I love trying new things, especially those that ignite a spark of competition. It's incredible to think that axe throwing, now a global craze, started off as a way for a few Canadians to pass the time in a cabin.
From these humble, woodsy beginnings, it's morphed into an international sport, proving that it’s not just moose and maple syrup that can make it big outside of Canada. Now, this pastime has made its way into the UK, landing with a thud in Southampton at Axeology.
It’s a great place to unleash your inner lumberjack and settle scores while having fun. I recently had the pleasure of visiting Axeology. If you think this may be for you, read on to find out the details of everything you need to know.
![Inside Axeology in Southampton](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/63b4492f718e031ad5f81b45/6639e7349f7b8e44486a42a1_Axeology%20Southampton.jpg)
First Impressions
If you weren't looking for it, you might just miss the entrance to Axeology, tucked away down East Street. It's not your usual high street storefront. Instead, it plays hard to get. You'll find a door where you're buzzed in and go upstairs.
As you ascend, you’ll hear the distinct thuds of axes meeting their wooden targets. The atmosphere is great, with a mix of concentration and friendly competition.
![entrance to Axeology Southampton](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/63b4492f718e031ad5f81b45/6639e680cd38618a0cfc39b9_Axeology%20(6).jpg)
Safety First
Before you can start channeling your inner Viking, Axeology ensures everyone's on board with the ground rules. As much as we love hurling axes, it's not all fun and games when it comes to safety. Thankfully, their approach to keeping everyone intact is as clear and humorous as their prominently displayed "Don't Be An Axe-Hole" safety rules sign.
The safety guidelines are hard to miss from the moment you step in. No alcohol before throwing, tie back that Rapunzel hair, and yes, closed shoes are a must. They make it clear that while axe throwing is about having fun, keeping all your fingers is part of the fun too.
To ease any nerves and ensure everyone knows their axe from their elbow, an axe-pert gives you a thorough run-down. This isn't just about covering what not to do; they'll show you various throwing techniques.
![Safety Rule Axeology in Southampton](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/63b4492f718e031ad5f81b45/6639e69724b5304233d58919_Axeology%20(5).jpg)
The Axe Throwing Experience
The experience begins with a bit of practice to get everyone comfortable with their axes. It’s not every day you get a sharp object with full force, so the initial throws are all about getting a feel for the weight and balance of the axe as it spins through the air, ideally ending with a satisfying thud as it embeds itself in the wooden target.
![Hampshire Explorer Axeology Southampton](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/63b4492f718e031ad5f81b45/6639e6b2ed380a9b2f25e67d_Axeology%20Southampton%20(2).jpg)
Once everyone has had a chance to warm up and shake off the jitters, the real fun begins with scoring and competition. Scores are tallied based on where your axe lands on the target, and let's just say the competitive spirit quickly ramps up.
To top off the session, the staff at Axeology decided to dial up the challenge: an apple was added to the middle of the target, evoking scenes straight out of a William Tell legend. While I didn’t manage to hit the apple directly (although my husband did), I did chop the string, holding it in half!
![Axes hitting the apple in Axeology in Southampton](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/63b4492f718e031ad5f81b45/6639e78ce1c4355d9da86838_Axeology%20(3).jpg)
Facilities and Amenities
Axeology has five lanes, each accommodating up to five aspiring axemen or axewomen. Each session is one hour, striking the perfect balance between enough time to unleash your inner Viking and not too long for your arms to ache!
And if you’re thirsty from all that axe action, no worries, Axeology has a selection of canned drinks to quench your thirst.
But there’s more to this place than just throwing sharp objects. If you’re looking for a spot to host your next event, be it a strategic team-building day where you literally bury the hatchet or a birthday bash, Axeology brings a twist to a gathering.
![Scorecard in Axeology in Souuthampton](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/63b4492f718e031ad5f81b45/6639e75c2a77927b36b4a467_Axeology%20Southampton%20(1).jpg)
Hampshire Explorer Verdict
As the dust settles and the last axe thuds into the target, I'm left buzzing from the thrill of it all. I genuinely loved every moment of my visit—from the satisfying crash of the axe into the wood to the friendly competition stirring up laughs.
Doing something different is always a highlight for me, and Axeology delivered on that front. It’s not every day you get to swing an axe and cheer as it finds its mark. The whole experience was a nice break from the usual routine.
I'm already looking forward to my next visit and this time. I plan to bring along even more friends. There’s something special about sharing unique experiences with others, and I can’t wait to see who among us will be crowned the axe-throwing champion on our next outing.