beautiful views walking along the top of the hill from the White Horse to Sutton Bank Visitors Centre
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Kilburn White Horse

4.5
·944 reviews·Kilburn, United Kingdom

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

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, better photos

CrowdLow
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beautiful views walking along the top of the hill from the White Horse to Sutton Bank Visitors Centre

Kilburn White Horse

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, better photos

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

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

4.5
(944 reviews)

"Lovely views and a good walk, with great opportunities for watching gliders."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 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 .

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Majestic White Horse

The Majestic White Horse

Roulston Scar

England's largest white horse figure, a striking chalk-cut landmark visible from afar.

Sutton Bank Vistas

Sutton Bank Vistas

Top of Sutton Bank

Panoramic views across Yorkshire, perfect for picnics and watching gliders take flight.

Gliding Spectacle

Gliding Spectacle

Glider Field near Sutton Bank

Witness the thrilling take-offs and landings of gliders against the backdrop of the Moors.

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Planning Your Visit

Best Views & Parking

While you can park near the horse, the best panoramic views are from the top of Sutton Bank. Consider parking at the visitor centre there for stunning vistas and to watch gliders. Parking near the horse is cheap but ground-level views can be incomplete.Reddit

Walking & Safety

The area offers various walks, some steep and uneven. Keep dogs on a lead, especially near unfenced drops. Wheelchair accessibility is good if you park at the visitor centre.Reddit

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, better photos
Crowd
Low
When
Fair weather afternoons
Why
Ideal for gliding & views
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

@Erin Kilburn with EL Performance Horses and 𝒱𝑒𝑔𝒶𝓈 at Lazy J Facility in Ocklawaha
@chelseysomohanophoto
2.3K likes • 7.8K views

🎯 Park Smart for Views

Park at Sutton Bank visitor centre for best views & glider watching. Horse-level parking is cheaper but less scenic.Reddit

🥾 Wear Sturdy Shoes

Trails can be steep & uneven. Good footwear is essential for enjoyable walks.Reddit

Kilburn White Horse . The Kilburn White Horse is a hill figure cut into the hillside in the North York Moors National Park near Kilburn in North Yorkshire, England. . It is 318 feet (97 m) long by 220 ft (67 m) high and covers about 1.6 acres (6,475 m2) and said to be the most northerly “chalk” hill figure in England. . . #horse #northyorkshire #drone #dronevideography #dji #whitehorse #kilbernwhi...
thelaireadog
92 likes • 500 views
The Kilburn White horse. “Britain’s largest white horse in surface area situated on the SSW facing steep slope of Roulston Scar. It was designed and financed by Thomas Taylor, a Victorian businessman, and was cut in 1857. A native of Kilburn, he worked for a London merchant. He had seen the famous chalk hill figures of southern England and wanted to create something similar for his home village. ...
wanderer_of_the_ways
33 likes • 159 views

🐶 Leash Up Your Pup

Keep dogs on a lead near steep, unfenced drops for their safety.Reddit

📸 Best Photos from Above

Aerial shots offer the most complete view of the horse. Ground-level views can be partial.Reddit

Do you know where England’s largest white horse is? 📍The North York Moors National Park is home to this beautiful horse, cut into the hillside near the village of Kilburn. There’s a short loop walk around the horse that takes you across the top of the horse, with panoramic views across Yorkshire. The horse itself is best appreciated from a distance on Bagby Road. #visityorkshire #northyorkm...
myukstaycation
72 likes • 3.5K views

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.Reddit

🥾 Wear Sturdy Shoes

Trails can be steep & uneven. Good footwear is essential for enjoyable walks.Reddit

🐶 Leash Up Your Pup

Keep dogs on a lead near steep, unfenced drops for their safety.Reddit

📸 Best Photos from Above

Aerial shots offer the most complete view of the horse. Ground-level views can be partial.Reddit

☕ Visitor Centre Treats

Enjoy great food, cakes, and tea at the visitor centre car park.Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.5
(944 reviews)

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

Spectacular views
Great walking trails
Gliding spectacle

What People Dislike

Incomplete ground views
Steep, unfenced drops

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.InstagramReddit

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.InstagramReddit

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.Reddit

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.Reddit

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.Reddit

🎫 🎫 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.Instagram

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.Instagram

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.Reddit

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.Instagram

📸 📸 Photography

Early mornings or late afternoons offer softer light for photography. Weekdays are also better to avoid crowds and get clearer shots.TikTok

For the most complete view, an aerial perspective is ideal.Instagram From the ground, the top of Sutton Bank provides excellent vantage points, though the horse may appear smaller.Reddit

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.Instagram

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.InstagramReddit

Families can enjoy the visitor centre and the views. However, some trails are steep and unfenced, so close supervision of young children is essential.Reddit

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.InstagramReddit

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.InstagramReddit

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.Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ 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.Reddit

Yes, picnics are welcome. There are benches located near the car park at the top of Sutton Bank, offering lovely views while you dine.Instagram

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.Instagram

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

Families can enjoy the Kilburn White Horse, especially if they opt for the visitor centre at Sutton Bank. The centre offers amenities and easier access to viewpoints. While the horse itself is impressive, parents should be aware that some walking trails are steep and unfenced, requiring constant supervision of young children.Reddit Pack snacks and drinks, and consider a picnic to make the most of the scenic spots.Instagram

🚶 Hikers and Nature Lovers

For hikers, the Kilburn White Horse is a gateway to the North York Moors. Numerous walking trails cater to different fitness levels, from challenging climbs to gentler strolls.InstagramReddit The landscape offers breathtaking views, and the chance to spot gliders adds to the appeal. Remember to wear appropriate footwear and be prepared for varied terrain.

🐶 Dog Owners

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The History and Creation of the Kilburn White Horse

The Kilburn White Horse, a prominent hill figure, was created in November 1857. It was designed and financed by Thomas Taylor, a Victorian businessman who hailed from the village of Kilburn. Taylor had been inspired by the famous chalk hill figures found in the south of England and wanted to create a similar landmark in his native North Yorkshire.Instagram+1

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.Instagram+1

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

The area around the Kilburn White Horse offers fantastic opportunities for walking and enjoying the natural beauty of the North York Moors. Visitors can embark on various circular walks, ranging in difficulty. Some routes involve steep ascents and descents with uneven terrain, making sturdy footwear essential.InstagramReddit

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.InstagramReddit 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.Reddit

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.InstagramReddit

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