Hackpen White Horse: Wiltshire’s Square-Dimension Chalk Figure
Discover the unique square-shaped Hackpen White Horse, a chalk hill figure commemorating Queen Victoria’s coronation, set amidst Wiltshire’s scenic downs.
The Hackpen White Horse is a striking chalk hill figure located on Hackpen Hill near Swindon, Wiltshire. Carved in 1838, it commemorates Queen Victoria’s coronation and is unique for its perfect square dimensions, measuring 90 feet wide by 90 feet high. Set against the Marlborough Downs, this iconic landmark is regularly maintained and offers scenic views from nearby roads and footpaths, blending natural beauty with local heritage.
A brief summary to Hackpen White Horse
- 45 Wiltshire Cres, Swindon, SN4 9PF, GB
- Visit website
- Duration: 0.5 to 2 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
Local tips
- Visit during clear weather for the best views from nearby roads and footpaths.
- Wear sturdy footwear to walk from the hilltop car park down to the horse along footpaths.
- Bring a camera to capture the unique square dimensions and surrounding countryside.
- Respect the grazing real horses in the fields; do not feed or disturb them.
- Combine your visit with a walk along the Ridgeway path to nearby historic sites.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
- Parking
Getting There
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Car
Driving from Swindon town center to Hackpen White Horse takes approximately 20 to 30 minutes. Parking is available at the top of Hackpen Hill near the Ridgeway path. Note that parking is limited and the access road is narrow, so plan accordingly.
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Bus and Walking
Take a local bus from Swindon to Broad Hinton, which takes around 40 to 50 minutes depending on the service. From Broad Hinton, it is a 30-minute walk over gently sloping terrain to reach Hackpen White Horse via public footpaths. Suitable for most walkers.
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Walking
For those enjoying a longer hike, the Ridgeway National Trail passes near Hackpen White Horse. Walking from Barbury Castle to Hackpen White Horse takes about 1 hour over well-maintained paths with moderate elevation changes.
Hackpen White Horse location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
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Rain / Wet Weather
Discover more about Hackpen White Horse
Origins and Historical Significance
The Hackpen White Horse was carved in 1838, most likely by Henry Eatwell, the parish clerk of Broad Hinton, with assistance from a local pub landlord. It was created to commemorate the coronation of Queen Victoria, marking it as one of the more recent additions among Wiltshire’s famous white horse hill figures. Despite its relatively modern origin, the exact details of its creation remain somewhat uncertain, adding an air of mystery to this historic landmark.Distinctive Design and Dimensions
What sets the Hackpen White Horse apart is its unique square shape, measuring exactly 90 feet wide by 90 feet high, making it England’s only square-dimension hill horse. Its design is somewhat spindly and less refined compared to other white horses, with a somewhat cartoonish or fox-like appearance. Over time, the figure has occasionally featured a large, doe-like eye, giving it a quirky character that contrasts with the more traditional equine hill figures.Location and Surrounding Landscape
Situated on Hackpen Hill, part of the Marlborough Downs, the horse overlooks open fields that often feature crop circles during summer. The hill itself rises to about 600 feet and is traversed by the Ridgeway path, a historic trail. The horse is visible from several vantage points, including the nearby B4041 and A361 roads, and can be approached on foot from a car park atop the hill. The surrounding landscape is quintessentially English downland, with grazing real horses often seen in the fields near the figure, creating a charming juxtaposition of living and chalk horses.Maintenance and Cultural Moments
The Hackpen White Horse is regularly scoured and maintained to keep its bright white appearance. Notably, it has been illuminated after cleaning events, a rare tradition among Wiltshire’s white horses. In 2009, the figure was temporarily transformed into a “red horse” for Comic Relief’s Red Nose Day by covering it with red fabric, showcasing its cultural relevance and community engagement.Visitor Experience and Accessibility
Visitors can enjoy walking the Ridgeway path that passes near the horse, connecting to other historic sites like Barbury Castle and The Sanctuary. The site offers a peaceful rural atmosphere with scenic views, ideal for photography and nature appreciation. Parking is available at the hilltop, and the walk down to the horse is accessible by footpaths. The area is open year-round, making it a flexible destination for day trips or countryside exploration.Local Significance and Community Connection
The Hackpen White Horse holds a special place in local identity, sometimes referred to as the Broad Hinton White Horse due to its proximity to the village. It is part of a network of chalk horses in Wiltshire, linked by the White Horse Trail, which celebrates the county’s rich heritage of hill figures. The nearby White Horse pub in Winterbourne Bassett even features an illustration inspired by the horse, reflecting its integration into local culture and tradition.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
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For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Scenic
- Tranquil
- Relaxing
- Unique
For the architecture buff
- Landmarks
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- Parks & Gardens
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
- Sunrise Spots
- Sunset Spots
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Eco-Friendly
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Leave-No-Trace Critical
- Locally Managed
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
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For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Pet Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
