Where to Stay in a Campervan or Motorhome Near Birmingham NEC – Campsites, Pub Stopovers & Overnight Parking
Planning a visit to one of the NEC's motorhome, caravan or camping shows? Whether you're heading to the popular October Motorhome & Caravan Show or the February Caravan, Camping & Motorhome Show, finding somewhere suitable to stay overnight is an important part of planning your visit.
Did you know you can actually stay overnight at the NEC itself during certain events?
There's an official temporary campsite available during selected shows, along with a range of nearby pub stopovers, campsites, farms and motorhome aires offering alternative places to stay.
In this guide, we'll cover the NEC's official overnight camping arrangements, prices and facilities, along with nearby alternatives and practical transport information to help you plan your visit.
Can You Stay Overnight in a Motorhome at Birmingham NEC?
Yes! During selected events, including the October Motorhome & Caravan Show, the NEC hosts an official temporary campsite operated by the Caravan and Motorhome Club.
The campsite is located in North Car Parks 10 and 10a, within the NEC complex, making it one of the most convenient options for visitors who want to stay close to the exhibition halls.
The campsite welcomes both Caravan and Motorhome Club members and non-members, although spaces are limited and advance booking is essential.
It's important to note that overnight stays are not permitted in the NEC's ordinary visitor car parks. You must book a pitch at the designated campsite or arrange an alternative authorised overnight stop.
Official NEC Pop-Up site – October 2026
For the Motorhome & Caravan Show taking place from 13–18 October 2026, the temporary site operates from 12–19 October, with the final overnight stay on 18 October.
Standard pitches measure approximately 9m × 10m and accommodate one campervan, motorhome or caravan, with a maximum occupancy of six people.
Facilities include:
Paved and shingle pitches
Electric hook-up on selected pitches, up to 16 amps
Fresh water
Grey and black waste disposal
General waste disposal
On-site toilets
Access to nearby bars and restaurants
There are no showers, and awnings are not permitted. Dogs are welcome on the site, although only assistance dogs are allowed inside the exhibition itself.
How Much Does It Cost to Stay at the NEC?
The following prices apply to the October 2026 Motorhome & Caravan Show.
Pitch Type | Monday–Saturday | Sunday 18 October |
Paved pitch | £54 per night | £44 per night |
Shingle pitch with electric | £49 per night | £39 per night |
Shingle pitch without electric | £39 per night | £29 per night |
Prices include the pitch and two adults. Additional adults cost £9 per night, and a £1 booking fee applies.
Show admission tickets are not included in the campsite price and must be purchased separately.
Arriving at the NEC Campsite
Pitches are available from 11am on arrival day, with normal arrivals accepted until 9pm.
Visitors arriving after 9pm may be placed on a temporary pitch without electric hook-up until the following morning.
Pitches must be vacated by 10am on departure day.
Getting to the show: As the campsite is within the NEC complex, there's no need to drive to the exhibition. Follow the on-site pedestrian routes or use the event's car park shuttle service where operating.
Important: These campsite arrangements and prices apply to October 2026. Temporary campsite availability, facilities and charges may differ at future NEC shows.
Official campsite information and booking: https://www.mcshow.co.uk/onsite-campsite/
Alternative Campervan and Motorhome Stopovers Near Birmingham NEC
Whether you're looking for a traditional country pub, a peaceful rural campsite or a dedicated motorhome aire, there are several options within travelling distance of Birmingham NEC.
All the alternative stopovers featured below are listed on The Campervan Bible app, where you can explore their locations and check venue details before travelling.
We've arranged them in order of convenience for reaching the NEC, including estimated journey times and public transport options where available.
The NEC attracts thousands of visitors during major exhibitions, so we recommend contacting your chosen stopover in advance to confirm availability and secure your space, particularly if you're planning to stay during show week.
1. Somers Wood Caravan Park – Meriden
Address: Somers Road, Meriden, Coventry CV7 7PL
Somers Wood Caravan Park is an adults-only touring park set among mature woodland on the Packington Estate, making it one of the most convenient alternatives for visitors attending events at Birmingham NEC.
