For 210 years and counting, James Purdey & Sons has been at the forefront of British gunmaking, championing the sporting life and sharing our love of the great outdoors. Our methods are grounded in heritage and innovation, with an outlook that keeps the future of the sport and our craft on an upward trajectory. Much like the birds or clays taking flight…
Purdey at the Royal Berkshire is where this comes to life – and this year is a particularly exciting one for the Shooting School as we’re undertaking a refurbishment, building on our foundations to create the best game clay shooting grounds in the UK and a world-class experience. Throughout, the School will remain open for you to enjoy.
Just an hour outside of London, in acres of scenic countryside, Purdey at the Royal Berkshire is the spot where simulated shooting was pioneered. With imaginative use of topography and manual traps, our aim was to create a sport that matches the thrill of game shooting. Given the success of clay shooting today, I think we can all agree it’s mission accomplished (even if we do say so ourselves). Whether on our home grounds or at one of our ‘Really Wild’ days at select UK estates, the experience is always incredibly realistic and the perfect opportunity to bring people together.
As the UK shooting season draws to a close, it’s a great time of year to book private tuition sessions with our instructors, who are experts in honing the technique of even the most seasoned Guns. They’re integral to every Purdey shooting experience, with 125+ years of combined expertise and the know-how to get the best out of all abilities, providing just the right level of teaching and encouragement every time. We’ve yet to meet anyone as passionate about shooting as them, and they have a special skill for identifying the small tweaks that will make a huge difference to your shot, improving your enjoyment of the sport no end.
British shooting has always been a great way for people to connect: with each other, with the countryside and with the great traditions of the sport. The joy extends beyond the shooting itself; for example, our corporate and charity events are a brilliant way to engage clients, bond with team members, discuss business with prospective partners, celebrate your successes off the field and raise money for good causes.
Each of our corporate and charity days is completely bespoke. You name it, we can arrange it: from the admin, planning and hosting to organising photographers, floral displays, table settings and auction suppliers; plus extra entertainment, which has previously included aerial shows, driving experiences, falconry, and even camel racing. Meanwhile, alongside the shooting, you’ll be treated to our best hospitality. There’s breakfast on arrival, elevenses out in the field, celebratory Champagne receptions, locally sourced seasonal lunches, evening BBQs – all tailored to your requirements. You can read more about these days here; and get in touch with the Shooting School to book.
Further afield, our Purdey ‘Really Wild’ simulated days at some amazing estates around the country are just as exhilarating as the real thing. Each event brings together a team of up to 18 guns, alternately shooting and loading, to experience a huge number of simulated birds over the line – you’ll often fire more than 200 shots in a drive. Full hospitality, including elevenses and generous lunch make it a perfect day out in beautiful surroundings. Our 2025 calendar of events is looking particularly strong, with some exciting new locations being introduced throughout the year.
As a recent guest shared: “We had the very best time and cannot thank the team enough. Truly first-class, year in year out. I can honestly say a day at the Purdey Shooting School is always our clients’ most loved event. It’s brought new business and cemented long-standing relationships. We will definitely be booking again.” Personally, we like to think of a day shooting clays as a gateway to myriad opportunities; though, if nothing else, it’s guaranteed good fun.
For more details or to book, get in touch with the Purdey at the Royal Berkshire team, here.