UK Parachuting

UK Parachuting: tandem skydives and skydiving training in the east of England

UK Parachuting is a skydiving centre that operates all year round, subject to weather conditions, and acts as booking agent for two British Skydiving Parachute Training Organisations (PTOs): Beccles and Sibson. The company was established 25 years ago as Ipswich Parachute Centre and operated for many years at Ipswich Airport. As well as managing bookings, it provides the skydivers of both PTOs with the aircraft they operate.

Two drop zones: Beccles and Sibson

The Beccles drop zone is located 15 miles south west of Norwich, in the heart of the East Anglian countryside. The airfield it uses was originally built as a USAF base in World War 2 and today is home to a Cessna Caravan turbine aircraft. The Sibson drop zone is situated 5 miles from Peterborough, with good access from the A1 and only one hour from central London; it has two Cessna Caravan turbine aircraft. The company owns four Cessna C.

Tandem skydives from 13,000 feet

The main activity is tandem skydives from 13,000 feet, with a 50-second freefall at speeds in excess of 120 mph. The only requirement is to be over 16 years old; there is no upper age limit. The experience can be recorded on video or photographed, at a cost of £139.

Training to jump solo: AFF courses

For those who want to jump on their own, the centre offers Accelerated Freefall (AFF) courses. Instructors guide participants through a ground training session before their first solo skydiving experience. The programme includes AFF level one, full courses and subsequent progression.

Flights, aircraft hire and other activities

As well as skydiving, UK Parachuting offers flight training and aircraft hire, as well as rigging services (equipment assembly and inspection) and a Burble subscription. The company also organises events for licensed skydivers in Beccles and Peterborough, and charity skydiving activities at both airfields.

Prices and payment options

The website catalogue shows the following rates for bookings at either airfield: an individual booking costs £260; for groups of 5 to 9 people, £245 per person; and for groups of 10 or more, £230 per person. There is an introductory tandem option with exit at 7,000 feet for £179, available only on certain days (Monday, Thursday and Friday at Beccles; open midweek days at Peterborough). The midweek tandem skydive (Monday to Friday) is priced at £210 per person. To secure the booking a £50 deposit is paid and the balance is paid on the day of the jump. Video or photography of the tandem skydive costs £139.

Vouchers and gift cards

The centre sells vouchers for tandem or solo jumps, redeemable within 12 months of purchase. It also offers gift cards specifically for Peterborough and for Beccles (Suffolk).

Facilities and access

Facilities include a café and toilets at Sibson airfield, with ample parking. The Beccles site is in a rural East Anglian setting, and Sibson has easy access from the A1 and from central London in approximately one hour. The centre operates seven days a week all year round, weather permitting.

Locations and premises

Beccles site: UK Parachuting Beccles Airfield, Ellough, Beccles, Suffolk NR34 7XD

Peterborough site: UK Parachuting Sibson Airfield, Wansford, Peterborough, Cambs PE8 6NE