What to expect at motorhome shows this autumn

With autumn on our doorstep, now’s the perfect time to plan a short break in your motorhome or shop for a new one. Learn about the best upcoming events and what to expect.

If you have never been to a motorhome show, you are in for a treat! Whether you are hoping to buy a new or used home on wheels, you’ll find plenty on offer.

Pick up the vehicle of your dreams, arm yourself with UK motorhome insurance, and you can set off to explore the country.

That’s not all – visit for the day or spend a few nights’ camping in your vehicle and enjoy entertainment galore from live music to family-orientated activities and lots of tasty food.

If we’ve got you excited and you can’t wait to attend one of these events, read on to learn everything you need to know about motorhome shows. Discover how to make the most of your time there and the best events to attend this autumn.

 

WHAT IS THERE TO DO AT A MOTORHOME SHOW?

 

Motorhome shows provide the perfect moment to shop for a new vehicle. These events boast a range of motors, from the latest models to second hand beauties, and autumn is a great time to pick up some end-of-season bargains.

Step inside as many vehicles as you like to find the right fit and speak to the manufacturers directly about their designs.

You’ll find plenty of gadgets, too. Turn your home on wheels into a ‘smart’ one or fit it out with the newest security measures on the market to potentially lower the cost of your UK motorhome insurance premiums.

These shows also have workshops and free lessons to benefit from, like learning how to manoeuvre your vehicle – perfect for first-time drivers.

If you’re visiting with the kids or grandchildren, there’s lots to do with the youngsters, too. Pick up some freebies as you walk around and enjoy a few nights’ camping nearby to make the most of the show.

To keep you entertained – as if it wasn’t exciting enough already – expect live acts on stage and an array of food and drink stalls to help you keep your strength up for all that shopping!

 

HOW TO MAKE THE MOST OF A MOTORHOME SHOW

 

With so much to do at a motorhome show, it is easy to become overwhelmed as you walk around. That’s why arming yourself with a plan to make the most of the event is essential to make sure you have fun but also do everything you want to.

Our tips can help you organise your experience at the exhibition and fit it all in:

• Get your tickets in advance – this is vital to guarantee your entry, especially if you want to camp there. Pitches can sell out fast and you may need to park up further afield. You might also get early bird deals if you plan well ahead.
• Make a list of what you want from a motorhome to make browsing and shopping easier at the show. We will give you some great advice on features to look for below.
• Ask about UK motorhome insurance before you buy a vehicle so you can take it on the road as soon as possible. The team at Motorhome Protect can help you find the right coverage to protect your dream home on wheels.
• Read about what’s on and when so you can decide where to head each day. If you're attending with kids, this is a great way to make sure you include some child-friendly activities at regular intervals.
• Research local parking and camping if you’re not going to be staying on-site. Try to arrive early to get a good spot and have more time at the show.
• Wear comfortable footwear and clothing. Motorhome shows can be huge, and you can easily cover a few miles. Plan for all kinds of weather and make sure you can stay comfortable if it rains or gets cold.
• Pick up a show guide upon arrival, even if you’ve already planned your day. This makes it easier to find what you want and make your way around in a logical fashion.
• Don’t waste your time on vehicles that don’t interest you. While it’s tempting to look at everything on offer, you don’t want to go home empty handed if you’ve got your mind set on a short break in your new motorhome this autumn.

 

WHAT TO LOOK FOR WHEN BUYING A MOTORHOME AT A SHOW

 

 

The main reason many people visit motorhome shows is to find the perfect vehicle. You might walk into 50 models over the weekend and think they all appeal to you in one way or another.

With so much on offer, how do you choose your dream home on wheels? 

Our checklist can help you see which motorhome ticks the most boxes and deserves a place on your drive. Your ideal home on wheels should have:

• Comfortable seats with quality upholstery
• Your ideal bedroom layout
• Beds that are easy to make up and comfortable to sleep in
• Plenty of space to move around
• A kitchen that meets your culinary demands
• Enough dining space for your family
• Storage space for clothing, bedding, shoes, pans, crockery, and cutlery
• Space to put away outdoor furniture, bicycles, surfboards, and any other items
• Adequate lighting and ventilation
• An easily accessible toilet and shower room for your height and build

Make a note of your top picks and their pros and cons as you wander around. Enjoy a spot of lunch or an overnight rest and come back for a second round. Now, focus on your favourites and spend more time inside each one.

Take this time to picture yourself on a break in the motorhome and see how easily you can move around. Have some questions ready to ask the dealer to help you pick the right one.

