Blackpool Gun Club

Clay pigeons explode in puffs of orange dust across the Lancashire countryside at this proper shooting ground just outside Preston. Blackpool Gun Club draws enthusiasts from across the North West for its well-maintained traps and welcoming atmosphere - though don't expect the glitz of the nearby seaside resort despite the name.

First-timers shouldn't be put off by the serious-looking regulars. The club runs introductory sessions that'll have you breaking clays within the hour, assuming you can handle the kick of a 12-bore. It's surprisingly addictive once you get your eye in.

Families staying at nearby Ribby Hall Village or Mowbreck Park will find this a decent rainy-day alternative, though obviously it's adults and older teens only. The countryside setting feels miles from Blackpool's arcades, which is rather the point. Sessions typically run a couple of hours, giving you enough time to work through the frustration of missing your first dozen shots.

Best to phone ahead to check availability and book instruction - this isn't the sort of place you rock up to on spec. The club's proper old-school approach means no fancy websites or online booking, just a phone call to sort things out.