Bear Grylls Adventure
Published on: 24/10/22
At Let’s Go Out, we’re not fair-weather adventurers, but even we’ve sometimes been accused of coming up with excuses not to get off the sofa: it’s raining, it’s cold, it’s dark, there’s nowhere close, we can’t afford to jet off to exotic climes. Well, as we always shout from the rooftops (whatever the weather), you don’t need to abandon these shores for great adventure, the UK is packed with fantastic daredevil days out. This week, we’re focussing on one location right in the centre of the country that invites you into the wildest adventures (with great travel links, too!)
And as for the winter weather, you don’t need to freeze on a windy shore or hike up a mountain: the Bear Grylls Adventure, located at Birmingham’s NEC, brings together the awesome experiences of the world’s highest peaks, remotest islands, and deepest seas, all in one place, many undercover. You can climb, shoot, explore, take on assault courses and escape rooms, even fly! There’s even an underwater paradise to dive and snorkel in, home to over 1,000 species of weird and wonderful exotic creatures.
Man on a Mission
Book NowBear Grylls, OBE, is one of the most recognized faces of survival and outdoor adventure worldwide. Trained from a young age in martial arts, Bear went on to serve in the SAS, where he perfected many of the survival skills that his fans all over the world enjoy. Jaw-dropping exploits in shows such as Man vs. Wild, Running Wild with Bear Grylls and The Island have been watched by billions of people worldwide.
When not throwing celebrities out of helicopters and forcing them to survive on their wits, Bear is openly passionate about inspiring people to discover the great outdoors, learn important skills, and discover what they are capable of, physically and mentally. The youngest ever UK Chief Scout, he’s the first ever Chief Ambassador to the World Scout Organization, representing a global family of some fifty million Scouts.
So it’s no surprise he’s partnered with top entertainment, adventure and theme park company Merlin Entertainment, to create the Bear Grylls Adventure at the NEC in Birmingham. Created and inspired by Bear’s military experiences and adventures across the globe including skydiving, climbing high ropes and diving, from swimming with sharks to taking on Europe’s highest outdoor free roam high ropes, it’s a place where everyone can conquer their fears, try new challenges and build self-confidence.
Designed to empower people through adventure, from expertly trained, friendly and welcoming staff to an eye-watering array of challenges, the ethos throughout is “come and try”. So strap on your adventure pants, and repeat Bear’s simple life motto: “Courage and kindness . . . and never give up!”
The Adventures
Book NowHigh Ropes: At 65ft tall, this is the tallest high ropes course in Europe, and rewards those brave enough to reach the top with stunning views of the surrounding area. With over 36 obstacles to choose from, which route will you take?
iFLY Indoor Skydiving adventure: Take the leap, get your adrenaline pumping, and experience the awesome sensation of free fall flight! In the wind tunnel, a minute can feel like a like a lifetime. Be bold, trust your instincts and enjoy the rush flying alongside your expert iFLY instructor.
Axe Throwing: Get ready to test your aim and strength alike as you unleash your inner lumberjack. Once you've been briefed by our expert adventure team, you'll be ready to head to the lanes and let your axes fly!
Archery: Get to grips with bow and arrow in an experience that’s ideal for beginners and experts alike. After getting briefed from expert instructors, you’ll head out onto the range where you’ll take on the targets. Once you’ve tested your aim, they’ll encourage your competitive side with fun games and extra challenges. Load your bow, take aim, and shoot for the stars in this awesome Archery experience.
Climbing: Get harnessed up for an indoor climbing experience like no other. Inspired by some of the most breath-taking peaks from around the world, there are over 20 routes to challenge yourself, inspired by El Capitan, Fontainebleau and more. Get briefed in the Everest mountain hut before you push, pivot and pull your way to the summit. Nothing else matters but the step ahead of you…
Shooting: Prepare to take aim and put your precision to the test. Your expert instructor will teach you how to handle the range’s air rifles, before you let fly at a series of targets. Keep your cool, focus on the target ahead, and pull the trigger.