You want to be sure you have the right vehicle before you buy it and get UK motorhome insurance and tax to take it on the road.

 

What should you ask before parting with your money?

 

Once you are set on a motorhome, there are still some questions to ask the dealer or manufacturer before you make an investment.

• Can I get a discount for buying a vehicle at the show?
• Can you throw in any extras to seal the deal, like an awning?
• Can you offer me the same price if I go away and think about it for a few days?
• How much is the deposit?
• Can I get a refund if I change my mind before paying full price?
• Are there financing options?
• Can I trade in my old motorhome as part of the deal?
• When can I take my vehicle home/get it delivered?

The answer to these questions could make or break your decision, especially if you can get some extra perks or use an old motorhome as part of the payment.

 

4 BEST MOTORHOME SHOWS TO ATTEND THIS AUTUMN

 

You know what to expect and are ready to search for the ideal motorhome and enjoy all the fun on offer. Now you need to decide what shows to visit this autumn.

Not sure where to start? Fear not! We have scoured the country's biggest and best motorhome shows this autumn to bring you the top four. You are bound to find the perfect vehicle at one of these. Remember to tax it and get UK motorhome insurance before taking it for a drive.

Read on to find out when and where they are, what to do at each one, and where to stay nearby.

 

LINCOLN SEASON FINALE MOTORHOME & CAMPERVAN SHOW

 

This fantastic event is held close to the historical city of Lincoln and is commonly called ‘the big end of season rally.’ Before autumn gets into full swing, it’s the perfect way to say goodbye to summer and meet up with motorhome and campervan friends you’ve met throughout the year.

 

Where: The Lincolnshire Showground (Just 5 miles north of Lincoln city centre)

When: 23rd - 25th September 2022

Time: 9.30am-5pm Fri and Sat; 9.30am-4.30pm Sun

Prices:

• £75 for four nights camping
• Adult day tickets £5 in advance or £8 on the gate
• Children under 16 go free

 

What to do there

 

• Browse the range of motorhomes, both new and old, on display from local and national dealers. Explore the interiors of 2023 models and quality conversions to find your dream home on wheels.
• Wander through the exhibitions and pick up some camping gear for your next adventure from outdoor clothing to motorhome appliances and electric bikes.
• Upgrade your current vehicle with solar panels, awnings, security measures, and other accessories and installations
• Enjoy live evening entertainment in the Main Marquee and Epic Centre, including music from The Moondogs, The Stones, and One Step Behind.
• Participate in the 2-hour gin masterclass and learn about 6 major varieties and why we mix them with certain garnishes and mixers.
• Eat lunch in the food court with plenty of culinary delights on offer.
• Play and hope to win an exciting game of bingo on Friday afternoon.
• Board the Lincoln city centre shuttle bus for £4 per adult or £2 per child return and explore the museums or array of shops and eateries.

 

Where to park

 

There is plenty of parking on site at the Lincoln show and it’s free when you buy an entrance ticket, whether it be for the day or the full weekend. Make sure you have comprehensive UK motorhome insurance in place to protect your vehicle while you head to the event.

 

THE MALVERN CARAVAN & MOTORHOME SHOW

 

This event is new for 2022 as The Malvern Caravan Show has now become The Malvern Caravan & Motorhome Show. For a great-value autumn getaway, head there in your motorhome and camp on site to soak up the atmosphere while you browse vehicles and enjoy the live entertainment.

 

Where: Three Counties Showground, Malvern

When: 30th September - 2nd October 2022

Time: 9.30am-5pm Fri and Sat; 9.30am-4pm Sun

Price:

• £55 for four nights camping (pre-booked)
• Adult day tickets £5 in advance or £8 on the gate
• Children under 16 go free

 

What to do there

 

• Check the exterior and interior of 2022 motorhomes plus some bargain second-hand vehicles to find the ideal fit for your preferences.
• Walk through the numerous exhibitions and chat to specialists in motorhome conversions, get your current vehicle valued, or ask about UK motorhome insurance.
• Pick up some motorhome essentials on the stalls or buy new bedding and sheets or even a new mattress.
• Enjoy an array of live entertainment in the Severn Hall each evening from acts like Saturday Night Bee Gees and The Revolvers.
• Take part in the Macmillan Coffee Morning on the Sunday and help raise money for people living with cancer.
• Join in the bingo game on Friday afternoon for your chance to win a prize.
• Enter your dog in the Fun Dog Show or watch all the furry participants from the side lines.
• Visit Malvern town centre on the shuttle bus for £4 per adult or £2 per child return and explore the museums or head to the theatre.

