Inside Eaton Hall Shooting Ground’s major transformation

At Sporting Gun we’ve spent years covering upgrades at the UK’s best clay grounds. We’ve seen major German arms manufacturers take over famed competition estates, cinemas where shooting at the screen is encouraged, and more than a few Sporting courses wind ever further over the hills and far away. But few can remember the last time we reported a transformation on the scale of the one that has taken place at Eaton Hall Shooting Ground over the past 12 months.

From Doveridge to Eaton Hall: a ground transformed

Under the rallying cry of “New name, new vision,” Syd and Amy Phillimore have turned the already well-loved Doveridge Clay Sports Centre into a world-class facility, with more updates and upgrades than you could shake a 12-bore at.

Inside the new 20,000ft² clubhouse

“Syd and I took over from the previous owners on 6 January 2025,” explains Amy. “Within 27 weeks of taking over we opened the new 20,000ft², state-of-the-art clubhouse, with its gunroom, café, country clothing room, events spaces and gunsmithing facilities.”

As the vast building towers above the car park, one might worry that Eaton is style over substance. Fortunately any concerns will dissipate once the clays start flying.Sporting layouts designed for all abilities

“Our famous valley incorporates several pathways that allow us to set up different Sporting courses for different events. We usually have 15 competition-level stands ready for visiting shooters, plus six practice stands, a rabbit alley, four Compak houses and our two high towers.

How Eaton Hall sets and refreshes its clay targets

“The targets are set by Jamie Peckham and Clive Bramley and adjusted every two to three weeks. Their incredible level of experience, plus our fantastic terrain, allows the setting of courses suitable for all shooters, whether novice or pro.”

Trap and Skeet facilities at Eaton Hall

Those who prefer flying discs of the Skeet or Trap variety are also exceptionally well accommodated. There are no fewer than seven layouts hosting Olympic Trap, Olympic and English Skeet, DTL and ABT presentations.

Supporting elite and Olympic-level shooting

“Several of the layouts are covered for all-weather shooting and all of them are equipped with an acoustic release system. The layouts can be booked on our website at no extra cost, though booking is not essential.”

These upgraded facilities have already attracted shooting stars, with Paris 2024 Silver medallist Amber Rutter having been spotted on site in recent months.

“British Shooting are training heavily with us at the moment as they prepare for LA28,” adds Amy. “We’re proud to be able to support their training camps.”

Coaching and lessons for every level

Whether you have your eye on an Olympic medal or just want to beat your mates on the Sporting course, you’re encouraged to book a lesson with one of Eaton Hall’s instructors.

“Regardless of whether you’re a beginner looking to learn the basics of gun safety or an advanced shooter looking to climb the leaderboards, we can help,” says Amy. “Our instructors teach across all disciplines, experience levels and age ranges.”

Hosting major competitions and championship events

Following a lesson or two you’ll be hunting for podiums to climb. Fortunately Eaton Hall has already shown its hosting potential, with last August’s British Open Sporting and Sportrap Championship.

“Hosting the British Open within eight months of taking over the ground was incredible,” adds Amy. “It ran like clockwork and the feedback we received was overwhelming. The atmosphere, buzz and applause in the clubhouse made everything so worthwhile. It was just insane!

“We’re now working on the calendar for 2026 and can tell you that we have a huge competition in the books for June. There will be a £200,000 prize pot up for grabs, so you should watch this space for more news soon.”

With its slick media presentation, live streamed finals, commentary and large spectator areas, the Open’s resemblance to ISSF international events was clear. Could Eaton Hall become the first British ground to host a World Cup?

New full-bore rifle ranges explained

The ISSF will at least be impressed by the latest addition, its brand-new rifle ranges. “As we speak, we’re finishing construction on our 100m, 200m and 300m full-bore rifle ranges,” explains Amy. “The 100m and 200m lanes will be open to .375. We’re hoping to exceed that on the 300m tunnel but are still working on the details.”

Air rifle facilities and running boar range

These new ranges sit alongside Eaton’s famed running boar and its 22-lane air rifle range, where shooters sit in covered comfort with windows opening to the targets beyond. For true comfort, though, we return to the clubhouse, where Dan and his team serve up more than the usual fare from the café.

Food, café and clubhouse experience

“When I first arrived, everyone ate full English breakfasts all day, every day,” says Amy. “Gradually we’ve added in some healthier options, which have been proving popular. Our lunch menus have also really taken off. I love the halloumi wrap and our Sunday roasts do very well.”

Inside the Eaton Hall gunroom

Business also seems to be booming in the gunroom. “The gunroom has everything,” says Amy, “from scopes and accessories to new and used shotguns and rifles from Beretta, Browning, Perazzi and Miroku, to name just a few makers. Plus it is fully stocked with knowledgeable staff who can help our customers find what they’re looking for.”

A long-term vision for the future of shooting

With its monumental clubhouse, expansive ranges, ISSF-level competitions and even the healthier-than-average café menu, there’s a sense of progression at Eaton Hall – the beginning of a bright future for shooting sports in the UK.

“Everything we do is driven by our vision of creating the very best clay shooting, rifle and air rifle experiences,” concludes Amy. “Whether improving accessibility or hand-picking our staff, it’s all about making that vision a reality while offering a warm, welcoming environment for our shooters.