Crufts is the biggest dog event in the world. It attracts thousands of visitors every year. It takes place over 5 halls within the NEC Birmingham.
Whether you have been to Crufts before, or this is your first visit, it is always best to be prepared!
We have compiled a list of handy tips to help make your visit as smooth and comfortable as possible!
- Have a plan
Thursday and Friday are generally the quietest days for shoppers. Having said that, they can still get quite busy. The weekend is always super packed so plan which day you would prefer to visit, especially if you are coming just for the shopping. Each day has different competitions and events, so check the Crufts website https://crufts.org.uk/ for a full list of What’s happening on each day.
2. Make a List
Crufts is made up of 5 Large Halls. There are thousands of exhibitors and it can get quite overwhelming navigating your way around. It is worth checking out which ones you want to visit and make a list of their hall number and stand. Most exhibitors will announce their locations via their websites and social media https://www.instagram.com/fetched_uk
3. Dress Comfortable
There isn’t lots of large seating areas and many places to rest. Therefore, making sure you have comfortable shoes on is essential! We would also recommend wearing layers. The event is in March and travelling between the car-parks and entrances can be cold. It can also get cold within the venue. However, it can also get very warm once you start moving around, so best to have removable layers to ensure you are always comfortable. They have a cloakroom also to offload extra bags and coats. This can be found in the Piazza at the NEC main entrance.
4. Plan your travel
Carparks are chargeable, but if you book online here – https://www.thenec.co.uk/visitors/parking-at-the-nec/ it will be cheaper and one less thing to worry about on the day! There is also a handy map on the Crufts website that will direct you to where you need to be. And don’t worry if the carpark seems far away, There will be free shuttle buses that run from the carparks to the entrance regularly.
5. Don’t bring your dog
Unfortunately due to the nature of the event, you are unable to bring your dog to Crufts. This is with exception of assistance dogs and those that have been invited by the Kennel Club. Dogs that attend must have special passes for this.
6. Have Fun!
Make sure you have fun! There is so much to do from shopping, Discover dogs, Talks and information and of course the competitions. It is sure to be a packed day and we hope you take the time to visit us too! Fetched will be situated in Hall 3 stand 18 (Just before you reach the Discovered dogs sections as you come in from hall 2). The halls are really large but they will have displays hanging above to indicate which hall you are in and there will be sitemaps dotted around the venue too. So be sure to check these out!
If you need any help or have any questions about visiting us this year. Please do Contact us