
Kilburn White Horse
England's largest white horse figure, a striking chalk-cut landmark on Roulston Scar, offering stunning Yorkshire views.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better photos

Kilburn White Horse
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better photos

Highlights
Must-see attractions
England's largest white horse figure, a striking chalk-cut landmark on Roulston Scar, offering stunning Yorkshire views.
"Lovely views and a good walk, with great opportunities for watching gliders."

🎯 Park Smart for Views
Park at Sutton Bank visitor centre for best views & glider watching. Horse-level parking is cheaper but less scenic .
🥾 Wear Sturdy Shoes
Trails can be steep & uneven. Good footwear is essential for enjoyable walks .

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Majestic White Horse
Roulston Scar
England's largest white horse figure, a striking chalk-cut landmark visible from afar.

Sutton Bank Vistas
Top of Sutton Bank
Panoramic views across Yorkshire, perfect for picnics and watching gliders take flight.

Gliding Spectacle
Glider Field near Sutton Bank
Witness the thrilling take-offs and landings of gliders against the backdrop of the Moors.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Best Views & Parking
Walking & Safety
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Park Smart for Views
Park at Sutton Bank visitor centre for best views & glider watching. Horse-level parking is cheaper but less scenic.
🥾 Wear Sturdy Shoes
Trails can be steep & uneven. Good footwear is essential for enjoyable walks.
🐶 Leash Up Your Pup
Keep dogs on a lead near steep, unfenced drops for their safety.
📸 Best Photos from Above
Aerial shots offer the most complete view of the horse. Ground-level views can be partial.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Park Smart for Views
Park at Sutton Bank visitor centre for best views & glider watching. Horse-level parking is cheaper but less scenic.
🥾 Wear Sturdy Shoes
Trails can be steep & uneven. Good footwear is essential for enjoyable walks.
🐶 Leash Up Your Pup
Keep dogs on a lead near steep, unfenced drops for their safety.
📸 Best Photos from Above
Aerial shots offer the most complete view of the horse. Ground-level views can be partial.
☕ Visitor Centre Treats
Enjoy great food, cakes, and tea at the visitor centre car park.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the Kilburn White Horse for its impressive scale and the stunning panoramic views from Sutton Bank. The area is ideal for walks, and the opportunity to watch gliders adds a unique element. While parking is generally affordable, some find ground-level views of the horse incomplete without an aerial perspective.
"Lovely views and a good walk. We started in the small car park near the horse and walked via the visitor centre to Sutton Bank. Lots of effort has been put in place to accommodate people in wheelchairs (if you park at the visitor centre). Food and cakes great at the visitor centre car park and a first rate cup of tea. Unless your dog is very sensible, keep it on a lead as there are some really steep and unfenced drops. Also great for watching the gliders."
Tracy Campbell
"We didn’t get up close, we saw it from the distance. For the enthusiast who wants to get up close, there is a small car park nearby.
Fun to have seen it."
Hans Rol
"View it from a distance 👍
Great walking in the area, and you can park at the base of the horse very cheaply for the day.
I prefer to park at the visitor centre at the top of Sutton Bank to save the climb as there are many other great views to be had, and in fair weather, the gliding club will be operating."
Andrew Clark
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Kilburn White Horse is located on the southern flank of Sutton Bank in North Yorkshire. You can drive to a small car park near the horse or opt for the visitor centre car park at the top of Sutton Bank for more expansive views and amenities.
Yes, there is parking available. A small pay car park is located near the base of the horse, and a larger visitor centre car park is at the top of Sutton Bank. Weekday parking is generally easier than weekends.
Public transport options are limited for direct access. It's best reached by car. Local bus services might run to nearby villages like Kilburn, but walking from there would be significant.
If you park at the visitor centre at the top of Sutton Bank, there are efforts to accommodate wheelchairs. The trails directly around the horse can be steep and uneven, so accessibility may vary.
Kilburn White Horse is approximately a 45-minute to 1-hour drive from York, making it a feasible day trip or stop on a road trip through the North York Moors.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, there is no admission fee to see the Kilburn White Horse itself. However, there is a charge for parking at the car parks.
