The best shoot hotels revealed for 2019

From village pubs to country hotels & castles they all offer a warm welcome to sporting guests. In 2019 we have a couple of perennial favourites who’s consistent excellence and deep affinity with shooting community always makes them hard to beat. 

We also have some new contenders that offer the possibility of some intriguing adventures. Head to our Welsh regional winner to follow your days shooting day with some sailing or how about our Scottish regional champion that offers the chance of memorable days on the slopes and the hill! 

Given the challenge of getting your shooting party together, we believe you should make time in the field as memorable as possible and however you choose to do it The Good Shoot Hotel Guide is the place to begin.

Overall 1st place and winner of the South West region:

The King John Inn - Tollard Royal, Wiltshire

Yet again the King John Inn has taken the top spot again in 2019. Set deep within the Cranborne Chase, it has the good fortune to be surrounded by Ashmore, Rushmore, Prescombe & Gurston Down, but their constant success is not down to geography. The team really understand the needs of shooting parties & provide a dedicated shoot butler to manage every detail of your stay.  With eight beautiful en-suite rooms, a helipad, gun storage, dog beds, private lounge an open fire and leather sofas, a full English before your day begins, plus inspirational menu, wine & cigar list to celebrate in style the King John Inn sets the standard for others to follow.

Overall 2nd place & winner of the South East region:

The White Horse - Chilgrove, W.Sussex

A previous Good Shoot Hotel Awards winner but The White Horse takes second place in 2019. Like the King John Inn it's a member of the Epicurean Collection - 21 boutique inns that celebrate the English countryside - and the staff truly understand the needs of sporting guests. It even offers a shooting kit to borrow or buy for those who packed in haste! With 15 luxurious rooms; 2 of which have private patios and hot tubs, it has room for a shooting team plus guests, all of whom enjoy the support of a dedicated shoot butler. Breakfast is wholesome & dinner is a particularly stylish affair especially if you choose the Chateaubriand in the Baron Lafite private dining room with seating for 20.

Overall 3rd place & winner of the North East region:

The Black Swan - Helmsley, Yorkshire

Previously highly recommended the Black Swan has confirmed its status as a Good Shoot Hotel with third position in 2019.  With over 500 years of history the inn is a iconic building centrally located the traditional market town of Helmsley, on the edge of the North York Moors, & surrounded by shooting opportunities. With 45 bedrooms, The Black Swan offers plenty of space for sporting guests who enjoy its relaxed & homely atmosphere. The 3 private dining rooms & lounges regularly host shooting parties & the shoot coordinator ensures every detail is attended too.

Winner of the East Anglia region:

The Victoria - Holkham, Norfolk

The Victoria is located on the north Norfolk coast, standing at the gateway to Holkham Park its rooms named after famous drives and the locally sourced menu with plentiful local game & seafood closely reflect the link to the Holkham Estate who own & manage the property. Many of the guest rooms are also furnished with objects from the attics & basements of Holkham Hall. There are multiple bars and snugs, some with complimentary spirits to enjoy after a hard day in the field & private dining can be arranged for those wanting a more formal occasion. Dogs are welcome in 10 of the rooms & kennels are also available. 

Winner of the Midlands region:

The Hopton Crown – Hopton Wafers, Shropshire

Recently refurbished The Hopton Crown is looking fantastic and is ready to welcome sporting guests in 2019 with an excellent selection of regional cask ales and ciders, fine wines plus a restaurant with plenty of seasonal game dishes. For a full shooting party this traditional village inn has 12 en-suite bedrooms, 2 private dining rooms & for smaller groups there are 2 self - contained cottages in the grounds. The Hopton Crown is convenient base to access a variety of shooting opportunities across Shropshire, Herefordshire & Worcestershire.

Winner of the North West Region:

The George and Dragon – Clifton nr Penrith, Cumbria

A country pub with bedrooms at the heart of the Lowther Estate, who own and run the property The George and Dragon is linked in every possible way to the land surrounding it. The restaurant is a showcase for fresh ingredients from the gardens & farms of Askham Hall, the bedrooms are decorated with objects from the Lowther collection and the pub will happily organise shooting, stalking and fly fishing for guests. Located between the Lake District, the North Pennines and not too far from the M6 The George and Dragon is the perfect for sportsman enjoying the challenge of shooting amongst the dales and fells of the north west.  

Winner of Wales:

The Bull, Beaumaris – Anglesey

Located on the coast in Beaumaris, but with easy access to the varied sporting terrain of Anglesey and North Wales, The Bull is a boutique coaching inn within a historic 500 year old building. If offers both a traditional bar with cask ales, plus a stylish informal bar with outside terrace or a sophisticated restaurant, the Loft, for more sophisticated dinners or a smart shoot party.

Winner of the Borders Region:

Dryburgh Abbey - St Boswells, Melrose, Roxburghshire

A regular winner of the Good Shoot Hotel Awards Dryburgh Abbey is also six times winner of the Country Sports Hotel of the Year – Scotland. Location plays a small part, with few properties able to boost such wide variety of game so close by, plus with a commanding position overlooking the River Tweed the fishing is world class too. However, the real difference is made by the owners; a country family whose passion is reflected in the breadth of their offer – the hotel can book every type of sporting adventure - and depth of staff knowledge. Of course, Dryburgh Abbey has a range of rooms and suites, three restaurants and private dining room; but given the action on offer we doubt you’ll spend much time in them!

Winner of Scotland:

Dalmunzie Castle – Glenshee, Perthshire

A quintessential baronial castle, hidden at the end of a majestic 2-mile drive in the heart of Glenshee. Dalmunzie is surrounded by mountains, glens and little rivers all a few steps from the front door, the home estate offers 650 acres and more sport can be organised by the hotel in neighbouring Blairgowrie. In the winter season ski hire and access to the resort of Glenshee can be easily arranged, offering the a truly intriguing sporting break for the more adventurous. With 17 luxurious rooms, a library, snug, multiple open fires plus a Michelin recommended restaurant Dalmunzie is a worthy winner of the hotly contested Good Shoot Hotel Award for Scotland.