Complete visitor guide: Tickets, discounts and travel tips
Last updated: March 2026
The Caravan, Camping & Motorhome Show and The Motorhome & Caravan Show at the NEC Birmingham
- Dates & times: The Caravan, Camping and Motorhome Show is held in February. The Motorhome and Caravan Show is held in October. Both shows run from 10:00–18:00 daily.
- Venue & halls: NEC Birmingham, Halls 6–12 & 17–20.
- Tickets: Book via the websites above. Parking is included.
- Re-entry the same day: yes—get your hand stamped when you leave.
Biggest money-saver: Club Day (CAMC members)
- The Caravan and Motorhome Club’s “Club Day” is on Tuesday at both shows. Buy in advance through camc.com. Search for “NEC Club Day’. Kids under 16 go free.
Other smart ways to cut costs
- Book in advance to avoid the price increase.
- Parking is already included. Don’t pay twice on third-party sites.
- Bring your own food & refillable bottle. The show offers picnic areas, and you’re welcome to bring your own food. Free visitor Wi-Fi is available for checking specs/deals.
- Kids go free (with a paying adult; ensure you add child tickets at checkout).
- Consider the on-site campsite (see below) instead of a hotel if you plan to stay multiple days.
Travel & arrival: Quickest routes and queue-dodging
Train:
- Birmingham International is connected to the NEC via a covered walkway (about 5–10 minutes, depending on your hall). Follow “NEC” signs straight from the platforms.
By car (including EVs):
- Follow NEC signage; parking is included, and marshals will direct you—no overnight parking in general car parks. Free shuttle buses run between the car parks and the halls.
- At the February 2026 NEC show, parking needed to be validated. Machines are located in the atrium, and entry staff were reminding visitors to validate parking before leaving. Check this when booking your ticket.
NEC travel details can be found here.
- EV charging:
- BP Pulse Gigahub (East 3)—30 ultra-fast + 150 fast chargers (one of the UK’s largest hubs). Handy if you’re topping up during the day.
- Resorts World multi-storey—7 Pod Point bays (7–22kW) on Level B.
- NEC car parks also list additional slow chargers (Swarco/E-Connect).
Best arrival times:
- Doors open at 10:00; the first hour is the calmest. Lunchtime and midday to mid-afternoon on weekends are typically the busiest. The organiser’s site even shows “most popular times”—use it to pick a quieter slot.
On-site campsite (hosted by CAMC)
- The Caravan and Motorhome Club may host a temporary campsite. Visit camc.com and search for ‘NEC temporary campsite’. This campsite is not at every show. The nearby Chapel Lane and Somers Wood sites are popular alternatives.
Accessibility & mobility hire
- Wheelchair hire £5; mobility scooters £20 pre-booked (card payment only). The NEC has Changing Places toilets and step-free access.
- Accessibility equipment can be booked via the show’s website.
Food, facilities & useful services
- Bring a packed lunch or use NEC outlets; picnic areas are provided at the show.
- Cloakrooms near each hall: typical charges £2 per coat / £3 per bag. Free Wi-Fi across the venue. Free shuttle buses operate a loop between car parks and entrances.
Plan like a pro (and save hours)
- Look at the website and interactive show map and pick your must-see stands the night before.
- Hit the accessories hall first if you’re a bargain hunter. Popular stock may sell out by late afternoon on busy days.
- Book manufacturer appointments in advance if you want a deep-dive demo or finance chat, especially on weekends. Check exhibitor pages via the show’s website.
- Bring a tape measure and a phone. If your phone doesn’t have a torch or camera, bring those too.
- Compare like-for-like:
- Photograph the spec plates (MTPLM/MRO, etc), bed sizes, and key options.
- Record show-only offers vs. dealer quotes (note any finance APR, deposit, delivery dates, included packs, and PDI fees).
- Use re-entry smartly: If you’ve left lunch in the car or need a reset, get stamped and take a quick break. There’s no need to lug everything around.
- Avoid queue spikes: Browse big-name launches early. Theatres may fill up just before the hour, so arrive 10–15 minutes ahead. Check the Inspiration Theatre / Guest Speakers timetable.
What’s on (so you don’t miss the freebies)
- Inspiration Theatre & Guest Speakers. These are free to attend and don’t require booking.
- For free caravan towing experiences and campsite cooking demos, check the daily schedules.
- New launches: The show hosts major unveilings from leading brands. Keep an eye on the organiser’s new launches feed.
A one-day plan
- 10:00–11:30 — Priority shortlist: Start with 3–4 top vans on your list while it’s quiet.
- 11:30–12:00 — Accessories sweep: Pick up limited show bargains/consumables.
- 12:00–12:45 — Theatre session + quick lunch in a picnic area.
- 12:45–14:30 — Compare rivals: Back-to-back checks of layouts/weights; log finance offers.
- 14:30–15:15 — Coffee
- 15:15–16:30 — Dealer chats: Lock in lead times, delivery fees, part-exchange values.
- 16:30–18:00 — Second look & photos: Revisit favourites, then exit as halls close.
A two-day strategy
- Day 1: Big brands, headline launches, theatre learning.
- Day 2: Deep-dive on favourite vehicles. Decide on accessories and add-ons. Do a final lap late afternoon for end-of-day deals.
Handy checklist
- Tickets pre-booked (or CAMC member link for £11 Tuesday / £12 other days).
- Download map & theatre times.
- Phone, phone power bank, tape measure, small torch, hand sanitiser.
- Packed lunch & water.
- Comfortable shoes—it’s a multi-hall day.
- EV app (bp pulse/Pod Point) if charging.
- Mobility hire pre-booked if needed.
Final thoughts
The Motorhome & Caravan Show at the NEC is the biggest leisure vehicle event in the UK, and it can easily feel overwhelming without a plan.
By booking early, taking advantage of CAMC discounts, and utilising the re-entry stamp, you’ll save money and time while seeing everything that matters to you.
Whether you’re browsing accessories, looking for your first caravan, or comparing motorhome layouts for a big purchase, a little preparation goes a long way.
Pack smart, pace yourself, and enjoy it—the show is the best opportunity of the year to see the industry’s latest launches under one roof.