Birmingham NEC | NIATourist Information and Travel Guide

Welcome to The NEC and NIA Birmingham

The National Exhibition Centre, including the National Indoor Arena, is the busiest exhibition centre in Europe, staging more than 180 exhibitions each year, ranging from world-famous public shows such as Crufts Dog Show and Clotheshow Live to international trade exhibitions like IPEX and Spring Fair, Birmingham.

Up to four million people visit the centre each year. With 21 halls totalling 200,000 square metres (two million square feet) it is also the biggest exhibition centre in Britain and seventh largest in Europe. The NEC is renowned for large-scale international trade fairs, but also has an active interest in helping smaller specialist shows develop, providing advice, support and essential services to organisers.

The flexible, flat-floored, interconnected halls offer endless possibilities for all types of exhibitions and events, complemented by extensive conference and banqueting facilities. The award-winning catering team operate restaurants, cafes and bars throughout the centre, serving meals with quality, imagination and style.

The NEC is located south of Birmingham only 50 minutes easy driving from the Cotswolds - one of the most unique regions in the UK where time has stood still for 300 years.

For Things to See and Do nearby to the NEC

Twycross Zoo

Twycross Zoo opened in 1963 on a site in Leicestershire. Initially a comparatively modest collection, it has grown into one of the major British zoos, attracting over 450,000 visitors a year. It is famous for its collection of primates. Situated near the small village of Twycross, the zoo occupies over 40 acres and is set in open countryside. Despite its rural location, it is only four miles from the M42/A42 (which links the M1 and M6) making it readily accessible from anywhere in central England.

The Battlefield Line Railway

The Battlefield Line is the last remaining part of the former Ashby & Nuneaton Joint Railway which was opened in 1873. It runs from Shackerstone via Market Bosworth to Shenton in Leicestershire and is operated by the Shackerstone Railway Society. Shackerstone Station is the headquarters of the railway with Museum, tea room, shop, loco shed and main rolling stock located here. ~ The Ashby Canal is just a stones throw from the stations front door.

Bosworth Field

The famous Battle of Bosworth Field, fought at the end of the Wars of the Roses on 22nd August 1485, actually took place in the parish of Sutton Cheney. There is now a Visitors Centre, where you can roam the Battle Trails and "experience medieval times".

Before the battle, Henry Tudor assembled his forces at nearby Shenton. He later became Henry VII, following his victory over Richard III, who did not come out of the battle quite as well. Devotees of history and Shakespeare will know the story.

Bosworth Water Trust

Bosworth Water Trust is a 50-acre leisure park with 20 acres for dinghy, boardsailing and fishing. Day and season tickets are available for the lakes. The site is well grassed and gently sloping. We have our own crazy golf course which is open throughout the entire season. Situated near to the market town of Bosworth.

Drayton Manor Leisure Park

Drayton Manor was winner of Group Leisure's Best UK Attraction for Children 2005 and the Heart of England Tourism's Gold Award for Visitor Attraction of the Year 2005.

Drayton Manor Zoo

Those looking for enjoyment away from the rides should visit Drayton Manor's amazing zoo, which is home to over a hundred different animal species from around the world, including big cats, monkeys, and birds of prey.

One of Britain's largest collection of snakes can be found in the Reptile House, whilst visitors are sure to want to visit the zoo's newest additions, a family of meerkats who have taken residence in the recently opened 'Meerkat Manor'.

Tamworth Snowdome

Real snow all year round! Tamworth Snowdome is the best place to go if you want a taste of what its like to ski on real snow... almost! The speed and the ease of movement is there but sometimes snow coverage is not very deep, which allows for some truly hairy moments when you hit an icy patch.

That said, the curving main slope is 170 metres of pure fun, and if you're into skiing, snowmobiling, tobogganing, snowblading and snowboarding (phew!), then this is much closer to the real thing than dry ski slopes.

The Belfry Golf Club

The Belfry is one of Britain's top clubs and home to the PGA. The Belfry has staged many national and international championships not least the Ryder Cup. It is amongst the finest clubs in the world.

The courses are set out in the style of Augusta National in a 360 acre park. The club has an impressive clubhouse and other facilities.

National Space Centre

The award winning National Space Centre is the UK's largest attraction dedicated to space. From the minute you catch sight of the Space Centre's futuristic Rocket Tower, you'll be treated to hours of breathtaking discovery and interactive fun.

Lunar Base 2025 is the new fantastic experience at the National Space Centre. Become an astronaut and join the crew of the futuristic lunar base to complete your training. Interactive exhibits test your mental and physical ability to survive in deep space. Blast off on a stunning 3D SIM journey to the ice moon Europa.

Birmingham National Exhibition Centre
Tourist Information and Travel Guide