Folkestone White Horse - Image 1
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Folkestone White Horse

4.4
·179 reviews·, United Kingdom

A striking white horse hill figure on Cheriton Hill, offering panoramic views of the Eurotunnel terminal.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Dry days

Ground can be slippery

CrowdLow
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Folkestone White Horse - Image 1

Folkestone White Horse

Best Time

Dry days

Ground can be slippery

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A striking white horse hill figure on Cheriton Hill, offering panoramic views of the Eurotunnel terminal.

4.4
(179 reviews)

"You can not see the White Horse when you are standing right here, above it!"

Vertical photo
TIP

👟 Wear sturdy shoes

The walk down the hill can be steep and slippery, especially after rain.

📸 View from afar

The horse is best appreciated from a distance, not directly from above.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Folkestone White Horse

The Folkestone White Horse

Cheriton Hill

A striking white horse hill figure carved into the landscape, offering panoramic views.

Eurotunnel Terminal Views

Eurotunnel Terminal Views

Cheriton Hill

Witness the impressive scale of the Eurotunnel terminal from this vantage point.

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Planning Your Visit

Timing is Key for the Best View

While the Folkestone White Horse is always visible, seeing it clearly from above requires a bit of planning. The best views are often from further down the hill, so wear appropriate footwear. Reddit

Understanding the Horse's Perspective

Don't expect to see the full horse from directly overhead! The design is meant to be viewed from a distance. You'll get impressive views of the Eurotunnel terminal from the top, but a walk down the hill is needed for a good look at the horse itself. Reddit

Best Times

When
Dry days
Why
Ground can be slippery
Crowd
Low
When
Clear days
Why
See across to France
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

this is how I started my morning today 🥹 #coastalliving #coastaltown #londontiktok #londonhotspots #folkestone #margate #londonfood
@bethanyexplores
466K likes • 3.4M views

👟 Wear sturdy shoes

The walk down the hill can be steep and slippery, especially after rain. Reddit

📸 View from afar

The horse is best appreciated from a distance, not directly from above. Reddit

“Back in 5, just heading out to look at France” 🥹 #england #folkestone #daytripfromlondon #tripsfromlondon #londonhotspots #margate #londontiktok #londonfood
@bethanyexplores
40.6K likes • 326.2K views
Did you know this about Folkestone’s first public artwork? This hidden detail was scratched in whilst the hand was being cast, but Folkestone’s iconic white horse didn’t even exist yet 👀 Wondering how this happened? Comment if you want to learn more and we’ll take you deeper into story 👇 This story is from The People’s Guidebook to Folkestone, a book made in collaboration with local people ...
strangecargoart
99 likes • 2.5K views

🚗 Parking available

Park at the viewpoint on Crete Road for access to the top of the horse. Reddit

🗺️ Explore the area

Enjoy the views of the Eurotunnel and the surrounding landscape. TikTok

Beautiful White Horse. Folkestone, The white horse. #nature #horse #neerazeyshrestha #canonphotography #eos77d #thewhitehorse #cheritonhill
neerazey_shrestha_photography
19 likes • 298 views

Tips

from all over the internet

👟 Wear sturdy shoes

The walk down the hill can be steep and slippery, especially after rain. Reddit

📸 View from afar

The horse is best appreciated from a distance, not directly from above. Reddit

🚗 Parking available

Park at the viewpoint on Crete Road for access to the top of the horse. Reddit

🗺️ Explore the area

Enjoy the views of the Eurotunnel and the surrounding landscape. TikTok

What Travellers Say

4.4
(179 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors appreciate the unique Folkestone White Horse artwork and the impressive views of the Eurotunnel terminal. However, many note that the horse is difficult to see from directly above, requiring a steep walk down the hill, which can be challenging and slippery. Reddit

"You can not see the White Horse when you are standing right here, above it 😏😂!
You do get a nice view over the Eurotunnel train station which is impressive, huge!"

Herman van Dijk

"We came to see the trains , the eurotunnel, and it was a great vantage point."

Loes

"Situated on Cheriton Hill, you can park your car at the view point on Crete Road and you are on the top of the horse. Looking down you can see the Folkestone Tunnel Terminal.
For a good sight of the horse we walked down the hill.
Walking boots recommended.
Beautiful views all around."

Eleena PK

What People Like

Unique hill figure
Eurotunnel views
Panoramic vistas

What People Dislike

Hard to see from above
Steep, slippery walk

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Folkestone White Horse is located on Cheriton Hill. You can park at the viewpoint on Crete Road, which offers access to the top of the horse. Reddit Many visitors arrive by car, and it's a popular spot for day trips from London. TikTok

While there isn't direct public transport to the very top, you can take a bus to Folkestone and then potentially walk or take a taxi to Cheriton Hill. Checking local bus routes is recommended. TikTok

The view of the Folkestone White Horse from the M20 is largely obscured by the Eurotunnel complex. Reddit It's best to visit the site directly for optimal viewing. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, the Folkestone White Horse is a public artwork and there is no entrance fee. You can visit and enjoy the views freely. Instagram

