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Airsoft guide

Airsoft for beginners: everything you need to know

What it is, how it works and how to start.

A beginner's guide to airsoft near York: what it is, what's included, ages, prices, what to wear, and the difference between a private session and a skirmish day.

£30 per person 90 mins Age 12+ Groups of 10 to 30 players

Updated 2 October 2026 · Written by the Yorkshire Outdoor Activity Park team · 2 min read

Airsoft Skirmish Days

The basics, in plain English.

Airsoft is a tactical outdoor team game using airsoft guns that fire small plastic BBs. Games are built around objectives: attacking or defending a position, holding ground or reaching a target.

Private airsoft is £30 per person for 90 minutes, including the gun, safety equipment and 1,000 BBs each.

Ages 12 and over, groups of 10 to 30, never mixed with another booking. No experience needed.

What it’s actually like.

Airsoft players on a mission

The marshal briefs the mission. Your team moves out, covering each other, towards the objective.

Airsoft feels more tactical than paintball: it’s about missions, positions and teamwork. Every game is explained before it starts, and the marshal chooses permanent zones such as the Bunker and the Airfield to suit your group.

What’s included.

  • A private session, never mixed with another group
  • An airsoft gun, with instruction before you play
  • Safety equipment and a safety briefing
  • 1,000 BBs each
  • Marshal-led missions on permanent tactical zones
  • Free parking

Private session or skirmish day?

Private airsoftSkirmish day (Proving Grounds)
Who it’s forGroups and first-timersOwn-kit players
KitSuppliedYour own
Length90 minutesSix hours of rolling gameplay
WhenBooked in advanceThe first Sunday of every month
Age12+14+
Price£30£25

Skirmish days are run with Halo Mill, whose booking terms apply alongside the park’s site rules. See airsoft skirmish days.

Before you go.

  • What to wearComfortable outdoor clothes, long trousers and trainers or boots with good grip. Layers in the cold, and clothes that can get muddy.
  • When to arrive30 minutes before your start time.
  • The weatherIt normally goes ahead in rain and cold weather.
  • Under-18sA parent or guardian signs the form, and a responsible adult must stay with the group.

Your questions, answered.

Do we need our own airsoft guns?

No. Airsoft guns and safety equipment are supplied in the £30 package.

Is airsoft suitable for beginners?

Yes. Everyone gets equipment instruction, a safety briefing and an explanation of every game first.

How many people can play?

Private airsoft is for groups of 10 to 30 players.

Is private airsoft the same as a skirmish day?

No. Private airsoft is a dedicated 90-minute session for your group. Skirmish days are larger open events for own-kit players.

Does airsoft hurt?

A BB hit can sting briefly. Safety equipment is supplied, and every game is run by a marshal.

In summary.

  • £30 per person90 minutes, 1,000 BBs.
  • Always private10 to 30 players.
  • No experience neededKit supplied.
  • Own kit?Monthly skirmish days.

Ready to try airsoft?

Private 90-minute sessions, £30 per person with 1,000 BBs each.

  • 4.9 stars from 480+ Google reviews
  • Running since 1988
  • Free parking

Keep reading.

About this guide. Written by the team at Yorkshire Outdoor Activity Park, who have run games here since 1988. Prices and session details are checked against our activity pages. Updated 2 October 2026.

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