In this guide
Kent is one of the best counties in England for airsoft. Between the ancient woodland, disused farmland and a community that has been skirmishing here for well over a decade, you’re genuinely spoilt for choice when it comes to finding somewhere to play.
Whether you’re a complete beginner looking for your first game day or a regular player hunting for a new site to try, this guide covers every major airsoft site in Kent, plus a few worth the drive just over the county border. We’ve included game types, typical prices, beginner-friendliness and the practical stuff like parking and food that nobody tells you about until you’re standing in a field at 8 AM wondering where the toilets are.
We’re out at Kent airsoft sites most weekends with our mobile shop so a lot of this comes from first-hand experience. If you’ve got questions about any of these sites or you just need to grab some BBs between games, come and find us in the safe zone. Need a repair or service? Our workshop in Rochester can help.
Looking for an airsoft shop in Kent, not a site?
You are in the right place either way. We are Platoon Stores in Rochester, trading since 2006: a full showroom you can walk into, an in-house workshop for repairs and upgrades, and the mobile shop that turns up at Kent sites on game days.
Kent at a glance, why it’s great for airsoft
Kent has a bit of everything. Dense woodland in the Weald, open farmland across the North Downs and enough disused industrial land to build a CQB arena or two. Most of the county’s airsoft sites sit within 30 to 45 minutes of the M20 or M2 corridors, which makes them easy to reach from London, Essex, Surrey and Sussex as well.
The airsoft community in Kent is well established. Several sites here have been running for over a decade and there’s a solid mix of casual weekend skirmishes, larger battlesim events and proper milsim weekenders if that’s your thing. Game days run almost every weekend somewhere in the county so you’ll never struggle to find a game.
Here’s a quick overview of where the main sites sit:
- North Kent (Medway/Dartford area): 308 Sniper Killhouse (Rochester), Ultimate Wargames (Fawkham), Red 1 Airsoft (Fawkham/Chislehurst)
- Mid Kent (Maidstone/Tonbridge area): Ace Combat (Brenchley), Go Ballistic (Tonbridge)
- East Kent (Faversham/Sittingbourne area): Cool Under Fire (Doddington), Apocalypse Airsoft (Stockbury)
- South Kent (Tunbridge Wells area): Gunman Battle Lakes (Frant)
Now let’s look at each one in detail.
Kent airsoft sites, the full guide
1. Cool Under Fire, Doddington (near Faversham)
Location: Moonfield Farm, Doddington, Kent ME9 0JS
Game types: Woodland
Typical prices: £30 walk-on (includes gun rental for new players)
Beginner-friendly: Very much so, one of the friendliest sites in Kent for newcomers
Cool Under Fire is a smaller, community-focused woodland site tucked between Faversham and Sittingbourne. It’s the kind of site where the marshals know most of the regulars by name and newcomers get properly looked after rather than just handed a rental gun and pointed at the treeline.
Arrivals from 08:30, safety briefing at 09:45, first game at 10:00. One of the highlights is a complimentary hot lunch served between 12:30 and 13:30, “the Bearded Griller” runs the food and it’s a proper feed, not a lukewarm burger van. Tea and coffee are available throughout the day.
The site itself is woodland-based with a good variety of terrain. It’s not the biggest site in Kent but the game scenarios are well-designed and the atmosphere is relaxed and welcoming. If you’re bringing someone to their first ever game day, this is a strong choice.
Ages 11 and up are welcome. Cool Under Fire is fully insured and UKARA registered.
Practical details: Flushing toilets on site (not portaloos, always a bonus). Parking on the farm. The site is down a country lane so bring wellies or decent boots if it’s been raining.
2. Apocalypse Airsoft, Stockbury Valley (near Sittingbourne)
Location: Stockbury Valley, Stockbury, Sittingbourne ME9 7QN (on the A249 between M2 J5 and M20 J7)
Game types: Woodland, themed scenarios, milsim
Typical prices: Walk-on from around £25–30; rental packages available
Beginner-friendly: Yes, though the site’s size means it suits players who are comfortable moving around in woodland
Apocalypse Airsoft covers approximately 100 acres of mixed woodland in Stockbury Valley, making it one of the largest sites in Kent. The site has a strong Vietnam War theme running through it, you’ll find jungle-style woodland, a village and a compound area that lends itself well to objective-based games.
