Clay Pigeon Shooting Breaks
 

Combine country house chic and stay here in comfort while you are taught in the art of clay-pigeon shooting or enjoy a day’s sport with friends.

Park Hall is home to a very popular clay-pigeon shooting school with an extensive range of layouts including English Skeet, Compact Sporting and Olympic Skeet. Even if you have never tried the sport before or are to novice/intermediate standard you can experience the sport with tuition available from experienced qualified coaches if required.

Our experienced staff and fully qualified CPSA instructors are on hand to organise and advise on the many shooting disciplines available. Our instructors have a proven high standard of shooting and communication abilities.

There is an extensive range of layouts including English Skeet, Compact Sporting and Olympic Skeet. Even if you have never tried the sport before or are to novice/intermediate standard you can experience the sport with tuition available from experienced qualified coaches if required. A lesson with one of our professional coaches costs £50 for a one to one session or for two of you together just £80. This includes tuition, 25 cartridges and 25 clays per person, hire of gun and all safety equipment.
 

Training is available for the whole family

Our centre is famous for its high standard of personal tuition where we have taught some of the finest game and clay shooters in the country including Lady and Junior Great Britain Champions. Whether you require a pre session warm up or just want to try clay pigeon shooting for the first time, our professional approach is a major part of the art of clay pigeon shooting. We cater for the whole family and offer reduced rates for the under 16s.

Refreshments are available including hot and cold food and a full range of beverages in our clubhouse which is open every day, except Sundays. There is also a pool table and Internet access is available.

Private lessons are available on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday afternoons. If you are an experienced shot you can hire a gun and purchase cartridges and equipment here at our clubhouse. A round of skeet (English, Olympic or Compact Sporting) costs £6 or £10 inclusive of cartridges. Hire of a gun is £10 per session if required. CPS Registered English Skeet days are held every other Saturday.

Corporate days and stag party events are very popular and we can also arrange a private shooting day for you and your family and friends. Your day will commence with a shooter’s full English breakfast followed by private coaching sessions throughout the morning. After a buffet lunch a friendly competition will be held under full supervision with trophies awarded to the winners. Great fun for everyone.

Just let us know your requirements and we will be happy to arrange a special day for you.

Clay Pigeon Shooting on one of the ranges

Preparing to go fishing and clay pigeon shooting

The ranges are open all day on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays with Wednesdays by appointment only. The shooting ranges are closed on Sundays.
 

Call 01255 820922 or 01255 820230 for further details and to arrange your Clay-Pigeon Shooting session.

'Outdoor Activity Offer'   'Just for Him Offer'
 

Coarse Fishing
 

Combine your holiday with excellent coarse fishing and free club membership for all guests staying at Park Hall Country House & Cottages. Park Hall provides an excellent location being situated in open countryside with two private well-stocked fishing lakes a short walk away. If you prefer you can drive and park near to the lakes, weather permitting.

The two and a half acre carp lake is very popular with guests. Specimen fish caught this year include 25lb plus Carp, 7lb plus Tench, good size Roach, Perch, Rudd and Bream. Both the lakes are owned by Park Hall and are exclusive to members. All guests must have a valid fishing rod licence and their own tackle with barbless hooks, landing nets and unhooking mats.

Common Carp caught in August by a young boy staying on holiday here with his parents.	Dad & son staying in one of the cottages landed this whopper together!
16.5 lbs Mirror Carp, one of many, caught by this guest	Park Hall’s two and a half acre Carp Lake
A 22lb mirror carp caught Sept 2009 by one of our regular guests to Park Hall	Just packing up for the day when a guest staying in Park Hall found he had this 18lb carp on his line!

Sea Fishing

For the keen sea angler we can arrange a fishing charter for you during your stay.

 

 

Sophie Lea Fishing Charters is a fully licensed fishing boat. It has coastguard agency code of practice for twelve anglers including a brown workboat code, safety is assured, and free tuition is given to all who need it.


 

 

The Thames Estuary is a vast expanse of shoal and sandbanks holding a large variety of fish species including; Bass, Smooth Hound, Tope and Skate in summer months with Cod and Whiting etc in the winter months.
Sophie Lea will very rarely cancel a trip due to bad weather; they can often find a sheltered fishing spot whilst south coast charter boats are in harbour due to strong winds. Most fishing is anchored ground fishing, uptide/downtide, and wrecking trips by special arrangement dependant on weather conditions.

