Image courtesy of Airam Dato-On
Valhalla North is a family-run activity centre that was recently founded in 2019 by partners Carl & Kat. Their operation is built on passion, and they take the acknowledgement of this quirky sport very seriously. They strive to be winners in customer service and experience. So, we know that their axe-throwing venue based in Newton Aycliffe industrial estate is bound to be welcoming and accommodating to people of all needs and abilities. That’s what taking pride of customer experience should be all about!
This young business has a very historical Viking-style vibe to it. From the name “Valhalla” to the axe-throwing and even their Horn & Hatchet bar built in their venue. Everything about the business screams Nordic and Viking. This is bound to attract a very mixed audience of young and old, and if you’re interested in Vikings then you would be in your element in this venue.
It is also important to note that axe-throwing is not as dangerous as it sounds. The experienced staff are there to instruct everyone taking part in the activity and to make sure health and safety protocols are always adhered to by everyone. So, let’s now dig deeper into the reasons why we recommend considering Valhalla North as your next birthday party treat!
From their bar serving awesome selection of drinks, to the axe-throwing and other exciting cool activities you can take part in. There is something for everyone to enjoy at this activities venue.
You can book activities to secure your own slot. Valhalla North have several different activities that you can take part in including:
Axe throwing is what the business sells itself on. Short-handled hatchets are used for this activity. So, they are suitable for people of all physical capabilities to handle. The targets are made from wood, in which the person aims the axe towards, and the target is about 5-6 meters away from where the person stands so there is no risk of any injury. There are up to 8 targets all of which are separated by barriers both for health and safety and to make your session with your group feel more private too.
Aiden Dawson filmed this video during our visit to Valhalla North. The staff kindly demonstrated throwing a single playing card at the target using the same force as throwing a hatchet. So, we also had a go at this during our session just to mix things up a bit!
They also operate a mobile axe-throwing activity as well. This essentially a long cage with two axe-throwing targets all on a single trailer. This mobile activity can be used for private events so they can bring the activity to you rather than you having to travel to their venue. The activity itself involves the same equipment and the same health and safety procedures as their main axe throwing at the venue.
The archery is based at the Rof59 Activity Center, also operated by the same business. This venue is five minutes round the corner from the axe throwing venue. You can check out the listing for this venue by clicking here.
Inflatable axe throwing is also a mobile activity that can come to everything from birthday parties to wedding venues and festivals. This basically entails an inflatable range with an inflatable target and netting and the person throws small inflatable axes at the target which stick to it by Velcro strips. This is the safest and easiest version of axe throwing making it fun and suitable for all ages including little ones. Click here to book activities.
As well as their activities, the venue also includes a bar serving all kinds of drinks- from craft beers to mead, (what would a Viking-style bar be without mead?!) and soft drinks including energy drinks and hot drinks including coffee. So, their bar has something for everyone of all tastes.
Valhalla North host many leagues all year round targeted at all age groups and gender groups too. You can join any of the following five clubs which take place weekly throughout the week:
So, there is something suitable that all people can enjoy. You can find out more about joining by clicking here.
Now, we will probe into the main reasons why their venue and their business are accessible and disability friendly.
Did you know that Valhalla North is fully accessible and meets all the requirement of the Disability Equality Act 2010?
It is a legal requirement for them to make reasonable adjustments for people with disabilities. So, we know that this activity centre and its venue would be perfect for you to plan your next special occasion!
Include disabled toilets that are suitable for wheelchair users and people with mobility impairments. There is also female and male toilets and baby-changing facilities.
As you come through the main entrance, there is no steps and all of the venue inside is on one level and the floor surface is all flat and even. This includes the bar area and the axe throwing stalls.
The activity itself involves mainly upper body movement so yes, wheelchair users can take part in axe throwing following the health and safety requirements. People with any physical impairments affecting their upper body can contact the venue to discuss any further requirements as they will do everything they can, to make reasonable adjustments to remove any barriers faced by people with physical disabilities.
The venue is well-lit and not too vibrant for those who may have sensory issues. There’s music playing in the background throughout the venue and the place isn’t noisy. The space inside is spacious and each stall is wide enough, and this reduces any feelings of claustrophobia or crowdedness. There is also a maximum number of spaces per axe throwing session and this prevents the place from getting too crowded as this also affects health and safety too.
People may feel nervous about taking part in this activity. Rest assured the staff have strict health and safety policies in place to ensure the safety of all people is paramount. It is important to note that if anyone doesn’t comply with safety instructions they will be asked to stop participating and leave the venue and this is purely to ensure everyone always feels safe and comfortable. There is information also available at the venue around health and safety procedures relating to the activity.
The venue is based in an industrial warehouse, and it has parking right outside. There is no long walks or steps to worry about getting from the car to the main entrance. If the car park happens to get full, then people can park on the side of the roads near to the venue around the industrial estate, there are no parking restrictions to worry about.
The nearest bus stop is a seven-minute walk to the venue. There are two bus services that stop here, and they operate throughout Newton Aycliffe town centre and Darlington. There is a train station at Newton Aycliffe which 11 minutes-walk from the venue. You can catch the train directly from Darlington or Bishop Auckland. The venue is about a five-minute drive from Newton Aycliffe town centre.
We hope you have found this listing helpful in deciding what to plan for your next special occasion or family experience! There are plenty of other things to do in County Durham including Newton Aycliffe area.
Other accessible venues near to Valhalla North include Rof59 Activity Center, Steam Machine Brewery taproom, and the community charity Junction 7.
All activities are suitable for anyone aged 8+. However, under 18s should be accompanied by an adult.
Yes, definitely! Get in touch via telephone or email
The Horn & Hatchet Bar serves a wide selection of drinks. However, there is no food sold at the venue but you can bring your own snacks.
There is some tables and metal stools in the bar area for people to sit and enjoy their drinks. There's also stools with wooden barrels as tables to sit at and you can sit and watch your friends/family throw axes from the opposite side of the room from the axe-throwing stalls.
The bar is open during all opening times, but the venue doesn't operate as a full-time bar or nightclub so people shouldn't come exclusively to drink and get drunk. If you're already booked in for a session or you're spectating other people taking part then you are more than welcome to buy drinks at the bar.
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