Start Archery Week gives people all over Great Britain and Northern Ireland the chance to try archery for the first time.
Start Archery Week is returning from 4-12 May 2024!
Clubs and other providers will throw open their doors and welcome people of all ages to come and give the sport of archery a go. Aspiring archers of all abilities and ages can take part, guided by our amazing team of qualified archery coaches and volunteers.
Archery is one of the most accessible sports - there are no limits to who can enjoy shooting a bow and arrows. It also has many health benefits beyond the physical. It's wonderful for your mental wellbeing too, as Matthew, one of our archers, explains: "Archery saved my life and I can’t wait to see where it takes me within the future." You can read more about Matthew's story here. 
Our clubs will be adding their Start Archery Week events to our Experience Finder across the next couple of months, so keep checking back to see if there's one near you, and in the meantime, sign up to our mailing list so you don't miss a thing.
If you don't want to wait until next year, you can use our Club Finder to start your archery journey today.
Is there an age limit to who can take part in a Start Archery Week event?
- Archery can be enjoyed by all ages but some clubs choose to set a minimum age on their beginner's courses, so it's best to check with those. At Start Archery Week, clubs will often have soft archery kits or extra volunteers on hand to support younger children, so all the family can still go along and enjoy themselves!
What equipment do I need?
- When you shoot, you'll need a bow, some arrows, an armguard to protect your arm and maybe a tab to protect your fingers. But don't worry because this will all be provided for you at the event. All you need to bring is yourself.
What do I need to wear?
- Some events will be outdoors, so make sure you dress for the weather. Flat, closed-toe shoes are a must, as is tying back long hair. Anything dangly like necklaces or hoodie strings will need to be tucked in, but the volunteers will remind you of that on the day. Head coverings, such as hijabs, can be worn.
I'm busy during Start Archery Week, can I take part on other dates?
- Clubs run beginners' courses, taster sessions and have-a-goes throughout the year. Visit our experience finder to find archery experiences near you today.
Experience finder
Start Archery Week 2023
Start Archery Week 2023 took place from 6-14 May across the UK at clubs and other providers.
Here's some key stats from the 2023 event:
- 106 events were held
- More than 6,000 people are estimated to have tried archery during the week
- Trent Valley Archers had the highest number of attendees – 238
View the map below to see where events were held:
