Archery is a pursuit which connects us with our ancestors. Developed deep in human history by hunter gatherers to secure a meal without getting close enough to the target to startle it, firing arrows from a bow also played a role in human conflict for centuries. Evidence of this has been found at Maiden Castle in Dorset, the largest Iron Age hillfort in the UK, where the discovery of stone arrowheads hint at violent encounters between tribes over 5000 thousand years ago. This county remains a fantastic place to take part in this sport, but in a more civilised way.

Just like in its early days, archery is best practised outdoors. Over half of Dorset is designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and there are hill tops, plains and woodlands that provide the perfect backdrop for shooting arrows. We don’t need bows and arrows to find food or settle disputes nowadays, but this pursuit is becoming more and more popular nowadays. Some are attracted by the excitement of recreating exciting scenes from blockbuster movies such as Robin Hood, The Lord of the Rings or The Hunger Games, while others find a sense of calm and focus when drawing back the bowstring, aiming at the target and releasing the arrow. There are traditional experiences across the region, as well as the excitement of combat tag archery, and you’re sure to find something for all ages, abilities, and budgets.

Where are the best places to do archery in Dorset?

• Bournemouth: The seaside resort city of Bournemouth is a summertime favourite because of its 9 miles long sandy beach. It’s a great place to get a tan, but on those days when the sun doesn’t shine you need a backup plan. Archery tag is a combat experience that combines the best of dodgeball and paintball, while using safety arrows to ensure that no one gets hurt. All the family can get involved in this fun team game, or have a go at the classic discipline of target shooting using bows, crossbows, or even axes!

• Ferndown: In Ferndown, a few miles to the North, you’ll find a small scale range that offers exclusive bow and arrow experiences. You’ll be in the good hands of professional competition archers who can show you what this sport involves with a have-a-go session, or give you expert tuition in lessons. As well as Olympic-style recurve bows, they also have powerful crossbows that you can try.

• Wimborne Minster: For a traditional experience, the Canford Magna range is a great place to start. A friendly club shoots here throughout the week and they welcome novices to get a taste for the sport by firing at round targets made of tightly-wound straw - the same as were used in the middle ages.

• Lytchett Minster: In the woods outside Lytchett Minster is a range ideal for a fun day out with friends and family. A shooting session includes the guidance of expert instructors who also act as game masters, encouraging some friendly competition among group members that will bring the best out of everyone. And it doesn’t have to be limited to bows, you can also try shooting air rifles, or give the target something to worry about by hurling axes and knives at it.

• Swanage: A seaside town on the Isle of Purbeck, Swanage is another great place for an adventure. Feel the sea breeze in your hair as you take aim at the target, but be careful that it doesn't blow your arrow off course! You and your gang can also take part in archery tag here, firing foam tipped arrows at targets and opponents to become the champions in this team game.

• Blandford Forum: Outside this central county's town, in Blandford Forum, you can let loose in an extreme sports facility. But it’s not just thrills, speed and adrenaline - archery provides a moment of tranquillity in the midst of the mayhem. But that’s not to say that it’s not fun - there’s nothing like the satisfaction of firing an arrow right into the bullseye of the target.

• Tolpuddle: Archers have always felt at home in the woods. The trees and undergrowth provide cover which allowed our hunter ancestors to creep up on prey before firing, and Robin Hood chose the forest to surprise his targets and take their gold. But stealth won’t be your top priority on the woodland range in Tolpuddle, as you can take to the stand alongside 11 friends, all armed with an arsenal of weapons (bows, crossbows, axes), and have a fun packed shooting experience together.

• Weymouth: Holidaymakers in Weymouth have always dreaded rainy days, but you don’t have to worry anymore - there’s a club in this beach town with indoor and outdoor ranges. They love to welcome groups, including children’s birthday parties to their site to give them a taste of this target sport, and your son or daughter might have so much fun that they won’t want to go back to the beach when the sun comes out.

• Wherever you want: Bring the fun to you by booking with a mobile archery range! They can come and set up at an outdoor event area around the county and bring the bows, arrows and targets for guests to have a go and have some fun with this sport.

Requirements to do this activity

The most famous pop culture archer of recent years is Katniss Everdeen of The Hunger Games. She uses a bow and arrow to fight for survival at the tender age of 16, but to get involved in archery in Dorset you can be much younger. Some ranges accommodate children as young as 6 years old, but this minimum age can vary depending on the equipment that’s available. If you want to shoot a crossbow, you have to be over 14, it takes some strength to pull back the bow string, and the bow can recoil when fired.

Another difference between the Hunger Games story and the real life on offer, is that here you’ll never shoot alone. A have-a-go session can be organised for several people, while taster sessions can be enjoyed in groups of up to 12. Archery tag is a dynamic team sport that up to 30 people can take part in at a time, so it’s perfect for kids and teens’ birthday parties, or for adults looking for a bit of fun. You can even organise a team building activity for the team from work.

How long does an experience last?

- This is a rewarding sport, and you’ll feel yourself improving even over a short session of 1 hour. However, it can also get pretty tiring if you’re not used to using the chest, shoulder and upper-arm muscles for extended periods of time, so 1 hour 30 minutes is usually the limit here. If you want to make a day of it in, longer sessions of 2 to 3 hours, or even full day experiences are available, and they’ll normally combine this experience with other target sports or outdoor activities of a different kind. Crossbow and air rifle shooting are classic accompaniments, while many ranges have started to offer axe throwing to people who need to release some stress!

- Archery tag games don’t last much more than 15 minutes, but you’ll book in for 1 to 2 hours or more to enjoy several games in the same visit. You can even take part in a mini league or tournament to let friendly competition between the teams increase the fun.

This activity from our past might just become your hobby of the future, make a booking today to find out if it’s the sport for you!