Regular Sunday skirmishes are the bread and butter but Apocalypse also runs special weekend events and larger-scale milsim scenarios throughout the year. If you fancy something beyond a standard walk-on skirmish, keep an eye on their events calendar.
The A249 location means it’s easy to reach from both the M2 and M20, which is handy if you’re coming from the Medway towns, Maidstone or further afield.
Practical details: Ample parking. Burger van on site for food. The site is 100 acres so bring plenty of water and pace yourself, especially in summer. Contact: 07872 348576.
3. Ace Combat, Brenchley (near Tunbridge Wells)
Location: Old Hay, Brenchley, Kent TN12 7DG
Game types: Woodland, CQB, open field, mixed
Typical prices: “Bring Your Own Kit” from £25; full rental from £45–53
Beginner-friendly: Yes, widely regarded as one of the best Kent sites for beginners
Ace Combat has been operating from its Brenchley site for over 14 years, making it one of the longest-running airsoft sites in Kent. The site offers a genuine mix of gameplay styles in one location: woodland, open ground and purpose-built tactical structures that allow for CQB-style engagements without leaving the site.
Game formats rotate regularly, from quick firefights to full-day tactical missions. Summer months bring vehicle-based missions into the mix. The marshals are experienced and keep things moving, with new scenarios and challenges introduced monthly.
What sets Ace Combat apart for beginners is the atmosphere. TripAdvisor reviews consistently highlight it as one of the best sites in Kent for first-timers and the staff take the time to make sure new players understand the rules, feel comfortable and actually enjoy their day rather than spending it hiding behind a tree wondering what’s going on.
Ace Combat is where you will find the Platoon Stores mobile shop. Look for us in the safe zone if you need BBs, gas, batteries or some honest advice on your next upgrade. We take card on the field, and you can collect an online order from us there.
The site is fully insured and UKARA registered. Rental kit is well-maintained and reliable, not the battered, barely-functioning guns you sometimes see at budget sites.
Practical details: Parking on site. The postcode will take you to the general area but follow their specific directions from the Brenchley area as the last stretch is country lanes. Minimum age 11.
4. Ultimate Wargames, Fawkham (near Brands Hatch)
Location: 1 School Lane, Fawkham, Kent DA3 8NY
Game types: Woodland, CQB zone, battlesim
Typical prices: Walk-on £25; full hire £55
Beginner-friendly: Yes, rental available, structured briefings and the site layout suits all experience levels
Ultimate Wargames sits on 70 acres of mostly flat woodland near Fawkham, just a 10-minute drive from the M25/M20 junction. If you’re coming from North Kent, the Dartford area or London, this is one of the most accessible sites in the county.
The site has three distinct gameplay areas: a dedicated CQB zone, “the Village” (a built-up area with structures and barricades) and “the Two Towers Fort.” The road network running through the site adds another dimension to the gameplay and the largely flat terrain means it’s manageable for players of all fitness levels, no scrambling up steep hills between games.
The covered safe zone has electricity, toilets, an HPA refill station and a shop selling snacks and drinks. You can pre-order hot food for lunch or buy it on the day.
Open to players aged 11 and up. Games run on scheduled dates, check their website for the calendar.
Practical details: Good parking. The Fawkham location is well-connected to the A20 and M25. Covered safe zone means you’re not standing in the rain during briefings. Contact: 07467 945320.
5. Red 1 Airsoft, Chislehurst and Fawkham
Location: Foxbury Avenue, Chislehurst, Bromley (Chislehurst site); School Lane, Horton Kirby (Fawkham site)
Game types: Woodland, CQB, trench warfare
Typical prices: Walk-on £30 (cash or card, bookable online)
Beginner-friendly: Yes, the Chislehurst site in particular has a good mix of terrain that suits all levels
Red 1 Airsoft operates two sites on the Kent/London border. The Chislehurst site features a mixture of woodland, purpose-built structures and a trench system, the trenches add a genuinely different dynamic to gameplay that you won’t find at most woodland sites.
The newer Fawkham site includes a jungle area, a two-storey school building for CQB and a village area. Having two sites means Red 1 can offer varied gameplay across different weekends.
