“The location, the company, the trucks, the tweeds, the bubbles, the cartridges – just excellent and so special,” notes one Gun, following a recent day of simulated shooting at the beautiful Englefield Estate in Berkshire. The day, like every clay (or ‘SIM’ or ‘skeet’, depending on your preferred term) shooting day organised by Purdey at the Royal Berkshire was all about the people, the place and some really great sport in the British countryside.
It started, as ever, with coffee and a very good breakfast at Englefield House, which lies at the heart of the estate. Built in 1558, overlooking the deer park and lake, it’s now home to owners Richard and Zoe Benyon and their family – and any guests who are lucky enough to get an invite. Set over 15,000 acres, the estate combines extensive parkland, beautiful architecture and a wide variety of drives. And, given that it’s just an hour from London, it’s a draw for discerning Guns and flmmakers alike – you might recognise the location from The King’s Speech, X Men or The Crown.
Following the safety briefing and a good chat with the Purdey instructors, it was time for everyone to get their boots on and head out for the first of four drives (each drive consisting of approximately 700 clays, with guns firing up to 100 shots). Luckily no waterproofs were needed on this particular day thanks to glorious sunshine, as one guest noted – ”Everything was so well organised, even down to the weather!”
Purdey at the Royal Berkshire is often credited as the pioneer of simulated game shooting – with imaginative use of the landscape and traps to simulate wild birds, for clay shooting that feels incredibly realistic and fun. The shooting school hosted its first Really Wild Clay Day in 1994, and since then has led the way in creating the most exhilarating events in the UK.
What really makes these days stand out from the rest is the Purdey instructors – ”Their care and attention to detail is second to none, and the fun and learning off the charts,” noted another guest at Englefield. With over 125 years of combined experience, their skill and passion for what they do is unparalleled; they make sure everyone has the very best time possible, whether experienced or novice shots, for an experience that always feels tailor made.
After some delicious elevenses and refreshments served out in the field, it was onto the second and third drive; before the fourth and final, set up as a fun 100-bird competition between teams of four, which one guest described as: “Incredible – I thoroughly enjoyed it, not least being part of the winning team!” The clay shooting concluded with a celebratory champagne reception in the field, before lunch back at Englefield’s dining room, an occasion in itself. Prizes were gladly received by the Top Team, Top Gun and Top Shot, and before everyone knew it, it was time to say their thanks and goodbyes and head home.
“The setting, the instruction, the company, the shooting, the instructors and the lunch were all perfect and fabulous fun. I loved every minute of it,” another guest summed up, articulating the overall sense of enjoyment that is a key part of every SIM day organised by Purdey. In general on our SIM days, guests are welcome to bring their own guns and cartridges (the ammunition type will be specified by the team ahead of time, depending on the location and estate). We can discuss experience levels, gun and cartridge hire requirements and menu choices – it really is a bespoke day of the best kind.
Follow @theshootingschool to stay up to date or get in touch with the team here. The Purdey Sporting Agency are also planning some great trips further afield, for more information follow @sportingagency.purdey