Individuals or small groups of anglers welcome. Tuition available if required. Guests with impaired movement can also fish on board the Sophie Lea	On board luxury with heated out of the weather seating area and on board toilet facilities. Unlimited tea & coffee available all day

You are advised to arrange with us well in advance for these popular sea fishing charters which attract guests from far and wide including Holland, Germany and Belgium.
 

Bird Watching - Park Hall

Barn Owl photographed flying over our paddocks

Park Hall is a paradise for birdwatchers where a wide variety of garden, farm, marsh, and sea birds can be seen. Being located near to the coast but also being in the middle of the countryside has great advantages when bird watching.

In the beautiful gardens of Park Hall can be seen many species including Greenfinch, Dunnock, Bullfinch, Chaffinch, Goldfinch, Siskin, Yellowhammer, Corn Bunting, Green Woodpecker, Greater Spotted Woodpecker, Turtle Dove as well as the old time favourites such as Robin, Wagtail, Sparrow, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Coal Tit, Wren, Blackbird, Thrushes and the lovely Mistle Thrush. Peacocks can also be seen wandering through, sometimes with their young in tow. The Cuckoo can be heard and seen every spring and under the eves of Park Hall are the nesting sites of the many House Martins that return here every year along with the Swallows that take up residence in the farm outbuildings.

Out walking the dedicated paths around the fields you might spot Fieldfare, Skylark, Lapwing, Redwing and Corn Buntings to name but a few and of course the many rooks, starlings and seagulls that follow behind the tractors. By the two lakes can be spotted the Grey Heron, the occasional visiting Swan, Ducks, Grebe, Plovers, Coot, Moorhen, Woodcock and many more.

 

Buzzard seen feeding in our meadow

Buzzard in flight over Park Hall

A number of different species of birds of prey may be heard and seen flying over. Common Buzzards are regular visitors to our farm and can be seen soaring over the fields. Sparrowhawks, Merlins, Harriers, Hobbys and Kestrels have also been spotted.

Bird Watching – Near By
 

The following Essex Wildlife Trusts are all just a few minutes from Park Hall:


Howlands Marsh - An exceptional area of coastal grazing marsh only a few minutes walk from Park Hall. It is dissected by reed and sedge filled dykes and fleets and is bordered by the fringe of saltmarsh outside the seawall. The two observation hides offer views of the waders and wildfowl on the reserve. Except at high tide waders such as Black-tailed Godwit, Redshank and Curlew, can be seen in the Creek, and occasionally Avocet, along with Shelduck and Brent Geese. On the fresh water marshes many hundreds of duck especially Wigeon and Teal can be seen. During the summer months Marsh Harriers and Barn Owls may be spotted. Occasionally Merlin, Hen Harrier and Short-eared Owls can be seen. The path to the reserve which can be walked to from Park Hall is approached from a layby on the B1027. Turn right from Park Chase onto the B1027 and continue past the village turn off on your left hand side. The layby is a short distance further on the left hand side. If you prefer you can drive and park near the Boating Lake in the village and walk west along the north side of St Osyth Creek, turning north after some 400 yards. This route leads to a hide overlooking the main marsh.

Colne Point Nature Reserve - Located on the outskirts of the village of St. Osyth, this area is best known for its summer population of the protected Little Tern. Also large flocks of Lapwing and Golden Plovers can be spotted in the winter months. Short Eared Owls frequent the area and you may even spot Hen Harriers hunting. Peregrines and Merlins also frequent this area. Access to the reserve is via Lee Wick Lane, a rough but drivable track through Lee Wick Farm to the sea wall. There is a designated parking area on the reserve, shortly after the track crosses the seawall, but caution should be taken when parking there as this area floods on high spring tides.

Colne Point Nature Reserve

Great Holland Pitts - A good variety of birdlife can be found here, with the nightingale among the summer visitors, and several aquatic species including kingfisher, coot and little grebe. Long-eared owls frequently can be seen in winter. The reserve entrance is 800m west of the Lion's Den pub at Great Holland, north of the Little Clacton Road.

Other nearby locations well worth a visit:

Alresford Creek – One of our favourites. Diving ducks including Goldeneye can be spotted here at high tide. At other times a good number of waders will be evident. Beautiful views of the River Colne make this a superb place to spend a while just taking in the fabulous bird life. Park by the ford at Alresford Creek and following the riverside path first west and then north at least as far as the wood by Alresford Grange. Shortly after the start of the wood, a footpath off to the right provides the option of completing a circuit returning along the edge of a complex of flooded pits to the road, leaving a short walk down to the ford.

