Henstridge: Blackmore Vale, countryside and aviation history

Henstridge lies in the heart of the Blackmore Vale and combines a rural village setting with a distinctive aviation history. Its features range from farmland and views to traces of the Second World War and a parish church with medieval origins.

Landscape and location

Henstridge lies at the junction of the A357 and A30. The surrounding area includes open countryside, farmland and lovely views across the Blackmore Vale. This brings together two distinct points of reference: the landscape shapes the area’s rural character, while the road junction pinpoints the village’s location.

Henstridge Airfield: present-day operations and history

East of Henstridge lies a Second World War airfield that is now used by small light aircraft, helicopters and autogyros. Its present-day use and military past belong to different periods in the history of the same site; the aircraft flown there today should not be confused with its former role.

During the Second World War, Henstridge Airfield was a Fleet Air Arm training airfield and was known as HMS Dipper. Work began in 1941, and the airfield was commissioned in April 1943. Part of the main runway was marked out as an aircraft carrier deck and equipped with an arrester-wire system for practising deck landings. After the war, Henstridge Airfield became a relief landing ground for RNAS Yeovilton. Some form of flying has taken place there continuously since it opened in 1943.

The Wessex Strut of the LAA has held fly-ins at Henstridge Airfield since the 1970s. Wings & Wheels Henstridge also focuses on the historic site: the annual event brings together aviation enthusiasts, classic vehicle fans and families to celebrate heritage and community. If you plan to travel there for the event, check the dates in advance.

St Nicholas Church and other buildings

St Nicholas Church is a Grade II* listed parish church. Its origins date back to the 12th century; the building was largely rebuilt in 1872–1873. The tower followed in 1900. Inside is an elaborately canopied tomb for William Cavent, who died in 1463. You can visit the church on weekdays during daylight hours; you are welcome to look around, sit quietly, reflect or pray. Designated parking for visitors to the church and churchyard is available at St Nicholas Church.

Henstridge House is a detached early-19th-century house with a large central belvedere. Sundial House and Sundial Cottage form a pair of cottages that probably date from the 18th century. Their interiors contain four murals from the late 18th to early 19th century, reportedly created by French prisoners of war during the Napoleonic Wars. For those interested in architecture, they offer distinct features to look out for: the central belvedere and the murals in the two cottages.

Discover more destinations: Wiveliscombe, Ditcheat, Kingsbury Episcopi, Taunton, Burnham-On-Sea, Woolverton, Chilcompton, Cucklington.

For the main travel overview: Somerset.