We're thinking of going to the show at the N.E.C, staying on a site nearby and driving to the show. We will have our 2 dogs, who are happy to be left in the car, but we would want to go back to let them stretch their legs during the day.
Are you allowed to leave the show to go to the carpark and then go back in again, how long does it take to get from the exhibition halls to the car parking, and is it outdoor or multi-storey parking at the N.E.C?
Hopefully someone can help - thank you in anticipation.
To find out the right answer, why not contact the NEC Birmingham direct with your question. That way you have all the updated info if any changes have been made regarding re-entering the halls again.
Direct link below for the NEC.
How far depends on the show, the halls in use, the car park allocated and how early you arrive. Google maps satellite labels the halls and car park so you can get an idea.
You could be very close, but you could also be a 10-15 minute walk each way. Regaining entry has never been a problem.
All open air, single level parking. A lot cheaper??? if you book in advance and a fair trek from the Halls but there is a frequent bus service from the parking to the halls.
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From memory, allow half an hour from parking to hall via the shuttle bus & its queue. Or comfy shoes & walk, not much less time. The car parks are huge, so we weren’t near the halls.
If it was me, I’d leave the dogs with someone that can look after them for the day. It’s a long enough day without adding an hour to go back & let the dogs out onto the tarmac for a comfort break & some kibble.
Quote: Originally posted by Fiona W on 01/1/2023
From memory, allow half an hour from parking to hall via the shuttle bus & its queue. Or comfy shoes & walk, not much less time. The car parks are huge, so we weren’t near the halls.
If it was me, I’d leave the dogs with someone that can look after them for the day. It’s a long enough day without adding an hour to go back & let the dogs out onto the tarmac for a comfort break & some kibble.
Wow, that is a long trek - glad I asked. Think we may need to rethink!
Quote: Originally posted by Fiona W on 01/1/2023
From memory, allow half an hour from parking to hall via the shuttle bus & its queue. Or comfy shoes & walk, not much less time. The car parks are huge, so we weren’t near the halls.
If it was me, I’d leave the dogs with someone that can look after them for the day. It’s a long enough day without adding an hour to go back & let the dogs out onto the tarmac for a comfort break & some kibble.
That's my recollection too - the need to use a shuttle bus between the car park and the exhibition halls, and I too would not recommend taking the dogs and keep them in your van myself.
DK
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Definitely do not leave the dogs in the car as someone will report it. Then there is the chance security will smash the car window to remove the dogs. Does not matter if it is not hot outside, please do not leave the dogs in the car for even an hour.
Quote: Originally posted by iank01 on 02/1/2023
Definitely do not leave the dogs in the car as someone will report it. Then there is the chance security will smash the car window to remove the dogs. Does not matter if it is not hot outside, please do not leave the dogs in the car for even an hour.
Thank you for the advice. Definitely a rethink then.
Animal welfare should drive the OP’s decision, not fear of coming back to find their windows smashed & the dogs have bolted off. I’ve never seen any security patrolling the NEC car parks. And even the RSPCA has to call the police if there’s a dog in distress - they can’t commit criminal damage to the car.
Depending on exhibition (popularity), time of arrival (how full the car parks already are!), NEC site traffic management plan etc., you could be a mile or so (20 plus minutes walk) away from the exhibition halls! As good and frequent as the shuttle buses are, the queues are sometimes substantial and you may not get on the first (or even second at busy times!) bus!
A visit to your dogs left in the car (all other dogs left in cars factors aside), you could take as much as 1.5 hours out of your day just to 'pop out to the dogs for a wee/leg stretch'! It's a huge site, with serpentine roads that are not all pedestrian friendly, there are designated routes from car parks to mainly shuttle bus stops, but also access to the halls, sometimes feels like a long way round!
I certainly would not entertain the idea of leaving my dog in the car whilst I visited an exhibition, for all the reasons mentioned above AND the potential time out to visit her! You may be lucky and get parked much closer to the exhibition halls, but it's a gamble that's entirely at the discretion of the staff managing car parking!
Thanks for your input everybody.
Our dogs are very happy in the car (it's one of their safe-places) and sometimes choose to lie in there of their own accord, but we obviously only leave them there in appropriate conditions.
It was just a thought as to how we could manage to get to the show (not that we're that bothered anyway!) but it obviously isn't practical so we'll be giving it a miss!
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Topic: NEC Parking
via mobile 01/1/2023 at 7:24pm
