Pull!: Where to try clay pigeon shooting near London
Get the adrenaline pumping at these historic shooting ranges just outside the capital
Nothing quite completes a weekend in the countryside like a spot of clay pigeon shooting. Promising to boost hand-eye coordination, enhance focus, increase stamina and encourage better posture, the sport offers a plethora of wellbeing benefits – as well as being a fun day out with friends or colleagues too. Plus, with many ranges and clubs serviced by state-of-the-art restaurants and offering expert-curated lessons, there’s not much to dislike. Hunter wellies and Barbour jackets at the ready, here’s where to book your next clay pigeon shooting session near London.
Bisley, Surrey
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Under an hour’s drive from London – or 36 minutes via train from Waterloo – Bisley is nestled among 3,000 acres of unspoiled Surrey heath, making it one of the UK’s most beautiful shooting destinations. The expert tutors are no stranger to competition, with most having shot for their country or county, and offer lessons for those aged 10 and over at all levels of experience. There are events for everyone, including the popular Pay and Play layout for experienced shots to take themselves round independently, as well as air rifle ranges, virtual reality shooting, monthly club events and specialised stag or hen programmes. Last but not least, Bisley is home to the highest clay tower in Europe, where clay targets can reach up to 200 feet.
Bisley, Brookwood, Woking, GU24 0NY, visit bisleyshooting.co.uk
West London Shooting School, Northolt
One of the oldest shooting schools in the UK, West London Shooting School (WLSS) has been teaching generations how to sight and aim for 118 years. A mere 12 miles from London, the school was founded by Richard Watson, who identified a pre-WWI generation that needed to become gun-fit and, accordingly, created his own tuition style. Combining elements of other sports, such as tennis and golf, and continually developed by the team of instructors, the core principles are still adhered to today. The school has focused on clay shooting since its inception and hosts major competitions annually, including being the home of the British Open Sporting Championship since the 1980s. Head here to enjoy Young Shots lessons, Ladies Day, grouse courses and gun-fitting exercises.
Sharvel Lane, Northolt, UB5 6RA, visit wlss1901.co.uk
River Thames Clay Shooting, London
Fancy pushing the boat out (literally)? Solent Events take to the waters of the Thames with a clay pigeon shooting event aboard a boat. Housed on an historic motor yacht – the former flagship of the Port of London Authority, and used to carry the coffin of Sir Winston Churchill during his state funeral in 1965, no less – settle down in the comfortable saloon or large sheltered aft deck to find your trigger point. The journey begins at St Katherine’s Pier, near Tower Bridge, before a cruise down the river and through the Thames Barrier to the shooting area at Thamesmead. Equipment includes 12 gauge shotguns and other weapons, including a blunderbuss, to shoot biodegradable clay pigeons with an expert instructor on hand to help, instil some friendly competition and impart historical knowledge.
Visit solent-events.co.uk
Holland & Holland Shooting Grounds, Northwood
Set in 120 acres of open countryside on the outskirts of Ruislip, it’s perhaps no surprise that quintessentially British retailer and gunmaker Holland & Holland boasts its own shooting grounds. Having provided fine tutoring on this site since 1932, there’s plenty of ranges to enjoy and the team of instructors are available all year round for one-to-one or group tuition for all levels of experience. The Welcoming Lodge – providing ample space to relax and unwind after a day on the ranges, and serviced by seasonal menus curated by executive chef Joshua Hunter – completes the experience. The on-site gunroom also plays host to the brand’s collection of luxury clothing and accessories, as well as a plethora of meticulously crafted guns.
Ducks Hill Road, HA6 2ST, visit hollandandholland.com
College Farm Shooting Ground, Buckinghamshire
A stone’s throw from High Wycombe and among the lush rolling hills of the Buckinghamshire countryside is the clay pigeon playground of College Farm. Catering for stags and hen parties, private groups and lessons, and corporate events, the team here seamlessly welcomes all abilities and ages. If the array of shooting ranges isn’t enough, you can also try your hand at archery, air rifles and crossbows.
Chearsley Road, Long Crendon, HP18 9AP, visit claypigeonshootinguk.co.uk
