A surprising number of motorhome shows are held across the UK each year and they are the perfect place to visit if you are looking to buy your first van, upgrade to the latest model, hunting for that special accessory, or are just looking for a great weekend away.
What is a Motorhome Show and Why Should I Go? Motorhome shows are a gathering of motorhome owners and provide the opportunity to see and sit in dozens of new and used motorhomes, talk to dealers and pick up accessories. Many have entertainment and overnight stops from one to several nights.
A motorhome show is one of the best ways to look for a potential new or used motorhome, whether you own one now, are starting your hunt, or just interested to explore the idea. They are also fun social events and places to meet fellow motorhome owners.
What is a Motorhome Show
A motorhome show is, essentially, a place to look at dozens or even hundreds of new and used motorhomes in a single location. However, there is much more to shows than just the expensive end.
There are plenty of motorhome shows across the UK and other parts of Europe for that matter. Some are smaller shows that last a single day, with others lasting for up to four days over a long weekend.
If you are new to motor homing and just curious, have just bought your first van, or are looking at buying your first, then visiting a motorhome show is highly recommended. Many people who have owned motorhomes for years still go to the shows.
If you have yet to buy, the shows are the perfect place to see and sit inside many motorhomes. Ask any motorhome owner what the most important thing is to consider when looking for a motorhome for the first time and most will answer – layout, layout, layout.
Walk inside, sit down and consider each motorhome, and think ”is this me?” Is this the right layout for you and your passengers? End or central lounges? Single or double beds? Some layouts and motorhomes you will instantly dismiss, others you will like, and you may find just the right layout and style. Look at the different lengths of vans on display and enquire each time about the motorhome’s weight and payload.
There will be plenty of dealers and traders ready to offer help, advice and to relieve you of your hard-earned money when they can.
Do people decide and buy at motorhome shows? Yes, they certainly do, so expect to see some ‘sold’ cards in windows as the show progresses. When a motorhome is sold at a show, it is usually locked, so you won’t be able to sit inside it.
Accessories for your motorhome are in abundance at most shows, with an array of both smaller and larger items. You will find anything from solar panels, down to that very small item for a pound that is a must-have. Check different awnings to suit your motorhome for all that extra space. Talk about LPG gas bottles with a dealer, or how to fit a satellite dish to your roof.
Expect to find stands for the major motorhome and caravan clubs, all plying for your business. Insurance brokers, suppliers of portable bar-b-ques, 12-volt televisions, with or without a satellite dish, can be found.
Generally, there is a range of food available and a bar to satisfy your inner needs, offering a place to sit and rest those weary bones. Expect to do a fair bit of walking.
Do I have to Stay Overnight to go to a Motorhome Show?
Not at all, as all shows have day tickets for you to visit. Book in advance which may save a little, or simply turn up on the day.
Many shows during the year are several day events set in large open areas such as a county showground, where you can stay in your motorhome.
Why Should I Stay for the Weekend at a Motorhome Show?
A weekend away with so much to see and do is an event in itself.
At many of the shows, the overnight fields open a day before the actual show and run until the morning after it finishes. For instance, the campsite at the Norfolk Motorhome and Caravan Show near Norwich opens on Thursday and closes at lunchtime on Monday, giving four nights on site. At Norfolk, the actual show is open on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.
The weekend gives plenty of time to stroll around the stands, sit with friends old and new.
Having several days offers the opportunity to view and sit in dozens of different motorhomes, whether you are buying, upgrading, or just window shopping. Some shows boast over 300 new and used vans on display, so you’ll have plenty of choices.
Depending on the show, there will be toilets, plus grey and black waste dumps, although each location varies. Taking your own rubbish home is generally the norm.
Planning ahead and pre-booking your weekend stay, or day ticket can save you money, depending on the show organiser. Many shows have camping areas for local or national club members to gather together for the weekend. Some shows will have a roll-up un-booked area but check their website ahead of time, to make sure they are not fully booked.
What Else is There to Do?
The weekend shows usually provide professional entertainment each evening and can include live music and perhaps a comedian.
Longer shows run entertainment each evening. For example, at the Lincoln Motorhome Show, there is live entertainment on Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday evenings. In addition, at the Lincoln show, there are two separate stages on a Saturday evening.
In the club camping areas, you will meet with friends old and new.
Some shows organise coach day trips to local attractions if you want a day off-site.
How Much Does a Motorhome Show Cost?
Like any show, entry costs vary.
A typical day ticket visitor can expect to pay between £5 to £8 depending on the show and younger children are generally admitted free.
To stay at the show in your motorhome for four nights, this in the region of £50 to £70 all in, which includes unlimited entry to the show on all days, plus evening entertainment.
Some shows who run a choice of entertainment on Saturday night may charge for one of the stages, generally with a premium entertainer or music. Recently, I have seen Manfred Mann and The Hollies live on stage.
Which Motorhome Shows Do You Recommend?
That’s a tricky one. The shows are all so different and spread all over the United Kingdom.
For outdoor shows, try the series run by Warners Shows, which holds nine events each year, including the largest outdoor show near Peterborough.
The largest indoor show is held twice a year at the NEC in Birmingham, in February and October.
RELATED QUESTIONS
What do I need to look for when buying a second-hand motorhome? Many people start with a used motorhome. Check our Buying a Second-hand Motorhome guide.
What About Visiting Motorhome Dealers? There are dozens of dealers across the UK, many with more than one location. Each will have new and used motorhomes on display and generally specialise in one or two different manufacturers.