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Visitor information

NSBRC Welcome

Please note the Centre will be closed on both Sunday 8th & 15th December, and closed from 3pm on Friday 20th for the Christmas break. We will re-open on Thursday 2nd January 2025 🎄

We believe people deserve better homes.

We can help you create a better, more sustainable home by delivering on our three key promises:

We’ll inspire you by showcasing the very best building methods, innovations and technologies.

We’ll inform you with our expert helpdesk and range of shows, workshops, and educational courses.

We’ll always offer impartial advice you can trust.

The NSBRC is open six days a week for visitors. Our standard opening hours are Tuesday - Saturday 10:00am - 17:30pm | Sunday 10:00am - 16:30pm

Download the latest Visitor Handbook here.

Our unique venue, covering 67,000ft2, features several full size houses, interactive educational zones – incorporating many life-size exhibits – and a huge Trade Village with over 200 specialist exhibitors.

Experts on our free helpdesk are here to discuss your plans and ideas, share their experience, and signpost you to relevant professionals and suppliers who can help make your project a success.


Directions & Transport Links

By Road
From the East and West
- Leave the M4 at junction 16, signposted Swindon West, Wootton Bassett
- Take the exit marked A3102, Great Western Way, signposted Swindon
- Bear left just into the filter lane, before the traffic lights – you will see the Hilton Hotel on your left.
- Pass the Hilton Hotel on the left and the Premier Inn on the right and bear right at the second mini-roundabout
- The National Self Build & Renovation Centre car park is at the back of the Centre.

From the North East (Oxford)
From the A420, follow signs to join the A419 Southbound and join the M4 Westbound at Junction 15. Leave the M4 at Junction 16, then follow the directions as above.

From the North West (Cheltenham/Gloucester)
Follow the A419 Southbound and join the M4 Westbound at Junction 15. Leave the M4 at Junction 16, then follow the directions as above.

For Sat Nav use please enter: SN5 8UB

By Rail
The nearest train station is Swindon which is a short taxi ride to the Centre. Trains travel from the South Coast, Wales and Paddington Station in London. For more information on your train journey visit www.thetrainline.co.uk

By Bus
Bus no. 55 runs regularly from the bus station (a 2 minute walk from the train station) to Great Western Way which is adjacent to The National Self Build and Renovation Centre.

Taxis
V Cars - 01793 701 701


Frequently Asked Questions

What time are you open to/from?
The Centre is open 6 days a week for visitors (we are closed every Monday). From Tuesday to Saturday, our standard opening hours are 10:00 – 17:30. Our Sunday opening hours are 10:00 - 16:30.

Our Helpdesk is staffed Wednesday to Sunday, each week – other than in July and August when it is staffed Thursday to Sunday.

Is there parking on site?
Yes, free parking is available at both the front and rear of the Centre. 

Do you have Electric Vehicle Charging?

We now offer eight 22kW, smart points, with load-balancing technology - meaning they will be reliable and controllable via an App.

The charge for all users is a competitive 50p per kWh. We recommend EV users download the Roam App (previously EVC) before arriving at the NSBRC, simply to speed up the process.

You can find the App on the App Store under Roam - or scan the QR Code below in advance:

Roam - New QR Code

Is there disabled parking?
Yes, disabled parking is available at the front of the Centre (on the right as you drive into the carpark).

What are the scanners used for?
Visitors are issued with scanners to allow them to request further information on the products and services on offer on our exhibition stands.

If we give you our details what will they be used for?
The details you provide us on registration will only be sent to companies that you’ve specifically requested more information from with the use of your allocated scanner.

Is there a Coffee Shop here?
Yes, we have an on-site Coffee Shop serving hot & cold drinks and a variety of snacks. The Coffee Shop is open from 10am – 3pm Tuesday to Sunday.

Are wheelchairs available in the Centre?
We have a wheelchair on site which is free to use.

Does the Centre have WiFi?
Yes. FREE WiFi is available throughout the Centre.

How much does it cost to visit the Centre?
It is completely free to visit the Centre. We only charge for Course places and non-pre-booked tickets for our shows.

Are dogs allowed into the Centre?
Only guide / sensory dogs are allowed into the Centre.

Further information:

The Centre has two main toilet facilities:

  • Entrance Area toilets - located to the right of the main coffee shop area.
  • Build It Theatre toilets – located at the side of the theatre, near the Renovation House.

Disabled toilets are located in each facility. Baby changing is located in the entrance area toilets and the disabled toilets near the Build It Theatre.

Children are welcome to accompany you to the Centre. Safety Note - the Centres exhibits are real elements of buildings showing cutaways and exposed materials.

Please keep children supervised both for their safety and the enjoyment of other visitors. If you have a children’s buggy or pushchair then all areas of the centre are accessible.

Photography for personal use is allowed within the Centre. No photographs or information may be used for any public or commercial purposes whatsoever. You are welcome to bring your camera and take advantage of the chance to see the inner layers of the various products and structural methods that are on display in the educational zone’s exhibits.

The Centre is no smoking throughout.

There are also a few nearby hotels just a short distance from the Centre:

Double Tree by Hilton

Lydiard Fields, Great Western Way, Swindon
SN5 8UZ
01793 510 901

Premier Inn

Swindon West, Great Western Way, Swindon
SN5 8UY
0871 527 9068

Express by Holiday Inn

Frankland Road, Blagrove, Swindon
SN5 8UD
01793 818 800

The De Vere Village Hotel

Shaw Ridge Leisure Park, Whitehill Way, Swindon
SN5 7DW
0871 222 4620

Travelodge Swindon Central

Princes Way, Princes Street, Swindon
SN1 2SF
08719 846328

Travelodge Swindon West

Unit 1-3 Barnfield Close, Swindon
SN2 2FZ
08719 846550

Book your free visit to the Centre!


The UK'S only permanent venue for independent Advice & Support.
Open Tuesday – Saturday, 10am – 5.30pm

Sunday 10am – 4:30pm

Book your visit now