Belvoir Castle: Country sport, Historic House Garden, Stately Home Midlands

COUNTRY SPORTS: SHOOTING

The Belvoir Estate offers a fine partridge and pheasant shoot in most interesting and beautiful surroundings.

Head Keeper, Malcolm Partridge, together with his team of keepers, beaters and pickers up have provided hours of challenging and enjoyable shooting for Belvoir's regular and new shooting clients.

The day starts when the guns meet for coffee at 9am. At 9.15, Malcolm leads the team to their first drive. If the guns have chosen to eat lunch at lunch time, they enjoy a break for elevenses after the second drive and then have two more drives before lunch, which is served in the warmth and splendour of Belvoir Castle.

After one or two more drives, the guns return to the Castle for afternoon tea.

During the shorter days of December and January, teams may wish to shoot through. In these circumstances, a more substantial "twelveses" is brought out to the shoot by our restaurant staff. The shoot then continues and the guns return to the Castle after an exhilarating day's sport, for a relaxing late lunch.

The success of the Belvoir shoot lies in the management and teamwork of all involved, from the early planning stages, through to the day itself. The team all work extremely hard to provide first class game, and are excellent hosts, offering the warmest hospitality in the most wonderful surroundings.

For those who wish to make the occasion extra special, accommodation can be provided at the Castle, for shooting parties, as guests of the Duke and Duchess of Rutland. Choose from 11 exquisite roms such as the famous Wyatt Room or the Wellington Room (where the Duke of Wellington stayed in the 1850's). The King's Rooms and Chinese Rooms have also been adapted to accommodate overnight staying parties.

Bookings are already being taken for next season. If you would like to find out more, on any of the above, please ring 01476 871011 or email shooting@belvoircastle.com.