The short answer.
A 40th calls for something a bit different, that suits every friend in the group. Zombie Apocalypse Training is our top pick: three precision disciplines in two hours, a score for everyone, and a survival percentage to argue about all night.
Our top pick for a 40th: Zombie Apocalypse Training, £50 per person for 2 hrs.
Most team games start at 10 people. Axe Throwing, Archery and Air Rifles start at 4.
What it’s actually like.
Archery, then air rifles, then axes. By the end, everyone knows exactly who would survive.
Archery, axes and air rifles in one challenge, then everyone’s survival percentage.
Your options.
| Activity | Per person | Time | From |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zombie Apocalypse Training | £50 | 2 hrs | Year 7+ |
| Axe Throwing | £20 | 60 mins | Year 7+ |
| Archery | £25 | 60 mins | Year 3+ |
| Air Rifle Shooting | £25 | 60 mins | Year 7+ |
| Paintball | From £30 | 2 or 4 hrs | Year 7+ |
- Axe ThrowingInstructor-led on a covered, floodlit range, ending in a zombie axe competition.See Axe Throwing
- ArcheryInstructor-led on a covered range, then a scored competition.See Archery
- Air Rifle ShootingPrecision shooting on a covered range, with individually sectioned bays.See Air Rifle Shooting
Planning the day.
How a celebration day usually runs, from booking to the last photo.
- After bookingPay and share the formOnline bookings are paid in full. Share the participant form from your booking portal, and everyone e-signs their own (a parent or guardian signs for under-18s).
- On the dayArrive about 30 minutes earlyRegistration, kit and a safety briefing come first. Saturday paintball starts at 12 noon, with arrival at 11:30am.
- The main eventYour activityInstructors and marshals run everything, so the organiser gets to play too.
- AfterwardsFood, cake and photosHire a party room for £30 and bring your own food, or grab burgers and hot drinks from the food counter.
- The eveningOn to the celebrationsYork is about 10 minutes away, and there’s free parking for minibuses and coaches.
What it costs.
- 12 friends, Zombie Apocalypse Training12 × £50 = £600.
- 12 friends, Axe Throwing12 × £20 = £240.
- 10 friends, Archery10 × £25 = £250.
- 20 friends, 4 hours of paintball20 × £35 = £700.
Worth knowing.
- No experience needed. Everything is taught on the day.
- Calm or competitive: target sports suit friends who’d rather not run about.
- No alcohol before or during any activity. Save the celebrations for after.
- Party room: hire one for £30 and bring your own food and cake.
Your questions, answered.
What’s a good 40th birthday activity near York?
Zombie Apocalypse Training combines archery, axes and air rifles in two hours, with a score for everyone. Axe Throwing and Archery are great calmer options.
Do we need to be fit?
No. Axe Throwing, Archery, Air Rifles and Zombie Apocalypse Training are about technique, not fitness.
How many people do we need?
The target sports start at 4. Team games usually start at 10.
In summary.
- Zombie ApocalypseThe top pick.
- No fitness neededFor the target sports.
- Groups from 4Up to 15 for zombie training.
- From £20 per personAxe Throwing.
