the Cedar Lawn overlooking the castle, shop as you take in views of the countryside. Discover an array of seasonal gift ideas, toys, decorations and food and drink.

You can enjoy a warming hot chocolate or mulled wine whilst the children take a ride on the carousel or Ferris wheel with spectacular views of the beautiful moated Castle. Look out for the real reindeer stabled at the market – until they are needed for more pressing matters on Christmas Eve!

The organ from the beautiful traditional horse carousel will add to the festive atmosphere and is a favourite with families. Leisurely trips will also be available on the big wheel, giving spectacular birds eye views of the Castle and Christmas market. Small additional charges apply for rides.

 

Notes of Christmas

It is going to be a white Christmas at Leeds Castle this year, as three dimensional – paper works of art depicting scenes inspired by traditional Christmas carols will decorate the magnificent state rooms.

The Notes of Christmas experience has illuminated scenes in whites, golds and silvers, created by talented artist Helen Musselwhite. They will be on display to visitors in the Castle from the 5th December until Christmas Eve. Cutting by hand, Helen uses a variety of papers as she builds detailed and multi-layered scenes inspired by the natural world and its inhabitants.

Fragrant spruce trees will be adorned with elaborate, specially designed paper decorations and carols will ring out through the Castle. Each room will also feature a vintage musical instrument, for children to spot on a musical themed trail.

 

Accessibility

A fully accessible mobility bus is available near the ticket office, running regularly throughout the day. This service is operated free of charge to visitors requiring assistance.

The castle is accessible via the main front door where there is a ramp.

As Leeds Castle is an ancient building, there are some restrictions. Visitors should be aware that there are approximately 45 meters of cobblestones across the drawbridge on to the Castle Island.

Fire safety rules allow a maximum of two mobility scooters inside the castle at any one time.

The car park has hard standing disabled spaces reserved. The maximum distance from the car park to the fully accessible mobility service is approximately 100 meters.  

About Quingo

The Quingo Scooter range features six models to suit your needs and budget. For more information on the Quingo Scooter range, please visit our website. Alternatively, if you have any 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. Quingo are proud to work closely with Age UK and feature regularly in local press.

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, Quingo Scooters

Quingo Christmas Market Series: Nottingham

Your Quingo means going out is much more pleasurable and safe during the winter months so we thought we would find you some great ways you can use your scooter to keep active and enjoy the wintertime!

We’re carrying on with our festive travels and this week we’ve found ourselves in Nottingham’s Winter Wonderland!

This “Old England” themed event features a stunning ice rink, Christmas market cabins, two themed winter bars, a bandstand, rides, timber decked walkways, nativity scene, 100’s of real Christmas trees, snow dressing and much more.

The Christmas Gift and Craft Market

Voted one of the UK’S favourite festive markets, Nottingham’s Victorian-themed gift and craft market is full of festive delights! Enjoy some roasted chestnuts, cider and mulled wine and then embark on some carol singing!

Here you will find over 50 attractive Victorian style cabins selling a wide range of quality crafts, gifts and food. With both unique and handmade gifts on offer, there is plenty of choice for the eagle-eyed shopper.

This is the place to go if you want a gift that’s truly original and like no other, all the independent retailers have been hand selected in order to give the shoppers a vast selection of fun, handmade and festive items to choose from.

The entire ice rink and cabin area in the Market Square will feature a decked boardwalk with giving great views of the ice rink and add a truly romantic touch, as well as making it as easy as possible to get about on your Quingo.

The gift and craft market is on until Christmas Eve, and is spread over Smithy Row, Albert Street and Lister Gate. It is open 10am-6pm every day, except on Wednesdays when it is open until 8pm in line with Nottingham’s late night shopping.

 

Two Festive Bars

Nottingham’s Winter Wonderland has two bars to choose from.

On Long Row, the world’s only helter skelter bar will sell mulled wine, spiced cider and other hot toddies to keep you warm as you take a break from your Christmas shopping. There are also covered areas here if you want to get out of the cold for a while!

The Victorian winter bar has great views of the ice rink, as well as the bandstand where fantastic seasonal music will be performed – all with the comfort of covered seats. There’s a great range of ales and wines on offer to be enjoyed in the warm and cosy covered seating area. This year, Wetherspoons will also be serving real ale and soups from an area adjacent to the Winter Bar too!

