Yorkshire

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<figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="1501" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2025/07/IMG-20250714-WA0027.jpg" alt="clay shooting at EJ Churchill on the Swinton Estate" class="wp-image-4659" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2025/07/IMG-20250714-WA0027.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2025/07/IMG-20250714-WA0027-200x300.jpg 200w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2025/07/IMG-20250714-WA0027-682x1024.jpg 682w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2025/07/IMG-20250714-WA0027-768x1153.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Charlie (15) celebrating hitting all five clays in a row. Credit: Bridget MacKinnon</figcaption></figure></div>


<p>Teenagers and their screens . . . nightmare, right? Trying to prise them off these precious devices can feel like an endless battle. Suggestions of fun, family days out are often met with a grumble and an eyeroll *groan*. So, imagine our delight when we found something they were&nbsp;<em>actually excited</em>&nbsp;about doing. Yes, a loaded gun might not sound like the best option when tensions are running high in the summer holidays, but clay pigeon shooting makes for a brilliant day out for the whole family. And it’s surprisingly relaxing!</p>



<p>I dragged my friend Bridget, and her two eldest Eva (13) and Charlie (15) along to E.J. Churchill at The Swinton Estate for an afternoon of shooting some clays. Here’s how things went down – </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-setting">THE SETTING</h2>


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<figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="1501" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2025/07/IMG-20250714-WA0037.jpg" alt="EJ Churchill at Swinton" class="wp-image-4655" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2025/07/IMG-20250714-WA0037.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2025/07/IMG-20250714-WA0037-200x300.jpg 200w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2025/07/IMG-20250714-WA0037-682x1024.jpg 682w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2025/07/IMG-20250714-WA0037-768x1153.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The shooting grounds are located in beautiful woodland on the vast Swinton Estate. Credit: Bridget MacKinnon</figcaption></figure></div>


<p><strong>&nbsp;</strong>Located on the stunning Swinton Estate near Ripon, the drive through North Yorkshire’s rolling green dreamscape set the scene perfectly, and by the time we pulled up at the shooting range, every jaw in the car had dropped. The Swinton Estate is hands-down one of the prettiest spots in Yorkshire – picture rolling hills, ancient woodland, and big sky energy. It’s the kind of place where you instantly feel more relaxed, even with a shotgun in hand. Over 20 shooting stands are spread over the grounds in various positions and settings – up on bridges, over streams, through forests, etc. The woodland setting is particularly great for teenagers with recent studies shows forest bathing (or&nbsp;<em>Shinrin-yoku</em>, as it&#8217;s called in Japan) has a range of benefits for their young minds and wellbeing. Giving you the buzz of adrenaline&nbsp;<em>and</em>&nbsp;the calm of nature in one hit. Win-win.</p>



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<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-vibe">THE VIBE</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="750" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2025/07/20250714_191648.jpg" alt="shooting at EJ Churchill at Swinton Park" class="wp-image-4661" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2025/07/20250714_191648.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2025/07/20250714_191648-300x225.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2025/07/20250714_191648-768x576.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">E.J. Churchill on the Swinton Estate is less fuss, more friendly. Credit: Beth Windsor</figcaption></figure>



<p>Now, there’s no skimming over the fact that shooting has a bit of a rep, but the clay community are a different bunch, and any nerves we had instantly evaporated as we were met with the friendly folk waiting for us at the lodge. E.J. Churchill pack serious country credentials, boasting world-class instructors, manicured grounds, and a set-up that’s reassuringly slick yet still super welcoming. There’s no intimidating tweed-and-moustache energy to be found here &#8211; just friendly staff who are brilliant with younger shooters and totally get that this might be a first for many.</p>



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<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-experience">THE EXPERIENCE</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2025/07/image00016.jpeg" alt="shooting at EJ Churchill" class="wp-image-4652" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2025/07/image00016.jpeg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2025/07/image00016-300x200.jpeg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2025/07/image00016-768x512.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Instructor Sean delivering a fun, but informative brief. Credit: Bridget MacKinnon</figcaption></figure>



