The Motorhome and Caravan Show 2023 (17-22 October) is fast approaching, with some of the biggest names in the industry set to have their latest releases on display. Whether you’re thinking of buying a caravan, simply want to browse the latest releases, or are looking for some accessories, the October NEC Show is the place to be!
With the show starting tomorrow, news is already coming through of some of the launches we can expect to see on display from caravan manufacturers, and in this guide, we’re sharing what we know so far.
As well as that, we’re also answering some of the common questions visitors to the show may have, as well as providing a map so you can plan out your trip.
Tickets are also now on sale for the February NEC Show if you’re planning to go there instead.
You can also jump straight to a particular section by clicking below.
What you can expect to see at the Motorhome and Caravan Show
What time is the Caravan Show at the NEC?
How much are tickets to the Motorhome and Caravan Show?
Is parking free at the Motorhome and Caravan Show?
A map of the October NEC Show
What can I expect to see at the October NEC Show in 2023?
There’s always plenty to see at the NEC show, whether you’re after a tourer, ideas and inspiration or are on the hunt for some essential caravan accessories. Here’s a selection of the brilliant new-season launches you’ll likely be able to view, However, it’s worth noting that all information on show models can be subject to change, so it can be worth contacting the manufacturer or show organisers for confirmation before visiting
Adria – Stand 7.30/35/36
Although much of Adria’s attention this season has been on motorhomes and campervans, customers looking for a new caravan should not feel left out.
That’s because this year’s October show is planned to host the much-delayed UK launch of the new four-berth Action model – the Adria caravan designed for those who love the great outdoors.
The 391 PT comes with a drop-down bed over the front lounge. You get the same rugged style, inside and out, although the colour across the lower half of each Action model is now back to being charcoal, after a brief flirtation with blue.
Bailey – Stand 19.25
Bailey is known for not following the seasonal cycle, but despite that, this year the Bristol manufacturer will have not one but two new ranges on show – both brought out in time
to celebrate the company’s 75th birthday.
The Phoenix GT75 remains a six-model line-up, with the five-berth 650 replaced by the six-berth Bailey Phoenix GT75 762.
The Pegasus Grande GT75 range of 8ft-wide caravans, meanwhile, has dropped from seven models to six. We’ve said goodbye to the fixed single beds Rimini and the two six-berths with two dinettes, the Palermo and the Turin.
The rest of the range continues, including the four-berth Messina. They are joined by the new Portofino, a comfortable four-berth with an inline island bed at the rear, and the Amalfi, a spacious six-berth with a corner bed and bunks behind a central washroom.
One thing that both of the new ranges have in common is the inclusion of a Sonos speaker in place of any fitted radio.
Barefoot – Stand 11.21
Barefoot is known for its monocoque caravans decked out in bright colours. The star attraction at this show will be a new pink version of the Forward, with smart white styling inside.
Barefoot is growing: its caravans are now being manufactured under licence in the US, and the company has 33 dealers over there already.
Buccaneer – Stand 20.15
Erwin Hymer UK’s upmarket brand of twin-axle 8ft-wide caravans remains a strong contender in the luxury market.
Here you’ll see the full range of layouts, some with an L-shaped lounge that provides a perfect space for watching TV while you are away, and all with a high level of spec and a great finish.
Camperlands – Stand 12.35
Just a few years ago, this Manchester-based camping accessory and equipment supplier branched out into producing cleverly designed, lightweight mini-caravans, and Camperlands is still going strong.
The latest new model, the Campmaster Duo, will make its debut at the show.
With an MTPLM of just 750kg, this two-berth should easily be towable by even quite modest cars. And at just 2m wide, it ought to make it down those narrow country lanes with little difficulty.
Yet it still manages to include a double bed, LED lighting, a heater, a fridge, and mains and 12V electrics. And all for just £11,699!
Campod – Stand 17.10
Campod vans are made by Leisure Pods, which has over a decade’s experience making trailers for outdoor caterers.
Apart from their unusual shape and their light weight (between 800kg and 1000kg, so towable by standard cars), the caravans are also known for independent suspension.
This means the floor inside can be lowered to provide better headroom.
The parallel settees can also easily have their position changed to suit their use, depending on whether you are lounging, dining, or planning to draw them together to create a bed.
The large side windows in these vans can be opened.
At the show, Campod will be displaying a van with a new pastel-blue colour scheme, both inside and out, and with smart blue LED lighting, too.
Coachman – Stand 19.20
Two revised layouts should be on display on the Coachman stand. The Laser Xcel 850 has had its transverse bed flipped around, and the wardrobe is more integrated into the rear bedroom.
Meanwhile, the standard Laser 665, with rear fixed single beds behind a central washroom, has been widened to 8ft, gaining the Xtra tag.
Elsewhere, the main changes in Coachman this season are a switch away from Dometic to Thetford products: last year’s much-in-evidence two-way opening Dometic Series 10 fridge has now been replaced by a Thetford fridge and freezer.
