Parkford Shooting Centre is a premier clay pigeon shooting destination situated within a scenic farmland setting in Essex. Located between Clacton-on-Sea and Colchester, near the historic village of St. Osyth, the center provides a high-standard environment for both recreational and competitive shooters. The facility is a family-run enterprise led by the Ford brothers - Richard, David, and Alistair - who are all CPSA-qualified instructors with extensive experience at the top levels of the sport.
Facilities and Disciplines
The center offers an extensive range of shooting layouts that utilize fully automatic traps to cater to various traditional and modern disciplines. As a registered firearms dealer, the clubhouse also provides on-site access to shotgun sales, cartridges, and specialized shooting accessories.
English Skeet and Olympic Skeet layouts
Compact Sporting layouts (simulating various game flight trajectories)
Clubhouse featuring a registered gun shop and equipment sales
Automated target launching systems for consistent practice
Coaching and Professional Expertise
The hallmark of the center is its elite coaching staff, particularly Alistair "Smoker" Ford, a two-time FITASC World Sporting Champion and three-time European champion. The coaching method is designed to be straightforward and accessible, focusing on gun speed and instinctive shooting rather than over-complicating technical aspects.
One-to-One private coaching for all skill levels
Group sessions for parties of 2 to 9+ participants
Specialized training for junior and lady shooters, having produced multiple national champions
Safety-first instruction for absolute beginners
Infrastructure and 5-Star Accommodation
Beyond the shooting grounds, the facility is part of the award-winning Park Hall Leisure estate, which holds a 5-star "Gold" rating from Visit Britain. This infrastructure makes the center a popular choice for extended stays and high-end corporate retreats.
Luxury cottages including The Cart Lodge, The Hay Barn, and The Carriage House
Full-service clubhouse offering "Shooter's English Breakfasts" and buffet lunches
On-site leisure activities such as coarse fishing and golf
Dedicated archery ranges available on specific days
Events and Competitions
Parkford hosts a variety of registered and informal events throughout the year, serving as a focal point for the Essex shooting community. It is a highly sought-after venue for organized group activities due to its ability to combine sport with professional hospitality.
Essex Registered Selection Shoot (annually in late March)
Corporate team-building days with supervised competitions and trophies
Stag and Hen parties and private family shooting days
Regular CPSA-registered shoots for competitive ranking
