New pictures show thrills waiting at Bear Grylls Adventure in Birmingham
New images have been released to give thrill-seekers an idea of what to expect at the new Bear Grylls Adventure attraction due to open at the NEC site in Birmingham this year.
One shows the new zip wire ride from a Chinook helicopter, several storeys above the ground – one of a string of challenges to test those looking for adventure.
And Bear himself has opened up about the ideas behind the new attraction, which is being built by Alton Towers owner Merlin Entertainments.
The author and TV adventurer said: “It doesn’t surprise me at all that 60 per cent of the UK population wish they were more adventurous, we all sometimes need a push to take us out of our comfort zone.”
“My late father, friend, commando and climber has always been my inspiration. He taught me to survive and climb from a very young age. He showed me it was ok to have big dreams and that to fail a few times is essential to success.”
More than half (55 per cent) of Brits say they have never been on an adventure, with a quarter of those saying they simply struggle to find the time for adventure.
WATCH: Take an early look at work inside the new attraction
The Bear Grylls Adventure, the first of its kind attraction currently being built at the NEC, was inspired by his high adrenalin experiences and past expeditions, from his time training with 21 SAS, to scaling Everest and exploring some of the most remote deserts and jungles through his adventure TV programming.
“It was such a logical next step to bring adventure indoors and to millions of people. The Bear Grylls Adventure will test the skills, strength and nerve of the most intrepid thrillseeker, and you can hone some of the core mental and physical skills for adventure at our Basecamp.”
Bear said: “I wanted to create a large scale attraction so you don’t have to travel the world to get a real taste of adventure. We found out that this 18% of Brits rarely get to do anything outside of their comfort zone. We are here to help change that. The adventure park is all based on experiences that have shaped my life, pushed me to my limits and so often taken me far out of my comfort zone.
“Those brave enough will have the chance to zip wire out of a #chinook helicopter several floors up, then take on a Royal Marines inspired high ropes course – giving the 54 per cent of Brits that are scared a chance to conquer their fear of heights and flying at the same time.”
Credited as one of his defining life moments, the park will feature a hair raising indoor skydiving activity where guests will experience a freefall that is almost three times longer than an average skydive. The indoor wind tunnel will be operated by experienced skydiving experts who will put intermediate visitors through their paces.
“Sky diving is definitely something that’s hard for me after breaking my back in a free-fall accident whilst I was in the military," said Bear, "but I still have to jump and deal with heights every day in my job. Knowing that hand on my shoulder from one of the crew is there before I jump always helps - at The Bear Grylls Adventure this supporting hand will be one of my skilled Adrenalin Advisors.”
