Thimbleby Shooting Ground: clays, sim game and tuition in Yorkshire

Shooting in the North York Moors National Park

The windswept heather-clad hills, broad dales and simply stunning scenery of the North York Moors National Park have for many years allured grouse guns with a passion for the wild, untamed places of God’s Own Country.

Sitting calmly on the park’s western border, where the Hambleton Hills give way to the Vale of York, lies an oasis from the rugged elements. Since 1988 Thimbleby Shooting Ground has provided shooters with guaranteed targets, accessible stands and exceptional hospitality.

A modernised shooting ground at Thimbleby

In recent years Thimbleby has evolved. A full modernisation and expansion project has been underway, with the effort and major investment, now bearing fruit. Manager Philip Thompson explains: “Over the past few years the ground has been transformed. The clubhouse refurbishments have created a modern space with a dedicated reception, cosy snug with fireplace, flexible dining area and an expanded gun room and shop.”

While the updates to the indoor facilities are immediately obvious the moment one steps into reception, it’s the updated Sporting course that will pique the interest of those looking for a challenging day out with all mod cons.

Sporting clays, Sportrap and high tower shooting

“Our outdoor facilities have also grown,” continues Philip. “We’ve refreshed the stands, integrated wireless trap technology and generally improved amenities.”

With 20 Sporting stands, two Sportrap layouts and a high tower to tackle, the wireless technology and easy-to-use clay-counting card system come in handy for those trying to make the most of everything on offer.

“We like to continually refresh and tweak our targets,” adds Philip. “On any given visit shooters can attempt high pheasant, springing teal, bolting rabbit and simulated flushes. Our system even allows solo shooting, so you can attempt any targets you like without having a buttoning partner.”

Simulated game days in Yorkshire

While there is plenty of faux game to enjoy throughout the course, if you’re looking for an even more authentic experience, for all the thrills of a traditional game season without the game, then one of Thimbleby’s Simulated Game Days should suit nicely.

“Our sim days make great use of our own grouse moors, woodlands and open parklands. We offer more than 20 different drives across this varied terrain and can adjust them to suit the weather conditions or to provide a more bespoke experience for returning sim day shooters.”

As those returning shooters will be aware, there’s more to a day at Thimbleby than just the targets. Visitors can expect a fine English breakfast, a buffet or barbecue lunch, and after-shoot tea, coffee, cakes and game-card presentations all included.”

“We like to make sure our sim day clients enjoy real Yorkshire hospitality with everything included – even the cartridges.”

Expert shooting instruction and the Game Changer experience

Seemingly the only thing Philip and the team cannot guarantee is one’s ability to hit all the targets presented, but they can help.

“We have a team of six qualified and experienced instructors, each with their own specialisms. From game to clay shooting, novices to seasoned shots, our instructors’ combined expertise ensures that anyone can benefit from tailored, confidence-building tuition.”

While standard clay lessons are bookable by the hour, those looking to boost their sim scores or make the transition into real game should consider a Game Changer session.

“The Game Changer is an in-depth, half-day package that goes far beyond a standard lesson,” explains Philip. “Guests enjoy use of the whole estate, with sessions tailored to grouse, partridge or pheasant. The package includes 250 clays, cartridges and a light lunch. Instructors can also cover etiquette, fieldcraft and practical guidance on the finer details of a traditional game day. In short, the Game Changer is an ideal stepping stone between the clay ground and live game days.”

Yorkshire hospitality and the clubhouse café

Astute readers may have noticed a recurring theme – food. From sim day dining to light bites between rounds, it’s hard to pull away from the draw of the fabulously bright and modern clubhouse café.

“It’s been described as the best in the business, with our breakfast being famous among our customers,” says Philip. “Chef Tristan’s menus reflect his professional background and Thimbleby’s ethos, serving estate-to-plate dishes whenever possible.”

Gunroom, gunsmithing and equipment

One of the few things perhaps able to pull visitors away from Tristan’s seasonal menus and the log-burning fireplace of the café is the elegantly designed gunroom, with its bold scarlet-backed gun racks and tempting stock.

“The gunroom was designed to highlight our wide range of offerings,” says Philip. “We are proud to be a Zoli Premium Dealer, though we also feature guns from a number of other manufacturers. We also stock accessories, clothing and other equipment.

“As well as gun sales, our team offers gunsmithing and fitting services, with an eye to ensuring every customer receives tailored support. We even have a range of demo guns, so clients can get a true feel before making a purchase.”

The gunroom is perhaps a perfect microcosm of what the recent renovations at Thimbleby have helped achieve. Stylish and well-thought-out design elements draw the crowds, before individual attention and a personal experience is provided to each visitor.

A shooting ground for all abilities

“Thimbleby is a ground for everyone,” says Philip. “From absolute beginners to competitive shooters, from families to corporate groups, we welcome all who want to enjoy the sport in a safe, scenic and supportive environment.

“The continuous reinvestment in both the shooting ground and clubhouse simply ensures that all our members and visitors can enjoy the spectacular setting of the North York Moors National Park, with first-class facilities, expert tuition and a welcoming atmosphere.”

Philip Thompson is the shooting ground manager and oversees the day-to-day running of the business. At the front desk, Caroline Thompson and Jayne Hodgson ensure every visit begins with a warm welcome. The famous café is headed by chef Tristan Prudden, supported by the café and hospitality team. Instruction is led by a team of six specialists, each with their own area of focus.

Shooting facilities and activities available

Sporting, a high tower, a 40m air gun range and archery

Opening times

Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, 9.30am-4pm

Thursday, 11.30am-4pm

Sunday, 10am-2.30pm

Bank Holidays, 10am-4pm

Location

Thimbleby Shooting Ground,

Northallerton,

Yorkshire DL6 3PY

Contact details

Tel: 01609 883401

Email: info@thimblebyshoot.com

Web: www.thimblebyshoot.com

Shooting lessons and tuition pricing

Adult lessons start from £80 per hour including gun hire but excluding clays and cartridges. Half-day Game Changer sessions, which include 250 clays, cartridges and a light lunch, start from £320. In-field Game Loader/Instructor packages start from £350. Discounts are available for members, juniors and seniors.

Membership options and benefits

Adult membership is available from £104 per annum. Junior, concessions and group discounts are offered. Benefits include reduced prices on clay, cartridge and lessons, exclusive members’ events, a free breakfast once a month, discounts on air rifle consumables and range hire, 10% discount on simulated game days and more.

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