The Lusso range continues as four models, Laser Xcel as two; standard Laser goes from four to three (with the loss of the 620 Xtra), and VIP drops a model (the 540 Xtra) to go down to five, while Acadia remains a four-model offering.
Compass/Elddis – Stand 20.19/20.38
Compass and Elddis are two of the brands produced by the UK branch of the Erwin Hymer Group.
The cheaper two ranges in each brand – Casita and Capiro in Compass and Avanté and Affinity in Elddis – have identical layouts and only differ in colour schemes. Compass is largely blue and grey inside and out, while Elddis goes more for reds and browns. The most upmarket range in each brand – Camino in Compass and Crusader in Elddis – is also largely identical, except for the extra twin-axle island-bed Storm model offered in Elddis.
This flexible approach by the designers means there should be models for every preference, from neat little end-kitchen two-berths, all the way up to generous, 8ft-wide family models.
Eriba – Stand 20.35
The Eriba name now graces the side of all the brand’s caravans sold in the UK. But historically, it is best known for its smaller Touring models – well-built little caravans that sit low on the road but include a pop-up roof to provide liveable headroom once you are on site.
This range is the main focus for the show, with the launch of three new special-edition models, whose lower halves are decked out in bright primary colours.
You can take your pick of Nugget Gold, Tango Red and Harbour Blue. Each of the three special editions has a matching interior colour – yellow tones to match Nugget Gold, a ‘Tulsa’ finish with Tango Red, and an ‘Orlando’ finish with Harbour Blue.
The elegant co-ordination extends to a range of matching accessories, too, including an awning, scatter cushions, towels, blankets, and even a washbag.
Go Pods – Stand 12.145
These micro-tourers are a regular feature at the NEC show, and for this season, you’ll find that they have undergone a major refresh.
Interior shelving has now been replaced with lockers with full catches, new magazine pouches have been added, and all interior lighting has been changed to a warm tone, including a new set of lights in the footwell.
In addition, there are now three new interior colour schemes to choose from. There is Silk Azurite, with anti-fingerprint protection for the furniture, which combines with White Snow worktops and Birchwood flooring. Then there is White Antique furniture, with natural wood worktops and warmer wood flooring. Or you could go for light-grey furniture, with textured urban stone worktops and grey wood flooring.
On top of that, you can choose from five smart new ranges of fabrics for the upholstery, including a velour.
Hobby – Stand 9.110
The German brand is the largest caravan manufacturer in the world. Head to this stand to see the luxurious, Scandi-inspired Maxia range, designed mainly for families on seasonal pitches. The more mid-market Excellent and Excellent Edition line-up has been revamped inside, as have the entry-level De Luxe and On Tour ranges.
Knaus – Stand 17.32
Knaus is known for design innovation, exhibited this season with the Yaseo. These lightweight caravans have a reduced front panel and ergonomic design, to make them more suitable for electric cars. Space-saving ideas inside include a double wall bed, a collapsible shower cubicle and wall panels with storage space for two bikes and include the Knaus Yaseo 340PX.
La Mancelle – Stand 8.25
La Mancelle is the latest French caravan range to be distributed across the UK by Marquis Leisure, the UK’s largest motorhome dealership network, which also deals in selected caravans.
Two ranges – Fantaisy (see our review of the La Mancelle Fantaisy 440 CL) and Liberty (see our review of the La Mancelle Liberty 490 SA) – will be on display at the show, and the Liberty in particular, with its pointed, ergonomic front (inset photo), gives away the automotive origins of this high-end brand.
La Mancelle is so called because it hales from Le Mans, world-famous for its 24-hour car race. But the French firm is no newcomer to the leisure vehicle industry: it has been producing caravans for well over 60 years now.
Mink – Stand 12.190
Devised in Iceland and made in Latvia, the Mink teardrop caravan, with a double bed in the main cabin and a kitchen out the back, has always been designed to suit those seeking off-road adventures.
This year, its latest launch, the Mink Highlander, takes that idea just a little bit further still, with a matt-black coating and bigger fenders and tyres, not to mention increased ground clearance.
Swift – Stand 6.39/6.33
Swift is bolstering its popular Challenger range this season with the new Challenger Exclusive, sold through a select band of dealers but ready to view at this year’s show.
Look out, too, for the Elegance Grande, a range of luxurious 8ft-wide caravans that are available as single- and twin-axle models.
Sprite remains a lively entry-level range in the mix, alongside the sporty Basecamp. All this and more will be on the stand.
Xplore – Stand 20.15
Xplore is Erwin Hymer UK’s budget brand, which you can possibly tell by the way that only carpet runners are fitted as standard (although some caravanners might say that
this is a godsend!).
They are decked out very cheerfully inside, and although in layout terms, they mirror many Elddis and Compass models, there is still room for really innovative offerings, such as the Xplore 304 – with an MTPLM of just 1043kg and at 5.54m long, it also manges to provide a side dinette as well as a spacious, comfortable L-shaped front lounge.
