FAQs for our Simulated Game Days
Our Simulated Game Days have been very popular since we launched them back in 2020 and, even with the disruption caused by the pandemic, we’re seeing interest in them grow year on year. If you’re not sure what a Sim Day is, what’s included or if they are for you, here are some answers to the questions we get asked most frequently.
- How many people can come along?
We cater for 8 to 10 guests on our Sim Days and that can be made up of couples, a group of friends or family. Our Sim Days are also popular choices for stag and hen parties who love shooting and the great outdoors, with a slightly competitive element which really livens up the day! We cater for mixed abilities, making sure everyone has a fun and challenging day of shooting whatever their level.
- What happens on a simulated game drive?
The idea of a Sim Day is to replicate the thrill of driven game shooting, but with clay targets instead of live birds. Even the most dedicated game shooter finds themselves enjoying a Sim day because they still don’t know where the target will come from (our traps are well hidden from view!) and the action is guaranteed!
A Sim Day at Thimbleby begins at 9:00am for breakfast in the clubhouse (8:30am for novice guests’ safety briefing and gun fitting sessions) and then the welcome and general briefing. After this we all head off for the first and then second drives of the day, so get ready for some thrilling action and no doubt a little competition building between guns. At 11:30am we break for elevenses, which is a great chance to debrief the action from the first drives, before setting out for drives three and four. A fabulous late lunch (around 3:30pm) in the recently renovated Thimbleby Grange follows, before our guests head off for the day.
- What makes Thimbleby Sim Days different?
We are privileged to be able to hold our Sim Days exclusively on the 3,000-acre Thimbleby Estate, which is located on the fringes of the North York Moors. This unique location gives us the most incredibly varied terrain for our guests to shoot over, from deep valleys and steep woodland to the dramatic open moorland itself. The estate is not only picturesque, but it also gives us a superb location to simulate the very best game shooting the UK can offer right on the doorstep of our shooting ground.
- My friends or family don’t shoot, can I come to a Sim Day alone?
We also have Sim Days which are available for individual guns and smaller groups of friends who can enjoy the same exciting shooting and fantastic hospitality without a full team. This is ideal if your friends and family don’t share your passion for shooting!
- What is included in the price?
Our Sim Days include our outstanding hospitality (that’s breakfast, elevenses and lunch, all with drinks), unlimited clays and cartridges and of course the exciting drives set within the estate. We pride ourselves on delivering the same experience as a top-notch driven game day with fun and challenging shooting, an excellent atmosphere and memorable food and drink.
- Do I need to have a shotgun licence and my own gun?
We welcome guests onto our Sim Days who don’t have their own shotgun licence and gun. We’re lucky that our gunroom has plenty of demo guns and guns here to be sold that you can try, and our instructors make sure any guest being loaned a gun for the day gets the perfect fit. If you haven’t shot for some time, we put on a full safety briefing to remind you of best practice and safe gun handling.
- What about if I’m a total shooting novice?
We hold days which are slightly less fast and furious which are perfect for people who are new to shooting. They also include a member of our team of instructors accompanying you (and giving you some tips and hints along the way!) so that you get the most out of your Sim Day.
- How much does a Sim Day cost and how can I book onto one?
Our Sim Days cost from £350 +VAT per person, with bespoke days available which could include a product launch, board meeting or even team building session. We have several buildings and spaces throughout the estate which are perfect for creating a memorable day in stunning surroundings.
To book a Sim Day call or email our sales team and let them know what kind of Sim Day you are interested in. They will be happy to help you and answer any questions you may have!
(01609) 883401 or info@thimblebyshoot.com