Rookies & vets sharpen their aim at the best archery clubs in Leeds!
I’m no Katniss Everdeen, not by a long shot, but I’ve always fancied archery. There’s something euphoric about shooting an arrow and actually hitting a target that’s not your own foot.
The city of Leeds makes it even more mint with its assorted ranges. You can get your aim at outdoorsy spots like Go Ape or pop over to an indoor centre in the south if you’d rather avoid sunshine or mud on your skin.
If you don’t know where they are, have a gander at this guide. We made sure to include destinations for folks who might secretly be Legolas and those just shooting for the experience.
Targeting Archery
– From targetingarchery
Address: St. Philip’s Church, Main St, Scholes
Contact Details: 07980 349125
Operating Hours:
- Tue – 3:45 pm to 9 pm
- Thu – 6 pm to 9 pm
- Sat – 9:30 am to 12 pm
If there’s one range to blame for my fam’s archery obsession, it’s Targeting Archery. Took my kiddos here once, and it didn’t last long before we started pricing up bows and scheduling return trips.
Their 1-hour ‘Taster Sessions’ gave us the bow and arrow bug, all for just £25 a head. As the name implies, it’s an introductory sesh that gave us a taste and feel for the sport, with basics to boot, like arrow safety and proper shooting forms.
Once we got hooked, it was off to their ‘Come and Shoot Sessions,’ a cheaper and more casual alternative to their beginner’s course. An hour just set us back £15 a pop and came with hacks from seasoned coaches.
Tips:
- Consider getting their coaching services if you’re a first-timer. It costs £80 per person and includes four 3-hour sessions.
- Do not wear hoodies, clothing with dangling fabrics, or open-toed footwear. This applies to every spot here.
Live For Today – Hazlewood Castle Quad Bike and Activity Centre
– From livefortodayadventures
Address: Imagine Spa, Hazlewood Castle, Paradise Ln, Tadcaster
Contact Details: 0113 323 0180
Operating Hours: Daily – 9 am to 5 pm
Our Live For Today escape was more of a day out than a traditional session, but that’s no shocker, honestly. Everyone probably knows that firing arrows with Hazlewood Castle in the background is as epic as it sounds.
What made it better for us was that the kids, who were greener than grass then, didn’t have to watch from the sidelines. Anyone 7 and up had a go, thanks to the experienced coaches who simplified the entire thing.
Speaking of the coaches, big ups to Eddie and his crew. We were a 16-strong squad (with a few ‘hard-to-please’ types), but they did a fab job, coaching and humour-wise.
Tips:
- If you’re rolling with workmates, take advantage of Live for Today’s corporate packages.
- Check if there are deals or promotions on offer.
South Leeds Archers Indoor Archery Centre
– From southleedsarchers
Address: Calder Textiles, Unit 28/3, Dewsbury Mills, Thornhill Rd, Dewsbury
Archery is never a solo gig at South Leeds Archers Indoor Archery Centre, and that’s especially true if you become a club member. You’ll regularly meet up with folks who enjoy the same hobby (and get access to the range 24/7, as well as free coaching).
Total newbies don’t have to skip the club either; there are ‘Have a Go Sessions’ at just £15, kit and all included. They’re mint for testing if the club’s atmosphere and the sport are both to your liking before you sign some paperwork.
Once you’re confident enough, jump on their beginner course, which is a proper steal at just £65 per archer. It runs over three sessions, and you call the shots on scheduling.
Tips:
- Join their tourneys for the ultimate test of skill.
- Make sure to book. Emailing [email protected] is often the fastest way to do so.
Silverbirch Outdoor Activities
– From thatgirlrobynj
Address: 9 Otley Old Rd
Contact Details: 0113 279 0690
Operating Hours:
- Mon to Sat – 9:30 am to 5 pm
- Sun – 10 am to 4 pm
The civil and parish town of Horsforth has its secrets, and Silverbirch Outdoor Activities just might be our team’s most beloved one. I had a bash there for my last birthday, and the accommodating instructors, Ian and Joe, made it a belter.
