The basics, in plain English.
Paintball is a team game. You play in marshal-led games across outdoor zones, using a marker (the paintball gun) to tag players on the other team. A hit leaves a clear paint mark, and when you’re hit, you’re out until you respawn or the next game starts.
Yorkshire Outdoor Activity Park has run paintball on the Escrick Park Estate, between York and Selby, since 1988. The game zones are permanent, built up over decades, never inflatables: a 300 ft bridge, a 20-room bunker, a crashed aircraft and a 27-building village.
From £30 per person for 2 hours with 300 paintballs, with all your kit included. Games run on Saturdays at 12pm for ages 12 and over.
Groups of 10 or more book online, groups of 20 or more can arrange midweek, and the park takes groups of up to about 100.
What it’s actually like.
Mask down, marker ready. The marshal blows the whistle and the woods go quiet, until someone breaks cover.
Every game has a goal: capture a flag, hold a position, or simply be the last team standing. Most people are nervous for the first minute, then hooked. By the second game you’re planning flanking routes with people you only met that morning.
Between games you’re back in the safe area: covered group bays, tables, a food counter and time to swap stories about that one shot.
Who it suits, and who it doesn’t.
An honest guide, so the right people book it.
Great for
- Stag and hen dos. The classic group battle, with stories that last for years.
- Birthdays from age 12. School Year 7 and above.
- Team days. Midweek dates for groups of 20 or more.
- Big groups. Up to about 100 players.
Better options if
- Someone is in Year 5 or 6. Try Junior Paintball, with lower-powered markers.
- Anyone would rather not be hit. Laser Tag has all the tactics, with nothing fired.
- You’re fewer than 10. Call 01757 289322: smaller groups can often still join.
- You need it private on a Saturday. Call before booking, or go midweek with 20 or more.
Your day, one step at a time.
Here’s how a Saturday paintball day runs.
- Before you arriveBook and share the formOnline bookings are paid in full. Share the participant form from your booking portal, and everyone e-signs it before the day. A parent or guardian signs for anyone under 18.
- 11:30amArrive and registerRegister, collect your kit and get settled in the safe area.
- Before the first gameThe safety briefingYour marshals explain the kit, the rules and what counts as a hit.
- 12 noonInto the woodsMarshal-led games across the zones: normally 3 to 4 games in 2 hours, or 6 to 8 in 4 hours.
- Between gamesRegroup in the safe areaRefill paintballs, grab a hot drink or a burger, and plan the next game.
- The finishKit back, stories outHand your kit in and head off. Plenty of groups go straight on to a night out.
The game zones.
Four of the permanent zones you might play. Your marshals choose them to suit your group.
- The BridgeKnown as the World’s Biggest Paintball Bridge: 300 ft long and 50 ft wide.
- The BunkerA 20-room bunker for close, tactical games.
- The AirfieldFight around a crashed aircraft.
The Village adds 27 buildings to clear. See every zone on the paintball maps.
The rules that matter.
- What counts as a hitA paintball that breaks on you and leaves a clear paint mark.
- Head hits don’t countAnd deliberately aiming at someone’s head isn’t allowed.
- Minimum distance: 20 feetCloser than that, use the surrender option instead.
- When you’re outStop shooting, raise your hand and follow the respawn instructions.
- No blind firingYou must be able to see what you’re shooting at.
- Masks stay onUntil you’re back in the safe area.
Does paintball hurt?
A hit can sting. How much depends on distance, where it lands and what you’re wearing. Most players say the adrenaline means they barely notice it mid-game.
Full-face masks are compulsory, camouflage coveralls are supplied, and body protectors are available if you want extra padding. Wear layers underneath on cold days. The 20-foot minimum distance and the head-hit rule are there to keep it fun.
What it costs.
