Axe throwing is exactly what it sounds like: throwing axes at wooden targets to score points. It’s done in purpose-built indoor venues, with certified instructors, following a fixed session format that takes complete beginners from their first throw to a competitive tournament in 60 minutes. No experience is required. No special fitness is needed. Almost anyone aged 18 and over can do it.
This guide covers everything you need to know before you book, search, or even decide whether it’s something you want to try.
How Axe Throwing Works
A standard axe throwing session runs for 60 minutes and follows a fixed structure:
Safety briefing (0-10 min): Your certified instructor covers the lane rules, demonstrates the throwing technique, and ensures everyone in the group understands the safety requirements before a single axe is thrown.
Practice throws (10-20 min): Every participant throws multiple practice rounds with individual coaching from the instructor. By the end of this phase, most people have hit the target.
Games (20-40 min): The session moves through a series of structured axe throwing games — Around the World, Cricket, 21, and others — that build skill and create competitive moments.
Tournament (40-60 min): Head-to-head knockout rounds build toward a final. Two people face off. There is a winner. The group remembers it.
For a full minute-by-minute breakdown of every phase, our complete session breakdown guide covers the timing and format in detail.
What Equipment Is Used
The Axe
Competition axes used in recreational venues are purpose-built for the activity — balanced for consistent rotation, heavy enough to stick in the target on impact, and designed with safety in mind. They typically weigh around 1.25 kg (approximately 2.75 lbs) and have a blade length of around 4 inches. The handle is hardwood, long enough for a two-handed grip.
You don’t bring your own axe. All equipment is provided by the venue and inspected before every session.
The Target
Targets are large wooden boards — typically 60cm x 60cm — mounted at a fixed distance from the throwing line. The face is scored like a dartboard: bullseye in the centre, rings of decreasing value moving outward. Competition targets also feature ‘clutch’ scoring zones in the upper corners — small circles worth 7 points, used in tie-breaking situations.
The Lane
A standard axe throwing lane is approximately 4.5 metres from the throwing line to the target — the distance calibrated for one-and-a-half axe rotations in flight. The lane is enclosed on three sides for safety, with a throwing line marked on the floor that nobody may cross until all axes have been thrown.
Is Axe Throwing a Sport?
Yes — and a competitive one with established international leagues and championships. The World Axe Throwing League (WATL) and the International Axe Throwing Federation (IATF) both run competitive circuits with standardised rules, professional rankings, and world championship events. The sport has been growing consistently since approximately 2015, originating as an evolution of Canadian lumberjack competitions.
The World Axe Throwing League is the primary governing body — their site covers the competitive circuit, official rules, and how to progress from recreational throwing to competitive league play.
At a recreational level (which is what venues like Axeperience offer), the sport structure is simplified into a single session format rather than league play. But the technique, equipment, and target specifications used in recreational venues are consistent with competition standards.
Who Does Axe Throwing?
The short answer: everyone. The longer answer: the demographic breakdown of who comes through axe throwing venues is almost entirely driven by occasion rather than personal interest in the sport.
Stag and hen parties: The largest booking category at most venues. The competitive format and equal-footing dynamic make it consistently the strongest stag/hen activity.
Birthday groups: Second largest. Particularly popular for 25th-40th birthday milestones where the group wants something memorable rather than familiar.
Corporate team building: Growing rapidly. The instructor-led structure and skill-development arc make it better suited to corporate groups than most alternatives.
Date nights: Two-person sessions are consistently popular. The competitive dynamic between two people creates a different evening than most ‘interesting date’ options.
Friend groups: Any group of 4-15 looking for something different from a Friday evening in a pub.
Where Did Axe Throwing Come From?
Competitive axe throwing has roots in Scandinavian and Canadian lumberjack competitions, where the accuracy of an axe throw was a practical skill that became formalised into sport. The modern recreational axe throwing venue format emerged in Canada around 2006-2008, spread through North America, and reached the UK in 2017-2018.
The Wikipedia article on axe throwing covers the full history of the sport from its origins through to the current competitive circuit.
Is Axe Throwing Safe?
Yes, with properly managed safety protocols. The safety record at licensed recreational axe throwing venues is strong — significantly better than most outdoor sports. The lane design, mandatory safety briefing, and instructor oversight create a controlled environment where the risk profile is low.
The primary safety rule — nobody crosses the throwing line until all axes have been thrown and the instructor gives the all-clear — is enforced without exception. This single rule eliminates the primary theoretical risk. The rest of the safety protocol covers grip, stance, and throwing line management.
Our dedicated safety guide — is axe throwing safe — covers the full safety record, venue protocols, and exactly what to expect on the day.
What Do You Wear to Axe Throwing?
Closed-toe shoes are the only mandatory requirement. Beyond that: comfortable clothing you can move in, nothing restrictive across the shoulders or arms. Smart casual, office wear, and event outfits are all fine. There is no specific dress code.
Full clothing guide — including what not to wear and footwear specifics — in our complete what to wear axe throwing guide.
How Difficult Is Axe Throwing for Beginners?
Less difficult than most people expect. The learning curve is fast — most first-timers hit the target within their first 10 throws. The technique (grip, stance, wind-up, release, follow-through) is taught from scratch in the session and takes approximately 10-15 throws to begin clicking. The improvement rate within a single 60-minute session consistently surprises first-timers.
Crucially: the improvement rate is independent of general fitness, hand-eye coordination, or prior experience with throwing sports. It’s a specific technique that everyone learns from the same zero baseline.
Everything to know before your first session — technique basics, what to expect, common beginner mistakes — in our complete first-timer guide to axe throwing.
Where Can I Try Axe Throwing?
Axeperience has two venues in the UK:
London Tower Hill: Basement Floor, 48-51 Minories, EC3N 1JJ. Three minutes from Tower Hill tube (Circle/District), Aldgate, and Aldgate East. Open 7 days a week.
Birmingham City Centre: Central Birmingham location. Open 7 days a week.
Sessions from £30pp off-peak (Sunday-Wednesday) and £35pp peak (Thursday-Saturday). Groups of 2 to 60 accommodated. No experience required.
Over 7,500 five-star reviews on Tripadvisor and Google across both venues — read independent reviews before booking.
Live availability online for both venues — book your first session now.
