The 10 Most Popular Country Pursuits
Archery
Always dreamt of splitting an apple in two with a perfectly placed shot, or fancy yourself as a modern day Robin Hood? Then a day of archery is the one for you. Whether you need showing the basics, or already know how to shoot a bullseye-only shot, your expert instructor will be sure to make your day fun and memorable.
Although the historic sport of archery is no longer used to defend castles, it is an exciting and challenging country pursuit, designed to be enjoyed by many on a country estate. Your knowledge and skill will develop under the coaching eye of the instructor, until you feel the huge sense of satisfaction when you keep hitting the mark.
Classic car tours
Choose your perfect classic car and experience the beauty of the English countryside. The bucolic winding country lanes will bring out the best in these incredible examples of vintage automation. We’ll plan your route with you and you can bring the Cotswolds or Chilterns alive as you meander from village to village through this beautiful country.
A fabulous lunch or afternoon tea is an essential part of your day so would you prefer to enjoy a private lunch in one of our stunning stately homes, hosted by the lord of the manor, or a delicious afternoon tea in a traditional country inn at the heart of one of our beautiful English villages…the choice is yours?
Clay Shooting
Clay shooting is a favourite country pursuit of our clients. Whether you want to fine tune your shooting skills or discover the enjoyment of handling a gun and breaking clays, the sense of achievement at the end of the session will be yours to take away. You will be welcomed to one of the stunning country estates in the area. The estates offer a wonderfully warm welcome and include the exclusive use of a woodland shooting lodge or the manor house for elevenses, lunch and afternoon tea.
During the morning you will receive expert tuition using multiple clay traps and after lunch you can experience the thrill of a simulated shoot. This is as close to a game shoot as you can find, the clays will be fired in flurries in many directions, challenging your eye, your direction and speed of response. It’s a truly exciting finale.
Countryside walks
We are very fortunate to be surrounded by some incredible landscape, scenery and areas of outstanding natural beauty throughout the country. Along with the obvious health benefits, we believe there is truly nothing better for your body and mind than a long leisurely walk in the countryside. We will happily share our favourites with you, wherever you are staying.
Cycling
Experience the very best of the quintessential villages and hamlets on two wheels. Our guide will be on hand to share his knowledge and experience with you so you feel at one with the beautiful countryside of the Chilterns and the Cotswolds.
Whether you are an experienced cyclist or just wish to see the beautiful English countryside on a relaxed ride, this is the perfect opportunity to explore the great outdoors.
Gliding along quiet roads and country lanes riding through quintessential villages couldn’t be easier! Especially as electric bikes, also known as E-Bikes are available. They are an incredible way of enjoying the great outdoors without the worry. The same as a normal push bike, with the main benefit of a battery to give you that little extra help and power when you need it.
Falconry
You are invited to step back in time as you meet and spend time with the magnificent birds of prey and their handler. You will have an unrivalled opportunity to experience the power, elegance and grace of these amazing birds of prey. You won’t be watching from afar, you will handle, feed and fly a stunning array of different birds, to have a full appreciation of this royal sport that has been enjoyed by our Kings and Queens through history.
You will see what birds of prey are designed for and appreciate their natural behaviours and witness some truly breath-taking flying. This is an amazing opportunity to watch the Harris Hawks and Falcons demonstrate their exceptional skills.
Horse riding
There is no better way to get up close and personal with the British countryside than on horseback. Our favourite bridleways will take you through the heart of woodland and parkland, open fields and farmland so you feel at one with it all. There are a number of excellent routes for you to follow around the UK. Whether you would like a leisurely, relaxing ride, challenging terrain, spectacular scenery, or simple ride around an equestrian centre.
We offer rides from many different equestrian stables and locations across a number of different counties up and down in the UK, from Cornwall to Scotland. Ride through the idyllic countryside and experience the scenery in a way you have never done before. From the woodland, parkland and rural areas in the Chilterns, Cotswolds and the New Forest to the vast open beaches in Cornwall.
Off road 4×4 experience
Experience the thrill of the ultimate driving experience. You will have the opportunity to get behind the wheel of the latest Land Rover models and negotiate your way over rough terrain, up steep inclines and through deep rutted tracks.
With private access to a picturesque country estate, explore obstacle-filled tracks, built within a hidden valley for dramatic amphitheatre effect.
You will have the option of a full or half day driving experience, during which you will receive expert instruction allowing you to develop your driving skills and gain a greater understanding of vehicle control, obstacle handling and how to assess different environments.
Polo
We are delighted to offer the opportunity to learn the skills and tactics of one of the most exciting sports at one of the premier homes of polo. You will be following in the footsteps of the finest players in the sport on the high goal polo pitches, where you can soak up the atmosphere and master the skills.
Your day will include stick management practice on a wooden horse and live action on a polo pony. You will also be introduced to the history of Guards Polo Club and enjoy refreshments on site.
Having demonstrated your skills in the morning, you are invited to watch the professionals mastering their sport at one of the polo tournaments through the season. If your dates coincide, you are invited to enjoy a fabulous afternoon treading the divots following a delicious lunch.
Rifle shooting
Many authorities in the field of shooting and sport in general consider shooting to be a technical sport. It is not without its reasons. While in other sports, strength, speed and agility are required, shooting demands stability, calmness and micro-coordination. This balanced experience is designed to be an introduction to rifle target shooting giving basic instruction on the skills a target shooter will need, from zeroing to precision shooting at bulls-eyes and some rapid shooting at steels.
To find our more about the many country pursuits Humphreys of Henley has to offer, email info@humphreysofhenley.co.uk or have a browse through our country pursuits section on the website – click here to find out more.