The park offers a peaceful setting with excellent facilities, particularly suitable for those planning to spend several nights exploring the show.
There are 48 hardstanding touring pitches with electric hook-up, including fully serviced options. Facilities include heated showers and toilets, fresh water, washing-up facilities, laundry facilities and waste disposal points.
Larger pitches can accommodate some RVs and motorhomes up to approximately 12 metres, subject to availability. Well-behaved dogs are welcome.
The park is open for both the October and February NEC show periods, although it closes for part of the winter and does not operate continuously throughout the year.
Getting to the NEC
Driving or taxi: Approximately 10–15 minutes.
Public transport: The X1 bus runs through Meriden and provides a direct connection to Birmingham International and the NEC. Visitors can use the stop near Somers Road, subject to the current timetable.
Allow approximately 30–45 minutes overall by public transport, including walking and waiting time.
With its excellent facilities and direct bus connection, Somers Wood is particularly convenient for visitors who would prefer to leave their motorhome on site during the exhibition.
Booking: Advance booking is strongly recommended during NEC events.
2. The Bulls Head – Meriden
Address: 89 Main Road, Meriden, Coventry CV7 7NN
The Bulls Head is a traditional village pub in Meriden, offering a convenient location for visitors who prefer a pub stopover rather than a conventional campsite.
The pub has a restaurant and bar serving food and drinks, providing somewhere to relax after a busy day exploring the exhibition halls.
Situated on Meriden's Main Road, it's particularly well placed for accessing the NEC without having to drive.
Getting to the NEC
Driving or taxi: Approximately 10–15 minutes.
Public transport: The X1 bus runs directly through Meriden, connecting the village with Birmingham International and the NEC.
Allow approximately 15–25 minutes by public transport, including walking to the bus stop and reaching the exhibition entrance.
This is one of the more practical pub stopovers for visitors who want to leave their campervan or motorhome parked while attending the show.
Booking: Contact the pub ahead of your visit to secure an overnight space and check any parking arrangements during busy exhibition periods.
3. Knowle Donkey Sanctuary Campsite – Knowle
Address: Seven Acre Farm, Warwick Road, Knowle, Solihull B93 0EE
For something a little different, Knowle Donkey Sanctuary Campsite offers a peaceful countryside stopover at Seven Acre Farm, home to a sanctuary caring for rescued donkeys.
The small campsite has just five touring pitches, providing a quieter alternative to larger commercial sites.
Pitches are spacious, with grass and hardstanding options, fresh water and optional electric hook-up.
The campsite is advertised as open throughout the year and welcomes self-contained campervans and motorhomes.
There are no toilet or shower facilities, so visitors must have their own facilities on board. Dogs are welcome, and there's a dedicated dog exercise area.
Getting to the NEC
Driving or taxi: Approximately 15–20 minutes.
Public transport: Connections may be possible through Solihull, where the X12 bus serves Birmingham Airport and the NEC. However, reaching a suitable bus stop from the rural campsite makes this a less convenient option.
Allow approximately 60–90 minutes if travelling via Solihull, depending on the initial connection and waiting times.
Driving or taking a taxi is recommended, particularly for visitors attending the show early in the morning.
Booking: Advance booking is required due to the limited number of pitches.
4. The Gate Inn – Nether Whitacre
Address: Gate Lane, Nether Whitacre, Coleshill B46 2DS
The Gate Inn is a traditional country pub situated in the Warwickshire village of Nether Whitacre.
Offering a relaxed rural setting, it's an appealing choice for visitors who would prefer to stay somewhere quieter than the busy exhibition complex.
The pub has a bar and outdoor seating, making it somewhere to unwind after spending the day exploring motorhomes, campervans and touring accessories.
Getting to the NEC
Driving or taxi: Approximately 15–20 minutes.
Public transport: There is no practical direct public transport connection from the pub to the NEC.
Driving or taking a taxi is recommended.
Booking: Contact the pub ahead of your visit, as overnight parking spaces may be limited during NEC show periods.
5. Railway Inn – Whitacre Heath
Address: 30 Station Road, Whitacre Heath, Birmingham B46 2EH
The Railway Inn is a traditional country pub situated in the village of Whitacre Heath, surrounded by Warwickshire countryside.
