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Frequently Asked Questions

Do you have a Question?

Below we have hopefully covered all of the commonly asked questions at Bristol Activity Centre

But if you still have a quick query, then please do hit the green WhatsApp Message button to ask!

Minimum age requirements for all activities can be found at the bottom of this page.

If you have a food-related query please see the Food and Drinks Menu below;

Food & Drinks Menu

General FAQ’S

Easy! All bookings can be made online through our website 24/7 – We always recommend booking in advance, especially for weekends and school holidays as spaces fill quickly.

However, if your group does not meet the minimum quantity, then you will need to WhatsApp us to so if we can tag you onto another group! Also if you booking is less than 3 days notice then we generally have to book you in via WhatsApp / phone.

We strongly recommend arriving on time, as your session will start with a safety briefing and equipment fitting before gameplay begins.

If you are late, you may:

Join the session late once the group has already started
and lose session time. If you are very late then you may miss your session completely.

To avoid missing out, please aim to arrive at least 15–20 minutes early to allow time for check-in, parking, and getting kitted up.

If you think you’re going to be late, please contact us as soon as possible so we can advise you.

Pregnant participants are not able to take part in the following activities:

Quad Biking
Shotgun Shooting
Bubble Football
Battle Archery

In some cases, participation in other activities may be possible only if medical advice has been sought and confirmed by your GP beforehand.

Please note, we are not medical professionals and are unable to provide medical guidance or clearance for participation.

As an outdoor activity centre, much of our terrain is uneven and can be physically demanding. For this reason, we do not recommend attendance or participation for individuals who are in the later stages of pregnancy, even for lower-impact activities.

If you are unsure, we strongly advise consulting your GP before making a booking.

Please aim to arrive 10-15 minutes prior to your session – especially in summer where the motorway traffic is busy! On arrival we check in each individual participant by checking they have completed their Waiver. We then issue a wristband.

It is important to complete your waiver before you arrive to speed up this process!

We operate in all weather conditions! We are an outdoor activity Centre, and activities continue rain or shine unless conditions are deemed unsafe an Amber warning “risk of life” by the Met Office.

Yes, Hot and cold refreshments are available on site. We offer Pizzas, Burgers, Panini’s, Chips, cookies, cakes, crisps, ice creams, freshly ground barista coffee, and a large selection of branded cold drinks.

We recommend bringing water bottles as although we have stored water on site for handwashing etc we do not have mains tap water suitable for drinking.

We only allow food and beverages purchased on site to be consumed on the premises. However you are more than welcome to bring a birthday cake!

Yes, free on site parking is available on site for customers.

Yes, bookings can usually be amended or rescheduled with sufficient notice 14+ days.

However we do not accept cancellations on the day.

Please contact the bookings office as soon as possible so we can assist you.

Yes, in most cases. We group players by session type and ability to keep things fair, safe, and fun. Private group bookings are available for some activities.

We may offer private sessions for large groups of 20+ people, at an additional cost. Please enquire about this when booking.

Not at all! All of our activities are designed for complete beginners through to experienced players. Our instructors will guide you every step of the way.

Yes! We have many activities suitable for people of different abilities. Please contact us for more information.

Wheelchair accessible activities:
– Air Rifles
– Archery (upon request)
– Paintball & Airsoft
– Clay Pigeon Shooting
– Quad Trekking

Spectators are welcome at most activities at additional cost, as we still have to cover them on insurance, they have to receive the safety briefings, and be looked after by a member of staff like all other participants.

Spectators must remain in designated safe areas, and would not be allowed to wander around paintball/airsoft game zones, or on the quad tracks.

NO! Our venue is strictly a drug- and alcohol free venue. Any participants suspected of being under the influence of drugs or alcohol will be asked to leave without a refund.

Yes, we have toilet facilities – where you can freshen up after your session.

However we do not have a separate changing room.

No – however due to our central location you wont have far to drive to grab a shower – we are also right next to several large hotel chains, Mollies and Premier Inn.

Yes! We offer meal deals which are cheaper if you pre-book.

