NEC parking

[nuevoboy]

We've committed to attend the Motorhome Show this year and (never having been to the NEC before and having looked at the maze of a map of the place) haven't a clue which car park to aim for.

We'll be heading in from the north on one of the A-roads and will need to get back out heading east (not using motorways).

Any help or suggestions gladly received.

[bolero boy]

When heading for the NEC follow the signs for the NEC off the M6 south. As you enter the complex just follow signs for motorhome and caravan show parking, as this will be the biggest show running that week.

Not sure if you are staying overnight, but if you are, there will be signs for the CC temporary overnight area.

On leaving, set up your sat nav for your destination, check that it has planned you along the A roads your want, and then just follow the exit signs and then the satnav for your onward journey.

Most satnav s know the road network within the complex and how to get you out.

[bobalobs]

When we have been as a day visitor there has been no choice of car park as they direct you to the car park they are currently filling and the free show bus concentrates on collecting from that area.

[colin]

As above, signage will direct you to the correct carpark, there may be different carparks in use for different shows that are on, so keep an eye out for that.

The MOST IMPORTANT thing is remember which carpark and where in it you have parked, if you have a bad memory jot down the carpark number, and look around for landmarks within the carpark, as several may be in use just for the one show.

p.s. just noticed you say 'no motorways', I would recommend you use one, otherwise you will only make it difficult for yourself.

[bolero boy]

I guess if you don't want to use motorways then you will have to select that option in your satnav when planning your route. You don't say northeast or northwest but I would use M6, M42 and follow the signs and/or the satnav.

When leaving to go east, looks like the A45 is the best a road, but if heading farther than Coventry then the M6 east is the obvious route.

Any particular reason for not using the motorways?

[nuevoboy]

Hi chaps,

to clarify....we will be travelling the short distance down from a site in Lichfield and it looked as if the

A-road would be preferable to the M6 Toll road.

 

After the first day at the show, we are booked into Kingsbury Water Park, which again looked more accessible via A-roads.

Then back to the show for 2nd day and afterwards, escape via M42 south and west.

 

By the way, what's a Sat Nav? ;-)

[Keithl]

Steer well clear of the M6 Toll as it'll cost you around ten quid :-(

 

Best route from Lichfield would be A38 then the A446 and it will take you pretty much straight there.

 

Then to get to Kingsbury Water park I would either use the M42 for a junction or two or if you still want to avoid motorways then retrace your steps along the A446 before turning right to Kingsbury.

 

Keith.

[nuevoboy]

Ah, that's sounds more like it.

I just wasn't sure if there were minor (that is, not motorway) roads leading into the site itself.

I've had a quick look on Google Maps and seen that there are "northern", "southern" and "eastern" roads in, avoiding the motorways.

 

Thanks, Keith and all.

I'll just keep my eyes peeled and hope I find a decent car park. 8-)

[colin]

Maybe someone can confirm this? AFAIK the M42 whilst it links to the M6 toll road has no tolls, if so just get to M42 and use that.

p.s. back in the 80's I spent some time living at Drayton Manor and would use the A roads to avoid M6, a few years ago tried using the 'old roads' I was so used to, to avoid M6 snarl up and it was a nightmare as traffic was so bad.

[Keithl]

Correct Colin,the M42 and the 'Old' M6 do not have any tolls and you can switch from one to the other also toll free, but as soon as you step foot (or wheel) on the M6 Toll it will cost you so watch the signs carefully.

 

And I agree about the roads around that area, I have to travel them every day of the week :-(

 

Keith.

[nuevoboy]

Just an update, now that we've got back.

 

We used the A roads down from Lichfield and entered the NEC via the Eastern Way.

Very quiet on entry and zoomed in, compared to all the vehicles queuing right back on the M42.

 

Chatted to a friendly chap waiting for the shuttlebus back to the car park, and he recommended using the M42 from J6 to J9 to get us to our overnight stop at Kingsbury Water Park.

Took his advice and got there in double quick time.

 

Returned to NEC the following day on the A roads and again quiet entrance to East car park 5.

 

And the nice car park attendant told us to park wherever we liked out of the way.

Joined a fine collection of other motorhomes with plenty of space around us, well away from the masses of cars.

 

All a doddle really, so thanks for your info above.

 

nuevoboy.