NEC October

We are trying to weigh up whether to go to the NEC in October, from the far end of Cornwall we would either fly up plus Hotels or bring the van but however we do it will take three days and cost a few hundred pounds. We are not really looking for anything or changing the van and am now wondering if the show is really THAT good having read reports elsewhere?

If we do bring the van there are pitches on gravel or concrete, dumb question but apart from the obvious are the more expensive pitches nearer or something, I assume there is a shuttle bus to the event.

Can anyone recommend a good site nearby  where we could even just get a cab to the NEC as we have no interest in the evening entertainment?

Host of questions I know but appreciate your ideas and advice.

Thanks
David

Local sites are probably already booked up but CAMC sites at Chapel Lane and Harbury Fields are relatively close. You could drive from them,  parking is easy at NEC with shuttle bus from car parks to exhibition centre. Also Warwick Racecourse CAMC site isn't that far away. We once visited the exhibition first and then went to Warwick, it wasn't that far and we then went around the area making a holiday trip.
Just had a quick check for you, Chapel Lane only had one date available (the Thursday), Harbury Fields has 6 pitches available for whole period.

Another suggestion - if you are a member of C&CC, they have a Temporary Holiday Site over the period at Nether Whitacre, approx 5 miles away. No need to book a THS.

Pub Stopovers, Camper Stops, Motorhome Nightstops,etc.
Any of which is going to be better than the NEC car park.

Thanks everyone especially you Paul, will have a look at Harbury Fields right now, sounds the way to go!

groundhog wrote:We are not really looking for anything or changing the van and am now wondering if the show is really THAT good having read reports elsewhere?

Hi David

Just a personal opinion of course, but if I lived in Cornwall I wouldn't be going.  

It's a good show, but not exceptional, and although it's no use to you now I think you just missed one of the best, which is the Malvern show of a fortnight ago. You can stay in the van on the showground four four nights for about £50 (can't remember the exact sum) and wander in and out as often as you like over all three days of the show.

Much better value, and whether you are interested in the evening entertainment or not (we are not) it's still a very pleasant break with plenty to occupy your time there.

Last year we stayed at Somers Wood, nice site 10/15 minutes from the NEC.

Personally I don't think the show is as good as it was and agree with Gromit that the shows like Malvern are a lot better value.

Nora

Each to their own but agree to the last two comments. If only for idle curiosity and/or adventure, it would seem to be a most expensive exercise. To view all those gleaming new vans and accessories purely for entertainment value could make one feel somewhat forlorn. But you never know, 'that pride of ownership' may cast it's spell and could see you parting unexpectedly with many thousands of pounds. So a few hundred quid for lodgings/diesel etc, would pale into insignificance. 

What a brilliant forum this is, thanks again to everyone. its Malvern next year then!  Have I lost my mind, for a few pounds more this October I could pop in to Marquis Plymouth and smell the new motorhomes then jump on the ferry to Roscoff and enjoy some time on the free aires of Brittany sampling the local delicacies. Proper job

I have been watching this thread with interest as we might be passing the NEC at aboout that time after our next break. I think I will save my money too.

We only live up the road from the NEC, so we will be having a day out at the show, if only to look at A/S's competition regarding van conversions! Any thoughts welcome, even derogatory ones!

Pete

I was disappointed  the last time I went to the NEC, not many accessory stalls, ok if you are in the market for a new van.

we stopped over in a pub carpark...after asking if it was ok of course!...nearby, well within 3 miles or so, think it was a Toby inn?? They have a massive carpark and lots of campers plus food was tasty!! :)

If it will cost you a few hundred pounds to go, especially if you don't want anything, I would look to spend it elsewhere. 

Hog, I'm sure you will come up with something.

Leighton.

Have a good trip, let us know your opinion Peter.