The Glorious Twelfth is one of those dates that everyone in the country calendar seems to know. It marks the opening of the red grouse season and, for many, the point when the new shooting season really begins.
This year, the Glorious Twelfth falls on Wednesday 12 August 2026. With the season nearly here, now is a good time to check what it means, what happens on the day and whether your shooting kit is ready.
There is something about the date that feels like a turning point. Summer is still very much here, but the return to the moors brings the first hint of autumn and the promise of the season ahead.
What is the Glorious Twelfth?
The Glorious Twelfth is the name given to 12 August, the traditional first day of the red grouse shooting season in Great Britain and Northern Ireland.
Red grouse live wild on Britain's heather moorland, so numbers depend on the weather, habitat and breeding success each year. Estates carry out counts before the season and will only plan shoot days when local numbers allow.
The day brings together Guns, gamekeepers, beaters, pickers-up and working dogs. It has become a familiar symbol of British country life and the return of autumn fieldsports.
When does the 2026 shooting season begin?
The 2026 red grouse season begins on Wednesday 12 August. It runs until 10 December in England, Wales and Scotland, and until 30 November in Northern Ireland, according to the BASC shooting season guide.
The Glorious Twelfth does not open every game season. Partridge begins on 1 September and pheasant on 1 October, but grouse is the first major date in the autumn shooting calendar. That is why 12 August feels like the beginning of the wider season.
Why is it called the Glorious Twelfth?
The name comes from the excitement traditionally surrounding the first day back on the moor. It means early starts, dogs working through the heather and familiar faces gathering again after the closed season.
The date has historic roots in the Game Act 1831, which established 12 August as the opening of the grouse season in England and Wales. Over time, it simply became known as the Glorious Twelfth.
What happens on the day?
On a driven grouse day, beaters move across the moor and encourage birds towards waiting Guns. Pickers-up and their gundogs retrieve shot game, while the gamekeeper and shoot team organise the day.
Not every moor will shoot on 12 August. Grouse are wild birds and numbers vary, so some estates may begin later or decide not to shoot. The welfare of the grouse population and local conditions always shape the season.
Why does the Glorious Twelfth still matter?
For the people involved, the day is about much more than the first shoot. It reflects months of preparation on the moor and brings together rural skills, working dogs and communities that remain closely connected to the countryside.
It also gives the rest of us a timely reminder that another shooting season is about to begin. Jackets come back out of storage, boots are checked and plans are made for the first days with friends, family and familiar faces in the field.
What should you wear for the Glorious Twelfth?
The best shooting outfit is smart enough for the occasion but practical enough for a full day outdoors. Think muted greens, browns and tweeds, with layers that can handle wind, rain and uneven ground.
Start with a proper Tattersall shirt. The Hoggs of Fife Ambassador Premier Tattersall Shirt has the traditional checked look that sits naturally beneath tweed. Add the Alan Paine Ripon Flying Pheasant Silk Tie if the day calls for a smarter finish.
For the main layer, the Härkila Kenmore GTX Tweed Jacket combines a classic wool-tweed coat with waterproof, windproof GORE-TEX protection. It looks right for a driven day but is made to cope with the changeable conditions that come with a day on the moor.
Wear it with the matching Härkila Kenmore GTX Tweed Breeks. Breeks remain the traditional choice and, in the same Terragon Brown tweed, they create a smart, well-matched outfit that will work throughout the game season.
A waistcoat gives you another useful layer without restricting movement. The Härkila Kenmore Shooting Waistcoat completes the set and includes practical cartridge pockets. On a cooler day, a fine country jumper can be worn beneath the coat instead.
Finish the look with the House of Cheviot Tayside Shooting Socks. The ochre colour adds a little interest against the brown tweed, while the merino-rich blend is comfortable for a long day outdoors. Pair them with the waterproof and supportive Härkila Atammik GTX Boots. Wear new boots before your first full day and test them with the socks you intend to use.
If you are beating or picking-up, prioritise breathable layers, hardwearing trousers and comfortable boots over a very formal outfit. Women can find jackets, trousers, gilets and footwear in our women's shooting clothing collection.
Get ready for the season
Before your first day, try your full outfit on together, check that older waterproofs still perform and give your boots time to settle in. It is also worth replacing worn socks or gloves now rather than discovering the problem halfway across the moor.
A quick kit check should include:
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A tweed coat that still fits comfortably over your layers
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Boots with enough grip and support for wet, uneven ground
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A Tattersall shirt, tie and adaptable waistcoat or jumper
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Breeks, long shooting socks and a dry spare layer
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Any instructions from your host about dress or equipment
From traditional tweed to technical outerwear, explore our complete shooting clothing and footwear collection and make sure you are ready for the start of the 2026 season.
Quick questions about the Glorious Twelfth
What date is the Glorious Twelfth in 2026?
The Glorious Twelfth falls on Wednesday 12 August 2026.
Which shooting season starts on the Glorious Twelfth?
It marks the opening of the red grouse shooting season. Partridge and pheasant seasons begin later.
Do you have to wear tweed?
No, although tweed remains traditional for driven days. Technical shooting clothing is often more practical for beating, picking-up or very wet conditions. Always ask the host if there is a dress code.