Action Stations

FISHING SCHOOLS 

The Arundell Arms Fishing School
The location is idyllic and boasts 20 miles of private fishing on the River Tamar. The school has two AAPGAI qualified instructors, and fly-fishing lessons are offered to those of all abilities. A one-off session costs from £110; two-day courses are offered from £285 or four days from £475.

Where: Lifton, Devon: 01566-784666, www.arundellarms.com

Lockwood Beck Fishery
Beginners’ day courses are taught in groups of five, and all equipment is included in the £60 fee. There are also improver courses for those wishing to further hone their skills.

Where: The Fishing Lodge, Lockwood Beck, Lingdale, Saltburn-by-the-Sea, North Yorkshire: 01287-660501, www.lockwoodfishery.co.uk

Annandale And Borders Fly Fishing
Located in the Scottish Borders with access to the River Annan, where they hold casting lessons and teach how to tie a fly. A full guiding service for salmon and sea trout fishing is offered and other seasonal specialities. All abilities are catered for, with tuition by the hour, half day, full day or dedicated courses. Several packages available – prices on application.

Where: 1 Summergate Crescent, Annan, Dumfries and Galloway: 01461-206750, www.annanflyfishing.co.uk

RIDING STABLES

Wellington Riding
Located in the heart of Hampshire, there are more than 100 horses and ponies to choose from. The yard also has a restaurant, eight riding arenas, a cross-country course and tack shop.

Where: Heckfield, Hook, Hampshire: 0118-932 6308, www.wellington-riding.co.uk


Moorview Equestrian Centre And Saddlery
Caters for every ability. The stables also present the opportunity to gain several BHS (British Horse Society) qualifications, from riding and road safety to stable management and first aid. Prices on application.

Where: Blacksnape Road, Blacksnape, Darwen, Lancashire: 01254-701557, www.moorview.co.uk

Marros Farm Riding Centre
Doubles as a livery yard and offers galloping beach rides for the experienced equestrian, woodland hacks, group and individual lessons and ‘own a pony’ days for children. Lessons start from £16 for half an hour.

Where: Marros, Pendine, Carmarthenshire: 01994-453777, www.marros-farm.co.uk

SHOOTING SPOTS

Bisley Shooting Ground
Set in 3,000 acres of Surrey heath and woodland, Bisley features a quintessentially English Victorian clubhouse. An hour’s lesson costs from £81 for an adult or £68 for a junior. The ground is open seven days a week and offers a gun-fitting service. Bisley also hosts Ladies Days throughout the year, which include instruction and a two course lunch, from £99.

Where: The Council Club, Bisley Camp, Brookwood, Surrey. There is also another site, located in the Scottish Borders – Bisley at Braidwood, Midlem, Selkirk: 01483-797017, www.bisleyshooting.co.uk

West Midlands Shooting Ground
With over 85 stands and 200 traps, this shooting ground is the ideal place to have your first clay-pigeon experience. The school’s experienced instructors offer introductory lessons for £45 and one-hour individual lessons for £65.

Where: Hodnet, Market Drayton, Shropshire: 01939- 200644, www.wmsg.co.uk

North Wales Shooting School
This venue has been familyrun for three generations. Tuition by appointment is available from Tuesday to Saturday; an introductory half-hour lesson costs £35. Archery is also offered.

Where: Sealand Manor, Sealand, Deeside: 01244-812219, www.shootingschool.net