High Lodge Leisure Ltd is a premier 120-acre sporting and hospitality venue located in the heart of the Suffolk countryside. Founded over 30 years ago by the legendary 14-time World Champion John Bidwell, the ground has earned the prestigious CPSA "Premier Plus" status. It is widely recognized as a world-class shooting destination that seamlessly blends professional sports infrastructure with stylish leisure and corporate facilities.
The facility is renowned for its technical excellence and variety, offering a diverse range of disciplines suitable for all skill levels. The ground utilizes a modern "Pay & Play" counter system and voice-activated layouts, allowing for independent practice without the need for a manual puller.
Key Disciplines: English Sporting, Sportrap, Compak Sporting, Skeet, DTL (Down the Line), and ABT (Automatic Ball Trap).
Shooting Infrastructure: Over 30 sporting stands (mostly undercover), two high towers (60ft and 120ft), and six fully automated Compak layouts.
Proprietary Technology: The venue uses "Auto Sporter" clay traps, which were invented by John Bidwell and are still manufactured on-site.
Training and instruction are core pillars of High Lodge, centered on Bidwell’s world-renowned "Move, Mount, Shoot" technique. Led by expert instructors like Oliver Wilde, the coaching team provides tailored sessions for everyone from complete novices to elite competitors.
Training Formats: Individual hourly lessons, "Have A Go" taster sessions, and specialized 2-hour sessions for FITASC or Skeet.
Youth Programs: Dedicated "Youngsters Activity Experiences" for shooters aged 10–16.
Beyond the shooting line, High Lodge offers an extensive range of outdoor activities and luxury accommodations. The site is a popular destination for family holidays, corporate team-building, and weddings.
On-Site Activities: Archery, air rifle ranges (up to 80m), two coarse fishing lakes, and a 9-hole golf/footgolf course.
Hospitality Infrastructure: 19 luxury lodges with private hot tubs, a modern clubhouse with a restaurant, and the "Champion Suite" function room seating up to 350 guests.
The venue remains a strategic hub for major British shooting events, regularly hosting the British Open Sporting & Sportrap Championships and the Suffolk Sporting Championships. The natural terrain, combining woodland and open areas, provides realistic and challenging target presentations that mimic game bird flight paths, such as high-altitude pheasants.
Target Audience:
Novices: Comprehensive "Have A Go" packages and professional coaching.
Professional Athletes: Registered CPSA fixtures and world-class technical stands.
Families: Multidisciplinary activity days and dog-friendly luxury lodging.
Corporate Groups: Dedicated conference facilities and large-scale team-building events.
Address
High Lodge Leisure Ltd, Haw Wood, Hinton, nr. Saxmundham, Suffolk, IP17 3QT, United Kingdom