The Grand Christmas Tree

The traditional Grand Christmas tree will be the fantastic centrepiece of the ice rink – It’s a traditional staple in Nottingham!

To keep the little ones happy there are also children’s rides including Santa’s Toy ride, a Helter Skelter and traditional carousel.

Bandstand

A 5m bandstand will feature in the Market Square this year and would extend an open invitation to local bands to come and participate in adding to the festive atmosphere.

 

 Transport

If you’re fancying travelling to Nottingham Winter Wonderland by car – good news! It’s only 50p to park all evening from 4pm-8pm if you want to peruse around the market in quieter times.  Experience Nottinghamshire advise that to take advantage of this offer you can use the RingGo app and the code 18906 when you’re parking in Zones 1, 2 and 3. Visit the website for more information.

Nottingham’s tram system is great for getting about too. This Christmas, groups of two adults and up to three children can travel together for £5 return before 4pm on weekdays and all day Saturday and Sunday – a great excuse to leave the car at home and enjoy a few mulled wines!

A similar offer runs on the buses in Nottingham this Christmas – groups of two adults and up to three children can travel together for £4.50 return on NCT buses. Park and Ride from the Queen’s Drive Park and Ride and Race course for just £3 per carload all day with last bus from the city at 7:10pm. A great idea if the whole family are going!

 

About Quingo

The Quingo Scooter range features six models to suit your needs and budget. For more information on the Quingo Scooter range, please visit our website. Alternatively, if you have any 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. Quingo are proud to work closely with Age UK and feature regularly in local press.

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, Quingo Scooters

Quingo Christmas Market Series: Birmingham

Your Quingo means going out is much more pleasurable and safe during the winter months so we thought we would find you some great ways you can use your scooter to keep active and enjoy the wintertime!

This week we’re heading to the West Midlands as we visit the Birmingham Christmas Markets. Together with the huge range of Christmas events on offer, Birmingham’s Christmas markets offer a delightful and exciting experience for all visitors.

Birmingham’s Frankfurt Christmas Market

This is the largest authentic German market outside Germany and Austria. The centrepiece of the city’s festive event calendar returns to Birmingham each year in mid-November for 5 weeks. Explore over 180 stalls selling gifts, jewellery, decorations, handmade toys, delicious German fare and of course the ever popular Glühwein!

According to Visit Birmingham, there are some highlights you mustn’t miss out on…

German Bratwurst & Brezel – German Bratwurst (white or red sausage) and Brezel are traditional German foods and are famous throughout the world. How the Bratwurst is served varies by region, but it is commonly served with a Brötchen (roll). The Brezel is type of bread and is particularly famous in South Germany and Austria. German speakers also call it “Laugenbrezel” (lyle pretzel).

Glühwein – German mulled wine. Glühwein is a traditional and loved hot alcoholic Christmas drink which is usually made of white and red wine and various spices such as cinnamon, cloves, lemon slices and aniseed. The perfect warmer for a cold winter night!

Sing along with the singing moose – Over the years, Birmingham’s singing Christmas moose, named Chris Moose, has become a famous Christmas favourite! Chris Moose is located directly in front of the Council House entrance. This guarantees a Christmassy atmosphere and a lot of fun for young and old!

Craft Market

Adjacent to the Frankfurt Market the West Midlands’ own traders offer an entirely different selection of beautiful hand-crafted items at the Christmas Craft Market, all created by local artisans, as well as ethnic goods imported from all over the world.

Stalls offer a huge range of locally hand-crafted items, including decorative ironwork, wood carvings, handbags, toys, musical instruments and organic soaps and cosmetics.

In addition to the crafts, a huge range of locally produced food and drink is on offer to tantalise hungry shoppers, including organic sausages and real ale from local micro-breweries, as well as homemade chutneys and cheeses to take home and enjoy.

Coupled together, the two markets generate an incredible atmosphere and a unique shopping experience, creating the feel of a small, bustling village within the heart of the city centre.

The markets run from 12 November to 22 December in Victoria Square, New Street and Centenary Square from 10am-9pm every day. Find a really useful map of the markets here.

