What to see at the NEC motorhome and campervan show

The Caravan, Camping and Motorhome Show 2020 is one of the key events in the motorhome and campervan calendar.

Taking place at the NEC, Birmingham, from 18 to 23 February, the event is spread across Halls 1-5 and covers just about everything to do with the great outdoors – from new motorhome and campervan launches to new season tents, caravans, holiday homes, lodges and accessories.

Not only that, there’s a great selection of guest and expert speakers, and free attractions and tuition sessions. You can read more about the Caravan, Camping and Motorhome Show here – and if you’re heading to the show, here are a few highlights of what to see and do while there.

If you’re thinking of buying a new motorhome or campervan, the show is a great place for some serious window shopping. You can view brand new models, inspect them inside and out, and ask dealers and manufacturers all the questions you want.

Some major models to look out for at the 2020 show include the following.

Swift introduce the Edge

The new Swift Edge – a range comprising five models, offering a choice of two, four and six berths – is being introduced at the show. Look out for the 476, which features a large garage; particularly useful for families.

You can view the Swift range in Hall 2, on stand 2100 and 2200.

Benimar launches new end washroom motorhome

Benimar is launching a new layout in its Ford-based Tessoro motorhome range. The Tessoro 487 has twin inward-facing sofas, a large and spacious front lounge, and arguably the key feature, that rear washroom. This is a large area with a separate shower and a huge wardrobe.

The Tessoro 487 is a four-berth motorhome, with a drop-down double and a further double that can be converted from seating in the lounge.

You can view the Tessoro 487, along with other Benimar models, on the Marquis Leisure stand number 3150.

VW California 6.1 makes its UK debut

Making its UK debut at the Caravan, Camping and Motorhome Show 2020 is the VW California 6.1, with the Grand California, Ocean and Coast all on display. You can read more about that here.

Hillside’s retro petrol station

Campervan magazine got a sneak preview of the retro petrol station that will adorn the Hillside Leisure stand during a recent visit to the Derby-based campervan manufacturer. The creation was still very much under construction but the finished product has surely got to be worth a visit to the Hillside stand (5120), which will feature the full range including its latest T6.1 conversions and some excellent deals on the last of its T6 campers.

Compass Motorhomes (stand number 3100), Lowdhams (stand number 3130), Don Amott (stand number 1433), Malibu (stand number 1400a), Marquis Leisure (stand number 3150), Adria (stand number 3065), Bailey (stand number 3020), Rolling Homes (stand number 5030), Auto-Sleepers (stand number 3150), IH (stand number 5110) and Brownhills (stand number 3140) are among the exhibitors.

For a full list of exhibitors, click here.

MMM readers get discounted tickets on 19 February

If you’re a reader of MMM magazine, we have good news – you can get discounted entry to the show on Wednesday, 19 February.

That’s the day titled MMM, Caravan and Camping Day. To secure the discount, you need to buy the March issue of MMM, complete the voucher, and bring it to the show to present upon entry. With the voucher, entry price for adults is just £6.50 (compared to £8 in advance or £10 on the door) and £5.50 for seniors (compared to £9 on the door).

The March issue of MMM is on sale in stores now, and you can get the digital issue here.

Expert speakers from MMM, What Motorhome and Caravan magazines

A whole host of guest speakers, celebrities and motorhome and campervan experts have been recruited to the show’s Freedom To Go Theatre.

Among them are Peter Vaughan, Editor of What Motorhome and Road Test Editor of MMM, and Clare Kelly, Editor of Caravan magazine.

Peter’s talk is on choosing the right motorhome, focusing on the different types of motorhome, choices of base vehicle, and finding the layout that best suits your needs. He will also be touching on subjects like winterisation and payloads.

Clare will be speaking about her own experiences of caravanning (with some lively anecdotes) and providing a few pointers for those who are new to the hobby. Whether you’re a couple, family or one man and his dog, Clare has some great suggestions for ways you can get the most out of your holiday.

Both Peter and Clare will be speaking on 19 February. Check times and the full schedule here.

Celebrity guests include Shane Richie, outdoor adventurers Richard Harpham and Darren Hardy, Matt Allwight, and outdoor chef Monica Rivron. Of course, show regulars Max, Paddy and Harry – the English Springer Spaniel therapy dogs – will also be appearing.

Practical demonstrations and test drives

At the Caravan, Camping and Motorhome Show, there is plenty to do as well as see. There are several features that guests can get fully involved in, including motorhome manoeuvring with free expert tuition, campervan test drive sessions, Caravan tow reversing lessons, Adventure Golf and more.

For latest information about the Caravan, Camping and Motorhome Show 2020, and to book tickets, click here.