Cage Snorkel: Travel beneath the waves for an unforgettable Snorkel adventure! Discover the wonders of a tropical reef, home to over 1,000 species of weird and wonderful exotic creatures. Get up close and personal with the likes of Blacktip Reef Sharks and tropical fish, with nothing but a snorkel cage between you and the tank’s remarkable aquatic inhabitants.
Shark Dive: Be ready to experience the incredible as you take the plunge with aquatic creatures. Get kitted up and briefed by the pro dive team before travelling beneath the waves for an unforgettable adventure.
Escape Rooms: Put your teamwork, problem solving skills and patience to the ultimate test and beat the clock with your team of 4 or more adventurers. Step into the abandoned mineshaft, where the only way out is to blast the doors open…but how? With a range of physical, mental and skill-based challenges ahead, will your team withstand the pressure of the ticking clock and find your way out in time? Just remember that all is not what meets the eye…
All adventures come with free entry to the centre’s Royal Marines-inspired Assault Course; an awesome range of obstacles including scramble nets, monkey bars, traverse beams and a-frames that will challenge you in a race-off with your friends. Can’t choose? The Big Five Pass is the ultimate adventure day, giving you 9 hours of adventure across the top zones, including Archery, High Ropes, Climb, iFLY and Shark Dive.
Some activities have minimum age requirements, or require an accompanying adult for younger adventurers- all covered in your easy booking process. Whichever activity you choose, the Bear Grylls ethos is all about the inspiring sense of adventure, so experienced and friendly Adventure Guides will inspire, encourage and support you throughout, to go that one sense further and beast it like a Bear!
If one visit isn’t enough (we’re addicted!), Mission Bear rewards adventurers who show their can-do spirit and commitment to experiencing the remarkable on repeat visits with entry to the Mission Bear Loyalty Scheme and exclusive pin badge to proudly display their thirst for adventure.
Take it to the Max
Book NowExtra-special extras for awesome adventurers who want to take it up a level include:
VIP Dive Experience: The ultimate after hours adventure, the 180-minute VIP Dive Experience gives you double the time in the tank and an exclusive look backstage. Hand-feed tiny shrimps through a squeeze bottle, watch the Aquarist feed the bigger specimens as colourful fish will swarm around you, and interact with individual characters like pufferfish and grouper.
Backstage Aquarium Tour: Visit the laboratory in this exclusive backstage tour, learn about animal food preparation, and discover how the Aquarist team ensure the best possible environment and welfare for all their animals. Feed tropical fish from the top of the Oceanarium, and discover how the centre puts put conservation at the heart of all they do, working in partnership with organisations like the Shark Trust.
Take the Plunge Weddings: Make your special day truly unforgettable! From Europe's tallest High Ropes, to the iFLY Indoor Skydiving tunnel, to the tropical Dive tank, choose a one of a kind location to exchange your vows, and create the perfect wedding day for adventurous spirits.
The site warmly welcomes accompanying family, friends and spectators. With wide selection of snacks, meals and drinks at the Food Hub, we reckon even Bear could be tempted to take the weight off for a few minutes. Including pizza, nachos, hot dogs, sandwiches and a selection of hot and cold beverages, gluten-free, vegetarian and vegan choices, head to The Hub to rest, refuel and recharge!
We think we’ve proved there’s no need for us mere mortals to moan we haven’t the time, resources or connections to zoom off to world-wide (and world-wild) adventures. Together with the Bear Grylls Adventure, we can bring them to you, under one roof in Birmingham!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
We have also put together a list of frequently asked questions at the link below, which include some Top Tips and Did you know information, which you can use to show off with your friends and family
- Read our frequently asked questions (FAQs) - Click Here
We hope that you have enjoyed reading our article called Bear Grylls Adventure and that you have found the information above include our FAQ page helpful in deciding on which venue you to choose for your Activities and Days Out