This summer there’s lots going on at Purdey at the Royal Berkshire: new challenges, competitions, and the exciting refurbishment of the grounds and lodge, building on our foundations to create the best simulated shooting grounds in the UK and a world-class experience for you to enjoy. Here’s what you can expect.
While Purdey at the Royal Berkshire is open as usual for tuition, charity and corporate events, the refurbishment of the grounds and new lodge is fully underway. These upgrades have been designed to make the most of the unique natural environment we have here, with its diverse topography of valleys, ridges, coveys, woods and spinneys. There will be new pathways, fresh shooting stands and rewilding initiatives – we’ve planted 60 new trees in the last six months. All of this landscaping enhances our ability to simulate every type of game bird in fun and challenging ways; there will be new stands to enjoy next time you visit, too. We’ll be bringing you more updates on the progress of the refurbishment in the coming weeks.
Meanwhile, there’s plenty to enjoy competition-wise this summer, ahead of the start of the UK season on 12th August.
Ten Ten Challenge
If you’re longing for the thrill of shooting summer clays or looking to sharpen your skills for upcoming field days, consider taking on our new 100-bird course, featuring a diverse range of targets. The Ten-Ten Challenge consists of 10 stands of 10 birds; it will run throughout June (with a different course to May, for those who also took part last month). This challenge is £75 if you shoot alone, or £65 each if you shoot with a friend (cartridges are not included).
And the all important prizes? The highest score over the month wins £150, with a runner up prize of £100.
Early Evening Shoots
Make the most of long summer days, with early evening clay shoots every Wednesday from 4-7pm, including 5 stands of 10, a 25-bird compak and a 25-bird grouse sequence. These shoots run until 24th September, priced at £60 per person including a burger or hot dog from the BBQ (cartridges not included). Advance bookings only.
Summer Sequence
Each month from July to October, we will set up a 50-bird course, comprising a 25-bird compak and a 25-bird driven sequence, with each month different from the last. In July, you’ll shoot simulated grouse, in August Argentinian doves, September will bring partridges and we’ll finish in October with pigeons. Teams of four can register in advance and shoot each of the four courses on dates to suit your diaries, from Tuesday to Saturday between 08:00 and 17:30. It’s £35 per person per month (not including cartridges) – and must be booked before 1st July. At the end of October, the team with the highest overall score will each win a place on a Really Wild Day of your choice in 2026. Gather your best shots and register your teams today.
A pre-season refresh
For experienced shots, sharpen your skills before the start of the season with this new package. You’ll enjoy three hours of expert instruction, tailored to your preferred type of game shooting, and using a shot camera so you can review and refine your shots in real-time. Plus a safety and etiquette briefing, gun mount, stance and eye dominance check, tuition over a variety of flush stands, and an additional one-hour lesson, to be taken during the season. Our team has a special skill for identifying the small tweaks that will make a huge difference to your shot, taking your enjoyment of the sport to the next level. Priced at £450 including clays and cartridges.
From clays to game
For those newer to game shooting, learn, prepare and put your skills into practice to progress from clays to game with our tuition and shoot day package (£1,600 per person). You’ll get four game-specific one-hour lessons with our experts, including up to 250 cartridges and clays, which will cover: safety and etiquette, a gun mount and eye dominance check, optimal body position, stance and cant of gun, and how to approach different quarries.
A group morning session will then prepare you for your first game shoot, including advice from a local keeper, reminders of safety and etiquette, tips on how to dress and a chance to meet your fellow guns. Followed by a Shoot Day at Well Barn Estate in the Chiltern Valleys, just five miles from the Shooting School, offering some of the finest game shooting landscape and hospitality in Southern England. There will be 18 spots available, with two guns and an instructor to each peg. Cartridges and gun hire are also included, if required. (Your four lessons must be completed prior to the Shoot Day).
All of the above can be booked by getting in touch with the shooting school here, or call +44(0) 1491 672 900 or email shootingschool@purdey.com. We look forward to seeing you this summer.