An arrow through the eye changed the course of English history at the Battle of Hastings, modern day East Sussex, in 1066. The eye belonged to Harold Godwinson, the last Saxon King of England, and the arrow to one of William the Conqueror’s Norman archers. We don’t have anything so violent in mind for you, but we think that an archery experience here could change the course of your life. Read on to find out why.

Since 1066, this activity has lost its association with battles but it hasn’t been consigned to the history books. Instead, it’s become a popular sport with people all over the world taking up bows and arrows to enjoy the excitement, the discipline and social nature. This coastal county is a fantastic place for a shoot, with beaches and white cliffs on the shoreline and the South Downs National Park inland. It’s also produced one of the best English archers of this generation, Bryony Pitman who recently won a gold medal at the Archery World Cup in Antalya, Turkey. So if you’re looking for a new hobby, or a fun day out, come down to the South coast and get involved with this sport!

Where are the places to do archery in East Sussex?

• Hastings: Though it’s named after the town of Hastings, the famous battle actually took place nearby near the village named, of course, Battle. But in the centre of the city you’ll find a club that regularly welcomes newcomers to the sport to have a go at firing arrows. They’ll give you an introduction to the equipment and the technique and give you a lot of opportunities to shoot - and maybe even hit your first bullseye!

• Crowborough: In 750 acres of ancient woodland in the North of the county there’s an archer’s paradise, Crowborough. In the peaceful surroundings, you can take part in an activity where you’ll hear the arrows whistle through the air and pierce the targets in high definition. You can use modern recurve style bows or upgrade the experience by using historical equipment, like an old English Longbow or Hungarian Horsebow.

• Plumpton: Outside Plumpton, the King George V playing fields are the home to a range in the open countryside. You can have your baptism into the sport here, with professional equipment and expert instructors so that you can go from novice to sharpshooter in one session, and have a lot of fun in the process.

• Brighton: If you’re looking for something a bit more dynamic than target shooting, come down to the pleasure capital of the South, Brighton. It’s here that you can try the new combat sport of Archery Tag - a cross between paintball and dodgeball played with bows and safety arrows. You’ll be put in teams, equipped with low power bows and safety arrows, then face off against your opponents in an arena full of obstacles and challenges. Do you have what it takes to eliminate the enemy?

Requirements to do this activity

Anyone with a passion for precision and an adventurous attitude can be an archer for a day in East Sussex. You don’t need any experience to book an archery activity and you can count on leaving with some skills up your sleeve. Using a bow to fire arrows does require some strength and coordination though, and so it’s not for the youngest children. Depending on the equipment available at each range, there’s a minimum age of 8, 10 or 12 years old in place. This is to make sure that everyone can enjoy the sport safely.

Thinking back to the Battle of Hastings, Archery Tag - which involves the group shooting arrows at each other - might sound like a bad idea. But your eyes won’t meet the same fate as Harold Godwinson’s! In the first place, the arrows that are used are tipped with foam balls that hurt less than a tennis ball on impact. Secondly, all players wear protective face masks which cover the eyes, nose and mouth. We guarantee that you’ll leave the experience with a smile on your face.

Whether it’s traditional shooting or the battle mode, we recommend that you bring your people with you. Injecting a bit of friendly competition into the activity is sure to bring out the best in everyone, and it’s a popular choice for stag and hen parties as well as birthday celebrations for children or adults. This activity is played in teams, and you’ll have much more fun shooting at the opponents if they’re your best friends outside the arena.

How long does an experience last?

- Having a go at this sport is in some ways a dangerous activity - because you’re likely to get addicted! These introductory sessions, or activities aimed at novice archers, take place around the county and tend to last about 2 hours. That’s enough time to learn about the equipment and its safe use, and take your first shots under the guidance of an expert instructor. And it doesn't just have to be point and shoot, your instructor can organise games and novelty activities to keep everyone entertained, and maybe even add an element of friendly competition to the session.

- A single game of Archery Tag lasts about 10 minutes but don’t be disappointed - you can expect multiple games with different objectives and styles in a session that lasts 1 hour or 2 hours. If you’re spending a couple of days in Brighton, or if you live there, this experience is an unmissable compliment to the rides on the pier, the aquarium and the nightlife that the city has to offer.

Will you be England’s next shooting gold medalist? Find out by booking an experience today.