The top clay pigeon shooting locations in England

Clay pigeon shooting is one of the UK’s fastest growing sports and it’s easy to see why. It is more accessible than most people think, easy to learn but hard to master and a great way to spend time with friends and family. We’ve scoured the English countryside for the best shooting locations and here are our top picks.

Bisley Shooting

Bisley, located just 30 miles from central London in the genteel Surrey countryside, is considered one of the top clay pigeon shooting locations in the UK. The traditional Victorian clubhouse once stood on Wimbledon Common and was the headquarters to government advisors for the future of shooting. It was moved to Bisley in 1895 when the shooting ground was opened. If you’re new to the sport or need to improve your aim, Bisley offers lessons with top notch instructors. If you have a valid shotgun certificate and insurance then you can simply turn up and shoot. There are 23 stands and five traps at your disposal. The shooting ground also has ladies days and events for young shooters.

Ian Coley Shooting School

Ian Coley is one of the most famous names in shooting. He has coached Team GB for six Olympic Games and helped Peter Wilson to a gold medal win in Double Trap at the London Olympics. Coley now has an award winning shooting ground in the heart of the Cotswolds near Cheltenham. Comprising of 50-acres, the ground has 24 different shooting stands, three high towers and down-the-line (DTL) and double trap layouts. If you’re an experienced shooter then take on the individual practice with the self-timed clay traps or get some expert tuition with their lesson packages.

Holland & Holland

Located in Northwood in North West London, Holland & Holland Shooting Grounds take tradition very seriously. The tree-lined entrance leads to a modern looking lodge set in 60-acres of rolling woodlands and open countryside. Lessons are available across all levels and they have a specialist course for women. The current shooting grounds opened in 1932 and are only 17 miles from the centre of London.

Park Lodge Shooting School

Park Lodge is the newest shooting school in our list. Located in West Cowick, East Yorkshire, the shooting school only opened its doors in 2012. Family owned and run, they offer clay shooting, skeet and sporting disciplines. Clay layouts include automated sporting stands, automatic ball traps and two of the tallest shooting towers in the North of England. Park Lodge offers lessons, pay & play (if you have a licence and insurance) and air rifle range. Also don’t forget to enjoy a post shoot lunch at the bistro – it is famous for bacon rolls.

High Lodge

Built by seven-times World FITASC Champion John Bidwell, High Lodge is nestled amongst 120 acres of tranquil woodland on the Suffolk coast. More than just a shooting ground, this facility comprises of chalets, a golf course, fishing and archery. However, clay shooting is still the main activity for the estate. Facilities include skeet ranges, down-the-line, compact sporting and there are two towers measuring at 60-foot and 120-foot respectively. If you are a licence holder you can use the practice ground at any time and one-to-one coaching is also available. High Lodge specialises in teaching the Move Mount Shoot technique. This school of shooting is an instinctive, maintained-lead system that does not involve deliberate measuring.

Royal Berkshire Shooting School

One of the most respected names in the shooting world, the Royal Berkshire Shooting School has some of the smartest grounds in the business. It is also the home of the Stratstone Challenge, a top shooting competition in the UK. Set in 100 stunning acres of land near Pangbourne, The Royal Berkshire Shooting School is famous for its charity shoots and its facilities include towers and a verity of shooting stands.

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