In ancient times, the region we now know as North Yorkshire was the land of the Brigante tribe. They were noble and strong people who didn’t take too kindly to the imperialist project of the Romans during their invasion in the first century CE. Although they eventually became allies of Rome, the tribe, led by Queen Cartimandua, gained a reputation as the most militant in the British Isles. That marshall spirit is still alive in North Yorkshire today, and, though we - thankfully - don’t have to fight for what’s ours in the modern world, we can all recognise that engaging in simulated combat can be a great way to have fun and blow off some steam. Around this county, the largest in the UK, there are numerous installations where we can do just that. We’re talking about paintball centres, where the thrill of the battlefield comes alive, with all the emotion of the real thing, but no risk greater than a small bruise or a ruined t-shirt.

This activity is one of the most popular sports of its kind, probably because it’s so dramatic. It usually takes place in woodland settings, where imaginative structures have been built by the enthusiasts who run the sites. In order to emerge victorious, players must work together, come up with a strategy and outmanoeuvre their opponents, all before unleashing a vivid volley of paint at them. It’s fast, frantic, and fun - and there are great deals on offer around North Yorkshire that make this a proposition that you can’t ignore!

Where are the best places for a game of paintball in North Yorkshire?

• SelbSy: As the country’s longest established paintball centre, and boasting the biggest bridge in any arena in the world, this is a superlative location to enjoy paintballing. What’s offered here is a full package - a large site, purpose built installations, dedicated and experienced staff and guaranteed excitement. It also welcomes all kinds of people to get in on the action, from young recruits to grizzled veterans - though they won’t face off against each other in the same scenario. Located between Selby and the city of York, this site is easy to find on the first visit - which we’re sure won’t be the last!

• Bramham Park: The arena here is on the same estate as the annual Leed’s Music Festival, but don’t turn up with body paint and glitter - you’re going to use paintballs and camouflage gear. Playing here is just as escapist as going to a music festival - there are fantastic game zones modelled on World War Two battlefields and the historic Battle of Gettysburg of the American Civil War. For adults, there are fast action paintball guns (known as markers), while junior players can get their hands on low velocity firearms.

• Harrogate: This town has a reputation for being fashionable and civilised, but if that’s not really your scene, you’ll feel at home in the paintball arena to the east of the urban, or urbane, area. Up to 300 players can play simultaneously across 10 different game zones here. Favourites include a Black Hawk Down scenario, an area inspired by the Tomb Raider films and a Second World War beach landing adventure. Young and old, individuals and groups, all are welcome here, and if you’ve got a large enough group, you can get a game zone to yourself.

• Richmond: There are two top tier paintball sites in the north of the county. The, located in the woods to the northwest of Richmond, has everything from a mediaeval fortress to a Wild West ghost town and a system of bunkers that favour CQB - close quarters battle - and snipers. They also have low calibre markers, alongside the standard type, to take the pain out of paintball! The other site is one of the most popular in the region. You’ll battle across an arena strewn with debris, including burnout troop transporters and tire walls, and navigate trees, trenches and other obstacles. Whether it’s your first time or your five hundredth, this is a safe bet for a legendary game.

Options for organising your experience

Most of the paintball centres in North Yorkshire organise their sessions according to a daily timetable, with several games in the morning and more in the afternoon. You can book yourself a place for half the day or the full day and enjoy a variety of game zones and scenarios. This is especially convenient if you’re going as an individual or a small group, as you’ll be teamed up with other players to bring the mayhem to the arena.

For larger groups, we recommend booking out a space for yourself. It’s a lot of fun to play alongside - or against - people you know, and this can be arranged in a session of an hour, 2 hours, or a half day.

Who can play?

Anyone with an itchy trigger finger can satisfy their cravings for chaos in North Yorkshire. The paintball sites in this county welcome newcomers and veterans to play in their fantastic, immersive game zones, and they can accommodate all ages too. Many of the centres have two sets of equipment - a full size set for adults, and a reduced power option for youngsters. Junior paintball can be suitable for children as young as 8 years old, while the real thing is usually reserved for those over 12 or 14 years old.

One of the best ways to enjoy it is to bring your squad. It’s a classic choice for the lads when organising a stag do, but more and more hen parties are choosing to rough it up before the big day recently. It’s also an innovative way to get the team from the office working together, and corporate groups are well catered for here. BUt who needs an excuse for a great day outdoors with their friends? Any occasion can be special when you come to play.

Do you have the nerve to triumph in the arena? If you think you do, you’ll have to make a booking if you want the chance to prove it!