Both knew archery inside out, but it was their accessible style that hit the mark. Rookie and kiddos guests got the hang of it, as the two made lessons engaging while still dropping gems on how to improve stances or aim.
What’s more, the course was pure vibes, set among Otley Rd’s quiet greenery. It was also adventure-worthy, which was why we also did other fun activities like shooting air rifles, hurling axes, and learning about bushcraft.
Tips:
- Boarding a train to Horsforth is convenient. The station is just 8 minutes from the venue.
- You can throw kids’ parties here. Ring them up for the details.
North Yorkshire Waterpark
– From northyorkshirewaterpark
Address: Long Causeway Rd, Wykeham, Lakes
Contact Details: 01723 865052
Operating Hours: Daily – 8 am to 4 pm
It’s not really summer until we’re neck-deep in waters, kayaking with our pals, and letting arrows fly at North Yorkshire Waterpark. You read that right—there’s an archery course in a water park, as if the inflatables and zip lines weren’t magnetic enough.
Last time we dropped in, it was just £18 a head for a fully-coached, 1-hour-long session. That included the brief and kit, so we didn’t have to rock up like a level 80 RPG character.
The only downside was that kiddos under 10 had to sit it out.
That said, their deals slap. We snagged a 3-for-1 last February and ended up slinging axes, climbing up walls, and hitting the right targets, all right after swimming in Wykeham Lakes.
Tips:
- If you’re planning to swim, bring your own wetsuit instead of paying extra.
- You can bring pups as long as they’re on a leash and well-behaved.
West Leeds Activity Centre
– From westleedsactivitycentre
Address: Lenhurst Ave
Contact Details: 0113 336 7414
Operating Hours: Mon to Fri – 9 am to 5 pm
West Leeds Activity Centre leans into ‘squad goals’ hard. They take a crew-based approach to archery, letting groups of 2 to 12 knock down targets for 2 hours straight.
You’ll want to budget, though, since the price sits between £130 and £200. But, to be fair, safety briefings and professional coaching are part of the deal—plus the staff can double as hosts.
What’s more, the thrills don’t end at the range. Your gang can zoom through the bush on motorbikes, have a slice of real-life Mario Kart, or take on an obstacle course!
Tips:
- Get the full bush experience by camping. It’s a steal at £12 a night.
- You can drive there. The secured parking site can handle up to 50 cars.
Crazy Targets (Looney Golf)
– From eatinstyle24
Address: 33 N Parade, Bradford
Contact Details: 01274 214644
Operating Hours:
- Tue to Thu – 12 pm to 7:30 pm
- Fri to Sat – 12 pm to 10 pm
- Sun – 12 pm to 7:30 pm
Crazy Targets clearly said ‘sod it’ to boring archery rounds. Seriously, where else in Leeds can you play standard, tic-tac-toe, and pop-the-balloon archery under one neon-lit roof?
If that’s not enough to convince you to pop by, maybe their Blackjack and darts archery would. The rules and gear will be sorted there, so no need to worry about the technicalities or what bow to bring.
Now, here’s the sweet part: there’s booze and pizza, which might be enough motivation for some barflies. On top of that, you can beat your mates at pool, ping-pong, or classic arcade games while waiting for your turn on the range!
Tips:
- Bring your student or NHS staff card. Without it, you’ll have to cough up the difference for the standard entry fee.
- Mid-week price cuts are not rare here. Dial their digits to see the latest promotions.
Bowmen Of Adel
– From bowmenofadel
Address: Church Ln, Adel
As per the members we had a chat with, Bowmen of Adel is the kind of club where you rock up and instantly feel welcome—doesn’t matter if you’re training for the Olympics or a first-timer.
Your bow of choice won’t be an issue either, as they welcome longbow, compact bow, and ‘any-bow-in-between’ users.
Additionally, the club is active, particularly come the sunnier months. Spring and summer see them hosting 45-minute ‘Have a Go Sessions,’ each costing under a tenner and designed for both grown-ups and under-18s.
Tips:
- The prices for their beginner courses change yearly. Reach out to [email protected] for the latest info.
- Non-members can see the club in action, especially during tourneys like the longbow shoot we saw last April. Message their Facebook to confirm deets.