Alresford Creek

Holland Haven Country Park - This area attracts hundreds of wildfowl in winter and smaller numbers of waders including such species as Ruff and Common Snipe. Signposted from the B1032 at the far end of Holland-on-Sea. Drive up the access road to the pay-and-display car-park or walk from a nearby side-road.

The Naze at Walton – Great for walkers and bird watchers alike. Regarded as one of the county’s premier bird watching sites by those who enjoy searching for migrant species in spring and autumn. There is a large pay-and-display car-park with toilets (and café in summer) at The Naze or free parking nearer the town.

Backwaters/Old Boating Lake

Salt Marsh - Stone Point, The Naze

 

Owl Watching at Park Hall
 

At dusk you may come across the Tawny, Barn and Little Owls hunting or visiting the farmyard for some tasty morsel or two. A wonderful sight, especially the Barn Owls quartering the fields when they have young calling to be fed!

Two young Tawny Owls in our oak tree	Young Barn Owl
Ringing owlet	Measuring wing feathers to age owlet

Over the years we have placed a number of owl boxes in the farm buildings and on various trees at Park Hall. The Hawk & Owl Trust is invited to check and ring the young owls each year so that we can trace their progress in life. Guests are invited to watch.

‘A’ Frame Owl box placed by edge of field

Owl box in ancient oak

Indoor Swimming
 

Staying with us automatically entitles you to free membership at the lovely indoor pool at Bentley Country Park. Situated just 5 minutes away from the cottages, Bentley Park offers an indoor heated swimming pool for all the family, a gymnasium, a stand-up sun bed and much, much more. So if you fancy a day away from the beach why not relax and unwind in the large Swedish sauna or try the superb, invigorating spa. Colchester Leisure World also has year round fun with a wide range of sports and leisure activities. One of the main attractions is the leisure pool with its exciting flume rides, bubbling spa pools, lazy river ride, water cannons and poolside juice bar. Well worth a visit.

                   Colchester Leisure World

Horse Riding

 

Brook Farm Stables 01206 822502 Alresford approx 15 mins. away Copdock Riding Centre 01473 730678 Copdock approx 35 mins. away Foots Farm Riding Centre 01255 427913 or 07786 168657 Clacton-on-Sea approx 15 mins. away Park Farm Riding Centre 01206 271535 Little Horkesley approx 30 mins. away Saddlebrook Chase 01255 474554 Jaywick approx 10 mins

Enjoy a hack around the lovely countryside or perhaps dressage or jumping instruction

 

Other Indoor Activities
 

There are so many indoor activities to enjoy during your stay, far too many to mention but here are a few examples:

Roller Skating - Colchester is also home to Europe’s finest roller skating rink, Rollerworld, where everyone can enjoy the fun from the absolute beginner to the more experienced skater. You can play laser battles at Quasar too at Rollerworld. Set in a futuristic arena with players tagging each other with laser guns. Quasar is suitable for 8 years and over.

Go-Karting -

There is even an indoor go-kart track – Indikart –ideal for novices and experienced drivers alike in nearby Colchester. Great fun for adults, kids and groups of friends and family. Mini Moto Racing is available as well as go karting events and you can pay a day visit for a practice run then onto the track to compete - a thrilling experience for all ages.

Ten-Pin Bowling - At Colchester’s Megabowl, with its computerised scoring system, there is everything you need for an enjoyable time ten-pin bowling.

Go Bananas - Young children will love the action packed fun at Go Bananas, a 12,000 square foot indoor play company, housing a three-storey jungle adventure especially for 5 – 11 year olds. For the under fives there is a large children’s village for them to enjoy.

Rambling
 

There are many fabulous places to ramble especially along the coastline. Here are just a few near to Park Hall:

Hamford Water at Walton on the Naze is an area of over 2000 hectares comprising tidal inlets, islands and saltings representing substantial areas of the Tendring coastline. They were featured in ‘The Snow Goose’ and Arthur Ransome’s children’s story ‘Secret Water’. Part of this is a National Nature Reserve and the area also supports a small population of grey and common seals. The Naze, made up of red sandstone cliffs formed during the Ice Age, constantly produces a range of fossil remains of animal life. The Red Crag produces shells of c. 2 million years and the London Clay holds 50 million year old sharks teeth! There is a large pay-and-display car-park with toilets (and café in summer) at The Naze or free parking nearer the town.