Both sites offer free parking, a secure safe zone and free tea and coffee all day. The atmosphere is friendly and the marshalling is consistent.
If you’re based in North West Kent, Bromley or South East London, Red 1’s Chislehurst site is probably the closest airsoft to you.
Practical details: Free parking at both sites. Free hot drinks. Online booking available. Contact: 01727 846069.
6. Gunman Battle Lakes, Frant (near Tunbridge Wells)
Location: Court Lodge Down, Hawkenbury Road, Bells Yew Green, Tunbridge Wells TN3 9AN
Game types: Woodland, objective and scenario-based
Typical prices: Walk-on £25; rental from £45 (both include lunch)
Beginner-friendly: Moderate, the site is large and varied, best suited to players with at least one game under their belt
Gunman Battle Lakes is set in 200 acres of varied woodland with 16 lakes, making it one of the most visually striking airsoft sites in the South East. The natural terrain is the star here, hilltop positions, sneaky trails, 4×4 tracks and water features that force you to think about your routes rather than just running in a straight line.
The games are objective and scenario-based, designed to take full advantage of the terrain. This isn’t a site where you’ll play the same “team deathmatch in a field” game five times in a row, the scenarios are creative and encourage tactical play.
Facilities are excellent, with large indoor and outdoor safe areas, working power sockets for charging batteries, separate men’s and women’s toilets, changing areas and dedicated parking. Lunch is included in all packages.
The site technically sits right on the Kent/Sussex border but it’s only about 15 minutes south of Tunbridge Wells and firmly part of the Kent airsoft scene.
Practical details: Large car park. Excellent safe zone facilities. Lunch included. The 200-acre site means comfortable boots are essential, you’ll be walking. Varied terrain includes slopes so reasonable fitness helps.
7. 308 Sniper Killhouse, Rochester
Location: High Street, Rochester ME1 1DA
Game types: Indoor CQB (AttackSense target system)
Typical prices: Check 308-sniper.co.uk for current session prices
Beginner-friendly: Yes, the AttackSense system and small team sizes make it accessible, though the fast-paced CQB gameplay is different from woodland skirmishing
308 Sniper’s Killhouse is something different. Sitting above their airsoft shop and cafe on Rochester High Street, this is a 3,700 sq ft indoor CQB arena using the AttackSense interactive target system. Rather than traditional force-on-force skirmishing, you’re playing as teams of up to six against 20 interactive targets across a purpose-built arena.
Sessions max out at 24 players (four teams of six rotating) and the arena has eight cameras so spectators can watch the action on a big screen in the safe zone. It’s fast, it’s intense and it’s completely weather-proof, which matters in a Kent winter.
This is a good option if you want a taste of CQB action without committing to a full day in the woods or if you’re looking for something to do on a weekday evening or a birthday outing. The Airsoft Cafe downstairs means you can grab food and browse their shop before or after your session.
Note: 308 Sniper is an airsoft retailer, not affiliated with Platoon Stores. We mention them here because the Killhouse is a unique experience in the Kent airsoft landscape.
Practical details: Rochester High Street location means pay-and-display car parks nearby (Rochester is a busy town so factor in parking time). The cafe and shop are open independently of the Killhouse sessions.
8. Go Ballistic, Tonbridge
Location: Off the A228 via the M20, near Tonbridge
Game types: Woodland with CQB elements
Typical prices: From around £66 for a full package (includes kit hire, BBs, camo, face protection and lunch)
Beginner-friendly: Yes, this is a managed experience site geared toward groups, parties and first-timers
Go Ballistic operates managed airsoft experiences at their Tonbridge venue and it’s a different proposition from the independent skirmish sites listed above. This is more of a “book an experience” model, you’ll get a safety briefing, hire kit, qualified instructors and structured game modes including smoke screens, pyrotechnic grenades and booby traps.
If you’re organising a stag do, birthday party or corporate team day and want airsoft with all the logistics handled for you, Go Ballistic is worth considering. The higher price point reflects the all-inclusive package rather than a walk-on skirmish.
The Tonbridge site is just off the A228, a short drive from Royal Tunbridge Wells and Maidstone. Ample parking, on-site tuck shop and proper toilets.