<p>As we got ourselves cosy and sunk into the plush sofas on the outside terrace, our instructor Sean delivered a safety briefing that was clear, calm, and confidence-boosting. Kitting us out in safety glasses (well, we never said you’d look cool) ear defenders and our new swish branded camo caps, we set off to our first stand nestled in the woodland.&nbsp;</p>


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<figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="1500" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2025/07/image00014.jpeg" alt="shooting at EJ Churchill" class="wp-image-4654" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2025/07/image00014.jpeg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2025/07/image00014-200x300.jpeg 200w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2025/07/image00014-683x1024.jpeg 683w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2025/07/image00014-768x1152.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Sean gives Eva (13) some top tips to help her improve her aim whilst hitting clays. Credit: Bridget MacKinnon</figcaption></figure></div>


<p>Sean, our instructor, was an absolute gem and made us all feel as though we could enter the Olympics and win a gold (yes, we may be dreaming slightly but you get the jist). Equal parts expert and teen whisperer, he explained the techniques in a way that was fun and engaging, not boring and fussy. In fact, the kids loved him so much with Eva expressing that “Sean was really good. Quite funny and explained everything in a way that made sense – I loved hitting the targets”.</p>


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<figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="1501" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2025/07/IMG-20250714-WA0029.jpg" alt="shooting at EJ Churchill" class="wp-image-4657" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2025/07/IMG-20250714-WA0029.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2025/07/IMG-20250714-WA0029-200x300.jpg 200w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2025/07/IMG-20250714-WA0029-682x1024.jpg 682w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2025/07/IMG-20250714-WA0029-768x1153.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Your instructor loads and preps the gun for you, leaving you to aim, shoot and (hopefully) hit a clay!  Credit: Bridget MacKinnon</figcaption></figure></div>


<p>Each of us had a pack of cartridges that allowed us 25 shots with 25 chances to hit the clays at various stands. Don’t expect to hit all of them, but with Sean’s easy-to-follow tuition (as well as being taught how to miss graciously) you’ll be surprised just how many clays you get. Our experience ended in a friendly competition which adults and teens loved in equal measures &#8211; cue serious family bragging rights and demands for a rematch!</p>



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<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-post-shoot">POST-SHOOT</h2>



<p>After the session, we headed to the Swinton Bivouac café for hot chocolates (teens) and flat whites (us), buzzing from the experience and plotting a return trip. There&#8217;s also Swinton Park hotel nearby if you fancy turning it into a luxe weekend stay with spa and fine dining thrown in. I mean, it’s the perfect excuse to go all in!&nbsp;</p>



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<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-our-verdict">OUR VERDICT</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="1501" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2025/07/IMG-20250714-WA0017.jpg" alt="Young Guns Club EJ Churchill Swinton" class="wp-image-4660" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2025/07/IMG-20250714-WA0017.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2025/07/IMG-20250714-WA0017-200x300.jpg 200w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2025/07/IMG-20250714-WA0017-682x1024.jpg 682w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2025/07/IMG-20250714-WA0017-768x1153.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">There&#8217;s nothing like a spot of shooting to ignite some sibling rivalry. Credit: Bridget MacKinnon</figcaption></figure>



<p>Clay pigeon shooting with E.J. Churchill at The Swinton Estate is a brilliant bonding activity for teens and adults alike – challenging, exciting, and just the right amount of adrenaline. It’s not every day your 13-year-old calls something “epic” that doesn’t involve a controller or a TikTok dance! We love the fact that E.J. Churchill also have grounds in Buckinghamshire and Aberdeenshire, perfect if you&#8217;re away on your jollies with the kids and looking for a fun holiday activity. </p>



<p><strong>Book the kids into Young Guns Club</strong></p>



<p>Drop them off for a morning or afternoon session where they’ll spend a day with their peers, tuck into bacon rolls (bit jealous of this one) and have a cracking day out. Plus, we get to chill on the terrace with a glass of vino in the meantime – winner all round.&nbsp;</p>



<p><strong>Would we do it again? We’re already loading our gun!</strong>&nbsp;</p>



<p>Find out more at <a href="https://www.ejchurchill.com/northyorkshire">ejchurchill.com</a></p>


Review: Shooting clays with the kids at E.J. Churchill at The Swinton Estate

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