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Do you want to experience the thrill of axe throwing in Manchester? You’ve come to the right place!
Here at Manchester Pocket Guide, we always love a good activity bar and fun games so it was only a matter of time before we decided to test the trendy axe-throwing experience in Deansgate.
⏱️ IN A RUSH?
Whistle Punks is definitely worth it!
It’s a lot of fun, especially if you are going with friends.
Whistle Punks is one of the most popular and highly rated axe-throwing venues in Manchester, offering a fun and exciting way to spend an evening with friends or on a date.
In this review, we’ll take a closer look at what Whistle Punks have to offer, as well as provide some tips on how to make your time there even more enjoyable. So grab your axe and let’s get started!
What is Whistle Punks Axe Throwing Manchester?
Whistle Punks is an axe-throwing venue located in the Deansgate area of Manchester, in the heart of the stunning Great Northern Warehouse.
With up to 5 throwing lanes, it’s a great place to enjoy some competitive fun with your friends or family (or even on a date!).
Each lane comes equipped with two axes and targets, as well as a dedicated instructor who will be there to guide you through the basics and provide helpful tips.
The venue also offers a range of drinks and snacks to enjoy during your session, so you won’t need to worry about leaving for supplies.
How to book your axe throwing experience in Manchester
Booking an axe-throwing experience at Whistle Punks is simple and straightforward. You can book online here.
You will need to choose the day and time for your session, pay and that’s it!
It’s also worth noting that there is free cancellation up to 3 days before your booking so that’s a bit of peace of mind right here.
Once you get there, you will be greeted by an instructor, can grab a drink and will then start your experience on a dedicated lane with your group (and/or other participants).
What to expect from the axe throwing experience at Whistle Punks Deansgate?
Whistle Punks axe throwing experience is designed for people of all skill levels, from beginners to experienced throwers.
If you have never tried it before, don’t worry – the instructors will be there to guide you through the basics and teaching you the key techniques so that you can enjoy a successful session.
Here is how the experience is going to be.
Firstly, you need to book your experience.
Once it’s done, go to the venue on your chosen day, ideally at least 10 minutes before your session.
You need to walk through the Great Northern Warehouse and turn right before Odeon. The entrance is located in front of the Lions Den.
Once you walk in, you will be greeted by an instructor who will ask for your names to confirm the booking.
You can then grab yourself a drink and will be called when the session starts.
You will get a group safety briefing before starting and then be called to a specific lane.
It’s important to note that there are 10 people per lane so if your group is smaller, you will be with other people as well (but don’t worry, it’s all part of the fun).
Once there, the instructor will explain exactly how to throw the axe.
There are two techniques: with both hands or just one hand.
The instructor will call you 2 by 2 (with your partner) and you will get to do a test run to start.
They will show you exactly how to throw the axe with one hand and both. You will then get to try several times both techniques.
This is very important because it will take some of the stress away and you will get to understand which technique is the best for you.
Once everyone had a go, you will start the actual competition.
There are 3 rounds. You get to throw the axe 5 times for each round.
Here is how it’s going to work:
- First round: you throw against your partner
- Second round: the instructor will choose your opponent
- Third round: you get to choose your opponent and can even choose to play against the instructor (you get bonus points if you win against them).
Once you are all done, the instructor will count the points and let you know who is the winner.
The winner gets an extra go with both axes as well.
Finally, you can take photos with the targets and the axes at the end.
Whistle Punks Axe Throwing Manchester: Pros
If you are still wondering whether axe throwing is for you. Here are some of the things we loved the most about it.
- It’s lots of fun! Whether you’re a novice or an expert, axe-throwing is always a great way to have some fun with friends or family. It is so much more fun than you expect it to be! We all know how fun darts or bowling can be but axe throwing is just next-level fun!
- Dedicated instructor. The staff at Whistle Punks are all very friendly and professional, so you can rest assured that your axe-throwing experience will be safe and enjoyable. The instructor will always explain the rules and tips to make sure that everyone is having a great time.
- Great atmosphere. Whistle Punks Manchester has a great atmosphere, with drinks on offer and music playing so you can really enjoy your experience.
- It’s very safe. One of the main worries about axe throwing is the safety so be reassured, it is very safe. You are never left to your own devices. The instructor keeps an eye on everything and everyone. They always make sure everyone is positioned in a safe place and is using the right techniques.
- Great team-building activity. Axe throwing at Whistle Punks Manchester is a great way to build teamwork as you will be competing against each other in the competition. It’s also a great way to bond and get to know each other better. Since there are 10 people per lane, it makes the perfect activity for a corporate event.
Whistle Punks Axe Throwing Manchester: Cons
Nothing is perfect, of course. Here are some of the things we didn’t like that much:
- No one-on-one instruction. The instructor is always there with the group but you will be mixed with other people. It would be nicer if you would get a private lane but at the same time, it’s also fun to play with other people.
Is Whistle Punks Axe Throwing Manchester worth it?
Yes, we definitely think that axe throwing at Whistle Punks Manchester is worth it. It’s lots of fun and a great way to have a unique experience with friends or family.
The staff are all very friendly and professional which makes the whole experience more enjoyable. It was so much fun and we would have kept going all night if we could have!
Tips to enjoy your axe throwing experience in Manchester
There are no special skills required to do axe throwing which means that any adult can try it however, since we always like to share some tips, here they are.
1. Make the best of the practice throw before you start. This will help you to understand the technique and get comfortable with throwing an axe. There is no pressure to score points at this stage so just remove any pressure and try your best to understand how to throw the axe.
2. Wear closed-toe shoes for safety.
3. Don’t throw with force. There is usually no need to throw with 100% of your power. You’ll be surprised how far and accurately you can throw the axe if you use the correct technique. Using too much strength is not helpful and will actually make the axe bounce back. It’s all about accuracy and nothing is about strength.
4. Listen to the instructor carefully. They will give you some tips that will help during the game so pay attention and take their advice on board.
5. Don’t drink too much before the experience. We all want to have a good laugh and enjoy ourselves but if you drink too much, it will be harder for you to concentrate.
6. Have fun! Axe throwing is an exciting and unique experience so make the most of it and just enjoy each moment.
Overall, Whistle Punks axe throwing in Manchester was an unforgettable experience that we would definitely recommend.
With a dedicated instructor, great atmosphere and lots of laughter, you can be sure you will have a great time!
Alternatives to Whistle Punks in Manchester
If you’re looking for more axe-throwing options in Manchester then there are a couple of alternatives.
Boom Boom Bar, in the Printworks, offers a VR axe throwing experience. This is perfect for people who are concerned about using real axes since it is a virtual experience.
Adventure now also offers outdoor axe throwing experiences which is perfect if you want the full authentic Viking experience.
We hope this article will help you decide whether you should book the axe throwing at Whistle Punks. Have fun!
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