I'd always heard about the legendary Holland & Holland Shooting Ground , so as soon as I had the chance to visit, I jumped at it. After landing at Heathrow Airport, a half-hour taxi ride took me to the shooting range, a lodge in the English countryside northeast of London, about an hour's drive from Piccadilly Circus . As soon as I crossed the threshold, surmounted by the factory logo, I was greeted by the staff: director Paul Shanahan and range manager and head instructor Chris Bird. They explained to me how the facility is organized and what activities they offer.
Upon entering, you're greeted by a large lounge featuring a bar, English-style sofas and armchairs, a display of accessories and clothing, and display cases featuring a selection of new and used H&H rifles , side-by-side, over-and-under, and express rifles. Large windows overlook the shooting range, lending a sense of space and light to the entire space.
On the opposite side, to the left of the entrance, are the dining rooms, several rooms of varying sizes. The first features a large wine display, including, of course, labels from the Gussalli Beretta winery : Franciacorta, Chianti, Barolo, and many others, as well as the finest wines from around the world. The kitchen is equipped for both large events and those who want a quick bite, all of which are top-quality. They introduce me to the chef, who, to be sure, is Italian!
Moving on to the shooting school , which is what intrigued me the most, I choose a shotgun from over a hundred weapons, almost all Berettas, however, given where I am, I opt for a Holland & Holland 12 gauge Sporting over-and-under . Leaving the Club House, you're spoiled for choice: various paths, crossing perfect English lawns and flowerbeds, lead to an infinite number of shooting stations, some more challenging with clays simulating various hunting situations: grouse in two platforms dug into the ground like a grouse moor and four cross-shooting or point-shooting clays that cross like in a real driven hunt; flash platforms where six shooters simultaneously shoot at 80 clays that fly over them in 180 seconds to simulate a pheasant drive; towers from which other high-altitude clays are launched, both single and in pairs; the hare platform where three clays race across the ground, surpassing each other, where the lucky ones manage to hit three with two shots; and many other solutions to simulate all the various hunting situations.
Other easier platforms for those approaching shooting for the first time, slower targets with not particularly challenging trajectories, and finally some platforms for the little ones. In England there are no age limits for shooting, H&H also has specialized instructors in the shooting school for children, where the targets are easy to hit even with small calibers.
I had to do the inspection for the organization of a competition for hunters and shooters, therefore with Chris Bird who in addition to being the head of the H&H shooting range is also considered one of the best instructors in the whole of England, so I tried 16 different platforms, 8 more challenging and 8 easier, following his advice I was able to see how important a good teacher is. 
Customers are not allowed to use the ranges themselves; they can only shoot with an instructor who will also be responsible for safety and assist you with everything. Naturally, being Holland & Holland, there's a dedicated rifle range where you can calibrate and practice on a 100-meter outdoor range.
While in the basement the Cine Shot, a shooting range where hunting scenes are projected on a giant screen, with animals ranging from wild boar to the Big Five. The peculiarity is that you shoot with real rifles and hunting ammunition, even in the largest calibers. 
For my part, I started with a simulated wild boar hunt using a .308 H&H bolt-action rifle, then moved on to a side-by-side .375HH express rifle for Cape buffalo, and finally the elephant, again using a .500 Nitro Express H&H Royal model. This was a unique opportunity to try out these stunning guns, and for those who can afford them, a chance to test them out at the time of purchase or before leaving on safari.
At Holland & Holland , the hunting atmosphere is palpable. Everything is designed to make guests feel at home, combining modernity with the best hunting traditions from across the Channel. The venue is also used for events, parties, and corporate meetings. In addition to the indoor rooms, those interested can also try their hand at shooting, an opportunity that's particularly appreciated by those who've never tried, whether English or foreign.
It's an experience I recommend to anyone visiting London who has some free time to dedicate to our passion. You'll be welcomed with a smile and treated to an incredible experience.
www.hollandandholland.com/shooting-grounds
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