Visitor Information
Travel Info & Map
Horse of the Year Show takes place at the Resorts World Arena, The NEC, Birmingham, B40 1NT.
The NEC and the NEC Arena are served by Birmingham International station, connected by a covered bridge link. London is only 75 minutes away and trains also run direct to many regional towns and cities.
Between Birmingham New St and Birmingham International there are up to 7 trains an hour Monday-Saturday and up to 5 trains an hour on Sunday.
West Midlands Railway, Avanti West Coast and CrossCountry all call at Birmingham International. Visit the National Rail website for more information or call 08457 48 49 50.
Birmingham is at the hub of the UK motorway network, enabling visitors to travel directly from the M6, M11, M40 and M42. Car parking is available in the vicinity of the NEC.
For information on travelling to the NEC via the bus, please follow the link below:
More than 20 international airlines serve Birmingham International Airport, which is conveniently situated a few minutes from the NEC and the NEC Arena. Together they provide scheduled flights from 34 destinations in the UK, Europe and North America. The NEC is also easily accessible from London Heathrow, London Gatwick and other regional airports.
The NEC has over 22,000 car park spaces specifically for people visiting the NEC.
Where To Eat
The Explorer Bar by Schweppes
This steam-punk inspired bar is in the Westside area of Resorts World Arena. A variety of drinks are on offer, from premium spirits to locally brewed Peaky Blinder Ale. Book a table in this quirky lounge and enjoy a variety of options on the set menu priced from £20.95 or drop by and enjoy a G&T from the specialist gin range in the bar area. Book online at resortsworldarena.amadeusfood.co.uk
The Edge – In Hall Restaurant
One restaurant, offering four deliciously different styles of food. From homemade favourites to continental classics. Our newest offering to the NEC welcomes you to take a seat and enjoy Italian in EvViva, hearty British food in the Oak Kitchen, handcrafted deli delights in the Made Handcrafted café or take on our man vs food Beast burger at the Bar and Grill restaurant. Situated in Hall 1 amongst the HOYS Retail Village.
Open 8.00am until Retail Village close daily.
The Retail Village Food Market
In Hall 1, the Food Market hosts a variety of food outlets and a large seating area. Enjoy a Subway, grab a pasty from Cornish Bakery or a meal deal from our Café Bar.
Opening hours may vary.
Resorts World Arena Food Express
Friday is treat day! The perfect time for a tasty burger or sustainably caught piece of fish with chips over in the Burger Kitchen or Fish and Chip Shop.
Open from 11.30am Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
TopSpec Arena Food Court
Offering a range of units, including a Champagne & Seafood Bar, freshly made baguettes, specialised coffees, cold drinks & ice creams. The NEC does not permit picnic hampers, baskets, glass bottles, flasks or canned drinks to be brought into the venue.
Open 6.45am until close of the TopSpec Arena.
Disabled Visitors
Getting Here
Disabled visitors to HOYS who are travelling by train should disembark at Birmingham International Railway Station, access to the NEC and the Resorts World Arena is via the bridge-link. All levels of the NEC and the Resorts World Arena are accessible to wheelchair users via ramps or lifts. The Piazza main entrance has automatic doors. Tactile signage is fitted in or by the majority of lifts and public areas. Assistance dogs are welcome at the NEC.
Manual wheelchairs and electric scooters are available for hire from the venue. The NEC strongly advise visitors to pre-book equipment to avoid disappointment. For more information on booking mobility equipment, please visit the NEC website here.
Booking Tickets:
Online
The Ticket Factory offer a free of charge Access Requirements Register in collaboration with Nimbus Disability, who operate the national Access Card.
When you register, they will handle all of your information securely and safely without us ever having to see the detail behind why you need accessible seating options.
Once you have registered, Nimbus will provide you with a unique code which you can then use to link your access needs into The Ticket Factory booking system. This will then open up accessible seating options for you to book online as well as make necessary arrangements should you qualify for a free essential companion ticket, specific to your requirements.
For more details of how to register, please visit The Ticket Factory website here.
By Phone
The Ticket Factory also operates a free disabled ticket booking line 0800 640 5001 (+44 121 7966100 from outside the UK – chargeable). Lines are open 9am to 7pm (Monday to Friday) and 9am to 5pm (Saturday, Sunday and Bank Holidays). Please note: tickets for the next event taking place in 2021 are not yet on sale.
Newsletter
Make sure you get all the news and action straight to your inbox by signing up to the HOYS E-newsletter. Along with updates and exclusive show highlights, there are regular competitions and giveaways to take advantage of too.
Be the first in the know for Horse of the Year Show.
FAQs
Tickets generally go on sale late winter/early spring, an exact date will be confirmed closer to the time.
We’ll make sure to tell you in advance through our official channels so remember to sign up to the official HOYS newsletter for the latest news, pre-sale event dates and special offers.