Wiltshire's White Horses are an unusual tourist attraction because they are best viewed at a distance. These impressive beasts were created by turf cutting into the chalk beneath. Each horse has a story. The nearest to Green Farm at Westbury is the most famous and is also the oldest. Nobody is sure exactly when it was created but a popular theory is that it commemorates King Alfred's victory over the Danes in 878. It was restored in 1778 and this event most probably inspired the creation of the later horses.
The Cherhill horse, created in 1780 is bigger than the one at Westbury and can be viewed from the Calne to Marlborough road. When the horse was created, it had an eye that was 4m in diameter, composed of upended green bottles. These were later all stolen, proof perhaps that vandalism existed even in the 18th century.
At Pewsey a horse was cut in 1937 to mark the coronation of King George VI, and the Hackpen horse created in almost a decade earlier in 1838 by local farmer Henry Eatwell, commemorates the coronation of Queen Victoria.
Wiltshire's newest horse is found at Devizes. It was cut in September 1999 by a group of enthusiasts. An ideal way to view the white horses is via (driving optional) a walking tour. The White Horse Trail Visitor's Pack is available at the tourist information office and includes seven pull out walks. The non-driving route is some 90 miles and includes sections of the Ridgeway and Kennet and Avon Canal towpath. A guide can be purchased by phone from the Wiltshire Walking Hotline on 01980 623255.
Things to do in Wiltshire - Bradford on Avon, Castle Combe, Devizes, Cotswold Water Park, Kennet & Avon Canal, Lacock Abbey, Malmesbury, Salisbury, Cathedral, Savernake, Marlborough, Salisbury Plain, Stonehenge & Avebury, Stourhead, Swindon, Warminster, White Horses, Longleat
