If your kids have ever fancied themselves as the next Robin Hood or Legolas, we’ve found the perfect place to put those dreams to the test! Adventure Now Archery Club in Manchester is one of the most exciting outdoor activity centres in the North, and it’s the kind of day out that older kids absolutely love.
Set deep in 350 acres of Botany Bay Woods in Worsley, Adventure Now takes families well away from the city and into a proper woodland setting where the activities are anything but ordinary. Archery is the star of the show, but there’s a whole lineup of action-packed extras to keep everyone busy from the moment you arrive.
TL;DR: Adventure Now is an outdoor activity centre near Manchester for families with kids aged 7+. Archery, crossbows, axe throwing, quad biking and air rifle shooting are all on offer. Tickets are £35 per person, with one free child place per paying adult. Pre-booking is essential.
Whether you’re planning a weekend adventure, a birthday party, or just looking for something genuinely different from the usual soft play and cinema routine, Adventure Now delivers in a big way. Here’s everything you need to know before you go!
What Is Adventure Now?
Adventure Now is an outdoor activity centre tucked into the beautiful Botany Bay Woods in Worsley, Greater Manchester. It’s close enough to the city to be an easy trip, but feels genuinely remote once you’re there, surrounded by trees and fresh air.
The whole concept is built around giving families and groups a proper warrior-style experience. Every session is shaped to suit the group, which means complete beginners are just as welcome as those who’ve picked up a bow before. The instructors are enthusiastic and hands-on, so no one gets left behind.
What makes it stand out from other activity centres?
- It’s set in 350 acres of real woodland, not an indoor arena
- Sessions are tailored to your group’s ability and age
- Multiple activities are available in one visit
- Kids go free on archery and axe/knife throwing (one free child per paying adult)
- It’s available for kids’ birthday parties and private group hire
Think it sounds a bit too intense for younger kids? Think again! The minimum age is just 7, and the instructors are brilliant at making sure even the youngest members of the group have a fantastic time.
Archery at Adventure Now: What to Expect
The archery club experience at Adventure Now is the real highlight for most families, and it’s easy to see why. With a variety of targets set up across the outdoor range, you’ll be aiming for the bullseye in a proper woodland setting, which feels a world away from a standard sports hall session.
Perfect for Beginners
No experience? No problem! The instructors at Adventure Now are experienced and knowledgeable, and they’ll walk your group through everything from how to hold the bow correctly to how to load, draw back and release. Within a few minutes, even the most nervous beginners are usually grinning from ear to ear.
The sessions are paced to suit your group, so if some family members pick it up quickly while others need a little more time, everyone gets the attention they need.
Step It Up With the Crossbow
Already handy with a traditional bow? Adventure Now gives you the chance to test your skills even further with their crossbow sessions. It’s a brilliant step up for kids who’ve got the basics nailed and want a new challenge.
The archery experience in a nutshell:
- Outdoor range with multiple targets
- Suitable for complete beginners aged 7+
- Enthusiastic instructors on hand throughout
- Progress to crossbow once you’ve mastered the bow
- Group sessions shaped to suit your family’s pace
If you’re looking for more archery experiences across the UK, we’ve rounded up the best options from Manchester to the New Forest and beyond!
More Activities to Try at Adventure Now
Archery is the headline act, but Adventure Now has plenty more up its sleeve. You could easily spend a brilliant couple of hours working through the full activity lineup, and the variety means there’s genuinely something for every member of the family.
| Activity | What It Involves | Great For |
|---|---|---|
| Archery | Bow and arrow sessions with multiple outdoor targets | All ages from 7+, beginners and beyond |
| Crossbow | Step up from archery with a crossbow challenge | Kids who’ve mastered the basics |
| Axe Throwing | Learn the many different ways to throw an axe! | Older kids and adults after something unique |
| Quad Biking | Off-road biking through the woodland setting | Thrill-seekers in the family |
| Air Rifle Shooting | Supervised shooting sessions with qualified instructors | Families looking for a precision challenge |
Bear with us here! We know axe throwing sounds a little extreme, but it’s one of the most popular activities on site and the instructors make it completely safe and absolutely brilliant fun. You’ll be amazed at how quickly the whole family gets the hang of it!
The typical visit time is 1 to 2 hours, which is just right for a half-day adventure that doesn’t leave everyone exhausted. It’s the perfect pairing with a Manchester lunch or a trip to one of the city’s other great family attractions.
