Is this the ‘modern shooting staycation’?

Keen game shots are some of the biggest advocates of the UK countryside, because of the privileged places we sometimes find ourselves, and with some careful planning, a few days away in the winter months can bring in some of the most gorgeous and eclectic sights Britain has to offer and allow you to properly unwind.

The ‘shooting staycation’ has increased in popularity as guns look to spend longer away, rather than travel long distances for just one day in the field. It’s something that foreign guns have been perfecting to a T for many years. GunsOnPegs frequently sees teams or ones and twos from places such as Australia or the US come over for extended periods during the season. They do so mainly for the shooting, but also to take in some of the amazing sights throughout the UK with their partners.

The traditional shooting staycation has been focused entirely around sporting activities, typically a lodge in Scotland for a week encompassing some shooting, stalking and fishing, probably without partners in attendance. It is, of course, pretty awesome if you can do it. However, a week on your own at a Castle in Scotland is quite some negotiation with your other half, even if you do have the funds and time off to afford it!

We asked ourselves - could it be different yet equally as enjoyable, and slightly more ‘crowd pleasing’? We think the answer is yes.

One vital aspect to a top notch shooting staycation is the accommodation. Giving yourself a good base for a week is key, and hotels and self catering facilities within The Good Shoot Hotel Guide are pulling out all the stops to attract you, your friends and partners for longer than just one night away and a shoot day.

We recently visited The Chalet at Saunton on the North Devon coast to consider a shooting staycation with a slight difference, and had our minds opened up to what we think is something well worth considering for a week in the winter months.

The Chalet at Saunton is a group of seven luxury two- and three-bed self-catered apartments nestled into the hill side above Saunton Sands beach, east of Barnstaple in Devon. It has a stunning south facing aspect with views stretching 12 miles over Braunton Burrows and the sea towards the famous Clovelly Shoot on the opposite peninsula. This location is very different to the typical sporting accommodation which is what makes it perfect for the ‘modern shooting staycation’. 

The next vital aspect is to organise two or three shoot days equally spaced during your trip, we’d encourage a good mix too - maybe both some driven and walked up in there. The Chalet is around 45 minutes from some of the world’s most famous shoots - North Molton (pictured below), Clovelly, Castle Hill and Challacombe to name a few.

Although it’s not on their doorstep, it means that during the days when you aren’t shooting, you can relax by heading down the path to the beach and enjoy one of the best dog walking locations in the UK, or have a round of golf at the wonderful Staunton Golf Club links course next door, thereby giving you a mix of a week that most other locations simply can’t compete with. And if, like me, even a few days away will find you at the iPad catching up on emails for a bit, there’s no better place to do it from - check out the view!

The coastal views and incredible beach make The Chalet a wonderful base.

The owner, Tim Fleming, is a keen shot himself and is no stranger to looking after guns visiting for a few days. During our visit he shared his plans to launch an upmarket restaurant at Studio 46, the adjoining building to The Chalet, with incredibly well priced exceptional wines (including Bordeaux first growths!) for guests staying at The Chalet.

The decor of The Chalet matches Tim’s fine taste. Each apartment has a stunning view over Saunton Sands and a very spacious open plan entertainment area. An exceptional local chef can be booked for any time during your stay, and if you wish to dine in style, The Penthouse sits at the top of the building with the best vantage point across the bay. 

So when you come to plan your next set of shoot days, consider a shooting staycation. Find yourself a unique property that gives you a stack of activities when you aren’t shooting and book a couple of shoot days nearby with days off in between them. Take some friends, other halves and dogs and enjoy even more of what the stunning UK countryside has to offer, we’re all for them!

For more information, or to book a stay at The Chalet, visit: www.chaletsaunton.com

To see other properties keen on shooting, visit The Good Shoot Hotel Guide.