Cary and I are off to the show at the NEC next week.
As this will be our first time at the show we would be grateful for any advice that those who've been before can offer. We're not sure which day we'll be attending yet.
We've not got any major purchases in mind but just want to have a good look around. I suffer arthritis in my right knee which puts some limits on my mobility - 5 mile flat walks are about my limit!
There's plenty of places for a sit down such as the eating areas or the caravans / motor homes themselves. The NEC is a big place so there is a bit of walking required. There are buses from the car park to the show hall so you'll be ok on that front.
The only other thing is the food is quite expensive. We don't take our own lunch with us but I know others do. You can come in and out.
It's a great day out. I love looking around the new vans and awnings. I'm sure you'll have a fab time.
Apart from short flights of stairs between Halls 1 and 2, and between 4 and 5, all the exhibition area is on the same two levels (see floor plan which will also be in the free guide you can pick up on your way in).
First, pack something to eat and drink (and/or plenty of cash - but hide the cards and chequebook!) and if you have a lightweight folding stool - combined with a backpack ideally - amongst your camping gear, take that as well.
Follow the signs for the NEC, then the signs for the show (probably abbreviated to "Caravan Show") until you find a car park without a Full sign, then the directions of the marshalls.
Make a note of the position of your car (and especially the parking area number - East 5 or whatever), ignore any signs about car park charges (for this show) and follow everyone else to the courtesy bus stop, unless you're feeling energetic and your knee's OK and you fancy a walk to the main entrance!
If you want to temporarily leave the halls for a picnic and/or smoke, remember to get your hand rubberstamped on the way out.
Have look at the Exhibitors List in conjunction with the Floor Plan, along with any other details on their website, and of course ask any more questions on here, before you go.
Very comfortable shoes and leave your outdoor coats in the cloakroom. Most of the major manufacturers are grouped together but the accessory stands are all over the place so perhaps best to make a list of where you to visit as a priority and if possible work out where they are. If you can walk 5 miles I don't think you will have that much problem at the NEC from a fellow knee sufferer!!!
Quote: Originally posted by Tim and Cary on 12/2/2015
Hi folks
Cary and I are off to the show at the NEC next week.
As this will be our first time at the show we would be grateful for any advice that those who've been before can offer. We're not sure which day we'll be attending yet.
We've not got any major purchases in mind but just want to have a good look around. I suffer arthritis in my right knee which puts some limits on my mobility - 5 mile flat walks are about my limit!
Thanks in anticipation.
Tim
Hi Big Tim,
Contact the NEC about hiring a mobility scooter for the day as there is no seating around the exhibition. Cost is about £15 a day. Take your own sandwiches and drinks as prices for either are horrendous. If you have a BB you should be able to park close to the main entrance.
We go in the cafeteria and don't find it expensive, decent plate of fish and chips no more than what we pay locally. What is expensive is the actual food stalls. We took our own food once, but then had to sit on the floor to eat it as there weren't many areas where you could sit if you weren't buying.
Last time we went for a look around we ended up buying a van!!! Take care and enjoy!
------------- Started with a motorbike and tent.......my gallery, my life.
I echo what Issym says, take care with your wallet, we have always said we are not going to buy anything big, we are just going to look! That goes for shows anywhere, the result has been 2003 (Earls Court) Pennine Fiesta, 2007 (NEC) Conway Cruiser, 2011 (Excel) Pennine Quartz 4. This year we have recently purchased our Adria so are looking for awnings. So we do plan on buying something for once!
Also echo about comfortable shoes, first time at NEC there was a crocs stand. We each bought a pair, and as soon as we started walking in them, our feet felt better!
------------- Alan
2016
February C&CC Theobalds Park
March C&CC Salisbury
May C&CC Adgestone IOW
July Le Clos Auroy, Auvergne France
August C&CC Polstead
August C&CC Oxford
October C&CC Lauder
Have a good time, my advice would be get there early ready for the doors opening, and take one of those small rucksacks, with plenty of supplies for the day.
We would stock up, with butties etc from ASDA or Tesco, there are plenty of spots were you can grab a table and eat your own packed lunch.
Last year we over nighted at the Hotel Ibis, Bordersley Circus, so the next morning was just a 10 minute drive to the show.
Parking is easy and free, and there are plenty of shuttle buses should you need one, although the walk is quite short, and often quicker than the bus.
Quote: Originally posted by Tim and Cary on 14/2/2015
Thanks to everyone who has posted. We are studying your advice VERY carefully and using it to formulate a PLAN!!
Has anyone used the CC temporary site at the NEC?
Any other recommendations for cheapish hotels nearby?
Thanks again
We think it is grossly over priced for what you get and if it is raining even more over priced. You are better off staying in a B & B within 25 miles of the NEC.
BTW if you want to book the mobility scooter you will need to do as soon as possible. See here
Back in 2013 we used the Premiere Classe at Coventry, cheap as chips at £22 for the night, but only just about ok, for one night.
There is a Nando's across the road, and a BeefEater next to the Premiere Classe.
Took about 20 minutes to get to the show, so good location, the Hotel Ibis was a 1000 x's better for just £32, and the Hotel Ibis also had a restaurant which amongst other stuff does a very nice Pizza.
Oddly the Hotel Ibis is next door to a Formule1 Hotel, which I have used in the past, but that has now shut down.
Amazing family weekend with old steam engines, classic car displays, market stalls, and full catering and bar. And camping on site - Save £25 by booking in advance.
Topic: Advice for for first time at NEC Show
) and if you have a lightweight folding stool - combined with a backpack ideally - amongst your camping gear, take that as well.
