Shock as major Birmingham attraction Bear Grylls Adventure to close before Christmas

The Bear Grylls Adventure, based at the National Exhibition Centre (NEC), offers experiences including archery, rock climbing and an indoor skydive experience.

The site is run by Merlin Entertainments, which also runs the city’s National Sea Life Centre at Brindley Place.

About 1,000 marine animals including sharks, rays, and tropical fish will be re-homed to the nearby Sea Life Centre, as well as other UK sites.

The company added that staff would be supported and there would be options to move into other roles across the Merlin group.

Guests with bookings after the closing date should request a refund.

A statement on the Bear Grylls Adventure website said the attraction was closing 'due to commercial challenges'.

It added: "A contributing factor included the temporary closure during the pandemic which had a lasting financial impact on the attraction.

"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 said.

"We want to thank our amazing team and guests who have made this time so memorable."