The Bear Grylls Adventure: A Guide to the Former Birmingham Attraction

The Bear Grylls Adventure was an action-packed attraction at the National Exhibition Centre (NEC) in Birmingham. Inspired by the explorer and television presenter Bear Grylls, it invited visitors to test their nerve, try new skills and take on a range of indoor and outdoor-style challenges.

Please note: The attraction has closed permanently. This guide describes what visitors could experience while it was open.

What Was The Bear Grylls Adventure?

Opened in 2018, The Bear Grylls Adventure was designed for people looking for more than a traditional theme-park visit. Instead of rides, it offered hands-on activities based on adventure, fitness and survival skills. Visitors could choose individual experiences or combine several into a longer visit.

The attraction was at the NEC, close to Birmingham Airport and Birmingham International railway station. Its location made it easy to reach by train or car, and it was often visited alongside events and other attractions at the NEC.

Activities and Experiences

The available activities varied, but the attraction’s line-up included a mixture of challenges designed for different confidence levels.

• Indoor skydiving: Visitors could experience the sensation of freefall in a vertical wind tunnel, with instructors on hand to guide them.
• High ropes: Suspended obstacles and elevated courses challenged balance and confidence.
• Climbing: Climbing walls offered a chance to test strength and technique.
• Escape rooms: Teams worked together to solve clues and complete timed missions.
• Archery: Guests could practise aiming and shooting under instruction.
• Survival challenges: Some experiences drew on outdoor skills and problem-solving, bringing an adventurous theme indoors.
• Diving experiences: The attraction also offered underwater activities, subject to the experience and requirements in place at the time.

Not every activity was suitable for every visitor. Age, height, health and safety requirements applied, so guests needed to check the rules for each experience before booking.

Who Was It For?

The Bear Grylls Adventure appealed to families with older children, groups of friends, couples and corporate parties. It could be a good choice for anyone who enjoyed trying something new, particularly activities that combined physical effort with a little friendly competition.

Some experiences were more demanding than others, but visitors did not need to be expert adventurers to take part. Staff briefings and instruction were part of the experience, and activities were designed to be attempted within the attraction’s safety guidelines.

Planning a Visit

When the attraction was open, booking ahead was recommended, particularly during weekends and school holidays. Visitors were advised to arrive in good time, wear suitable clothing and check the requirements for their chosen activities. Some experiences required participants to meet specific age, height or health criteria.

Because The Bear Grylls Adventure is now closed, it is no longer possible to book activities there. Anyone looking for similar experiences in the Birmingham area can search for current indoor climbing centres, escape rooms, archery venues or indoor skydiving facilities, and should check directly with operators for up-to-date availability and requirements.

A Lasting Adventure Theme

The Bear Grylls Adventure brought a distinctive mix of active challenges and exploration to the NEC. Although the Birmingham attraction has closed, its approach—encouraging visitors to step outside their comfort zone and try something unfamiliar—continues to inspire adventure experiences elsewhere.

Essential Tips for a Successful Bear Grylls Adventure Experience

1. Wear comfortable clothes and sturdy trainers.
2. Arrive early to check in and get ready.
3. Listen carefully to your instructor’s safety briefing.
4. Tie back long hair and secure loose items.
5. Stay hydrated and take breaks when needed.
6. Choose activities suited to your confidence and fitness.

Wear comfortable clothes and sturdy trainers.

Wear comfortable clothes and sturdy trainers when taking on adventure activities. You’ll be able to move more easily, and supportive footwear can help you feel steadier during climbing, ropes and other physical challenges. Check the requirements for your chosen activity before you go, as some experiences may have specific clothing or footwear rules.

Arrive early to check in and get ready.

Arrive early to check in and get ready, giving yourself plenty of time to complete any paperwork, store your belongings and listen to the safety briefing before your activity begins. Allow extra time for travel, too, so you can start your adventure feeling relaxed rather than rushed.

Listen carefully to your instructor’s safety briefing.

Listen carefully to your instructor’s safety briefing before taking part in any activity at The Bear Grylls Adventure. The briefing explains how to use the equipment, what to expect and how to stay safe, so pay attention, follow all instructions and ask if anything is unclear.

Tie back long hair and secure loose items.

Tie back long hair and secure loose items before taking part in any activities at The Bear Grylls Adventure. This helps prevent hair or belongings from getting caught on equipment, and keeps you comfortable and safe as you move through each challenge. Follow the staff’s instructions about jewellery, phones and anything else that may need to be removed or stored.

Stay hydrated and take breaks when needed.

Stay hydrated throughout your visit to The Bear Grylls Adventure, especially if you’re taking part in several physical activities. Drink water regularly and take a break whenever you need one—there’s no need to rush from one challenge to the next. Resting between activities can help you enjoy the experience safely and make the most of your day.

Choose activities suited to your confidence and fitness.

Choose activities that suit your confidence and fitness level. Some challenges may involve heights, physical exertion or being in unfamiliar environments, so check the requirements before booking and start with experiences that feel manageable. You can always build up to more demanding activities as your confidence grows.