 

Accessibility

It is advised that you travel into Birmingham Christmas Markets by public transport wherever possible. For more information on rail, bus and Metro services, and an interactive journey planner, visit Network West Midlands.

If you do travel in by car however, the nearest car parks are Town Hall, Paradise Circus (accessed via diversionary route), NIA, Snow Hill, Markets or Dudley Street.

Fully accessible toilets are on Waterloo Street and in Centenary Square.

About Quingo

The Quingo Scooter range features six models to suit your needs and budget. For more information on the Quingo Scooter range, please visit our website. Alternatively, if you have any 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. Quingo are proud to work closely with Age UK and feature regularly in local press.

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, Quingo Scooters

Quingo Christmas Market Series: Edinburgh

Your Quingo means going out is much more pleasurable and safe during the winter months so we thought we would find you some great ways you can use your scooter to keep active and enjoy the wintertime!

This time we’re moving slightly further afield to one of the UK’s most famous Christmas Markets! Famous the world over for its hilltop castle, cultural festivals and Hogmanay street party, Edinburgh provides a magical backdrop for Christmas shopping, nights out and exceptional winter events.

Running from 20 November – 4 January, Edinburgh’s Christmas offers no shortage of things to see and do this winter. Similar to London Christmas Markets, there are a number of different things going on around the city of Edinburgh, and we’ve picked out some highlights.

 

Scottish Market in St Andrew Square

The Scottish Market in St Andrew Square is the place to be for the best craft, food and drink that Scotland has to offer! Just some of the treats available here include:

  • Locally produced sausages
  • Fresh seafood
  • Unique chocolate
  • Delightful cupcakes
  • Gin
  • Scottish brewed craft beer
  • Scottish crafted jewellery and woodwork

The market is open from 10am-10pm every day.

European Christmas Market in East Princes St Gardens

For the past 20 years in the heart of the city, the popular Christmas market has located in its picturesque setting below the Mound.

The European market stretches from the Mound, along East Princes Street Gardens Terrace and around the Scott Monument. The Market offers a unique shopping experience for every type of visitor with its fair of crafters, artists, gift shops and edible surprises for the foodies!

This market is also open from 10am-10pm every day.

24 Doors of Advent

A real life advent calendar! Each day from 1 – 24 December, a building around Edinburgh that’s usually closed to the public will open its doors, and it’s all completely free. Here’s how to decide when to visit depending on what you want to see:

1 Dec: Botanic Cottage
2 Dec: Edinburgh Gin Distillery
3 Dec: Gracemount Youth and Community Center
4 Dec: St Giles’ Cathedral
5 Dec: The Victorian School Room
5 Dec: National Museum of Scotland
6 Dec: Coburg House
7 Dec: Lady Haig’s Poppy Factory
8 Dec: Leith Registrars Marriage Suite
9 Dec: Scottish Tourist Guide Cannongate door tour
10 Dec: Rock House
11 Dec: Cockenzie House and Gardens
12 Dec: Customs House
13 Dec: Mansfield Traquair Centre
14 Dec: Assembly Rooms
15 Dec: Gilmerton Cove
16 Dec: Forth Bridge
17 Dec: New Register House
18 Dec: The Biscuit Factory
19 Dec: Talbot Rice Gallery
20 Dec: The Glasite Meeting House
21 Dec: Dovecot Gallery
22 Dec: The Real Mary King’s Close
23 Dec: The City Chambers
24 Dec: St John’s Scottish Episcopal Church
24 Dec: Dalmeny Parish Church

 

Santa Land

Santa Land is a pop-up, outdoor children’s venue located in East Princes Street Gardens. It features:

  • Santa’s Grotto
  • Christmas Tree Maze
  • The Santa Train
  • Children’s market,

And family-friendly rides:

  • Christmas Tree Slide
  • Race-a-Rama
  • Swan Lake
  • Reindeer Ride
  • Rollercoaster

The activities range from £1-£5, so it’s nice and affordable too.

 Accessibility

The walkways of Edinburgh’s Christmas have been made as even as possible, and there are ramps where needed. However there is advice to note that due to the temporary nature of the site, ramps may occasionally be steeper than 1:12. But that shouldn’t be a problem on your Quingo Scooter!

