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Air rifles at Kielder Waterside

Air Rifle Shooting at Kielder Waterside

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Air rifles at Kielder Waterside

Our Air Rifle Shooting Range

Fancy testing your aim? Air rifle shooting is one of the most popular target sports at Kielder Waterside,  a relaxed, hands-on air rifle shooting experience that’s perfect if you’ve never tried shooting before. Led by our qualified instructors using .177 air rifles, it’s a safe and sociable way to spend part of your day out in the Northumberland forest, aiming at targets on our dedicated range.

Activity Details

Activity Type: On the range

Age: 12+ years

Paid activity

Cost: £30 per person

Duration: 1 hour

Safety glasses will be worn throughout the session for both participants and spectators whilst in the range.

Adult supervision required for under 18s.

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Target from Air Riles shot three times at Kielder Waterside

What to Expect in Your Air Rifle Shooting Session

Your air rifle shooting experience lasts a full hour and starts with a thorough safety briefing, so everyone feels confident before taking their first shot. Once you’re comfortable handling the rifle, your instructor will guide you through the basics, from stance, aim, breathing and shooting positions. Then it’s over to you for some target shooting on the range, with games and a bit of friendly competition along the way. Your instructor will set the shooting distance of 3 to 4 metres to suit your confidence, so you can build up your accuracy shot by shot. You’ll take your souvenir shooting target home at the end,  proof of your steadiest shots to show friends and family.

Who is our Target Air Rifle Shooting For

Air rifle shooting is open to anyone aged 12 and over, making it a great choice for families with older children enjoying a family lodge escape, along with groups of friends and adults alike. No experience is needed; our instructors tailor every session to complete beginners, so it’s as welcoming for first-timers as it is for anyone wanting to improve their air rifle target shooting. The minimum age of 12 helps make sure everyone can safely handle and concentrate with the rifles, and anyone under 18 will need to be accompanied by a supervising adult.

What to Wear and What’s Provided

Wear comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing and closed-toe footwear such as trainers; you’ll be out on the air rifle target range, whatever the Northumberland weather has in store. Safety glasses are provided and must be worn by everyone in the air rifle shooting range, participants and spectators alike. There’s nothing else to bring; all equipment is supplied.

How to Book Air Rifle Shooting 

Book your air rifle shooting experience online in a few clicks. Sessions get busy during school holidays and at weekends, so we’d recommend booking ahead to secure your spot.

Frequently Asked Questions 

Is the range accessible?

Yes, our air rifle range is accessible for guests with reduced mobility and wheelchair users. Both the path and doorway access are suitable, and we have tables set at a comfortable height for wheelchair users to shoot from. Our qualified instructors are always on hand to provide support throughout the session, and we’re happy to adapt to individual needs. If you have any specific requirements,  let us know when booking, and we’ll ensure everyone can take part and enjoy the experience.

Can I book for a group or a party?

 Yes, absolutely. Air rifle shooting is a brilliant activity for groups, parties and celebrations, and we welcome everyone from families to friendship groups looking for something a bit different. Each session can take a maximum of 8 people, so it’s perfect for smaller groups wanting to have a go together.

 

Air rifles, archery or crossbows — which is best for kids, families or groups?

It depends on age. Archery is our most family-friendly target sport, open to everyone aged 8 and over, so it’s usually the best starting point for families with younger children,  and for our youngest guests aged 3 to 10, Mini Target Sports is the place to begin. Air rifles and crossbows are both suited to ages 12 and over, making them a great pick for families with teenagers, groups of friends and adults. Every activity is instructor-led and designed for beginners, so mixed groups often try more than one to see which they enjoy most.

What should I wear?

Comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing and trainers or other closed-toe footwear. Safety glasses are provided.

What distance will I be shooting from?

During your air rifle session, you’ll be shooting at targets set at a distance of around 3 to 4 metres. This shooting distance is ideal for beginners and younger shooters alike, giving everyone a great chance to find their aim and hit the bullseye while getting comfortable with the basics.

How long does a session last?

Each session lasts one hour, which includes the safety briefing, instruction and time on the range.

Do I need any experience?

Not at all. Sessions are designed for complete beginners, and our qualified instructors guide you through everything from safe handling to aim.

What age do you need to be to try air rifle shooting?

Sessions are open to anyone aged 12 and over. Anyone under 18 must be accompanied by a supervising adult.

How much does air rifle shooting cost at Kielder Waterside?

Air rifle shooting costs £30 per person for a one-hour session, including all equipment and a safety briefing.

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