Backwaters/Old Boating Lake

Salt Marsh - Stone Point, The Naze

Howlands Marsh in St. Osyth is an area of coastal grazing marsh to the west of St. Osyth Priory and is dissected by reed and sedge filled dykes and fleets and is bordered by the fringe of saltmarsh outside the seawall. The two observation hides offer views of the waders and wildfowl on the reserve. The path to the reserve which can be walked to from Park Hall is approached from a layby on the B1027. Turn right from Park Chase onto the B1027 and continue past the village turn off on your left hand side. The layby is a short distance further on the left hand side. If you prefer you can drive and park near the Boating Lake in the village and walk west along the north side of St Osyth Creek, turning north after some 400 yards. This route leads to a hide overlooking the main marsh.

Howlands Marsh

 

Alresford Creek – One of our favourites. Diving ducks including Goldeneye can be spotted here at high tide. At other times a good number of waders will be evident. Beautiful views of the River Colne make this a superb place to spend a while just taking in the fabulous scenery. Park by the ford at Alresford Creek and following the riverside path first west and then north at least as far as the wood by Alresford Grange. Shortly after the start of the wood, a footpath off to the right provides the option of completing a circuit returning along the edge of a complex of flooded pits to the road, leaving a short walk down to the ford.

Alresford Creek

Holland Haven Country Park - Situated on the coast between Clacton and Frinton and is managed to conserve the landscape, coastal grazing marsh and wildlife quality of the area whilst providing for the quiet enjoyment of visitors. In addition to some interesting breeding birds in summer, the Country Park is an important point for Spring and Autumn migrants. The SSSI designation recognises the rare and varied flora.Signposted from the B1032 at the far end of Holland-on-Sea. Drive up the access road to the pay-and-display car-park or walk from a nearby side-road.

Holland Haven Country Park

A Walk in the Countryside pack is available that includes information on British wildlife with picture guides to help identify wild birds, trees, flowers, mammals, fungi and insects. Also included in the pack are binoculars, maps and walking sticks. Please ask us for the pack. Enjoy your day out in the countryside by taking with you a deluxe picnic hamper. We can arrange a full hamper for you filled with lots of delicious goodies and wine complete with cutlery, plates, cups, glasses, flask, bottle opener and tablecloth. Please ask.
 

Wildlife Boat Trips

Why not take a boat trip to go Seal watching!

 

 

 

As seen on the BBC Coast program you too can
experience a wildlife boat trip to go seal watching just off the coast near here.


 

 

Board the “Karina” for a two hour trip around the “Secret Water” in the enthralling Walton Backwaters under the guidance of an experienced boatman and naturalist. Encounter common and grey Seals plus many other rare and beautiful birds and wildlife that live within the “Hamford Water National Nature Reserve”.
Wildlife boat trips leave twice a day, weather and tides permitting. Evening trips are also available to view the wonderful sunsets. Call 07806 309 460 to make your booking.

Booking in advance is essential for these popular wildlife boat trips.

Sunbathing
 

With over 36 miles of award winning beaches you are bound to find the perfect sunbathing spot for you!

Jaywick Sands one of the many beautiful beaches near Park Hall Country House & Cottages

Brightlingsea – One of the Cinque Ports and a Mecca for sailors with its own excellent beach. Blue Flag Award 2008.

Clacton-on-Sea – In the summer months it all happens on – or by – the beach in Clacton. With its traditional fun-filled seaside atmosphere it is still a firm family favourite.

Dovercourt Bay – This unspoilt seafront offers a wealth a wealth of activities to keep even the most demanding visitor busy. Blue Flag Award 2008.

Frinton-on-Sea – Relaxed, sophisticated and unique with one of the best beaches on the Essex Sunshine Coast. Quality Coast Award 2008.

Harwich – Boasting excellent views of Felixstowe docks, it is ideal for those who enjoy a walk along the seashore in both the summer and winter. Quality Coast Award 2008.

Holland-on-Sea – Family friendly sandy beaches as well as offering an idyllic setting for walks along the seashore.

Jaywick Sands – One of our favourites with safe friendly golden beaches in an unspoilt traditional setting.

St. Osyth – Boasts fine beaches and a range of watersports.

Walton – Home to Britain’s second longest pier with its exciting family fun fair and sandy tide-washed beach. Quality Coast Award 2008.

Croquet on the Lawn
 

If you are looking for something more relaxing after your busy day you can always recharge your batteries here at Park Hall; all the cottages have their own private gardens and patios – a wonderful place to relax and enjoy your afternoon Pimms with croquet on the lawn, a leisurely game of bowls or a quiet stroll around the beautiful gardens.

Park Hall Gardens