Archery Beginners Courses Oxfordshire

Archery beginners courses

Start your archery journey with Harlequin Bowmen

Have you ever wanted to try archery?

Whether you've been inspired by the Olympics, historical archery, fantasy films, or simply fancy trying something completely different, our beginners course is the perfect introduction to one of the world's oldest and most rewarding sports.

No previous experience is required. You don't need your own equipment, special skills or a particular level of fitness. All you need is a willingness to learn and have fun.

At Harlequin Bowmen, our Archery GB qualified coaches will guide you through the fundamentals of archery in a friendly and supportive environment, helping you build confidence, develop safe shooting techniques and discover the style of archery that's right for you.

Book a beginners course

Our beginners course at a glance

Ages 8+

Two 3-hour sessions

All equipment provided

Qualified coaches

£60 Adults

£30 Juniors

Is this course for me?

Our beginners courses are suitable for:

✔ Complete beginners

✔ Adults of all ages

✔ Juniors aged 8 and above

✔ Families wanting to learn together

✔ People returning to archery after a long break

✔ Those considering joining an archery club

You don't need any prior knowledge of archery and you certainly don't need to be particularly strong or athletic.

Archery is a sport based on technique, consistency and concentration rather than physical strength. Many of our members started with no experience whatsoever and now enjoy regular club shooting, competitions and social events.

What you will learn

Our course is designed to provide a safe, enjoyable and comprehensive introduction to archery. By the end of the course you'll have a solid understanding of how archery clubs operate and what is expected of archers shooting independently.

Range Safety

Safety is the foundation of all archery.

You'll learn:

How an archery range operates
Range commands and procedures
Safe shooting practices
Equipment safety checks
How to shoot confidently alongside other archers

Shooting Technique

Our coaches will introduce you to the key elements of good shooting form including:

Stance and posture
Drawing the bow
Aiming
Releasing the arrow
Follow-through
Developing consistency

Different Shooting Styles

You'll experience more than one style of shooting and gain an understanding of how different bows and techniques are used within the sport. Our aim is not simply to teach you how to shoot but to help you discover what aspects of archery you might enjoy most.

Scoring and Competition

As your confidence grows you'll learn:

How scoring works
How rounds are shot
Basic competition procedures
Archery etiquette

Course format

Our beginners courses are delivered by qualified Archery GB coaches and consist of structured training sessions designed to build your skills progressively.

Harlequin's current programme is delivered over two practical sessions, each lasting approximately three hours. Successful completion of both sessions qualifies you to apply for club membership.

Each session builds upon the previous one, allowing you to develop confidence and competence at a comfortable pace.

What's included?

Your course fee includes:

Professional coaching from Archery GB qualified coaches
Use of all equipment
Arrows and targets
Safety equipment
Insurance during the course
Guidance on future equipment choices
Advice on joining the club after completion

There is no need to purchase any equipment before attending. In fact, we actively encourage beginners not to buy a bow before completing a course. By the end of the training you'll have a much better understanding of what type of archery interests you and what equipment may be suitable for you.

What happens after the course?

Most participants who successfully complete the course choose to join Harlequin Bowmen as shooting members.

We'll explain the membership process during your final session and help you take your next steps into the sport.

As a member you'll be able to:

Attend regular club shooting sessions
Receive ongoing coaching and support
Take part in club events and competitions
Explore different bow styles
Shoot target, clout and other archery disciplines
Join a welcoming community of fellow archers

Many of our members started exactly where you are now.

"It's a safe and excellent entry point into the world of archery across multiple styles of shooting."

Ewan B

Beginners course FAQs

How much does the beginners course cost?

The beginners course costs £60 for adults and £30 for juniors (under 18). This includes all coaching, equipment and insurance.

How old do I need to be?

Our courses are suitable for adults and juniors aged 8 years and above. Some younger children may find it difficult to handle the equipment comfortably, so we recommend contacting us if you are unsure.

Do I need my own bow?

No. All the equipment you will need for your course is provided.

Can archers with disabilities take part?

Absolutely.

We are committed to making archery accessible and our coaching team has experience supporting archers with a range of additional needs. If you have any specific requirements, please contact us before booking so we can discuss how best to support you.

Where are the course held?

All of our beginners courses are held on the playing fields at Harwell Campus. Park in the Thomson Entrance Car Park, Thomson Ave, Didcot, OX11 0RA.

What should I wear?

Comfortable outdoor clothing and sturdy footwear are recommended.

Avoid loose-fitting clothing, jewellery or anything that could interfere with the bowstring. Closed-toe footwear must be worn at all times on the range.

What if I've done archery before?

If you have previous experience at another club or organisation, we may be able to arrange a short assessment instead of a full beginners course. Please contact us to discuss your experience.

What qualifications do the coaches have?

All of our coaches are trained to at least a Level 1 Coaching Qualification, which enables them to support beginners courses.

We also have Level 2 and Level 3 coaches which allows us to offer further coaching beyond the beginners course up to local and national tournament level.

Book your beginners course

Ready to take your first shot? Places on our courses are limited and often fill quickly, so we recommend booking as early as possible. If you still have any questions before booking, our coaches would be happy to help.

Contact our beginners team

A beginners course is split into two sessions. Session 1 introduces you to archery, equipment, range safety and the fundamentals of shooting. Session 2 builds on these skills by introducing sights, scoring and club shooting procedures. You must complete both Session 1 and Session 2, in that order, before you can apply to join Harlequin Bowmen.