The pub offers a relaxed village atmosphere and is a suitable alternative for visitors who prefer a quieter overnight stop away from the NEC complex.
It's particularly appealing for those who enjoy traditional pub stopovers rather than fully serviced campsites.
Getting to the NEC
Driving or taxi: Approximately 15–20 minutes.
Public transport: There is no convenient direct bus or train connection between the pub and the NEC. Reaching a suitable transport interchange would require additional travel and potentially several connections.
Driving or taking a taxi is the recommended option.
Booking: Contact the pub in advance to arrange your stay, particularly during busy NEC exhibitions.
6. The Griffin Inn – Shustoke
Address: Church Road, Shustoke, Coleshill B46 2LB
The Griffin Inn is a traditional country pub in the village of Shustoke, offering a peaceful rural setting northeast of Birmingham NEC.
The pub serves food and drinks and provides a welcoming atmosphere for visitors looking to combine their NEC visit with an evening in the countryside.
The overnight parking area is relatively small, so advance arrangements are particularly important during busy exhibition periods.
Getting to the NEC
Driving or taxi: Approximately 15–25 minutes.
Public transport: Rural transport connections are limited, and there is no convenient direct bus or train service to the NEC.
Driving or taking a taxi is recommended.
Booking: Contact the pub ahead of your visit to arrange overnight parking, as spaces may be limited.
7. Blue Bell Cider House – Earlswood
Address: Warings Green Road, Earlswood, Solihull B94 6BP
The Blue Bell Cider House is a characterful countryside pub in Earlswood, known for its food, drinks and spacious outdoor areas.
Situated near the Earlswood Lakes, it's an appealing choice for visitors who would like to combine their NEC trip with a little time exploring the surrounding countryside.
The pub offers a relaxed setting away from the busy exhibition halls, making it a pleasant option for an overnight stop.
Getting to the NEC
Driving or taxi: Approximately 20–30 minutes.
Public transport: Earlswood railway station has services towards Birmingham Moor Street, taking approximately 25–30 minutes. From Moor Street, walk to Birmingham New Street and take a train to Birmingham International. The NEC is then approximately five minutes away on foot via the covered walkway.
Allow approximately 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 45 minutes for the full public transport journey, including reaching Earlswood station and making the connections.
Although public transport is possible, driving or taking a taxi is likely to be considerably quicker.
Booking: Contact the pub in advance to arrange your overnight stay during the show.
8. Swallowfield Equestrian – Earlswood
Address: Rising Lane, Solihull B94 6JD
Swallowfield Equestrian offers an alternative type of overnight stop within a working equestrian facility in the countryside near Earlswood.
Rather than a traditional campsite, the location provides a straightforward rural stopping place for campervan and motorhome owners looking for somewhere peaceful to spend the night.
The stopover has been advertised as operating throughout the year, with electric hook-up available as an option.
Getting to the NEC
Driving or taxi: Approximately 20–30 minutes.
Public transport: There is no practical direct bus or train connection from the venue. Reaching a suitable station or transport interchange would require additional travel.
Driving or taking a taxi is the recommended option.
Booking: Advance booking is required, particularly during busy NEC show periods.
9. Lyons Boatyard Motorhome Aire – Birmingham
Address: Limekiln Lane, Birmingham B14 4SP
Lyons Boatyard offers a different overnight experience, with a small motorhome aire situated alongside the canal in south Birmingham.
It's particularly suited to self-contained motorhome owners who prefer a dedicated overnight parking area rather than a conventional campsite.
The aire is listed as having space for approximately five vehicles, with a maximum vehicle length of 8 metres.
Facilities have been advertised as including fresh water, toilets, showers and waste disposal.
The aire operates with advance arrangements required for access, making it important to plan your arrival time.
Getting to the NEC
Driving or taxi: Approximately 25–35 minutes.
Public transport: Local bus services connect the surrounding area with Birmingham city centre. From Birmingham New Street, trains run directly to Birmingham International, followed by the covered walkway into the NEC.
