netheravon united kingdom | Everything You Need to Know
This Netheravon village is amazing. Whenever I get time in between my work, I try to visit this village because it has all this amazing natural beauty which makes me fall in love with it. I travel to Netheravon alone and also take my family to this village. Every time, I get lost in its beauty, which gives me peace of mind. If you are looking for peace of mind, then you should definitely visit this peaceful village.
I think that getting away from the hustle and bustle of the city and spending a few days in a village is a truly wonderful moment in life that brings all kinds of mental and physical happiness. Among all this happiness, if someone from your family can take you to these villages, then there is a wonderful mental happiness for you that you cannot even imagine. You will not know how much better your mental peace will be through your family.
I hope after reading this guide, you will travel to Netheravon with someone in your family or try traveling alone. In fact, traveling with family proves to be a different experience that I cannot express in words in this guide. You can try it in your short life.
Apart from these, there are many things to do here for adventure, the most notable of which is skydiving, which you can do with your friends. It is an amazing experience, which I think everyone should try. It was an amazing experience for me. I did this skydiving after coming here on a trip with my friend, and we still try to do it whenever we are on a vacation.
Netheravon is a village and civil parish situated on the Avon and A345 road, about four miles (6.4 km) north of the town of Amesbury, Wiltshire, England. The village is located on Salisbury Plain. Known for its beautiful scenery and rich history, Netheravon offers visitors a unique escape into the life of a traditional English village. The village sits on the west bank of the Avon, opposite Fittleton, and the parish extends westward to Netheravon Down.
History of Netheravon
The history of Netheravon dates back to prehistoric times, with evidence of early settlement and activity in the area. The village was mentioned in the Domesday Book of 1086, making it one of the oldest villages in England with recorded roots. Over the centuries, Netheravon has evolved from an agricultural hub to a quaint village, retaining its historic roots while embracing modernity.
Netheravon was a large sporting estate of the Dukes of Beaufort in the early 18th century and was managed by the family until the late 19th century. The family name (Hicks Beach) and the ancient parish included West Chisenbury, an isolated village to the north, which was transferred to Enford Parish in 1885.
One of the village’s most significant historical monuments is St. Mary’s Church, built in the 12th century. Its architecture and preserved interior offer glimpses of medieval craftsmanship, featuring ancient stonework and an intricately carved chancel. Netheravon also has several thatched cottages, typical of traditional English architecture, which reflect what English life was like centuries ago.
Parish Church
The Church of All Saints is made of rendered flint, with a tall west tower, and the lower parts of the tower survive from the 11th century. The nave and chancel were built in the 13th century, and the aisles were rebuilt in the 15th century. Restoration in the 19th century included the replacement of the roof and chancel arch, and the demolition of the north porch.
One of the hallmarks of St. Mary’s Church is its collection of medieval wall paintings, which have been uncovered and restored over the years. These paintings depict biblical scenes and saints; the murals are a rare example of early English ecclesiastical art and give a glimpse into the religious and spiritual life of the village in earlier centuries.
The church’s cemetery is equally fascinating, with tombstones dating back hundreds of years, each telling its own story of local residents. The area offers a peaceful setting for reflection on the history of Netheravon and the generations that have called it home.
Netheravon's Connection with the Military
Netheravon also shares a significant connection with the British Army. Netheravon Airfield, one of the oldest airfields in the world still in use, was built in 1913 for military aviation. The airfield played an important role during World War I and is still active today, primarily used by the Army’s parachute regiments and for civilian skydiving activities.
The military connection is commemorated at the Airmen’s Cross, a small monument dedicated to Captain Patrick Hamilton and Lieutenant George Mapplebeck, who died during a training flight in 1912. It serves as a poignant reminder of Netheravon’s role in British aviation history.
Netheravon Cavalry School
The first major military activity in Netheravon was the establishment of a cavalry school in 1904 under the direction of Major General Robert Baden-Powell, then Inspector General of Cavalry. Baden-Powell envisioned the development of modern cavalry tactics following his experiences in South Africa and India during the Second Boer War. Recognizing that traditional cavalry was becoming less effective with the advent of modern weaponry, the school emphasized the use of cavalry for scouting and reconnaissance. An Officers’ Mess was established at Netheravon House.
Netheravon was an important military institution in the early 20th century before becoming the Cavalry School, dedicated to the training of British cavalry officers. Strategically located in Wiltshire, amidst extensive countryside ideal for rigorous military training exercises, the school provided instruction in cavalry tactics, horsemanship, and marksmanship.