Practical details: Must be pre-booked. Well-organised for groups. Less suitable if you’re a regular player looking for a walk-on skirmish, the other sites on this list are better for that.
Sites just outside Kent worth the drive
If you’ve worked your way through the Kent sites and fancy something different, these are all within reasonable striking distance.
Worthing Airsoft, Clapham, West Sussex
Location: Arundel Road, Worthing, West Sussex BN13 3UR
Game types: Woodland
Typical prices: Walk-on from around £25–30
Drive from Rochester: About 90 minutes
One of the longest-running woodland sites on the south coast. 45 acres of varied terrain with multiple bases and thick woodland. Fully insured and UKARA affiliated. The game format usually features a long objective-driven morning game followed by shorter, high-intensity afternoon sessions. Contact: 07865 598819.
Bunker 51, Greenwich, London
Location: Near The O2, North Greenwich, London
Game types: Indoor CQB (underground bunker)
Typical prices: Walk-on from £35; hire from £50
Drive from Rochester: About 40 minutes (or take the train)
If you want something completely different, Bunker 51 is a Cold War nuclear bunker turned indoor CQB arena near the Thames Barrier. It’s dark, atmospheric and very tight, flashlights on weapons are practically essential. Low-level pyrotechnics are allowed, which adds to the intensity. Skirmishes run on selected evenings and Sunday mornings so it fits around a working week. Ages 12 and up.
Airsoft Plantation, Billericay, Essex
Location: Ingatestone area, Essex
Game types: Woodland, CQB, mixed
Drive from Rochester: About 50 minutes
Over 40 acres with a working village, bridge sections, border crossings, a CQB kill house, an airbase, woodland sniper nests and in-game military vehicles. One of the larger sites in the South East with a good reputation for varied gameplay. It’s technically Essex rather than Kent but the Dartford Crossing puts it within easy reach.
How to choose an airsoft site
If you’re new to airsoft and the list above feels overwhelming, here’s how to narrow it down.
Think about what type of game you want
- Woodland is the most common format in Kent. Larger playing areas, longer engagement distances and a mix of stealth and aggression. Most of the sites above are primarily woodland.
- CQB (Close Quarter Battle) is fast, intense and plays out in buildings, corridors and tight spaces. 308 Sniper’s Killhouse and Bunker 51 are dedicated CQB venues. Several woodland sites (like Ultimate Wargames’ CQB zone) also have CQB areas within a larger site.
- Mixed sites like Ace Combat and Ultimate Wargames offer both woodland and CQB-style areas in one location, which is ideal if you want variety.
Consider the drive
Pick a site you can reach comfortably. A 90-minute drive before a full day of running around in the woods is a recipe for falling asleep on the way home. Start with sites close to you, then branch out as you get more into the hobby.
Check the calendar
Most Kent sites don’t run every weekend. Check their website or social media for the next game day before you make plans. Some sites run fortnightly, others monthly and dates can change.
Look at the rental package
If you’re new and don’t own your own kit yet, compare what’s included in each site’s rental package. Some include lunch, BBs and face protection. Others charge separately. The total cost matters more than the headline walk-on price.
Ask around
The Kent airsoft community is friendly. If you know anyone who plays, ask them where they go and what they think. Player recommendations are worth more than any website description, including this one. If you’re ready to buy your own kit, our guide to the best beginner airsoft guns will help you choose.
What to bring to your first game day
If you’re heading to your first airsoft game, here’s what to pack. Most of this applies whether you’re renting or bringing your own kit.
