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The National Self Build & Renovation Centre

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Visitor Information

The National Self Build & Renovation Centre is the UK's permanent venue for independent homebuilding advice & support. Established in 2007, and owned by our employees since 2014, we have helped almost 300,000 visitors.

New Builds. Renovations. Retrofits. 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

Swindon, just off Jct. 16 M4 | SN5 8UB

Download the latest Visitor Handbook here.

Visitor information

Full calendar of events

View Full Events Calendar
The NSBRC Guide to Finding Land & Appraising a Plot Course

The NSBRC Guide to Finding Land & Appraising a Plot

23/10/2026

Land yourself the perfect plot!

This extensive in-depth and informative course will delve deeper into the challenging world of plot hunting to give you the expert advice and knowledge you need to find, and determine the suitability of your ideal plot. 

No sales. No jargon. Just good, honest advice.

Find out more
The NSBRC Guide to Self Build Projects

The NSBRC Guide to Self Build & Renovation Projects

6/11/2026

Before you start work on your home, build your knowledge!

Thinking about embarking on a home building journey? We’re delighted to offer a comprehensive three-day course designed specifically for aspiring self-builders, home renovators and retrofitters - with a range of experienced presenters covering everything from budgeting to the finishing touches.

With over 10 essential topics covered, this informal yet engaging course makes full use of the outstanding practical exhibits at the Centre, taking a ‘fabric first’ approach to building. You'll gain the insights and confidence needed to plan effectively, avoid costly mistakes, and take control of your homebuilding project.

Whether you're just starting out, or perhaps need a refresher, this course will equip you with the knowledge to make your plans run smoothly.

Find out more

The NSBRC Guide to Heating & Sustainability

8/11/2026

Build a better, more energy-efficient home.

The NSBRC Guide to Heating & Sustainability is the specialist third-day programme from our highly regarded Self Build & Renovation Course, now available to book as a dedicated one-day training course.

Whether you're planning a self-build project, renovating an existing property, or simply looking to understand the latest heating and renewable technologies, this intensive one-day course provides practical, independent guidance to help you make informed decisions.

Find out more

Advice for your self build journey

Thousands of people self build their own homes in the UK each year. Self built homes are typically bespoke, with layouts designed around your needs and lifestyle, and provide a high level of finish. With a focus on build quality, self builders enjoy houses that are energy efficient, often far exceeding building regulations. Discover how we can help you begin your own journey towards building a better home.

View Self build resources

Advice for your renovation journey

Renovating or extending a house can be one of the most rewarding experiences of your life. It can provide you and your family with additional space, reduce your energy bills and with careful planning, it can also be a shrewd investment. We’ll help you understand the options available to you, the various stages of a project, and typical pitfalls to avoid, so you can create your own dream home.

View Renovation resources

As an independent, employee-owned business, the NSBRC is a proud member of the following associations:

Testimonials

  • "Would highly recommend to anyone wanting to learn more about self-building or even small renovations."

    "Recently attended the renovation show - it was thoroughly enjoyable. Having the ability to speak to someone about projects or get into the nitty gritty of different building systems or technologies is better than trying to scrape the information from different websites. The new "Renovation House" was great to see - it's a house built to "older" standards, in a state of disrepair but made safe to be a learning exhibit. Our tour guide, Rob, spent 90 mins walking us through rooms in the house, talking about all the different things one needs to consider when tackling everything from a simple paint job up to roof repairs or floor rebuilds. Would highly recommend to anyone wanting to learn more about self-building or even small renovations."
    Autumn Show Visitor - ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ Google Review

  • "The place and the businesses there are both innovative and informative"

    "I attend every event I can manage at NSBRC. The place and the businesses there are both innovative and informative. I have got some great ideas and learned enough from the expert advice not to blunder into costly mistakes. Every industry should have this."
    NSBRC Visitor - ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ Google Review

  • "This is the place to go to learn all about the best approach for construction"

    "We have been to the NSBRC several times now and have learnt something new each time. If you are planning to do any sort of self build or renovation, this is the place to go to learn all about the best approach for construction and to navigate the field of renewable energy, heat pumps, insulation, air tightness, etc. The stands and exhibits cover just about everything you may want to ask and there are plenty of experts to give advice. We were so impressed that we have joined the Benchmark program and have signed up for one of the courses. Looking forward to our next visit!"
    NSBRC Benchmark member - ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ Google Review

  • "I liked the chance to look at the installations, without any sales pressure."

    "This is a great place to visit is you are considering or working on a self-build or renovation project. There is free advice available, but not every day. We spoke to a retired builder, and we were given some very helpful advice around an outdoor office self-build project. It consists of an exhibition centre, like collection of stalls and installations, with training facilities. So it is quite commercial. The cafe is basic, and their vegan stuff had sold out the day before when we went. We visited during the week, not at an event, and the centre was very quiet. I liked the chance to look at the installations, without any sales pressure."
    NSBRC Show Visitor - ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ Google Review

  • "First port of call for guidance and advice"

    "As complete novices and newbies this was a great introduction. It provided a starting point on things to consider should we chose to embark on a self build journey. We now know where our first port of call will be for guidance and advice. I’d recommend anyone thinking about dipping their toe to go here first."
    NSBRC Show Visitor - ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ Google Review

  • "The Renovation course at the NSBRC is an absolute must!"