In terms of parking, there is pay and display available on Frederick Street, George Street, Hanover Street and Waterloo Place. This is free for blue badge holders with no time limit. Full details and locations of street Blue Badge parking bays can be found on the City of Edinburgh Council website or you can call them on 0131 469 3891.

Edinburgh isn’t overwhelmingly large in size, which makes finding your way around a lot easier. Buses are the most popular form of transport in the city, and information about timetables and access can be found on Lothian Buses website. The other popular option are the trams, they can take you along the length of the city too. Additionally there are numerous taxi ranks located around the city.

About Quingo

The Quingo Scooter range features six models to suit your needs and budget. For more information on the Quingo Scooter range, please visit our website. Alternatively, if you have any 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. Quingo are proud to work closely with Age UK and feature regularly in local press.

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, Quingo Scooters

Quingo Christmas Market Series: Manchester

Your Quingo scooter means going out is much more pleasurable and safe during the winter months so we thought we would find you some great ways you can use your scooter to keep active and enjoy the wintertime!

This week we’re continuing with our Christmas Market series, and after the festive delights that the capital had to offer, we’re heading back up north!

 

Spoilt for Choice

The Christmas Markets are located in different spaces around the city, each with its own distinct character and atmosphere. They will all be open from Saturday 14 November until Monday 21 December.

The array of over 300 stalls will leave you spoilt for choice, with mouth-watering delicacies from all over Europe. The choice is getting bigger and bigger every year and includes gifts, crafts, jewellery, clothes, toys and an array of food and drink. Treat yourself to anything from Dutch mini pancakes, to Hungarian goulash to Spanish paella to French profiteroles. Relax with a hot chocolate, German or Spanish beer, or French wine. Soak up the atmosphere of a truly international event with a uniquely Mancunian flavour.

The Markets can be found at the following locations:

  • Albert Square
  • Brazennose Street
  • King Street
  • Ann’s Square
  • Exchange Street
  • Market Street
  • New Cathedral Street
  • Exchange Square
  • Corn Exchange
  • Cathedral Garden

Exchange Square comprises of a brand new, two storey indoor beer house for this year. It accompanies The Mill, a new bar area complete with a huge smoking chimney as its centrepiece, to celebrate the industrial heritage of Manchester.

Cathedral Gardens is the dedicated family area, offering a traditional fun fair and other entertainment. It has a more child friendly atmosphere for young visitors wishing to experience the magic of Manchester’s Christmas Markets.

Market Street was a new addition to the Markets last year, but it returns this year after its success. This means the site will be expanded with even more chalets offering top gift ideas after local retailers reported a boost to footfall and sales figures during the market season.

The Corn Exchange will return as development work to refurbish the building has turned it in to the Market’s major food destination!

There is even a nicely plotted out map on the official Manchester City Council’s website to ensure you can choose exactly which route to take!

 

Accessibility

Spread across the city centre, the Christmas Markets are all located within roughly a quarter of a mile of each other and are fully accessible to all.

Manchester City Council suggest that if you prefer a quieter, more relaxing experience where you can avoid the hustle and bustle, weekday evenings and mornings are just that.

Accessible toilets are located on Lloyd Street, on the ground floor of the Town Hall Extension.

Travelling to the Markets

Manchester City Council suggest leaving your car at home this year, to both avoid the hassle of parking and so that you can enjoy a drink or two in the beer tent! They ensure that navigating your way around Greater Manchester couldn’t be easier during the festive period.

There are a few public transport services that will get you both to and around the different Christmas markets in Manchester City Centre – train, tram or bus. There is a ticket that gives you unlimited travel on any bus, train or tram in Greater Manchester for one day too, starting from just £5.20. The metrolink tram system is especially good for travel within the city, and is an easily accessible system – all stops have either a ramp, lift or escalator access.

For an added incentive, when buying your train ticket into the city centre be sure to request that it covers free Metrolink City Zone travel so you can make the most of your trip. For more information visit metrolink.co.uk

 

About Quingo

The Quingo Scooter range features six models to suit your needs and budget. For more information on the Quingo Scooter range, please visit our website. Alternatively, if you have any 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. Quingo are proud to work closely with Age UK and feature regularly in local press.

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.