Ingo Simon was a singer, poet and master archer. Born in Chorlton-on-Medlock, in the Victorian era, he travelled the world amassing a collection of bows, arrows and related equipment. That collection is now housed in Manchester Museum, and his legacy lives on in the Greater Metropolitan Area, where numerous archery clubs, ranges and activities can be found.

Shooting projectiles from bows was developed independently in every part of the world for hunting for food, and later for conflict. New technologies have long since replaced it when it comes to finding food and settling disagreements in the modern world, but there’s something about it that means it hasn’t been confined to the history books. Many, like Ingo Simon, are fascinated by the equipment and its uses, others - perhaps inspired by the archer-heroes of the silver screen - find excitement in firing arrows, while for some it’s the calm and focus of aiming the bow that’s most important. Nowadays, in Greater Manchester and around the UK, you’ll find a multitude of ways and locations to take part in this timeless sport, whatever your motivation may be.

Where are the best places to do archery in Greater Manchester?

• Manchester city: The centre of the Northern Powerhouse, has always been on the cutting edge of technology and culture. So it’s no surprise that the best experiences here are the new sport of Archery Tag, a dynamic team game that combines elements of paintball and dodgeball with the ancient discipline of shooting arrows. If you want to get the advantage over the opposing team, there are clubs in the suburbs of the city that offer beginner’s courses where you can train your technique and aim.

• Eccles: Just a couple of miles outside the city of Salford, you can take your first shots with a bow in the company of your friends, family or workmates. Activities and taster sessions are on offer here, and are great for a bit of fun or if you like the idea of this activity and want to find out if it’s the sport for you. You’ll be in the good hands of an experienced instructor who’ll show you the basics then guide you through the first steps. By the end of the day, everyone in the group will be ready to take part in a bit of friendly competition!

• Swinton: Also near Salford, Swinton is home to a club with an indoor range. This county is famous for rainy skies, so it makes sense to have a back up plan, if or when the sun doesn’t shine! But if you’re thinking that shooting indoors could take the fun out of it, think again! With themed shoots - including a Halloween pumpkin target - and a friendly group of members, it has plenty to make you want to stay for more after having a taster session.

• Leigh: The name Leigh comes from an old word for a clearing or glade in the woods, which sounds to us like an ideal spot for a game of archery. Although nowadays the shooting takes place on an indoor range, it’s located within a historic cotton mill. The club welcomes novices to take part in have-a-go sessions, and offers a variety of experiences to those who choose to become members, including shooting with modern compound bows.

Requirements to do this activity

This experience attracts all kinds of people, and each of them has their own reason for getting involved. The good news is that it’s an inclusive and accessible sport, with equipment that can be used by all kinds of people, and adapted in order to allow people with reduced mobility or other disabilities to get involved. On top of that, archers are usually friendly people who’ll do their best to make you feel welcome. There are no age restrictions on taking part, but younger children will need to use special equipment. Depending on the availability from range to range, you might need to be over 11 years old to have a go, although some places can give children of 7 years old and up the chance to take their first shots.

Whether for hunting, fighting or leisure, this activity has always been best enjoyed as a group, so it’s easiest to organise a taster session for a birthday, stag or hen party, or a work group or other organisation like Scouts or Guides. And it’s particularly important to come with your people for Archery Tag. Up to 26 people can attend a session in Manchester, and the group will be divided into multiple teams for a series of games and challenges,and maybe even a tournament. This modality involves shooting arrows at your opponents, but don’t worry - they’re foam-tipped safety arrows and don’t do any damage (especially as you’ll be given a face mask to wear. For this reason, it’s a sport that adults and children alike can enjoy, the minimum age being just 10 years old.

How long does an experience last?

- If you’re coming for a game of Archery Tag, the length of your session will depend on the size of your group. A small group of up to 15 or so people can enjoy 1 hour of gameplay after a 15 minute safety and instruction briefing. Around 20 people and you’re looking at 90 minutes, while bigger groups can play for 2 hours. A single game of this modality only lasts about 5 or 10 minutes, but you’ll play multiple games, with different objectives and variations each time. If you’re part of a large group you might spend some games observing, which is why bigger groups have more time - to make sure that everyone gets the same amount of time in the arena.

A traditional taster of this sport or have-a-go session usually lasts 1 hour. Again, you’ll start with some instructions about the equipment and the safety, before your instructor leads you by example to start shooting. With the expert’s advice, you’ll get the hang of it quickly and by the end of the session you’ll be ready to have some fun with the sport with games, challenges and some friendly competition. There are also 2 hour sessions at some clubs here, which means even more time to hit the bullseye!

Give it your best shot on a range! Tell us when you’re free and we’ll take care of the rest.