New £20m Bear Grylls Adventure world lets visitors try their hand at extreme adventuring

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A £20m attraction inspired by Bear Grylls will open in Birmingham’s NEC in 2018.

The Bear Grylls Adventure, created in partnership with the TV personality and survival expert, will open as a permanent 8,000 square metre attraction, featuring indoor skydiving, climbing and the highest free-roam high ropes in Europe.

This last includes a zip line from a Chinook helicopter. There’s also Basecamp, a zone where visitors can skill up for life as an adventurer by undertaking a set of physical, mental, individual and group challenges, plus Dive, which simulates the experience of deep-sea diving.

“I have been so lucky to experience some of the toughest environments and challenges the world has to offer,” said Grylls. “When your greatest fears are laid bare, you have to keep your nerve and dig deep. That ‘never give up spirit’ is what I hope to inspire in as many people as possible through this huge endeavour.

“The scale of challenges that can be found at Bear Grylls Adventure are truly mind blowing and it allows millions of others to find the courage and tenacity to conquer their own Everest.”

The adventurer heli-dropped into Cnicht in Snowdonia to promote the announcement.

Grylls has teamed up with Merlin to launch the attraction. Nick Varney, CEO of Merlin Entertainments, said: “The Bear Grylls Adventure is a one of a kind attraction – bringing together Bear, one of the most celebrated and recognised faces of survival and outdoor adventure, and Merlin’s expertise in creating fantastic, memorable experiences for guests and families across the world.

“In a project that has taken nearly two years in the creation, Bear has been involved in each step of the attraction’s development – from the initial concept, to providing expertise and insight into the challenges.

“The market for adventure-based activities has incredible potential. Our research shows that nine out of 10 young adults are actively seeking adventure and challenge experiences, and this trend is set to continue.”

Basecamp entry tickets start at £25.