Pewsey White Horse
Discover the Pewsey White Horse, a historic hillside figure in Wiltshire, redesigned in 1937. Explore its history and enjoy scenic countryside views.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Easier climb, better views
Pewsey White Horse
Best Time
Easier climb, better views
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover the Pewsey White Horse, a historic hillside figure in Wiltshire, redesigned in 1937. Explore its history and enjoy scenic countryside views.
"Fantastic views of the surrounding countryside, a steep but rewarding climb to appreciate the history."
🥾 Wear sturdy shoes
The terrain can be steep and slippery, especially after rain. Good grip is essential for the climb.
🚗 Limited parking
Parking is scarce. Consider walking from Pewsey or using footpaths for better access.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Pewsey White Horse
Pewsey Hill
A historic hillside figure, redesigned in 1937, celebrating King George VI's coronation. See the other 7 Wiltshire White Horses!
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Parking & Access
Best Viewing Spots
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Is there really a gigantic white horse on the side of a mountain somewhere in south England or was I too high?
🥾 Wear sturdy shoes
The terrain can be steep and slippery, especially after rain. Good grip is essential for the climb.
🚗 Limited parking
Parking is scarce. Consider walking from Pewsey or using footpaths for better access.
Relocating to Wiltshire from Kent
📸 View from afar
While you can get close, some prefer the view from a distance. The surrounding countryside is also beautiful.
🗺️ Explore other horses
This is one of Wiltshire's many white horses. Check out the Westbury White Horse for another impressive example.
Tips
from all over the internet
🥾 Wear sturdy shoes
The terrain can be steep and slippery, especially after rain. Good grip is essential for the climb.
🚗 Limited parking
Parking is scarce. Consider walking from Pewsey or using footpaths for better access.
📸 View from afar
While you can get close, some prefer the view from a distance. The surrounding countryside is also beautiful.
🗺️ Explore other horses
This is one of Wiltshire's many white horses. Check out the Westbury White Horse for another impressive example.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors appreciate the historical significance and the scenic countryside views surrounding the Pewsey White Horse. The climb is considered steep but rewarding. However, limited parking and the horse's condition sometimes draw minor criticism.
"Not a lot of room to park here but fantastic views of the surrounding countryside mite be a better idea go take foot paths"
Jon Dyer
"We visited family in the area recently. We discovered that this White Horse is just a short walk from their house. So, off we went as it was a lovely day.
The Pewsey White Horse is on Pewsey Hill about a mile south of Pewsey, to the east of the minor road that leads from the A345 on the edge of Pewsey to the village of Everleigh. It is a little above and a little to the left of the site of the original white horse.
The original horse was cut in 1785 reputedly featuring a rider but was redesigned in 1937 by Mr George Marples and cut by volunteers of the Pewsey Fire Brigade to celebrate the Coronation of King George VI. Originally the date it was cut appeared above the horse, but this has since disappeared. This current horse replaces a lost 18th century one. The maintenance of this horse is done by the Pewsey 6X Club
It's a lovely and easy walk up to the base of the hill. Then it is a steep but easy and quick climb up the hill to the horse. The horse is fenced off for protection, and there is an information board there for reference to the other 7 White Horses of Wiltshire.
We met a lovely German family who happened to walk up when we were there. We advised them, if they had time, to visit our favourite white horse, at Westbury."
Stu Loveday
"Very steep and difficult terrain for wet weather. The horse itself despite being small is good to stand on and appreciate the history. For some it's probably better viewing from a distance."
Chris Newman
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Pewsey White Horse is located on Pewsey Hill, east of the minor road connecting the A345 to Everleigh. Parking is limited, so many visitors opt to walk from Pewsey town or utilize nearby footpaths.
While Pewsey town has some public transport links, direct access to the White Horse via public transport is limited. It's best to combine a visit with a car journey or a longer walk.
Cycling is possible to the general area, but the final approach to the horse involves a steep climb on foot. Be prepared to park your bike and walk.
Many visitors find it easiest to park in Pewsey and walk up, or access it via footpaths from surrounding areas. The climb itself is steep but relatively quick.
The horse is situated on a hillside and is best viewed up close or from specific vantage points. It's not prominently visible from the main A345 road.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, access to the Pewsey White Horse is free. It's a public artwork on the hillside.
As an outdoor landmark, the Pewsey White Horse is accessible at any time. However, visiting during daylight hours is recommended for safety and visibility.
There is no admission fee to visit the Pewsey White Horse.
While technically accessible, visiting at night is not recommended due to safety concerns and the inability to properly see the horse.
Yes, the maintenance of the Pewsey White Horse is undertaken by the Pewsey 6X Club.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The horse is fenced off for protection. You can get close to appreciate its scale and history, though some find it better viewed from a distance.
The walk from the roadway to the base of the hill is described as lovely and easy, but the climb up the hill to the horse itself is steep, though quick.
The original horse was cut in 1785. The current design was created in 1937 by Mr George Marples and cut by volunteers to celebrate King George VI's Coronation.
Yes, Wiltshire is famous for its white horses. The Pewsey White Horse has an information board detailing the other seven white horses in the county.
Visitors report fantastic views of the surrounding countryside from the hill where the White Horse is located.
📸 📸 Photography
To capture the full figure, you'll need to be at a distance. Getting close allows for detail shots, but the iconic view requires some space. Consider the angle of the sun for optimal lighting.
Yes, the surrounding countryside offers beautiful scenic views that complement photos of the White Horse.
Early morning or late afternoon light can create dramatic shadows and highlight the contours of the horse. Clear, sunny days are generally best.
Drone usage regulations can vary. It's advisable to check local bylaws and ensure you have permission if required before flying a drone near the White Horse.
A wide-angle lens is useful for capturing the entire horse and the landscape. A zoom lens can be helpful for details or distant shots.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider making it a mini-adventure by exploring the surrounding countryside. The information board about the other white horses can turn the visit into a scavenger hunt for future trips. While the horse itself is fenced, the open space around it is perfect for a picnic after the climb.
🚶 Hikers and Walkers
Be prepared for variable weather conditions. Sturdy hiking boots are highly recommended, especially if visiting after rain, as the chalky ground can become very slippery. The limited parking means that arriving early or planning a walk from a nearby village is often the best strategy for a seamless hiking experience.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The History of Wiltshire's White Horses
These white horses are not just historical markers; they are living traditions. The maintenance of the Pewsey White Horse, for instance, is managed by the Pewsey 6X Club, ensuring its continued presence on the landscape. Each horse often has its own unique story and design, contributing to the rich tapestry of Wiltshire's heritage. Visitors are often struck by the sheer number of these figures, with an information board at Pewsey detailing the other seven white horses scattered across the county, inviting further exploration.
Navigating the Terrain and Best Viewing
Once you reach the horse, you'll find it fenced off for preservation. While you can get quite close, some visitors suggest that the most striking perspective of the Pewsey White Horse is actually from a distance. This allows you to appreciate its full form against the backdrop of the rolling Wiltshire hills. The climb, though steep, is generally described as quick, making it a rewarding short hike for those prepared for the incline.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit