Horse of the Year Show 2026: Your NEC Birmingham Parking Guide

Securing your parking before the UK's most famous horse show returns for its 25th anniversary means one less thing to worry about on the day.

Horse of the Year Show Parking – NEC Birmingham, 7–11 October 2026

Horse of the Year Show marks its landmark 25th anniversary at the NEC from 7–11 October 2026, and with strong demand already building for the milestone year, on-the-day parking around the showground is likely to fill up fast. Book a driveway or off-street space near the NEC in advance and you'll roll straight into show week without circling for a spot.

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Book Your Horse of the Year Show Parking

Book NEC Birmingham parking.

  • Confirm your space before you set off — know exactly where you're parking days ahead of the 7–11 October show week, rather than hunting for a gap once you arrive.

  • Choose the price point that suits you — from budget driveway spaces to hotel car parks, book parking near NEC Birmingham at a rate that fits your visit.

  • Extend your stay through the app — running late at the retail village or staying for an extra class? Add time to your booking without rushing back to the car.

  • Park away from the main showground crush — many JustPark spaces sit on quieter residential roads and hotel forecourts near the NEC, so you avoid the queues funnelling straight into the busiest car parks.

What to Expect at Horse of the Year Show 2026

HOYS is widely regarded as the "World's Most Famous Horse Show," and the 2026 edition — its 25th anniversary — brings together the very best in showing and showjumping across five days at the NEC. The programme includes:

  • The Ripon Select Foods Puissance — the show's iconic high-jump spectacle, always one of the week's biggest draws

  • International showjumping and the Dressage Future Elite Championship — top-level competition across the week

  • The Price Family Supreme In-Hand Championship and Supreme Products Supreme Horse and Pony of the Year — the showing world's most prestigious titles

  • New for 2026: the Agility Nexus Hunter & Gather Dog Agility Grand Prix and the Veteran Horse Society Veteran Horse of the Year Championship

  • A retail village and food & drink outlets running throughout the show, alongside family-friendly entertainment

With a 25th-anniversary programme and five days of competition, this is one of the busiest weeks of the year on the NEC campus — all the more reason to have parking sorted ahead of time.

Getting to the NEC for Horse of the Year Show

  • By road: The NEC (North Avenue, Marston Green, Birmingham B40 1NT) is clearly signposted from the M42, M40 and M6, making it straightforward to reach from most of the Midlands and beyond.

  • By train: Birmingham International station is roughly a 5-minute walk from the NEC halls, so arriving by rail and finishing the journey on foot is a realistic option if you're travelling from further afield.

  • By air: A free air-rail link connects Birmingham Airport to the NEC and Birmingham International station in around 90 seconds, handy if you're flying in for the show.

Where to Park Near Horse of the Year Show

JustPark's network around the NEC covers everything from hotel car parks to residential driveways, so there's a price point for every visit:

If you're coming for more than one day of the show, look for the long-stay or multi-day options within each listing — several of the driveways and hotel spaces above support extended bookings across the full 7–11 October run.

Accessibility and EV Charging

  • Blue Badge and accessible parking: Use the accessibility filter when searching on JustPark to find spaces with step-free or ground-level access near the NEC.

  • EV charging: Some listings near the NEC include charging points — filter for this when booking if you're driving an electric or hybrid vehicle.

Quick FAQs about Horse of the Year Show 2026

Is there free parking near Horse of the Year Show?

Free parking directly around the NEC is limited, especially during a five-day show with 25th-anniversary demand. Booking a low-cost driveway or hotel space through JustPark in advance is generally your most reliable option.

How far in advance should I book parking for HOYS 2026?

With the show marking its 25th anniversary, popular spaces close to the NEC are expected to book up well ahead of 7 October — booking as soon as your travel plans are confirmed is the safest approach.

Can I book parking for more than one day of the show?

Yes — many spaces near the NEC support multi-day bookings, so you can cover several days of the 7–11 October run with a single reservation.

Is accessible parking available near the NEC for Horse of the Year Show?

Yes, filter for accessible or Blue Badge-friendly spaces when searching on JustPark to find suitable options close to the showground.

Live Near the NEC? Rent Out Your Driveway During Horse of the Year Show

If you live near the NEC, HOYS week is exactly the kind of high-demand period JustPark hosts can turn into extra income. With a milestone 25th-anniversary show drawing crowds across five full days, a driveway or spare space near the showground is in real demand.

Rent out your driveway — it's free to list, and you can set your own availability around the show dates. Hosts near arenas and event venues can see a meaningful uplift during major events; you can read more about how living near a sports ground or arena can boost your income.

Ready for Horse of the Year Show 2026?

With a 25th-anniversary programme and five days of world-class showjumping and showing on the line, the NEC is set to be busy from 7–11 October.

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