By road
Use postcode HG4 3DY. Whether travelling from the north or south, Studley Royal Shoot is best reached via the A1(M), approximately 20 minutes from the estate.
Shooting Days · North Yorkshire
Studley Royal Shoot
Driven pheasant shooting in an extraordinary setting.
Exceptional shooting across 4,000 acres of historic parkland and woodland.
Studley Royal Shoot has over a century of sporting experience, offering a truly unforgettable day.
The Abbey Grounds at Studley Royal
4,000 acres
Wooded valleys, parkland and historic estate grounds
34 drives
Across three separate shooting days
100 to 400 birds
Teams typically arranged for 8 or 9 guns
Easy to reach
20 minutes from Harrogate, 20 minutes from the A1(M) and 40 minutes from Leeds Bradford Airport
The shoot
Shooting at
Studley Royal
Studley Royal is renowned for exceptional pheasant shooting across 4,000 acres including historic parkland. Its 34 varied drives span ravines, ancient woodland, the River Skell, Seven Bridges and the eighteenth-century deer park, with Fridays offering the remarkable setting of Fountains Abbey.
Days range from 100 to 400 birds and are typically hosted for teams of 8 or 9 guns, with at least five drives across the day.
Experienced loaders are available on request.
Spectators are very welcome by prior arrangement, subject to numbers.
Hospitality
Hospitality at Studley Royal
Full hospitality typically begins with a bacon sandwich with tea or coffee. Mid-morning drinks are served with warm nibbles from our local butcher, followed by a home-cooked lunch in the newly renovated Dovecote of the 2nd Marquess of Ripon.
The day begins at 8.45 am at the Pheasantry, with two drives before a mid-morning break, a further drive before lunch and two final drives in the afternoon. Shoot-through days, with lunch served afterwards, can also be arranged.
Bespoke hospitality packages can be arranged on request.
Availability
Current Shooting Availability
Latest dates
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As featured in The Field
Independent editorial recognition of a Studley Royal shoot day.
The Field magazine featured Studley Royal in an independent shoot report, offering an engaging insight into a day on the estate. For anyone considering their first visit, it provides a valuable outside perspective on the shooting, the setting and the overall Studley Royal experience.
History
History of Studley Royal Shoot
Studley Royal has an extensive history and a rich shooting heritage. In 1132, the Cistercian monastery of Fountains Abbey was established and operated for over 400 years, until the Dissolution of the Monasteries led to its demise in 1539.
In 1693, British politician John Aislabie inherited the Studley Estate. Between 1721 and his death in 1742, he devoted his time to developing and landscaping the gardens. The deer park and gardens have since been referred to by UNESCO as works of ‘human creative genius’.
Studley Royal rose to prominence as a leading shooting destination largely through Frederick Oliver Robinson, the 2nd Marquess of Ripon. Affectionately known as Olly and described as “one of the greatest shots of all time”, he called the estate his home. From 1867 until his death in 1923, he diligently recorded having shot 556,813 head of game and regularly entertained royalty and aristocracy at Studley.
In 1971, Jim Fenton purchased the sporting rights for the whole estate. In due course, the National Trust acquired the parts of the estate considered to be of public interest. Today, its long sporting tradition continues.
Location
Easy to reach, hard to forget!
Studley Royal lies close to Ripon, around 20 minutes north of Harrogate and 20 minutes from the A1(M). Harrogate railway station offers direct connections to Leeds and York, while Leeds Bradford and Manchester airports make the estate easily accessible for guests travelling from further afield.
Open in Google MapsBy rail
Harrogate station offers direct services to Leeds and York, with regular onward connections to London King’s Cross, Edinburgh and Manchester.
By air
Leeds Bradford Airport is around 22 miles away. Manchester Airport is also within reach and offers a wider range of international connections.
Questions
Useful details before enquiring.
What bag sizes are available?
Days can vary from around 100 to 400 birds, depending on date, team requirements and availability.
How many drives are usually shot?
A typical day includes at least five drives: three in the morning and two after lunch.
Can loaders be arranged?
Yes. Experienced loaders can be arranged for an additional cost.
Are spectators welcome?
Yes, spectators are very welcome by prior arrangement. Please mention any extra people when booking.
Enquiries
Speak to us about your preferred dates.
For availability, team requirements, loaders, or recommendations for local accommodation, contact the shoot directly.