However you can order food on arrival to be served after your activities.

Or even come along for breakfast before you start your adventures with us!

PAINTBALL FAQS

Our standard paintball games last about 10 – 15 minutes each. We have a game briefing before each game that takes a couple of minutes. After each game we have a quick break to grab a drink and wipe off any paintball splats. We play a minimum of 5 games for a 2 hour session, but try to fit in more if we can!

Groups are always split into 2 teams, unless it’s a group of 3 people or less. We do this because over the years we’ve found that keeping a group together, and putting them all on one team creates an “us and them” scenario. At times, this can cause bad feeling between different groups.

Also some groups have people who are more experienced at playing paintball than others. So for example, if we put a group of 5 inexperienced paintballers against a group of 5 regular players! The inexperienced groups team will be beaten all day long by the experienced groups team – ruining everyones fun.

But the main reason for splitting a single group into different teams is… If you’re not coming paintballing to shoot paint at your mates, family, the birthday boy, or your stag. Then why have you chosen to come paintballing? Shooting people you know is by far the most enjoyable thing about paintballing!

A U.S statistic has found that you are more likely to become a casualty playing a round of golf than playing paintball for a day. Injuries in paintball tend to be more like ankle sprains and bruise!

Yes! The paint washes out of the hundreds of pairs of overalls we use every week – thankfully.

Nowadays we use smaller paintballs – than 10+ years ago. However Paintball can sting when you get hit at close range, but for most people it’s very manageable and only lasts a few seconds. The sensation is often described as a quick “flick” or pinch rather than lasting pain.

At our site, players wear full protective equipment including masks and overalls, which helps reduce the impact. Distance, clothing, and adrenaline all play a big role too—most players are so focused on the game that they barely notice most hits during play.

Any marks or bruising are usually minor and temporary, similar to a light sports bruise.

In short: it can sting briefly, but it’s not something that stops people enjoying the experience—and for most, the fun far outweighs it.

We recommend wearing comfortable, old clothing that you don’t mind getting muddy or paint marked.

Suitable clothing includes:

Long-sleeved top and long trousers (to help protect skin)
Trainers or sturdy outdoor footwear (no open-toe shoes or sandals)
Layers depending on the weather

All players are provided with protective overalls and a full-face mask, which must be worn at all times during gameplay.

Avoid wearing anything expensive, white, or delicate, as paint may stain clothing. Also try to remove loose jewellery and bring a change of clothes if you want to travel home comfortably afterwards.

We recommend bringing a few simple items to make your day more comfortable:

Old, comfortable clothes (that you don’t mind getting dirty)
Sturdy trainers or boots (no open-toe shoes)
A change of clothes and shoes for after your session
Money or card if you’d like to purchase extras (e.g. additional paintballs, food, or drinks)
Water to stay hydrated, especially in warmer weather

All essential safety equipment is provided on site, including overalls, masks, and all protective gear needed to play.

We also suggest leaving valuables at home where possible, as storage space on site may be limited.

It depends on how much you want to play and how trigger-happy you are!

As a general guide:

Standard 2 hour session: 300–500 paintballs
(most popular option – enough for several games)
Heavy players / very active shooters: 500–1000+ paintballs
(for those who like to stay constantly in the action)

Most players find that 300–500 paintballs is a good balance between cost and gameplay time.

If you run out, you can always buy more on the day, so you don’t need to overthink it in advance.

You will check in at reception, complete registration, and join your group for a full safety briefing. You’ll then be issued your equipment before heading out to the game zones.

We operate in all weather conditions! Paintball is an outdoor activity, and games continue rain or shine unless conditions are deemed unsafe.

No – for safety and fairness reasons, all equipment and paintballs must be purchased and used on site.
Particpants found to have brought their own paintballs may be asked to leave.

Airsoft FAQs

Airsoft is not designed to hurt at all, in fact sometimes you won’t even feel that you have been shot!
At worst you will only feel a sting from a small plastic ball bullet (BB).

We need a minimum of 8 people to run a session – however we join small groups together to run a session! so if you have less than 8 then please get in touch!

Our “rental packages” include BB’s. And due to quality control and saftey we do not allow participants to bring their own BBs for these sessions.

However if you are coming to an “own gunner day”you can bring your own BBs. Both bio and non bio types are allowed. You can also purchase your BBs from us in various weights.

Yes, our airsoft cub is called “black ops” every single Sunday all year round! Search; Black Ops Bristol on Facebook or click here

No we do not provide tank and/or military vehicle driving experiences. Any video or photographic footage of our staff or customers taking part in these military driving activities, were taken during a special event, and with special arrangement in advance.

Air Rifles FAQs

Yes, we have a club but anyone can shoot at our range!

Club members get offers and discounts, click here for more information.

The minimum age to shoot is 8 years old. People under the age of 18 attending the Club will need to be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

No, beginners are welcome!

Yes our 1 hour sessions which include all equipment and tuition.

All new “own gunners”including those who have shot before, are assessed and briefed for their abilities and skill level to ensure they are able to shoot safely.

We have hire equipment available to rent for the session.

QUAD TREK FAQS

Not at all! Our quad biking sessions are designed for complete beginners through to experienced riders. You’ll receive full instruction before heading out, and our instructors will be with you throughout.

Quad biking is typically suitable for ages 8+ For junior quads, we have different-sized quad bikes for different ages.

For full-size adult quads you must be 16+ due to insurance.

Session last around 60 minutes, which includes safety briefings and 30 minutes of driving time.

You’ll ride in a group with other participants, but everyone has their own quad. Our instructors guide the session and control the pace to suit the group.

Yes – safety is our priority. You’ll receive a full briefing, helmet and protective equipment, and instructor supervision throughout the session. Our tracks are designed specifically for safe, controlled riding.

No driving licence is required, but you must meet the minimum age requirement and be able to understand and follow instructions from your instructor.

Perfect – most people haven’t! We start with the basics and build your confidence before moving onto more challenging terrain.

What should I wear?

You must wear;

Long trousers and long sleeves

Sturdy closed-toe shoes or boots

Weather-appropriate layers

All safety gear is provided.


What should I bring?

We recommend:

A change of clothes (you WILL get wet if it rains)

Towel if needed

Money/card for extras or refreshments

Water if you’d like to stay hydrated

Even better! Quad biking runs in all weather conditions and rain often makes the experience more exciting. Sessions only stop if conditions are unsafe.

All equipment, including helmets and safety gear, is provided and must be used for safety reasons.

However gloves and a snood are a saftey requirement – you may bring these if you have them, or purchase on site for a small fee.

If you gave your own CE-approved motorbike helmet, then you are welcome to wear it, although a staff member will have to inspect that its suitable.

It can be a bit of a workout! You’ll need to control the quad over uneven terrain, but sessions are paced to suit the group so everyone can enjoy it.

Archery / Crossbow FAQ’S

Not at all! These sessions are perfect for complete beginners. Our instructors will guide you through everything step-by-step, from stance and aiming to hitting your first target.

Sessions usually last 60 minutes, including instruction, practice, and games/targets.

Yes – but in a fun way! We often include games, challenges, and score-based rounds to keep things exciting, whether you’re solo or in a group.

Yes – absolutely. Safety is taken very seriously. All sessions are fully supervised by trained instructors, and strict safety rules are followed at all times on the range.

Not really. We use equipment suitable for beginners, and our instructors will help you find the right bow or crossbow for your ability.

Crossbows can be a little more physically demanding, as you have to clip the string back in each time by pulling it.

Archery uses traditional bows requiring technique and control, while crossbows are more mechanically assisted and focus on precision shooting. Both are great fun and offer different challenges!

No – we run archery and crossbows in most weather conditions. In extreme Amber weather, we may adjust or reschedule for safety.

Our Archery does have a sheltered range area to shoot from.

Shotgun Shooting FAQ’s

Shotgun shooting is a clay target experience where you’ll learn how to safely handle and fire a shotgun at moving clay pigeons launched into the air. It’s fast-paced, exciting, and incredibly satisfying when you hit your first target!

No! We actually use 20 gauge shotguns and subsonic cartridges.. the gun looks exactly the same, as the 12 gauge shotguns that most traditional “farm” shoots use – but the gun feels lighter (easier to hold up) and does not give that painful “kick back” into your shoulder.

Not at all. Our sessions are designed for complete beginners as well as those with some experience. Our qualified instructors will guide you through everything step-by-step.

This really varys from person to person, and depends on group size.

But most groups are usually allocated 1 hour.

Generally, we have a maximum of 4/5 people per instructor.

The more clays you have in your package the longer it will take.

No – Its usually a minimum of 2 people per session, so you’ll be part of a small group, taking turns under close instructor supervision. Everyone gets plenty of time and opportunity to shoot.

Yes – safety is our highest priority. All sessions are fully supervised by qualified instructors, and strict safety rules are followed at all times.

No licence is required to take part in our supervised clay shooting sessions. Everything is provided and controlled on site.

However All participants must confirm they are not prohibited from possessing or handling firearms under Section 21 of the Firearms Act 1968. Anyone who is prohibited by law will not be permitted to take part in shotgun shooting activities.

Who is affected?

You are prohibited under Section 21 if you have been sentenced to:

A custodial sentence (including suspended sentences) of 3 months or more, OR
A previous firearms-related conviction resulting in a prison sentence

If this applies, you are legally not allowed to handle or use a shotgun, even under supervision.

What should I wear?

We recommend:

Comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing
Closed-toe shoes or boots
Layers depending on conditions

Avoid overly loose clothing or anything that could restrict movement.

What should I bring?

We recommend:

A change of clothes if the weather is poor
Money/card for extras or refreshments
Water if you’d like to stay hydrated

All specialist equipment is provided on site.

Clay pigeons are small targets launched into the air to simulate bird flight. The smash when they are shot, and are made of a biodegradable hard “clay material”

Your challenge is to track and hit them using a shotgun.

It can take a few tries to get the hang of it, but our instructors will help you improve quickly. Most people are surprised how many targets they hit by the end of the session!

Yes – friendly competition is often part of the fun, especially for group bookings.

We issue everyone with scorecards to keep score – and even a medal for the winner!

Yes! However, you will need to call us prior to booking so that we can arrange “subsonic” cartridges that we provide for your session – we keep our sessions “noise friendly” for the surrounding area.

No – we carry on in all weathers! Our clay pigeon shooting takes place in sheltered shooting huts. We recommend sensible footwear, no open toed shoes.

We also advise to bring a coat or umbrella for walking in between shooting huts

Yes! You must wear either ear protectors or special ear bud which we provide. Although we use “subsonic cartridges” so it is a little quieter than the standard shotgun cartridges people usually use.

Bubble Football, Battle Archery & NERF – FAQS

NERF Wars is a high-energy blaster game where teams battle it out using foam dart blasters in fun, themed game zones. Think paintball… but foam and family-friendly!

Bubble Football is football… but inside giant inflatable bubbles! Expect bouncing, rolling, crashing, and a lot of laughter while trying (and mostly failing) to score goals.

Battle Archery is a fast-paced team game combining dodgeball and archery – using foam-tipped arrows to tag opponents in a safe, action-packed arena.

No – hits feel like a light tap and are completely safe. The foam arrows are designed specifically for impact-free fun.

Comfortable sports clothing
Trainers
Clothing you can move freely in

The ground is a field, and can be uneven, or slippery on the grass when wet if you do not have appropriate footwear.

Usually 60 minutes, including briefing and multiple game rounds.

Minimum Ages

Activity
Minimum Player Age
Standard Paintball*
11 years +
Bubble Football*
16 years +
Low Impact Paintball*
8 years +
Airsoft*
11 years +
Quad Biking
6 years +
Clay Pigeon Shooting*
12 years +
Archery*
11 years +
Battlezone Archery*
11 years +
Air Rifles*
10 years+
Axe, Tomahawk & Knife Throwing*
11 years +
Nerf Wars*
6 years +

* Any participants under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.