Hi all. We’re off to the Caravan, Camping and Motorhome show next weekend at the NEC. I’m hoping to keep costs down a bit by bringing a packed lunch with us. Does anyone know if the NEC are ok with people bringing their own food? Also are we able to carry a small rucksack each (to carry the lunch) or will security not allow that?
If anyone has any answers I would be really grateful.
Don't know about eating your own food in the "official" catering outlets but there's usually a seating or picnic area somewhere in the halls (the Floor Plan* shows a seating area in the far corner of Hall 4, the Park Homes one, for example, there may be others) but otherwise and depending on the weather of course, there are several suitable areas outside. Just remember to get a hand-stamped pass-out before leaving to allow you back in!
Yes, in my experience backpacks are acceptable but will probably be checked by security (mine was! )
*Floor Plan pdf can be found on on the Show's website.
Every time we have visited the NEC we have always taken our own sandwiches and snacks with us and carried them in a carrier bag or similar. Rucksacks are used by many visitors without objection but may well be searched by security on entry which needs no explanation why.
Like Tango55, I've always taken a packed lunch and drinks in a rucksack with no problem. There never seems to be enough seats inside the show to sit down. I normally find a quiet corner in the show and sit on the floor...along with many others. As with other similar events, I seem to remember the food and drinks can be quite expensive.
Rucksack and sarnies. Never had a problem. Have had to sit on the floor to eat as not enough seating inside, plenty on the concourse outside. Can't remember having the bag searched so it mustn't have been a hassle.
Thank you all for your helpful replies. We’re happy to sit anywhere for lunch, I just didn’t really want to spend sky high prices on food. I’d much rather spend my money on other things there. It’s really useful to know that we can take our own food in. My main concern was not being able to take bags in (which would be understandable) but I have no issue whatsoever with my bag being checked.
I just hope it’s a good day out. I’ve heard mixed reviews.
We go to crufts there and always take our own food and drink. Never any problem eating it wherever we choose. I normally pack mine in a shopping trolley
------------- Good cakes aren't cheap. Cheap cakes aren't good
We always take our own food and drink along as the prices at the NEC are silly. Unfortunately places to sit are very scarce especially around lunch time.
Some years since we went, but we got a re-entry pass and sat on the floor in the concourse and had a picnic.
Went a few times to this show and enjoyed it. The first time, Lazer were offering free taster sailing trips in Portland. On the strength of that, our first camping trip in our new Montana 6 was to East Fleet for a weekend, and my husband and son caught the sailing bug and both learned to sail and drive powerboats.
Hi ☺ me and my sister want live caravan for many reasons you can change place to live when you want you can go whatever you want. But we don't nothing about law where (we are portuguese ) can you help us? Cambridgeshire is place we want live beginning please if you know where we can park change waters and stuff really appreciated
You'll find a map here* showing official (licensed by local authority or "certificated" by a club, so membership is required - usually the Caravan And Motorhome Club or the Camping and Caravanning Club) sites but most will only let you stay for a limited time. Other than such sites, there are very few places in Cambridgeshire (or anywhere else in England and Wales) where you can legally "camp".
You can usually park overnight on motorway services areas for a fee, but this is not generally advised if only because of unavoidable noise from other vehicles, for example, and a ban on the use of naked-flame appliances, but you might find the occasional car park, layby or picnic area where one-off overnight parking might be permitted - check the signage for conditions and charges (if any) but noise problems are still likely.
So, I suggest you find two or three official sites and move between them as desired or required?
A day of all things motorhome and campervan. The show is held both in the main indoor arena and across the grounds. Catering, hot drinks and food options are available. Easy access to the site and free parking included. Win one of five pairs of day tickets
Topic: A couple of NEC questions
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