    "If you are thinking of a major renovation. The Renovation course at the NSBRC is an absolute must. Full of extremely useful information and delivered with passion and gusto by the presenter Rob"
    NSBRC Renovation Course attendee - ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ Google Review

  • "Arrived not knowing which route we were taking with our house and came away with all the ideas"

    "What a fantastic place. So much information for anyone who is looking to build their own house or renovate. We arrived not knowing which route we were taking with our house and came away with all the ideas we needed and what steps we needed to take, people we need to talk to, etc. Amazing resource and thoroughly recommend a visit."
    NSBRC Show Visitor - ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ Google Review

  • "Been again as our project progresses and once again invaluable."

    "A great resource for those looking to self-build or renovate - so many companies, their products and experts under one roof. We went on an exhibition weekend and it provided lots of opportunities to talk to experts, listen to short talks of interest plus all the staff from car parking to reception and cafe were all super helpful! Been again as our project progresses and once again invaluable."
    NSBRC Show Visitor - ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ Google Review

  • "The place to go to learn"

    "A very interesting and informative day"
    NSBRC Visitor - ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ Google Review

  • "Amazing resource"

    "We are back and forth to the Centre at the moment, as we plan and learn about how to do our first self build. I consider we are extremely fortunate to have this amazing resource close enough (90 mins away) to use and we are also attending a number of their courses, both in person and online, all of which have proven invaluable in steering us through this maze. Amazing team of people, passionate about what they do."
    NSBRC Visitor - ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ Google Review

  • "Would visit again."

    "First visit - found it very comprehensive, with something for everyone. Helpful and informative staff. Would visit again."
    NSBRC Visitor. - ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ Google Review

  • "We have always had good advice."

    "We have visited over the years. We have always had good advice from the trade stands and the way the whole building is carefully updated and new products introduced in the interest of we potential customers is very welcome . Hence our quite regular return ."
    NSBRC Visitor. - ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ Google Review

  • "Well worth the trip"

    "Well worth the trip. Most of the stands had lovely and engaging reps…the displays of walls and foundations are excellent to see and (to help) appreciate the anatomy of houses."
    NSBRC Visitor - ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ Google Review

  • "An excellent day and was very well organised"

    "I attended the National Self-Build and Renovation Show at the NSBRC in Swindon on Saturday 17th May 2025. This was the Festival of Sustainable Homes event, this It was an excellent day and was very well organised. A massive thank you to Kristina and Katy who went out of their way to find the right person for me to talk to, who I'm planning to meet on site in Scotland. Being in the VIP area with the Benchmark program provided a base to sit and review the information I had found. A massive thank you to everyone at the centre who from my point of view made it a really useful and informative event."
    NSBRC Show Visitor - ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ Google Review

  • "A very useful visit."

    "A very useful visit. We came away with lots of ideas and contacts with suppliers for our renovation"
    NSBRC Visitor - ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ Google Review

We work with some amazing partners...

One of our three key promises is to inspire you by show-casing the very best building methods, trends and technologies.

The National Self Build & Renovation Centre is proud to be home to over 200 permanent exhibitors, chosen for their respected and relevant offering, and their knowledge and understanding of the self build and renovation community.

We encourage you to engage with our exhibitors. As you will discover, they can cover every aspect of a building project, from foundations to flooring, walls to windows, roofing to renewables and much, much more…

View all exhibitors

The latest from the NSBRC:

View all News stories

  • Planning to Self-Build or Renovate? 5 Top Tips Before You Start | With Georgina Burnett (AKA The Home Genie)

    Planning a self-build or major renovation? Before you start choosing paint colours, ripping out bathrooms or getting builders through the door, there are a few things I’d strongly recommend doing first.

    I’ve renovated, styled and worked on enough properties to know that the projects that run most smoothly aren’t necessarily the ones with the biggest budgets - they’re the ones where the homeowner has thought ahead.

    Because when you’re in the middle of a renovation, there will be things you didn’t expect. There will be decisions you need to make quickly, deliveries that don’t arrive, costs that change and, inevitably, the odd moment when you wonder why on earth you started.

    So, here are my five top tips for getting yourself organised before the work begins.

    Find out more

  • September Trade Village Newsletter

    27/09/2026

    Our Trade Village is home to more than 200 permanent exhibiting partners, selected for their reputable and relevant services and their expertise in the self build and renovation community.

    Keep reading to discover the latest offerings & events at the NSBRC...

    VIEW THE FULL LIST OF EXHIBITORS AT THE NSBRC

    Find out more

  • NSBRC Aspirations & Motivations Survey 2026

    Each year The National Self Build & Renovation Centre produces a survey in partnership with the National Custom & Self Build Association (NaCSBA).

    The 2026 survey marks our sixth edition and was completed by 415 people. This data provides a detailed view of those planning, undertaking, or having recently completed substantial homebuilding projects.

    Find out more