Essential:
- Eye protection, full-seal safety glasses or goggles rated to EN166B or higher. This is non-negotiable. Most sites provide eye protection with rental packages but check in advance
- Sturdy footwear, ankle-supporting boots are ideal. Trainers will leave you cold, wet and regretting your choices by lunchtime
- Long sleeves and trousers, BBs sting on bare skin. Wear layers you don’t mind getting muddy. Dark colours or camouflage if you have it but don’t worry if you don’t
- Water, at least a litre. More in summer. You’ll be running around far more than you expect
- A packed lunch (if not included), some sites have food on-site but bringing your own means you’re covered either way
- Cash, some sites are card-only these days but having cash is useful for smaller purchases and walk-on payments
Recommended:
- Gloves, getting hit on bare knuckles at close range is memorable for the wrong reasons
- A hat or baseball cap, head shots happen and a hat takes the edge off
- A dead rag (usually a red cloth), carry this to signal when you’re hit. Some sites provide them, others expect you to bring your own
- A spare set of clothes, for the drive home. You will get muddy
- Bin bags, for wet or muddy kit in the car
Don’t bring:
- Real steel firearms or knives (obvious but worth saying)
- Your own BBs if the site requires you to use theirs (check in advance)
- Expensive clothing you’d be upset about damaging
If you need gear before your first game day, browse our airsoft guns, pick up accessories and BBs and gas or pop into our Rochester store and we’ll help you put together a kit that suits your budget.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a licence to play airsoft in the UK?
No. You don’t need a licence to play airsoft. Anyone can turn up to a site and play using rental equipment. You only need a valid defence (such as UK Airsoft Retailers Association (UKARA) registration) if you want to buy a Realistic Imitation Firearm (RIF), meaning a gun that looks like the real thing. Read our full UKARA guide for more details on how that works.
How old do you have to be to play airsoft?
Most Kent sites accept players aged 11 and over, though some set the minimum at 12 or 13. Under-18s will need a parent or guardian to sign a consent form. Some sites require a parent to be present on site for younger players, check with the specific venue before booking.
How much does a day of airsoft cost?
A typical walk-on day (bringing your own equipment) costs between £25 and £35 at most Kent sites. Rental packages, which include a gun, BBs, face protection and sometimes lunch, range from about £45 to £75 depending on the site and what’s included.
Does airsoft hurt?
Yes but not as much as you’d think. A BB hitting bare skin stings briefly, similar to being flicked with a rubber band. Wearing long sleeves, trousers and gloves reduces the sensation significantly. It’s far less painful than paintball.
What’s the difference between airsoft and paintball?
Airsoft uses 6mm plastic BBs fired from realistic-looking replica firearms. The guns are more realistic, the gameplay tends to be more tactical and the community leans toward military simulation. Paintball uses larger paint-filled balls from distinctly non-realistic markers. Airsoft relies on an honour system for hits (you feel the hit and call yourself out), while paintball hits leave a visible mark.
Can I play airsoft in the rain?
Yes. Most Automatic Electric Guns (AEGs) handle light rain without issues and woodland sites run in all weather. However, gas blowback (GBB) guns can struggle in cold, wet conditions as the gas doesn’t expand properly. Dress appropriately, waterproof jacket, decent boots and spare dry clothes for the drive home.
What gun should I buy for my first airsoft gun?
For most beginners, an AEG in the £150–200 range is the best starting point. They’re reliable, easy to maintain and the running costs are lower than gas-powered alternatives. Our beginner’s guide covers this in detail and our best beginner airsoft guns buyer’s guide reviews nine top picks or come and see us in-store and we’ll talk you through the options based on your budget and the type of games you want to play.
Where can I buy airsoft guns and gear in Kent?
We might be slightly biased but Platoon Stores in Rochester has been supplying Kent’s airsoft community since 2006. We stock everything from entry-level AEGs to high-end platforms, plus tactical gear and clothing and accessories. We also offer professional airsoft gun repair and servicing. We’re also the only authorised 5.11 Tactical retailer in Kent. If you can’t make it to the shop, our mobile shop is at Kent airsoft sites most weekends.
Before you head out
Make sure you know the UK airsoft rules and regulations and understand FPS limits so your gun passes chrono. If you don’t have your UKARA yet, our two-tone guide explains your options for buying your first gun.
Keep exploring
Kent’s airsoft scene is thriving, with sites to suit every play style and experience level. The best way to find your favourite is to get out there and try a few, each site has its own character, community and gameplay style that you can only appreciate by experiencing it first-hand.
If you’re gearing up for your first game or your hundredth, Platoon Stores is here to help. Need kit? Our tactical gear guide covers everything from plate carriers to boots and our loadout setup guide shows you what to buy first. Visit us in Rochester, find us at sites across Kent with our mobile shop or browse our range online for everything you need. Check out our brands page to see the manufacturers we stock.
See you on the field.
