Hotels and pubs that embrace country sports

Before GunsOnPegs first launched The Good Shoot Hotel Guide back in 2009, members would often contact us asking things like:

“Do you know somewhere good to stay near a shoot I'm going to next month?”

But when they said ‘good’, what they were really asking was something far more specific.

They were asking:

• “Will they welcome me there?”
• “Is it dog-friendly?”
• “If I walk in with my gun slip over my shoulder, am I going to feel out of place?”

Subtly, and often subconsciously, people were looking for somewhere that simply gets it. Somewhere they could relax before or after a day shooting and feel completely comfortable.

Although the hotel isn't necessarily the reason for the trip, the wrong one can still take the shine off it.

At GunsOnPegs, our strapline has always been “Plan the best days of your life.” And when you've invested time, money and anticipation into a great day's shooting, staying somewhere soulless the night before can genuinely diminish the experience.

It doesn't have to be luxury. In fact, many of the best places aren't.

What matters is atmosphere. A good meal. A proper pint. A warm welcome. Staff who understand that you're either looking forward to a special day or returning from one.

Places with character. Places where country sports people feel understood.

That's what the Good Shoot Hotel Guide is.

Every venue in this guide has been recommended by GunsOnPegs members as somewhere they genuinely enjoyed staying before or after a day's shooting. Some are beautiful country house hotels. Others are wonderfully rough-around-the-edges pubs with great food, comfortable rooms and the right people behind the bar.

What connects them all is that they understand their guests.

You won't find that in a normal hotel guide.

This guide exists because people within the shooting community have always known there's a difference between somewhere you can stay, and somewhere you actually want to stay before a great day in the field.

The Good Shoot Hotel Guide is completely free to use and doesn't charge either visitors or the hotel a commission – Contact the hotel directly and please mention us when booking.