Natural Beauty of Netheravon
Situated on the banks of the River Avon, Netheravon is surrounded by meadows, picturesque farms, and beautiful woodlands. The Avon Valley offers ideal spots for walking and cycling. The region is especially breathtaking in spring, when wildflowers bloom, and in autumn, when the landscape is transformed into shades of gold and red.
For birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts, the area around Netheravon offers rich biodiversity. The riverbanks and fields are home to numerous species of birds, butterflies, and small mammals, making it ideal for nature photography.
Skydiving and Adventure Sports
One of Netheravon’s main attractions is skydiving. Netheravon Airfield, operated by the Army Parachute Association, offers tandem and solo jumps, giving visitors an unforgettable aerial view of Wiltshire’s rolling landscapes. Whether you’re a seasoned skydiver or a first-timer, Netheravon is a special destination to experience the thrill of free-falling over some of England’s most scenic countryside.
Learning to Skydive in the UK
The cheapest option is RAPS (static line), but the downside is that people often repeat several levels, which makes it take longer to qualify. The other option is AFF. Basically, AFF is more expensive, but you have a much better chance of qualifying faster and repeating fewer levels. The exact cost depends entirely on you and how quickly you progress.
If you choose AFF, expect to pay between £1,500 and £2,000.
I personally qualified through RAPS and only had to jump once, so it cost me around £900 to qualify. But most people I meet have spent between £1,200 and £1,500 due to repeated jumps.
After doing RAPS, if you can afford it, I would recommend doing AFF. It may be more expensive, but in my opinion, it’s a better course and you’re more likely to qualify.
If you spend 15–30 minutes in the tunnel there, you can cut costs by using static line (I think RAPS) instead of AFF—of course, depending on the cost of the tunnel. I bought a rig for $800 that is airworthy without an AAD, so adding that cost in, you’re looking at about a $2,000 rig. I was told a few years ago that it’s no more expensive than golf—and a lot more fun.
All the questions that come to your mind about skydiving
How do you mentally prepare yourself for skydiving?
- Checking the equipment and preparing myself without rushing. If I rush, it will put me in danger. So I never rush.
Can you describe the emotions/feelings you experience when skydiving?
- It’s like crawling—like a baby learning to crawl. At first, you’re really bad at it, but over time, you start moving around your friends and creating well-planned formations. When you do something new, it feels like a cross between Superman and the Special Forces.
What do I know about skydiving?
There are a million ways to enjoy this life—don’t feel pressured to do any particular one. Paramotoring is a fast-growing hobby that most people don’t know about, and it brings a feeling of ‘flying with my friends.’ Before jumping into something, people should learn more about the options to find out what’s right for them. Research general aviation, gliding (sailplanes), paragliding, paramotoring, skydiving, speedflying, BASE jumping, wingsuiting, tunnel flying, freestyle FPV drone flying, RC airplanes, kite surfing, ballooning, ultralight flying, hang gliding, and other ways to have fun in the sky.
How did you get your start in skydiving?
A very dear friend of mine decided that I should fly. This special friend could convince me to do anything. When he said he would take me to a wind tunnel, I was nervous—but I went with him. It turned out to be one of the most amazing things I’ve ever done. I became addicted to the tunnel and would go week after week. After logging 5 hours there, he decided that I really had to fly—so I did my tandem. I became addicted to that too.
Right now, I have an A license (30 jumps), and I’m working toward my B. I’ve logged over 21 hours in the tunnel. I live for flying.
Tips for Visiting Netheravon
- Accommodation: Netheravon has several charming B&Bs and cottages perfect for a relaxing countryside stay. For those seeking a luxury experience, nearby towns like Salisbury offer high-end accommodations.
- Food and Drink: The village and surrounding areas have quaint pubs and eateries that serve traditional English fare, often made with locally sourced ingredients.
- Getting There: Netheravon is accessible by car, with good road connections from Salisbury and London. Nearby train stations provide easy access to larger cities.
Netheravon is an ideal destination for those wanting to experience the peaceful charm of a historic English village while also exploring its rich history and engaging in exciting outdoor adventures. Whether you’re discovering historic churches, trekking along the banks of the River Avon, or skydiving over picturesque fields, Netheravon offers a unique blend of natural beauty and adrenaline.
The next time you seek an escape from the hustle and bustle, consider a trip to Netheravon. This quaint village will charm you with its timeless beauty, and the memories you create here will be as enchanting as the views above. For travelers and adventurers alike, Netheravon is an ideal destination.