Active discussions

Meet the Other Phone. A phone that grows with your child.

Meet the Other Phone.
A phone that grows with your child.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Talk
The doghouse

If you're worried about your pet's health, please speak to a vet or qualified professional.

Original poster

Anyone near crufts able to advise?

13 replies

bookh · 29/08/2021 20:33

Hello

My friend has asked me down to Crufts next year for various reasons.

It would be Dd age 3 and me.

I am a Scottish country bumpkin who has very little city sense.

We would get the train.

She has suggested a hotel where she is staying with her dogs but it is another train away from Show. I've had a wee look online and things like Ibis style seem much closer.

Any close recommendations. Dd will be tired and I don't think I need to be in the thick of things with her. So happy to get something easy for us two.

Ages away I know but things booking quickly.

OP posts:
Shamsa03 · 30/08/2021 10:24

In Birmingham? It's going to be a very long journey especially for a 3 year old.
Their is a hotel in Sheldon on the Coventry road attached to the wheatsheaf but don't know if your OK with slumming it.

Shamsa03 · 30/08/2021 10:26

Ahh never mind you want close recommendations. I don't know what it's like up there now it has all changed just Google it.

Whitney168 · 30/08/2021 10:27

Hotels on the NEC complex will be both expensive and heavily booked during Crufts. I would think a 3 year old would probably be quite excited by a little train journey, probably with loads of dogs. You might even be easier on the train than having to walk to one of the complex hotels.

It is a knackering experience though for sure, very difficult to navigate the halls.

Shamsa03 · 30/08/2021 10:28

Used to be some alright places up there but since they steam rolled it all I have no idea.

Tinkerbellfluffyboots79 · 30/08/2021 10:28

I took my kids to crufts some of its really good but honestly they were bored. It’s a long way to go and I’ve been once and wouldn’t go back. Mum has shown her dogs, sister has done agility etc so there every year but don’t like the hanging about. I’d go for one day see everything you want to see then find other things to do in the area with your daughter

Shamsa03 · 30/08/2021 10:30

@Whitney168

Hotels on the NEC complex will be both expensive and heavily booked during Crufts. I would think a 3 year old would probably be quite excited by a little train journey, probably with loads of dogs. You might even be easier on the train than having to walk to one of the complex hotels.

It is a knackering experience though for sure, very difficult to navigate the halls.

I reckon the 3 year old will be excited for a hour or so but soon as she realises she'll be on the train for like ten hours or longer sure it will fade. I don't envy OP that's for sure.
Hoppinggreen · 30/08/2021 10:30

I think it will be a lot for a 3 year old, after an hour or 2 she will have had enough.
As long as you and your friend understand that then it should be ok. If funds allow try and get one of the hotels nearby maybe with leisure facilities.
To be honest though I wouldn’t have taken my DD at that age and she’s always been dog mad

Original poster
bookh · 30/08/2021 12:34

Ok so main train part itself six hours, once we got to station. I'm not to worried about that, she's used to long trips because of where we live.

I am not taking the baby for all the reasons outlined by you all!

Might think again about three year old. Will chat to my friend. We would be helping, with various things. Her dogs and discover dogs.

She's quite used to long boring days, clipping shed etc so is fairly good at just taking in what's going on. That being said perhaps I will just say no for the moment.

DH lambing and have managed to have someone agree to take little DC but wouldn't have both.

Thank you all for your thoughts, really helpful and kind.

OP posts:
AdventuresDownRabbitholes · 30/08/2021 14:00

I wouldn't stay in any of the hotels in the NEC complex - they feel isolated and the food options are very limited.

I'd stay in Birmingham city centre (eg there's a Premier Inn right next to New St Station) and get the train into the NEC - it's a direct link and only about 10 minutes

Or at least, that's what I always did when I had to go to the NEC for work several times a year!

RunningFromInsanity · 30/08/2021 22:50

I stayed at the IBIS at the airport then there is a shuttle bus to the railway station which is where the NEC arena is.

GettingItOutThere · 30/08/2021 22:56

the train goes directly into the NEC, its about a ten/15 min walk into the actual arenas, mabey less its been a while since ive been!

I would take a pram for a 3 year old, its a LOT of walking.

Comefromaway · 30/08/2021 22:58

I used to work at the NEC.

Birmingham International Station takes you right into the heart of the exhibition centre. The hotels will be about a 10 minute walk away and as PP have said are a bit isolated with limited food options.

I’ve stayed at New Street Premier Inn many times. It’s 10 mins on the train and right in the city centre

hennaoj · 31/08/2021 23:13

If you are traveling with your friend they won't be be able to leave Crufts until 4:30pm at the earliest (they won't let dogs leave until then).

New posts on this thread. Refresh page
Swipe left for the next trending thread