Adventure Now Prices and Tickets 2026
One of the best things about Adventure Now is the pricing structure, which is genuinely great value for a full activity session. Here’s a breakdown of what to expect for 2026:
| Ticket Type | Price |
|---|---|
| Adult (18+) | £35.00 |
| Child (7-17) | £35.00 |
| Family (child place) | Free (one free child per paying adult) |
A few important things to note:
- There is a minimum of 2 adults per group
- All under-18s are classed as children
- Kids go free on archery and axe/knife throwing sessions
- Pre-booking is required as walk-ins are not accepted
Top tip: Book in advance to secure the cheapest available tickets! Pre-booking also guarantees your slot, which is especially important during school holidays and weekends when Adventure Now gets busy.
With one free child place for every paying adult, a family of two adults and two children would pay £70 in total. That’s exceptional value for a session that includes multiple activities in a stunning woodland setting.
Opening Times
Adventure Now is open seven days a week, with slightly extended hours at weekends. Here are the regular opening times for 2026:
| Day | Opening Hours |
|---|---|
| Monday to Friday | 11:00 – 17:00 |
| Saturday and Sunday | 10:00 – 17:00 |
Extended hours may be available during school holidays and peak periods, so it’s always worth checking ahead when planning a visit during half term or the summer break. To book your slot, email the team directly at theteam@adventurenow.co.uk.
Getting There and On-Site Facilities
Adventure Now is located at Botany Bay Woods, Grange Road, Worsley, Manchester, M30 8JQ. It’s close to the city centre, making it an easy drive for families across Greater Manchester and the surrounding areas.
Getting There
One important thing to be aware of: the venue is at the end of a 2-mile private road through the woods. It’s a beautiful approach, but it does mean a taxi is recommended if you’re not driving, as the walk from the nearest bus or tram stops in Worsley is quite a trek. If you are driving, the good news is that on-site parking is completely free!
Facilities on Site
Adventure Now is well set up for a comfortable family visit. Here’s what’s available:
- Free on-site parking with accessible spaces for visitors with disabilities
- Toilets including accessible toilets (ask a staff member for access)
- Free Wi-Fi on site
- Wheelchair-friendly access throughout
- Hot and cold drinks plus a range of snacks available to buy
- Families are also welcome to bring their own food
Bear in mind that there are no baby changing facilities and the site is not pushchair-friendly in all areas, so Adventure Now is best suited to families with children aged 7 and above.
Food and drink budget: For a typical family of four, on-site food and drink costs around £10, so it won’t break the bank if you want a hot drink and a snack mid-session.
Adventure Now for Kids’ Parties
Looking for a birthday party venue that’s a bit more exciting than the usual options? Adventure Now is available for private hire and kids’ party packages, and it’s absolutely brilliant for groups!
Party packages include:
- Archery sessions
- Axe throwing
- Marshmallow roasting (a brilliant finishing touch!)
The venue can accommodate up to 100 guests, making it suitable for everything from a small group of friends to a bigger birthday bash. Private catering isn’t provided, but guests are welcome to bring their own food and drinks.
To enquire about party bookings, get in touch with the team at theteam@adventurenow.co.uk. It’s worth getting in early, especially for popular dates during school holidays!
Is Adventure Now Worth It? Our Verdict
Absolutely, yes! Adventure Now is one of those rare days out that genuinely delivers something different. It’s not a theme park, it’s not a soft play centre, and it’s nothing like a typical activity centre. It’s a proper outdoor woodland adventure that kids aged 7 and up will absolutely love, and that adults will enjoy just as much.
The archery club experience is the standout activity, with patient instructors, a brilliant outdoor setting and the genuine thrill of hitting a target for the first time. Add in axe throwing, crossbows, quad biking and air rifle shooting, and you’ve got a packed session that flies by.
Quick summary:
- Best for: Families with children aged 7 and over
- Visit time: 1 to 2 hours
- Cost: £35 per adult, £35 per child (7-17), one free child per paying adult
- Standout activity: Archery and axe throwing
- Don’t forget: Pre-booking is required, so sort your tickets before you travel!
It’s a popular destination for a reason! Adventure Now has everything you need for a brilliant active family day out in Manchester, and the woodland setting makes it feel like a proper escape from the everyday.
Head over to the Adventure Now attraction page to check availability and plan your visit for 2026!