Shrouded in mystery, the ancient Wiltshire White Horses are carved into the region’s hillsides. These iconic landmarks have attracted visitors for generations and date back 250 years. Today, eight remain on view, neatly etched into the landscape for all to see.
Spread across eight different sites, get set for an unforgettable tour:
Starting at Westbury, visit the oldest of the Chalk White Horses carved into Westbury Hill, Bratton Down. An unmissable, 180ft tall by 170ft wide artistic masterpiece, the Westbury White Horse dates back to 1778. The best vantage point for viewing this stunning landmark is a car park just off the B3098.
From Westbury, journey to the east of Cherhill village at the foot of Iron Age hillfort, Oldbury Castle, where you can view a Chalk White Horse dating back to 1780. This stunning stallion is visible from the A4, but for an up close view, there are plenty of footpaths around the site.
Next stop, Marlborough where a small White Horse is on display, carved into a gentle slope in the grounds of Marlborough College. Dating back to 1804, this particular Chalk Horse was etched into the landscape by a group of school boys. It’s best viewed from the college running track and tennis courts.
Milk Hill, a mile north of Alton Barnes village, is home to a stunning White Horse that overlooks the Vale of Pewsey. Dating back to 1812, the best views of this iconic landmark are from the village itself.
Etched into a gently rising slope on the edge of the Marlborough Downs to commemorate the Coronation of Queen Victoria in 1838, the Hackpen Horse is 90ft tall by 90ft wide. It’s best viewed from the winding, A361 country road, surrounded by rolling hills as far as the eye can see.
Carved into a hillside to the east of Broad Town village, an 86ft tall by 61ft White Horse brings the landscape to life. Dating back to 1863, the horse is best viewed from footpaths surrounding the site.
Carved by firefighters to commemorate the coronation of King George VI, the spectacular stallion of Pewsey is found one mile south of the village and overlooks the beautiful Vale of Pewsey. The best view is from the foot of Pewsey hill.
A celebration of the Millennium, the White Horse at Devizes is the youngest of the family. Carved into a gentle slope on Roundway Hill, overlooking the village of Roundway, the Devizes Chalk Horse is unique as it’s the only one of Wiltshire’s White Horse that faces right.
Plan your Wiltshire White Horses Tour
Behold the stunning white stallions of Wiltshire in person and experience the region’s ancient and mysterious past. An icon of British history, these breathtaking works of art have to be seen to be believed, and are a must-have on your Savernake Forest camping trip bucket list.
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