We were going to go by train but this means getting up way to early to get the bus to the station and risk getting the dog wet if it rains. So we have decided to go by car. It will be the first time we have gone by car to the NEC to show our dog. So what we would like to know is, how long dose it take to get in to the car park, how much is the parking, and any other advice lol. This will be our first chap show.
thanks

I'd advise you go to the West Car Park (it's the closest to the NEC buildings so there's not so far to walk), and parking will cost about £6 or £7.

The last time i went it had gone upto £8. I would advise getting a rain jacket or something similar for your dog because if you end up on one of the further car parks it can be a fair walk to the halls. And if the weather isn't good!?!?!?! There are shuttle buses which run quite regularly though from all the car parks to the halls. I'm coming just to watch this year with my little boy so might jump on the train, cheaper than parking!
mel.

does it take a long time to get in to the car park. is there a big line of cars that we could be stuck in. just want to make shore we leave enough time ?

You won't need a jacket for Zhaan, although you can get one if you prefer (elkhound fur will repel the water pretty well, although puppy fur being softer doesn't do it quite as well as adult hair). I would bring an absorbent dog towel - you can rub her down thoroughly and regroom her if necessary.  There might be a free shuttle bus from some of the car parks if you don't get into a car park close to the venue.
Come early, well before the judging starts, so that you've got time to be delayed in traffic and/or dry her if necessary.

Yes, there can be - it's worse for Crufts.  Leave plenty of time!  It's Friday, so we'll have rush hour traffic too.

The shuttle buses usually run for LKA from the car parks to the halls, so take one of them! Much shorter walk, you wait under cover, and it's great practice for Crufts.

I think we are in the west car park. is that closer? thanks all. cant wait. looking forward to the day out . only got her in 1 class so we can chill out a bit .

If you are travelling up with someone then their is a drop off point at the front and side of the halls so you can get out with all your stuff so you both dont get wet and then send your helper off with the car, thats what I do.
Traffic once you get into the NEC is about as busy as crufts first thing but if you are a late scheduled breed then their is usually little traffic.  The motorway running up to it is normally always free flowing unless their is an accident of course.

I love LKA as it is my local show, I am only about a 15 min drive away so always a must for my calendar.

Emma

When you say you are in west car park, do you mean you've had documents through already? I've entered my Lab, but haven't had anything through the post yet. Should I be worried?

> I love LKA as it is my local show, I am only about a 15 min drive away so always a must for my calendar.

Emma, we are just visiting this time as we have no breed classes.  Do you know if there is a local park and ride type option on the train?  I need the car as we are going on somewhere else afterward but I also like the way that the train can deliver you into the NEC without the hassle of massive car parks, long walks and queues.

As you are local I wondered if you knew of a nearby train station (South) with good or relatively easy parking?

When you say you are in west car park, do you mean you've had documents through already)

I only have the schedule, it ses The west car park will be in use.

I dont think the entry tickets will be available yet its usually around 2 wks before the show , I presume they have been before so know where they would park.

R~

Hi everyone, we have entered (OH is showing our pup, he nearly had heart failure when he realised it was actually in the NEC!! I had just been telling him it was in Birmingham, but he read this thread)
We've never shown before, but will have been to a couple of open shows before LKA.

With regards to passes etc, do you usually receive these through the post if you have sent a postal entry in, or collect them on the day? (we received our proof of entry, so defiantly have to go now!! )  
Paula

does say on schedule only WEST car pa open for lka ,so all traffic will go there

Hi dogs a babe

The train station is called Brimingham International, when you come out there is an underpass that goes straight to the foyer area of the nec, about a 5 - 10 min walk.

Don't know of a park and ride but I know the trains run from birmingham new street to international so I think you have to change train no matter which direction you come from.
I think the easiest links are from bath, swindon or coventry for parking (I travel a lot by train myself but not usually for dog shows)

I would say if you are driving the traffic isn't too bad at all.  I find the traffic worse going to something like the three counties showground as it is all small roads.  But the NEC is motorway all the way until you are right in front of it.

Note for everyone else.  West car park is the closest but as the NEC is a horseshoe kind of shape the hall closest to the west cark park is actually the nec arena (now called the LG arena) so if you walk it is just as quick to go through the park/lake area in the middle.  My advice catch the bus if you have a dog you can pick up or is in a crate still.  Otherwise take your raincoat just in case and walk.
Only takes 15 mins from both the south and west car parks

Thanks Emma

We usually either drive OR go by train but I thought it might be fun to combine the two - perhaps not as easy as I thought!

Hi Jaqui
I will be at LKA with 2 of my elkhound boys! Leaving my oldest at home due to lack of help(my 2 helpers are at college/school on weekdays!)
LKA is a lovely show.Once you know if we are first or second in the ring you will be able to decide what time to leave although I usually go early to the NEC regardless so as to avoid the rush.Gives you shopping time too.
The shuttle buses run so just walk to the bus stop next to the car park and wait!
Hoping that my Kasper doesn't embarras us like he did the last time we showed under this judge by laying down in the ring and refusing to budge...it was at CRUFTS too!!!!Mind you my old boy saved the day and won the RCC but hes staying at home this time
Look forward to seeing you
Nikki

I will see you there then. its my girls first champ show, she will be 7 months. we are also going to the Nordic show. will you be there?

No...bit too far for me for an open show.Good luck
Nikki