As an outdoor landmark, the Folkestone White Horse is accessible at any time. However, visiting during daylight hours is recommended for the best experience and safety. Instagram

No booking is required as it's a free-to-access outdoor attraction. Instagram

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

You cannot see the full White Horse when standing directly above it. The design is intended to be viewed from a distance down the hill for the best perspective. Reddit

At the top, you get impressive views of the Eurotunnel train station and the surrounding landscape. On a clear day, you can even see across to France. TikTokReddit

The walk down the hill to get a good view of the horse can be steep and potentially slippery, especially if the ground is wet. Walking boots are recommended. Reddit

The Folkestone White Horse is a hill figure completed in June 2003, designed by local artist Charles Newington. It was intended as a millennium landmark to help regenerate the Folkestone area. Instagram+1

There are no specific facilities like restrooms or cafes directly at the White Horse site. It's advisable to come prepared. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

To capture the entire horse, you'll need to position yourself further down the hill. Using a wide-angle lens can also help. Instagram+1

Yes, besides the horse itself, the views over the Eurotunnel terminal and across to France on a clear day offer excellent photographic subjects. InstagramReddit

Early morning or late afternoon light can provide softer shadows and a more dramatic effect on the hill figure. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Folkestone White Horse can be an engaging spot for families, offering a unique visual landmark and expansive views. While the walk down the hill to see the horse clearly can be steep and potentially challenging for very young children or those with mobility issues, the top offers impressive sights of the Eurotunnel terminal. Reddit Consider bringing a carrier for toddlers if you plan to descend. The open space at the top also allows children to explore a bit, provided they are supervised closely due to the proximity of the hill's edge. TikTok

Pack snacks and drinks, as there are no facilities on site. Reddit The novelty of seeing a giant horse on a hill, combined with the impressive scale of the train terminal, can capture a child's imagination. It's a great opportunity to talk about art, landscape, and transportation. Instagram+1

🚶‍♀️ Active Explorers & Hikers

For those who enjoy a bit of a trek, the Folkestone White Horse offers a rewarding experience. The walk down Cheriton Hill to get a good view of the horse is a key part of the visit, and the steepness means it's a good workout. Reddit Make sure to wear sturdy walking boots as the ground can be uneven and slippery, especially after rain. Reddit The panoramic views from the top and the descent provide a great sense of accomplishment. Reddit

Combine your visit with exploring the surrounding coastal paths or the town of Folkestone itself. The proximity to the Eurotunnel terminal also offers a unique industrial landscape to observe. TikTok This area is perfect for those who appreciate a blend of art, engineering, and natural scenery, and aren't afraid of a bit of a climb. Instagram

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Understanding the Folkestone White Horse

The Folkestone White Horse is a prominent hill figure carved into Cheriton Hill, overlooking the English terminal of the Channel Tunnel. Completed in June 2003, it was conceived by local artist Charles Newington as a millennium landmark aimed at regenerating the Folkestone area. Instagram The figure is made of limestone slabs and is designed to be viewed from a distance, rather than from directly overhead. Reddit Its creation was a significant undertaking, contributing to the unique landscape of the Kent coast. Instagram

While the horse itself is a focal point, the location offers more than just the artwork. Visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the bustling Eurotunnel terminal, a testament to modern engineering. Reddit On exceptionally clear days, the coastline of France is visible across the English Channel, adding to the expansive vista. Reddit This combination of art, engineering, and natural beauty makes it a compelling spot for exploration. TikTok

It's important for visitors to manage their expectations regarding the viewing experience. As one reviewer noted, 'You can not see the White Horse when you are standing right here, above it!' Reddit This highlights the importance of understanding the artwork's scale and design. For the best appreciation, a walk down the steep bank is recommended, though sturdy footwear is essential due to the terrain. Reddit

Navigating the Terrain and Views

Visiting the Folkestone White Horse involves a bit of an adventure, particularly concerning the terrain. While you can park at the viewpoint on Crete Road, which places you at the top of the horse's head, seeing the full figure requires descending the hill. Reddit This descent can be steep and slippery, especially after rainfall, making walking boots a highly recommended item for your visit. Reddit The ground's condition is a recurring theme in visitor feedback, emphasizing the need for caution and appropriate footwear. Reddit

The reward for navigating the terrain is twofold: a closer look at the impressive white horse artwork and the spectacular views it offers. Instagram From Cheriton Hill, you get a commanding perspective of the Eurotunnel terminal, with its vast network of tracks and facilities. Reddit This industrial landscape, juxtaposed with the natural beauty of the hillside and the distant sea, creates a unique visual experience. TikTok The ability to see across to France on a clear day adds another dimension to the panoramic vista, making it a memorable stop for many. Reddit

For those interested in photography, the site presents diverse opportunities. Capturing the entire horse requires a vantage point further down the hill, while the sweeping views of the terminal and the channel offer broader landscape shots. Instagram+1 The changing light throughout the day can also dramatically alter the mood and appearance of the artwork and its surroundings, encouraging repeat visits or careful timing for the perfect shot. Instagram

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