Blannicombe

Hospitality at Blannicombe is an integral part of the day and is delivered with the same care and attention as the shooting itself. All food is prepared in-house by your hosts, using high-quality local produce wherever possible. A strong field to fork approach underpins the menus, with game often featured and seasonal ingredients reflecting the surrounding landscape. From morning refreshments to a well-earned lunch, the focus is on generous, well-executed dishes served in a relaxed and welcoming setting. It is a style of hospitality that complements the day perfectly and is consistently highlighted by guests as a key part of the Blannicombe experience.

Blannicombe presents a consistent and rewarding mix of pheasant and partridge, carefully reared and managed to ensure strong, reliable sport throughout the season. Birds are shown as they should be, making full use of the natural contours of the land, woodland edges, valleys, and thoughtfully designed cover crops to create height, pace, and variation across each drive. Expect testing birds that will challenge experienced guns while remaining enjoyable and achievable for those looking to develop their shooting. Drives are positioned to provide safe, sporting opportunities across all pegs, with an emphasis on quality rather than volume. The result is honest, well-presented birds that deliver a memorable and thoroughly satisfying day in the field.

Set within the rolling landscape of East Devon, Blannicombe combines steep-sided valleys, established woodland, and open ground to create a series of natural and varied drives. The topography is fundamental to the experience, allowing birds to be presented with genuine height, pace, and direction, shaped by the contours of the land rather than artificial means. Each drive has been carefully planned and positioned to work in harmony with its surroundings, making full use of prevailing winds, cover, and elevation. This thoughtful approach ensures a day that feels both challenging and authentic, delivering consistent sport while remaining true to the character of the landscape.

Conservation sits at the heart of Blannicombe and underpins every decision made across the estate. A considered programme of woodland management, hedgerow restoration, and cover crop rotation supports a wide range of habitats and encourages biodiversity throughout the year. Wild bird populations are carefully supported through supplementary feeding, predator control, and initiatives such as the bird box programme, which provides vital nesting opportunities. Margins and conservation strips are maintained to benefit pollinators and ground nesting species, while ongoing monitoring ensures the balance between sporting interests and environmental responsibility is maintained. The result is a landscape that is both productive and thriving.

We are a family run business, consisting of hosts Gareth who has been in the sporting trade and a full time keeper for 18 years and his wife Sam who are fully driven in making your day an enjoyable and unforgettable experience. At Blannicombe, the hosts take pride in delivering a day that feels effortless but is carefully managed throughout. Their experience and attention to detail ensure that every element, from the welcome to the final drive, is handled with quiet confidence. Approachable and knowledgeable, they are always on hand to ensure guests feel at ease and able to enjoy the day fully.

Blannicombe is easily accessible, making it a convenient option for both local and travelling guns. The shoot is within close reach of the A303 and the M5 motorway, providing straightforward road access from London, the South East, and the Midlands. Exeter Airport is also nearby, offering regular domestic and international connections for those travelling further afield. For guests wishing to extend their stay, there are strong links with a selection of high-quality local hotels and accommodation providers, allowing for a seamless experience from arrival through to departure. Detailed directions and recommendations are provided upon booking or via our website.

Blannicombe is as much about the overall experience as it is the shooting, offering a day that is carefully considered from start to finish. Time in the field is complemented by thoughtful, well-executed hospitality, with food prepared in-house and reflecting a genuine field to fork approach using quality local produce. Located in East Devon, the shoot is ideally positioned for those wishing to extend their visit, with a range of excellent local hotels, coastal destinations, and countryside to explore nearby. Whether joining for a single day, entertaining clients, or returning throughout the season, Blannicombe provides a complete and memorable sporting experience that guests are keen to repeat.