 

Where to park

 

When you buy your entrance ticket, you get free parking included. Follow the temporary signs to the car park upon arrival.

 

NEC MOTORHOME & CARAVAN SHOW 2022

 

With the biggest array of motorhomes and caravans in the country, this show is not to be missed. There’s a whopping 350+ exhibitors displaying everything you can imagine from the latest vehicles to state-of-the-art accessories. There is also plenty to keep you entertained during your visit whether you come alone or with children.

 

Where: The NEC, Birmingham

When: 18th - 23rd October 2022

Time: 10am-6pm every day (subject to change)

Price:

• £12 for adults up until the 17th of October – after this time, the price is £15 per adult
• Children under 15 years go free (make sure to add them to your booking)
• Camping and Caravanning club members get £9.50 entry on Member Club Day (Friday 21st October) and £10.25 on the other days

 

 

What to do there

 

• Get the first look at many of the new leisure vehicles for 2023 and speak directly to the manufacturers about their innovations.
• Listen to industry experts and enthusiasts share their passion for the great outdoors and pick up some valuable tips.
• Join in on free expert-led tuitions for towing and motorhome manoeuvring skills.
• Find everything you need for your next road trip and explore the latest product innovations on over 350 exhibitions and stalls.
• Discover smart security solutions for your vehicle, which may help reduce the cost of your UK motorhome insurance.
• Participate in exciting competitions to win amazing prizes.
• Meet celebrity guests and hear about their destination recommendations.
• Enjoy a delicious lunch from one of the many top culinary names available on-site.

 

Where to stay nearby

 

There’s no on-site camping available for motorhomes, but there are plenty of spots nearby to pitch and make your way over to the show.

Kingsbury Water Park is a Camping and Caravanning Club close by with all the amenities you’ll need. They offer pitches to non-club members, too, and are not far from the event.

 

Where to park

 

The NEC arena has over 16,500 car parking spaces available, and you get a free spot when you buy a ticket to the motorhome show. It’s easy to find with signposts along the motorway and other major routes.

 

MOTORHOME & CAMPERVAN SHOW WESTPOINT EXETER

 

As the year draws to a close, this show in Exeter is ideal to snap up an end-of-season deal or get another look at what’s coming in 2023. There’s no camping on-site or entertainment on offer, but it makes for an enjoyable day out with plenty of motorhomes and accessories to see.

 

Where: Westpoint Centre, Exeter

When: 11th - 13th November 2022

Time: 10am-4pm every day

Price:

• Adult day ticket £7
• Children go free
• Registered carers go free with proof of ID

 

What to do there

 

• Walk through the huge range of new and old motorhomes from local and regional dealers.
• Talk with manufacturers and dealers to snap up a great price before the year is through.
• Browse the traders selling a range of motorhome essentials and modern upgrades.
• Enjoy the array of food options for lunch or warm yourself up with a hot drink.
• Take your dog along for the day, just make sure they’re on a lead.

 

Where to stay nearby

 

There’s a wide variety of excellent motorhome camping spots in Devon, and Exeter has its fair share of quiet and exclusive club sites or fun family holiday parks to appeal to all visitors.

It’s a wonderful opportunity for one last getaway this year and to explore the independent art or music scenes in Exeter.

The Camping and Caravanning Club has several certified sites in the surrounding area including Oakleigh, which has hardstanding pitches with electric hook-ups.

 

Where to park

 

The arena is easy to get to and free parking is included in the price of your entrance.

 

INSURE YOUR NEW VEHICLE WITH MOTORHOME PROTECT THIS AUTUMN

 

 

There’s no shortage of motorhome events to attend this autumn, and you’re bound to find the perfect vehicle you’ve been looking for.

If you pick one up at a show, you’ll need UK motorhome insurance to take it on an adventure and cover it in case of accident, damage, or theft. Your new vehicle is a big investment and something you want to care for long into the future.

Motorhome Protect can help you find the right insurance for your budget, needs, and vehicle. Choose us to insure your vehicle and enjoy benefits like:

• Up to £120,000 coverage for your new home on wheels
• Protection for unlimited mileage
• Unlimited cover across the EU
• Exclusive offers for club members
• Up to £3,500 protection for your camping personal effects

If you want UK motorhome insurance tailored to your circumstances, contact the Motorhome Protect team today! Get cover from the specialists for the coming season.