Allow approximately 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 45 minutes for the full public transport journey, depending on the local bus connection and waiting times.
Public transport is possible, but driving or taking a taxi is likely to be significantly quicker.
Booking: Contact the boatyard in advance to arrange your stay and confirm access times.
Getting to Birmingham NEC
Birmingham NEC is situated close to the M42, M6 and M40, making it accessible from across the UK.
The exhibition complex also benefits from excellent public transport links, particularly through Birmingham International Railway Station.
Travelling by train: Birmingham International station is connected to the NEC by a covered pedestrian walkway, taking approximately five minutes.
Travelling by bus: The X1 and X12 services connect the NEC and Birmingham Airport area with surrounding towns and villages, making them useful for visitors staying near suitable stops.
Driving: Visitors who choose to drive to the exhibition should follow the NEC's event parking signs. Parking charges and arrangements vary by event.
Free shuttle buses operate between some NEC car parks and the exhibition halls during major events.
If you're staying at one of the rural stopovers listed above, consider booking a taxi in advance, particularly if you plan to leave the show at closing time.
Journey times may increase during major exhibitions, especially around the M42 and NEC access roads.
Motorhome, Caravan and Camping Shows at Birmingham NEC
Birmingham NEC hosts two major leisure vehicle exhibitions each year, attracting visitors from across the UK.
Motorhome & Caravan Show – October
The autumn Motorhome & Caravan Show is one of the UK's major leisure vehicle exhibitions, showcasing new motorhomes, campervans, caravans, accessories and touring equipment.
2026 dates: 13–18 October 2026
This is the event for which the official temporary campsite and prices detailed earlier in this guide have been confirmed.
Caravan, Camping & Motorhome Show – February
The spring Caravan, Camping & Motorhome Show brings together leisure vehicles, camping equipment, accessories and travel inspiration ahead of the main touring season.
Next confirmed dates: 16–21 February 2027
Visitors attending the February show should check whether an official temporary campsite is available for that particular event, as overnight arrangements may differ from the October exhibition.
Future NEC Show Dates
The Motorhome & Caravan Show is expected to return in October 2027, although the dates have not yet been officially confirmed.
For the latest exhibition dates, tickets and event information, visit:
Frequently Asked Questions
Can You Sleep in a Motorhome at Birmingham NEC?
Yes, during selected events when an official temporary campsite is operating. Overnight sleeping is not permitted in the NEC's ordinary visitor car parks.
Does Birmingham NEC Have Motorhome Electric Hook-Up?
Electric hook-up is available on selected pitches at the temporary campsite for the October 2026 Motorhome & Caravan Show. Facilities may differ for other events.
Are There Pub Stopovers Near Birmingham NEC?
Yes. There are pub stopovers in surrounding villages including Meriden, Nether Whitacre, Whitacre Heath, Shustoke and Earlswood. Advance contact is recommended during major exhibitions, as overnight spaces may be limited.
Can You Stay Near the NEC During the February Caravan Show?
Yes. Several independent campsites and overnight stopovers in the surrounding area operate during February. However, the availability of an official NEC temporary campsite should be checked separately for each event.
Which Stopovers Have Public Transport Connections to the NEC?
Somers Wood Caravan Park and The Bulls Head in Meriden are particularly convenient because of the X1 bus connection.
Other locations may require longer journeys involving changes, while rural pub and farm stopovers are generally better suited to visitors who plan to drive or take a taxi.
Find More Campervan and Motorhome Stopovers Near Birmingham NEC
Whether you're visiting the NEC for a motorhome show, attending another exhibition or simply exploring the Midlands, having somewhere suitable to stay overnight makes planning your trip much easier.
The Campervan Bible app helps you discover pub stopovers, campsites, motorhome aires, permitted overnight parking and useful facilities across the UK and Europe.
Explore locations on the map, check venue information and use our filters to find stops suited to your vehicle and requirements.
Start planning your next trip with The Campervan Bible.
Prices and event information are based on October 2026. Journey times are approximate and may be longer during busy exhibition periods. We recommend booking your overnight stop in advance and checking public transport timetables before travelling.