Awnings
Caravanners will be well aware of the huge difference having the best caravan awning can make to your touring enjoyment. Here are just some of the new models you can see at the NEC
Dometic – Stand 12.42
Dometic’s line-up of awnings remains unchanged for the 2024 season. However, it is expanding the size range of its flagship Residence Air All Season Awning. This polycotton model is made with Dometic’s Weathershield All Season UV-resistant material, which is designed for touring all year round, including in hot climates.
The awning also comes with single-point inflation, external blinds and an integrated canopy.
For 2024, the awning will be available in three more large sizes: size 11 (9000-9250mm awning rails), size 12 (for 9250-9500mm rails), and a third size, probably better suited to static caravans and holiday homes.
Outdoor Revolution – Stand 17.39
Outdoor Revolution won’t have anything new on its stand for 2024 – it is leaving all that for the February show. But it should have some 2023 models to sell, and given the variety of awnings that this company produces, you are more than likely to pick up an excellent bargain here.
Glawning – Stand 12.130
Glawning has carved out a niche in recent years for polycotton awnings that look more like bell tents – the kind of thing you would see at a glamping site.
For this season, it comes to the NEC with a new-design canopy connecting the bell tent to your caravan, which includes a side door for easier access.
Isabella – Stand 17.34
The upmarket manufacturer has two new products to tempt caravanners this season.
The first is the Nordic, a poled awning aimed very much at those looking for a seasonal pitch. Made with Isabella’s solid megaframe, the Nordic has a strong PVC roof as well as double PVC mudflaps, to keep out the worst of the British weather.
The fully interchangeable front and side panels are made of Isacryl, designed by Isabella to be more breathable and easy to keep clean.
As well as the standard ventilation in the roof, there are two vertical ventilation strips that you can zip closed for extra protection. Of course, seasonal-pitch caravans are often left unattended for long periods, and for that reason, the Nordic also comes with external blinds you can close with toggles, to keep out the sun’s rays (and prying eyes).
For a touch of elegance, an optional solar-powered lamp can be fitted in the front of the awning. The Nordic is available in 240cm and 300cm depths.
By way of contrast, the Dove is a new porch awning from Ventura – Isabella’s air awning sister brand.
Designed for caravans and motorhomes, its height can be adjusted and it comes with double beading, so you should easily be able to move it onto another vehicle.
Quest Leisure – Stand 17.38
Head to the Quest stand to see awnings produced by the company, and the imported German Westfield brand.
For the 2024 season, the Galaxy XL 2.0, a flagship model with a Tencate fabric roof, and two Hydrotech cotton-touch fabric awnings, the Pluto 2.0 and the Vega 2.0, will be on display with updated colourways, and with new and improved tubes and sleeves.
Check out the new Kari, too – this sun canopy with zip-in optional sides and front is also made of cotton-touch fabric, and is designed with handy single-point inflation.
Telta – Stand 17.30 (Raymond James)
Head to the Raymond James stand to see the full range of awnings from this relatively new company, cofounded by Max Lawless, who previously worked at Kampa, the firm
his father founded.
Telta differs from other manufacturers in the sector in being solely focused on awnings, not tents as well, and in producing air awnings that are made of nylon.
It claims nylon has better elasticity than polyethylene, so the tubes in the awnings can be pumped to a higher pressure for stronger support and a smoother appearance, with fewer creases attracting unwelcome condensation.
Vango – Stand 17.35/17.36
Vango will have models from three of its air awning ranges designed for caravans.
The Balletto line-up has the recognisable ‘lean-to’ shape, while the Riviera range comes with a pitched roof that you would possibly associate more with poled awnings.
Finally, there’s the Tuscany, with its bowed front panel, designed to offer maximum sheltered space. All three ranges are made with Vango’s Elements Shield or Elements ProShield waterproof fabric, which features Colourlok technology to slow down the process of fading.
They all also come with single-point inflation, to make putting them up a doddle, and multiple-point deflation, which makes it much easier to get all the air out.
What time is the Caravan Show at the NEC?
The show is being held from 17-22 October, with the doors opening from 10am to 6pm each day.
How much are tickets to the Motorhome and Caravan Show?
Tickets are available online for £12.50 up until 16 October – after this, the price rises to £15.50. There is a £1.25 transaction fee applied too.
Children up to the age of 15 get in for free when accompanying a paying ticket holder, but you will still need to acquire a free ticket online. A carer is also allowed in for free when accompanying a Registered Disabled visitor with a valid show ticket – a free carer’s ticket will also be required.
Remember, tickets are only valid on the day they are purchased for, and aren’t sold at the door – so buy before setting off!
Is parking free at the Motorhome and Caravan Show?
Parking to the show is included in the price of your ticket, with car parks opening from 7am to 11pm. Look out for the car park signposted ‘Motorhome and Caravan Show’ once you’ve reached the NEC.
Disabled parking is also available, but cannot be pre-booked – you are requested to bring your Blue badge with you by the NEC too.
A map of the show
You can click here to see a bigger version of the map.
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