Take Aim, Take Off

Five properly hands-on ways to spend a day in the Cotswolds this season, from clay pigeons and quad bikes to mountain trails and morning gallops.

Kim Bailey Racing www.kimbaileyracing.com

For a rather different morning out, go behind the scenes at one of Britain's leading National Hunt racing yards. Ever wondered what happens before the crowds arrive at Cheltenham or Aintree? Join the Breakfast Tour at Kim Bailey and Mat Nicholls Racing and experience the excitement of a working racing stable from the inside.

Watch the horses on the gallops, meet the trainers and stable staff, discover how champions are prepared, and enjoy a relaxed breakfast while hearing fascinating stories from the world of National Hunt racing. Whether you're a lifelong racing enthusiast or simply looking for a unique Cotswold morning out, this is an experience you'll never forget.

Exclusive offer for Cotswold Cloche readers: quote CLOCHE50 when booking to receive 50% off your Breakfast Tour. Visit www.kimbaileyracing.com or call 01242 890241 to book your place.
 

Ian Coley Sporting www.iancoley.co.uk/shooting-school

Nestled in the heart of the Cotswolds just outside Cheltenham, Ian Coley Sporting offers an exceptional countryside experience for shooting enthusiasts of all levels. Set within idyllic countryside, the ground combines peaceful rural charm with first-class facilities, including a spacious clubhouse, welcoming café, and a well-stocked country clothing and gun shop.

Open Monday to Saturday, the venue provides flexible “pay and play” practice, expert tuition for individuals and groups, and tailored corporate hospitality packages, perfect for team building or client entertainment. Whether you are a seasoned shot or trying the sport for the first time, Ian Coley Sporting delivers a friendly, professional atmosphere alongside some of the finest shooting in the region. With its unique blend of tradition, expertise, and modern amenities, it remains a standout destination in the Cotswolds.

Cotswold Quadding www.cotswoldquadding.co.uk

Cotswold Quadding offers exclusive, instructor-led electric quad treks across the stunning 500-acre Farncombe Estate, climbing to almost 750 feet above sea level for breathtaking views over Broadway, the Vale of Evesham and, on a clear day, the Malvern Hills. Designed for private groups, each bespoke experience combines the thrill of a silent, fume-free electric adventure with the tranquillity of the surrounding countryside, taking in open farmland, woodland and the estate's more challenging hilly terrain.

Guests enjoy phone-free time throughout, while the instructor captures picture-perfect moments along the way. With a full safety briefing, training and equipment provided, treks are suited to first-timers and experienced riders alike. A memorable way to explore the Cotswolds from somewhere other than a footpath.

417 Bike Park www.417bikepark.co.uk

Perched on Crickley Hill, 417 Bike Park has been drawing mountain bikers since 2016 and is now one of the largest privately owned bike parks in the country, with trails to suit everyone from nervous beginners to seasoned downhill riders. The park's uplift service, run by FlyUp, does the hard work for you, ferrying riders and their bikes to the top of the hill so the day can be spent riding rather than climbing.

Full-suspension bikes are available to hire, along with dirt jump and pump track bikes for those who want to test their skills without bringing their own kit. Coaching is available across every discipline, from balance-bike beginners to those chasing downhill race times, and the on-site FlyUp Bikes shop and workshop can handle everything from a quick repair to a full build. It is a proper day out for families and thrill-seekers alike, with the Cotswold escarpment as a rather spectacular backdrop.

The Cotswold Range www.thecotswoldrange.co.uk

Set within The Cotswold Lakes near Cirencester, The Cotswold Range has quickly become one of the region's most popular archery venues, offering sessions with fully qualified Archery GB instructors for complete beginners and experienced archers alike. Games and challenges are woven through each session, keeping first-timers and regulars equally entertained, and the range is fully undercover, so sessions run rain or shine regardless of the Cotswold weather.

It is a natural fit for families, friends and corporate groups after a competitive team day out, and with free on-site parking and booking available seven days a week, it slots easily into a wider Cotswolds itinerary.