£30
per person, for 2 hours with 300 paintballs. Everything included:
- Marker, full-face mask and coveralls
- Air and 300 paintballs each
- Three marshals per game group
- Safety briefing and permanent game zones
| Package | Price | Games | Paintballs |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 hours | £30 | Normally 3 to 4 | 300 each |
| 4 hours (most popular) | £35 | Normally 6 to 8 | 500 each |
| 4 hours, extra paint | £60 | Normally 6 to 8 | 1,000 each |
- Extra paintballs£8 per 100. Most players use around 100 an hour.
- Marker upgrade£10 per person. The standard marker suits every game.
- Smoke grenades3 for £12, ages 18+, in suitable seasons.
- PayingOnline bookings are paid in full. Phone bookings can usually be secured with a £100 deposit.
Compare your options.
Three other team battle games run on the same site.
| Activity | Price | Time | Age | Group |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paintball | From £30 | 2 or 4 hrs | Year 7+ | 10 to about 100 |
| Laser Tag | £25 | 90 mins | Age 12+ | 10 or more |
| Airsoft | £30 | 90 mins | Age 12+ | 10 to 30 |
| Junior Paintball | £25 | 90 mins | Year 5+ | 10 to 50 |
- Choose Paintball ifYou want the full experience: real hits, big zones and big groups.
- Consider Laser Tag ifAnyone would rather not be hit. Nothing is fired.
- Consider Airsoft ifYour group wants a more tactical, mission-style game.
Before you go.
- What to wearComfortable outdoor clothes under the coveralls, and trainers or boots with good grip. No sandals or sliders.
- When to arriveAbout 11:30am for a 12 noon start.
- The weatherGames normally go ahead in rain, cold and light snow. Bring layers, and spare shoes if it’s wet.
- Food and drinkA counter serves hot dogs, burgers, hot drinks and snacks. Adult groups can bring their own food.
- SpectatorsWelcome in the main safe area. Watching live games depends on the zone.
- ParkingFree on site, with space for minibuses and coaches.
Finding us: Escrick Park Estate, Broad Lane, Skipwith, YO8 5SW. 10 minutes from York and Selby, 30 from Leeds.
Your questions, answered.
How much does paintball cost near York?
From £30 per person for 2 hours with 300 paintballs. 4 hours with 500 paintballs is £35, and 4 hours with 1,000 paintballs is £60. All kit is included.
How old do you have to be?
Age 12, School Year 7 and above. Children from School Year 5 can play Junior Paintball, which uses lower-powered markers.
Does paintball hurt?
A hit can sting, depending on distance, where it lands and what you’re wearing. Full-face masks are compulsory, coveralls are supplied and body protectors are available.
How many paintballs will I need?
Most players use around 100 paintballs an hour, though it varies a lot. Extra paintballs are £8 per 100.
Will we play with other groups?
On Saturdays, several bookings may share a game group, but friends who book together always stay together. Call before booking if you need it to be private.
What’s the minimum group size?
The online minimum is 10 players. If you have fewer, call 01757 289322, as smaller groups can often still join. Midweek bookings start at 20.
Does it go ahead in the rain?
Yes, it normally continues in rain, cold and light snow. If we postpone for safety, you’ll be offered another date or booking credit.
Can we combine paintball with another activity?
Often, yes, depending on group size, ages, timings and availability. Call 01757 289322 to plan a multi-activity day.
The organiser’s checklist.
Tick these off and your day will run smoothly.
- Numbers confirmed10 or more online. Fewer? Call us. Midweek starts at 20.
- Everyone is in Year 7 or aboveYounger players can book Junior Paintball from Year 5.
- Participant forms e-signedA parent or guardian signs for anyone under 18.
- An adult with any under-18sAt least one responsible adult must stay with the group.
- Arrival time sharedAbout 11:30am for a 12 noon start.
- Footwear sortedTrainers or boots with grip, plus spare shoes if it’s wet.
In summary.
- From £30 per person2 hours, 300 paintballs and all kit included.
- Ages 12+Junior Paintball from Year 5.
- Saturdays at 12pmArrive about 11:30am. Midweek for groups of 20 or more.
- Permanent zones since 1988Bridge, bunker, aircraft and village.