The Kilburn White Horse is an outdoor landmark and is accessible at all times. The visitor centre and facilities will have specific opening hours, typically during daylight hours.
The walking trails around the Kilburn White Horse are free to access. Parking fees are the only cost associated with visiting the site.
While the horse is visible at night, it's not recommended for safety reasons due to the steep terrain and lack of lighting. The best experience is during daylight hours.
While official guided tours are not widely advertised, local walking groups or enthusiasts may organize events. Keep an eye on local community boards or social media for potential group walks.
📸 📸 Photography
Early mornings or late afternoons offer softer light for photography. Weekdays are also better to avoid crowds and get clearer shots.
For the most complete view, an aerial perspective is ideal. From the ground, the top of Sutton Bank provides excellent vantage points, though the horse may appear smaller.
Drone usage regulations can vary. It's advisable to check with local authorities or the North York Moors National Park for current rules regarding drone operation in the area.
A wide-angle lens is useful for capturing the scale of the horse and the surrounding landscape. A zoom lens can be helpful for details of the gliders.
Generally, personal photography is allowed. However, commercial photography or filming may require permits. Always be respectful of other visitors and the environment.
🎫 🚶 Onsite Experience
Trails vary from steep and challenging to more gentle paths. The 'yellow walk' is noted as challenging initially with steep steps. The top by the glider field offers easier walking.
Families can enjoy the visitor centre and the views. However, some trails are steep and unfenced, so close supervision of young children is essential.
You can enjoy walks, watch gliders, have picnics (benches available), and explore the wider North York Moors National Park. The visitor centre also offers refreshments.
Yes, dogs are welcome, but they must be kept on a lead, especially near steep drops and unfenced areas, for their safety and the safety of others.
A visit can range from 1-2 hours for a quick look and short walk, to half a day or more if you plan to explore the extensive walking trails and enjoy the views from Sutton Bank.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The visitor centre at the top of Sutton Bank offers food, cakes, and tea, which are highly rated. There are also picnic benches available if you bring your own food.
Yes, picnics are welcome. There are benches located near the car park at the top of Sutton Bank, offering lovely views while you dine.
The village of Kilburn itself has traditional pubs and tea rooms that offer local fare. It's worth exploring the village for a more authentic dining experience.
The visitor centre and local pubs typically offer a range of options. It's always a good idea to check menus in advance or ask staff about vegetarian and vegan choices.
While not explicitly stated, pubs and cafes in the area may offer takeaway options. The visitor centre is a good place to inquire about this.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚶 Hikers and Nature Lovers
🐶 Dog Owners
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The History and Creation of the Kilburn White Horse
Unlike its southern counterparts, the Kilburn White Horse isn't made of chalk. Instead, it's cut into the hillside and filled with white gravel, giving it its distinctive appearance. The figure is massive, measuring 318 feet (97 m) long and 220 ft (67 m) high, covering approximately 1.6 acres. It is considered the most northerly chalk hill figure in England and is a significant landmark in the North York Moors National Park.
Over the years, the horse has required maintenance to keep its shape clear and visible. Local villagers and volunteers have historically played a role in its upkeep, ensuring this iconic figure continues to grace the landscape for visitors to admire.
Experiencing the Landscape: Walks and Gliding
A popular route is the 'yellow walk,' which can be challenging but rewards walkers with spectacular views. For those seeking less strenuous activity, the paths around the top by the glider field are more accessible and offer stunning panoramas of the Yorkshire landscape. It's important to be mindful of unfenced drops, especially when walking with children or pets, and to keep dogs on a lead for safety.
The Sutton Bank area is also a renowned spot for gliding. On fair weather days, you can witness gliders taking off and soaring gracefully above the landscape. This adds an extra layer of visual interest and excitement to a visit, making it a memorable experience for all.






Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit