Airgun Shooting Ranges in the UK: Top Picks

Whether you enjoy backyard plinking, hunting or competitive target shooting, having the right place to practise your airgun skills is crucial. That’s where airgun shooting ranges come in.

Scattered all over the UK, airgun ranges offer those of all experience levels a safe, controlled environment where they can practise, compete, or simply enjoy the sport. Featuring various targets and distances, indoor and outdoor options, and the chance to meet fellow enthusiasts, the appeal of the air gun range is clear.

If you’ve been searching for an ‘air gun range near me’, you’re in the right place. In this guide, we’ll share our top picks for the best ranges in the UK, and explain what you need to know before your visit.

The Best Airgun Ranges in the UK

The UK boasts a rich variety of airgun ranges, each offering a unique experience. Here, in no particular order, we highlight nine of the best from around the country.

Pete’s Airgun Farm

Nestled near Chelmsford in Essex, Pete’s Airgun Farm provides two large heated indoor ranges with a 55-yard distance and a 65-yard outdoor range. The outdoor range features sheltered shooting positions, making this fantastic airgun firing range suitable for all-weather use.

With a dedicated pistol area, mini HFT course and an array of targets, rests and shooting aids on offer, this airgun shooting range is fully equipped for a superior shooting experience.

On Target Indoor Air Rifle Range

Located in Northampton, this indoor air gun shooting range features seven lanes, with five 25-yard ranges for air rifles and two 10-metre ranges for air pistols. One notable feature is the ‘fly by wire’ target system, which sends and returns your target at the press of the button.

A selection of targets are available for use, along with a free air supply for PCP air gun users. You’ll also find a café and fully-stocked air weapons store on site.

Mendip Shooting Ground

This family-run airgun shooting range, located near Wells in Somerset, is set in the breathtaking Mendip Hills AONB. Established in 1950, the Mendip Shooting Ground is the perfect spot for both clay pigeon and air rifle shooting.

It offers both indoor and outdoor shooting ranges, with covered shooting positions and a good selection of targets at distances up to 27 yards. After your visit, why not enjoy a spot of lunch in the large on-site restaurant?

Doncaster Airgun Range

Located in South Yorkshire, Doncaster Airgun Range offers 18 indoor shooting lanes suitable for both air rifles and air pistols. There are plenty of reactive targets available, or if preferred, you can bring your own paper targets. There’s also a shop selling targets, pellets, scopes and accessories on-site, and a free air station for PCP users.

This popular ‘pay to play’ range is the ideal place to hone your skills if you’re not ready to commit to a membership – all you need to do is bring your own airgun. They also host shooting competitions throughout the year.

Insights Air Range

If you’re based in North East England, you can’t miss Insights Air Range, located in Ferryhill, Durham. This 12-lane, 10-metre indoor airgun shooting range is suitable for both air rifles and air pistols, and boasts a broad range of paper targets, spinners and bells. You’re free to bring your own weapon or hire one on-site.

Insights is a great place for private practice as well as corporate events and parties, with exclusive use of the range available on request. Fully-trained staff are always on hand to offer training, advice and shooting tips.

The Cotswold Range

Based near Cirencester in the picturesque Cotswolds, The Cotswold Range offers both archery and air rifle shooting. With six sheltered 10-metre shooting lanes, this fun-focused range specialises in teaching air rifle shooting to beginners aged 8+, offering lessons run by NSRA-qualified instructors.

You’ll benefit from exclusive use of the range, along with a fantastic variety of challenges, games, and custom printed targets designed to help you hone your skills. Equipment hire comes included in the price.

Atherton Indoor Range

If you’re a Mancunian searching for an ‘airgun shooting range near me’, head to Atherton Indoor Range in the borough of Wigan, Greater Manchester. There, you’ll find three separate indoor ranges:

• A 42-yard air rifle range,
• A 10-metre range suitable for air rifles, pistols, airsoft and BB guns,
• And a 75-yard range for both sub-12 and FAC air rifles – one of the longest public airgun ranges in the UK.

With interactive robotic recall targets and tuition sessions available, Atherton Indoor Range is a perfect choice for shooters looking to improve their skills. Bring your own airgun or hire one at the range. Membership is optional, though members do benefit from a discount.

Furnace Mill Fishery & Air Gun Range

Located in Kidderminster, Worcestershire, Furnace Mill plays host to a fantastic outdoor airgun shooting range, as well as an on-site shooting shop and café.

Open year-round, their plinking and zeroing range is fully covered for all-weather enjoyment. You’ll also find an impressive variety of HFT courses, including 7 competition courses, a 30-target course and a mini practice course. Though Furnace Mill is open to members only (plus 2 guests), taster sessions are available for non-members who wish to try out the facilities.

Alders Air Gun Range

Alders Air Gun Range, near Milton Keynes in Buckinghamshire, is an award-winning venue boasting a 25-yard indoor range and an 80-yard outdoor range.

Their state-of-the-art indoor range, fitted with an electronic target retrieval system, is available for individual bookings and exclusive hire. With no minimum age limit in place, it’s the perfect place for families. The outdoor range, which offers sheltered shooting with both moving and static targets, is available to members only. Tuition and rifle hire are available on-site.

What You Need to Know Before Visiting an Airgun Shooting Range

Looking for an ‘airgun range near me’? If you’ve never visited a shooting range before, there are some things to keep in mind:

• Some ranges are open to members only, while others are ‘pay to play’. You will usually need to book in advance.
• You may have to bring your own weapon if the venue doesn’t offer airgun hire.
• Some shooting ranges may not be suitable for all types of air gun (e.g. air pistols, BB guns, airsoft guns, FAC air rifles). There may also be restrictions on the types of ammunition you can use.
• Age restrictions may vary depending on the shooting range’s policy. As stipulated by law, under-14s must always be supervised.
• Some venues require shooters to have their own third-party liability insurance.

Rules vary between locations, so be sure to familiarise yourself with the venue’s terms and conditions. Additionally, you should always follow the BASC Air Rifle Code of Practice when visiting an air gun range.

The Wolfman: Your One-Stop Shop for Airguns and Accessories in the UK

At The Wolfman, we’re proud to cater to all your air gun shooting needs. Before you head to the range, why not check out our extensive selection of quality airguns and shooting essentials? We stock a wide range of air pistols, air rifles, scopes, ammunition and accessories from some of the industry’s most well-known brands.

Order from The Wolfman today for free delivery across the UK. If you have any questions about our products or site, don’t hesitate to get in touch – our knowledgeable team will be happy to help.