Cherhill White Horse
An iconic chalk horse carved into the Wiltshire hillside, offering stunning views and a connection to local heritage.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Magical light for photos
Cherhill White Horse
Best Time
Magical light for photos
Highlights
Must-see attractions
An iconic chalk horse carved into the Wiltshire hillside, offering stunning views and a connection to local heritage.
"Thoroughly enjoyed the walk us to the White Horse. Not many other people there so made it nice to do."
Wear Sturdy Footwear
Paths can get very muddy and sticky, especially after rain. Boots are recommended! :athletic_shoe:
Enjoy the Views
The panoramic views from Cherhill Downs are spectacular. Take your time to soak them in. :camerawithflash:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Cherhill White Horse
Cherhill Downs
An iconic chalk figure carved into the hillside, offering a unique glimpse into local history and landscape art.
Cherhill Monument
Cherhill Downs
A prominent landmark offering breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.
Wiltshire Countryside Walks
Cherhill Downs and surrounding areas
Explore numerous walking trails with varied terrain, perfect for a refreshing hike or a leisurely stroll.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Best Views & Access
Timing Your Visit
+1 While there's no specific 'best' time, clear days offer the most expansive vistas. Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Wear Sturdy Footwear
Paths can get very muddy and sticky, especially after rain. Boots are recommended! :athletic_shoe:
Enjoy the Views
The panoramic views from Cherhill Downs are spectacular. Take your time to soak them in. :camerawithflash:
Watch for Cows
Cows are present and can be inquisitive, especially if you have dogs with you. :cow:
Consider a Circular Walk
Explore the area with a longer walk, taking in the horse and monument from different angles. :hiking_boot:
Tips
from all over the internet
Wear Sturdy Footwear
Paths can get very muddy and sticky, especially after rain. Boots are recommended! :athletic_shoe:
Enjoy the Views
The panoramic views from Cherhill Downs are spectacular. Take your time to soak them in. :camerawithflash:
Watch for Cows
Cows are present and can be inquisitive, especially if you have dogs with you. :cow:
Consider a Circular Walk
Explore the area with a longer walk, taking in the horse and monument from different angles. :hiking_boot:
Look for Flint
Keep an eye out for interesting flint deposits; some visitors hope to find arrowheads. :rock:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors generally find the Cherhill White Horse and its surrounding downs to be a pleasant place for a walk, offering lovely views and a unique historical landmark. While some note it can appear a bit overgrown from afar, a walk up to the monument is highly recommended for the best experience and panoramic vistas. The sticky mud after rain is a common point of caution, emphasizing the need for appropriate footwear.
"A walk up to the monument in Cherhill is always enjoyable. The cows are a bit inquisitive if you've got dogs 😉"
jon gisicki
"Thoroughly enjoyed the walk us to the White Horse. Not many other people there so made it nice to do. Worth a walk to see something so unique"
Matt McFahn
"Lovely views all around and lots of paths going up. An easier steady climb if you head up from the west of the horse. There is also some parking in the village of Cherhill by the church."
Ann Wells
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Cherhill White Horse is located in Wiltshire, near Avebury. You can drive to the area and park in lay-bys or in the village of Cherhill by the church. Some visitors arrive via longer walking routes, like a 10-mile jog from Devizes White Horse.
Yes, parking is available in multiple lay-bys along the roads leading to Cherhill Downs. There's also parking in the village of Cherhill by the church.
Public transport options might be limited. It's best to check local bus routes or consider it as part of a longer cycling or walking tour.
While the horse is visible from a distance, a walk up to the monument on Cherhill Downs provides the best vantage point and surrounding views.
The Cherhill White Horse is near Avebury, which is famous for its Neolithic henge monument. The National Trust Calstone and Cherhill Downs are also in the vicinity.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, the Cherhill White Horse is an outdoor landmark and is freely accessible to view. There are no admission fees.
As an outdoor landmark, the Cherhill White Horse is accessible at any time. However, consider daylight hours for the best viewing and safety.
There is no entrance fee for Cherhill Downs, as it's a natural landscape. Parking in lay-bys is also free.
Yes, the Cherhill White Horse can be visited year-round. However, weather conditions can significantly impact the experience, especially the path conditions.
General public access is permitted. However, always be mindful of the natural environment and any signage regarding livestock or conservation areas.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
Many visitors enjoy a walk up to the monument on Cherhill Downs for panoramic views. Some find it a bit overgrown from a distance, so a closer walk is recommended.
A short visit to view the horse from a distance can take about 30 minutes. A walk up to the monument and exploring the downs could take 1-2 hours, depending on your pace.
The climb up to the monument is generally considered an easier, steady climb if you approach from the west of the horse. However, the terrain can be challenging if wet.
Bring sturdy walking boots or shoes, especially if it has rained recently, as the mud can be very sticky. Water and snacks are also advisable for longer walks.
Dogs are generally allowed, but be aware of livestock like cows, which can be inquisitive towards dogs. Always keep dogs under control.
📸 📸 Photography
Sunrise and sunset offer magical lighting conditions that can make the white horse appear particularly striking.
You can capture wide-angle shots of the horse on the hillside, panoramic views of the Wiltshire countryside, and details of the chalk figure itself. Drone footage also offers unique perspectives.
The walk up to the Cherhill Monument provides excellent viewpoints. Various points on the surrounding downs also offer different perspectives of the horse.
Yes, drone photography is popular and offers a unique aerial perspective of the white horse and the landscape.
For landscape shots, use a wide aperture to capture the expanse. For the horse itself, consider a mid-range aperture for sharpness. Golden hour light is ideal.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Keep an eye out for the local wildlife, including cows, which can be an exciting sight for children.
🚶♀️ Hikers and Walkers
Many visitors appreciate the opportunity to discover different vantage points of the White Horse and enjoy the expansive Wiltshire vistas.
The area is well-suited for those who enjoy a good hike and the chance to connect with nature. Consider using a hiking app to plan your route and ensure you don't miss any key viewpoints. 📸 Photographers
+1 Drone photography is particularly popular here, providing unique aerial perspectives of the chalk figure and the rolling hills. Experiment with different angles and compositions to capture the scale of the horse against the landscape.
The changing weather can also create dramatic and moody scenes, so don't be deterred by clouds. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The History and Significance of White Horses
These figures often have local legends or historical associations, serving as landmarks and symbols of regional identity. While the exact motivations for creating these figures vary, they are often linked to local celebrations, historical events, or simply a desire to mark the landscape. The Cherhill White Horse, for instance, is situated on Cherhill Downs, an area rich in history and natural beauty. Visiting these sites offers a connection to a unique aspect of British heritage and landscape art.
Many of these white horses are maintained by local communities or organizations to ensure their visibility. The Cherhill White Horse is part of the National Trust's Calstone and Cherhill Downs, highlighting its importance as a cultural and natural asset.
+1 The ongoing preservation efforts ensure that these striking figures continue to be a feature of the landscape for future generations to appreciate. Exploring Cherhill Downs: Walks and Views
The panoramic views from Cherhill Downs are a major draw. From the higher points, you can see for miles across the Wiltshire countryside.
The Cherhill Monument itself is a focal point, offering a great spot to rest and admire the scenery. For those looking for a more structured experience, apps like Komoot can help plan specific routes, such as a 6-mile circular walk that incorporates the White Horse and monument.
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