The 5 venues for axe throwing in Newcastle to release your inner Viking
Axe throwing in Newcastle might sound like a pastime best left to lumberjacks or Vikings, but let’s be honest—who hasn’t secretly wanted to hurl an axe at a target after a long week?
When I first picked up an axe (under professional supervision, of course), I was equal parts excited and convinced I’d somehow manage to hit everything but the target. Spoiler: The wall is perfectly fine.
What surprised me most was how welcoming and, dare I say, calming these places can be. Once you hear the satisfying “thunk” of steel on wood, you’ll understand why so many locals keep coming back.
So, if you’re keen to swap the usual routine for something a bit more edge-of-your-seat, here’s where you’ll find the best spots for axe throwing in Newcastle.
1. LVLs Newcastle
– Media credit: haleynesbitt
Website: https://www.lvls.co.uk/
Address: 5-17 Princess Sq, NE1 8ER1
Contact Details: +44 7876 203975
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Thursday, and Sunday – 12:00 PM to 10:00 PM
- Friday to Saturday – 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM
Pricing: £
LVLs Newcastle at Princess Square is honestly one of those places where you leave with a huge grin—and a new party trick to show off at gatherings. The first time I visited, the staff broke the ice straight away, showing us how to throw without feeling silly.
I jumped straight into trying their Champ Throw machines. These aren’t your ordinary axe lanes; they come with interactive games and challenges, which led to some ridiculously competitive moments among friends.
Having a scoreboard and different games to play really kept the energy up. It’s like the difference between tossing darts at the pub and suddenly participating in your own mini-tournament.
With an age range starting at 10, it’s well-suited to families, though we were a bunch of adults after something a bit different. If you’re keen for a fresh group night out and want an experience you’ll actually talk about afterwards, LVLs Newcastle is well worth a shot.
Pro Tip:
Ask the staff about their “trick shots” or signature throws. Once you’ve got the basics down, many of the LVLs instructors love showing off creative ways to throw, like double-handed tosses or over-the-shoulder attempts.
2. Game of Throwing
– Media credit: gameofthrowing
Website: https://www.gameofthrowing.co.uk/
Address: The Gate, Newgate St, NE1 5TG
Contact Details: +44 7876 203975
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Thursday – 12:00 PM to 8:30 PM
- Friday – 12:00 PM to 10:00 PM
- Saturday – 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM
- Sunday – 12:00 PM to 7:00 PM
Pricing: ££
At Game of Throwing, axe throwing takes on an urban twist. You won’t need any wilderness survival skills here. The vibe is all about friendly competition and having a blast in a city setting.
The main activity centres around hurling small tomahawk-style axes at wooden targets set up in individual lanes. These axes are lighter than the traditional lumberjack variety, making them super approachable, even for beginners or younger participants.
When you get started, you’ll typically play games where you collect points based on where your axe lands on the target, kind of like darts, but with a lot more force and a satisfying thunk.
That’s one of my favourite things about Game of Throwing. Each session blends classic target games with quirky challenges, so there’s always a chance to show off your skills (or just laugh with everyone about those dramatic near-misses).
Pro Tip:
It’s tempting to put all your strength behind the axe, but accuracy at this venue is all about finesse. The axes used are designed for urban throwing—lighter, with a specific balance—so a gentle, straight throw is far more rewarding than a powerful one.
3. Hatchet Harry’s
– Media credit: hatchetharrys
Website: https://hatchetharrys.co.uk/
Address: 18 Forth Banks, NE1 3PG
Operating Hours:
- Monday – Closed
- Tuesday to Friday – 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM
- Saturday – 10:00 AM to 7:15 PM
- Sunday – 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Pricing: ££
Hatchet Harry’s offered one of the most unexpectedly satisfying afternoons I’ve had in Newcastle. My 90-minute session provided plenty of time for a crash course in safety and a chance to try two standard throwing styles.
They’re strict about closed-toe shoes and, after seeing one rogue axe ricochet harmlessly away, I quickly saw the reason.
Hatchet Harry’s caters to ages 8 and up—anyone under 18 needs an adult in tow. You can also bring a group for parties; there’s even an “add drinks” option, which certainly helped us toast our creative aim.
And if you fancy more stress relief, you can book a turn in their Rage Rooms next door. It’s an energetic, brilliantly organised spot, ideal whether you’re celebrating or just keen to discover a new, memorable skill.
Pro Tip:
If you plan to visit for a special occasion, such as a birthday, ask in advance about themed games and custom challenges. They offer unique game variations beyond standard scoring, like “Around the World” or last-person-standing competitions.
4. Go Ape Matfen
– Media credit: goapematfen
Website: https://goape.co.uk/locations/
Address: Go Ape, Matfen, NE20 0RH
Contact details: +44 1603 895500
Operating hours:
- Monday, Thursday to Sunday – 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM
- Tuesday to Wednesday – Closed
Pricing: £
Go Ape Matfen isn’t just about treetop climbs; there’s also axe throwing on offer for those craving a bit of lumberjack-style fun.
Our session kicked off with a quick intro and some straightforward safety tips. Nothing too heavy, but enough to make even complete beginners feel comfortable.
I was convinced my aim would be hopeless, but the instructors were great at offering tips—little things like grip and stance genuinely made all the difference.
As we got into the swing of things, the banter picked up around the group, especially during the friendly competitions the staff organised. I’ll admit, winning a round earned me some unexpected bragging rights.
Pro Tip:
Ask the instructors if you can try different distances once you’re comfortable. The team here love a bit of friendly challenge and are often happy to mix things up for anyone keen to push themselves.
5. Geronigo Axe Throwing
– Media credit: geronigo
Website: https://geronigo.com/en/axe-throwing/
Address: Arch 18 Forth Banks, NE1 3PG
Contact details: 01133 400206
Operating hours:
- Monday to Friday – 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
- Saturday – 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM
- Sunday – Closed
Pricing: ££
Geronigo operates “urban axe throwing,” which normally means you’re indoors, throwing at sturdy wooden targets set up across safe, enclosed lanes. Unlike some rural venues with heavier axes, the axes here are typically lighter and easier to handle.
You’ll get a quick safety briefing before starting, then it’s straight into the action, practising both one-handed and two-handed throws. My first few throws spun sideways, but a little advice soon had me hitting the board with something approaching skill.
Sessions are usually structured around friendly games or mini-tournaments, so you won’t just be hurling axes on your own. There’s a bit of light competition to keep everyone involved.
Most sessions cater for 2–20 people and last over an hour, giving you plenty of time to take part in games, attempt trick shots, and improve your aim. Everything’s provided, from axes to targets and scorecards, so you just turn up ready to give it a go.
Pro Tip:
If you’re up for it, ask staff about any trick shot competitions or challenges. Some sessions offer bonus games that aren’t on the booking form.