Key facts
OS Grid Reference: SU148487
What3Words: ///lighters.uniform.locator
Postcode: SP4
Unitary Authority: Wiltshire Council
Parliamentary Constituency: Devizes
Netheravon
Netheravon is a picture postcard village on Salisbury Plain, with the River Avon flowing through it.
Although this is a tranquil, picturesque and historic village, it’s only 15 miles, or a 30-minute drive, to the cathedral city of Salisbury with its shops, restaurants, heritage, culture, amenities and travel links. It’s just 70 minutes by train from nearby Pewsey station to London. The small bustling town of Amesbury, with all its facilities is also just a 15-minute drive away.
There’s a strong sense of community at Netheravon with the village hall as the hub of community activities from local markets to events and fitness classes. It has its own post office and village stores.
There’s a primary school, Netheravon All Saints CE, and a bus route operated by Salisbury Reds.
The local pub with rooms is the Dog & Gun on Salisbury Road – an historic, 17th Century coaching inn, that serves great, locally-influenced food, including breakfasts – and they’re big on Sunday roasts too. They even do takeout of their entire menu.
History
The name Netheravon is believed to be derived from the Old English word ‘aefen’, meaning ‘evening’.
A Roman villa once stood on the site of Netheravon House and the Domesday Book recorded its name as ‘Avona’ with 132 households. In 1898 much of the local land was acquired by the War Department including the manor house and the majority of Netheravon Parish.
Netheravon House and stables housed the Cavalry School from 1904 and was later used by the machine gun school. In 1913 Netheravon Airfield was established and after World War I, firing ranges were set up on the downs for military training.
Netheravon House, its stables and grounds, were converted into homes and sold in 2004.
Walking and cycling
The area around Netheravon is perfect for walking and cycling – this is classic Wiltshire countryside.
If you want to explore the area on foot, then this annotated circular walk from the Netheravon Parish Council would be ideal.
It’s about 7½ miles long and takes you past one of the oldest military airfields still in use. It just happens to start and end at the Dog & Gun pub – it would be rude not to pop in!
