Don’t let the name fool you - no animals are harmed in the making of the activity! Pigeons were replaced by spinning clay discs many years ago and nowadays this is a dynamic target sport enjoyed across the rural county of Somerset in England’s Southwest. The rolling hills in the area are a perfect backdrop for a day of shooting, whether you’re coming with friends, family or a group from work.

If you want to experience handling a shotgun in a controlled shooting range, this is for you- whether it’s your first time or fiftieth. Not only can you choose from a variety of arms and shot, you can also experience it in a number of different range types. Whether hitting individual targets at short range, aiming for two birds with one stone as the flight path of two targets intersect in front of your position, or more imaginative range events, there’s nothing like the satisfaction of finding your mark and shattering the clay into a thousand pieces in mid-air.

Where are the best places to go clay pigeon shooting in Somerset?

• Bristol: the biggest city in the Southwest, Bristol is famous for its history and culture. Its proximity to the great outdoors also makes it an attractive destination for active sports, and there are several clay pigeon shooting ranges nearby. Located in woodland, countryside and hills, these make a great day out from the city centre. As well as a choice of setting, there are equipment alternatives to meet every need and taste, and expert instructors to match the gun to the shooter, and ensure correct technique.

• Taunton: between the Quantock and Blackdown Hills, Taunton lies in the county heartlands. This is a great place to take your friends, family or workmates for a clay pigeon shoot - or let the shoot come to you. A mobile range is based in Taunton, which can travel throughout the area and be set up in a suitable outdoor area for you to enjoy a personalised shoot. Two hours is the standard session length, but if you’re keen to do more, longer sessions can be organised.

• Wellington: follow in the footsteps of this town’s most famous resident, the Duke of Wellington, with this experience. Whereas the Duke had his sights set on Napoleon, you’ll be aiming for flying clay targets. But with instructors that include National champions and Olympic medallists, we can’t think of a better place to hone your skills than here. What’s more, you can also try cutting edge laser clay shooting in Wellington, shooting without worrying about ammo limits, recoil, or loud bangs!

• Highbridge: a great option for indoor shooting, Highbridge is a stone’s throw away from the sandy expanses of Burnham-on-Sea beach. If you’re looking for a rainy day activity on your seaside holiday, we recommend the indoor range in Highbridge. None of the rifles in the centre require a firearms licence, so everyone can get involved here. Bring the family to enjoy an hour long shooting session.

• Wells: England’s smallest city, Wells Cathedral and the mediaeval architecture of the town have made it a popular shooting location for film and TV dramas. Make your own shooting drama here with a great day practising this activity! The nearby Mendip Hills provide spacious settings for large shooting ranges. Watch the clay targets soar through the open sky before pulling the trigger and blasting them to pieces.

• Weston-super-Mare: since the Victorians built two railway lines to Weston, this has been one of the most popular resort towns in the Southwest. Among the many leisure activities on offer, why not try this activity? Open to newbies and experienced shooters, the range here focuses on variety - the shooting will be different from one week to the next. The Weston-super-Mare range is worth a return visit!

Requirements to do this activity

Clay pigeon shooting uses guns that don’t require a firearms licence. That’s why it’s a perfect activity for all the family in Somerset. Although there are no legal age restrictions on the equipment, the size and power of guns mean that children under 10 years old can have difficulties using them. Some centres place a minimum of age of 7 or 8 years on participants, whereas others will judge each child’s ability and make a decision based on the guns that they have available.

This sport is a popular option for groups. Birthdays, stag or hen parties, corporate events - the fact that no previous experience is necessary to take a shot means it’s fun for everyone. You can make a booking for up to 100 people, but rest assured that the group will be divided into smaller teams, each with a dedicated instructor, to make sure that everyone has a turn at the trigger, and stays safe. Or, if you want to get advice to improve your technique and aim, book a one to one shooting class and get your instructor's full attention.

How long does this experience last?

When it comes to the length of your session, it’s completely up to you. For a group, a one or two hour session is usually best to make sure that everyone has a chance to hit a target, whereas if you want to have a training session you can choose from a short taster, to a full day experience. We bet you’ll be a butcher by the end of the day!

Here, sessions can also be booked by number of shots, or number of clay targets. 25 shots is a good number for a beginner, whereas 50 shots gives you the opportunity to bring down even more targets.

However you want to organise it, we know that you’ll have a fantastic time with this activity. Reserve your place now!