Bear Grylls-themed activity centre in Birmingham to close

The Bear Grylls Adventure, a £20 million activity centre in Birmingham inspired by explorer and TV presenter Bear Grylls, is set to cease operations on 11 December. Situated at the National Exhibition Centre (NEC), the facility offers 11 distinct experiences, including a 65-foot-tall high-rope course and shark dives. According to a statement on the centre’s website, the closure is attributed to “commercial challenges” and the enduring financial impact following the coronavirus pandemic. The statement affirmed, “The decision to close the attraction has not been taken lightly.” Merlin Entertainments, the company operating the site, also manages Birmingham’s Sea Life Centre and Cadbury World, as well as theme parks such as Alton Towers. In its statement, the company identified the site’s temporary closure during the pandemic as a contributing factor. It declared, “This is the right commercial decision which enables us to prioritise our other Midlands-based attractions.” The company further noted that it had explored “all other viable options.” Approximately 1,000 marine animals, including sharks, rays, and tropical fish, will be relocated to the nearby National Sea Life Centre Birmingham and other UK Sea Life sites. The company also stated that staff members would receive support in the coming weeks, including guidance on potential roles at other attractions within the Merlin group. Guests with pre-booked tickets for dates before 11 December are encouraged to visit as planned, while those with bookings scheduled after the closing date should request a refund. The statement concluded, “We are proud of the positive impact The Bear Grylls Adventure has had on thousands of children and families that have visited over the last six years, showing guests first-hand the power of immersive activity in escaping the ordinary, and how adventure is for everyone.” It added, “We want to thank our amazing team and guests who have made this time so memorable.” The BBC has contacted the NEC group for comment.