Pewsey White Horse: Wiltshire’s Charming Chalk Hill Figure
A charming, well-proportioned chalk hill figure commemorating King George VI’s coronation, nestled in the scenic Wiltshire countryside.
The Pewsey White Horse is a striking hill figure carved into the chalk hills near Pewsey, Wiltshire. Created in 1937 by volunteers from the Pewsey Fire Brigade to commemorate King George VI’s coronation, it replaces an earlier 18th-century horse that had faded away. Measuring 66 by 45 feet, it is the smallest of Wiltshire’s iconic white horses but is admired for its well-proportioned design and historical significance. The figure is fenced to protect it and remains a beloved local landmark.
A brief summary to Pewsey White Horse
- Pewsey, SN9 5AF, GB
- Visit website
- Duration: 0.5 to 2 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
- Monday 12 am-12 am
- Tuesday 12 am-12 am
- Wednesday 12 am-12 am
- Thursday 12 am-12 am
- Friday 12 am-12 am
- Saturday 12 am-12 am
- Sunday 12 am-12 am
Local tips
- Visit during daylight hours for the best views and photography opportunities of the white horse and surrounding landscape.
- Wear sturdy footwear as the terrain around the hill figure can be uneven and grassy.
- Look for the nearby information board installed around 2000 to learn about the eight white horses of Wiltshire.
- Respect the fenced-off area around the horse to help preserve this historic landmark.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Information Boards
- Seating Areas
- Trash Bins
Getting There
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Bus
Take the local bus service from Pewsey village center to the vicinity of the Pewsey White Horse; the journey typically takes 10-15 minutes. Bus frequency may be limited on weekends and public holidays. Tickets cost approximately £3-£5.
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Car
Driving from Pewsey village, the Pewsey White Horse can be reached by a short 5-10 minute drive. Parking is limited near the site, so use designated parking areas in Pewsey and walk the remaining distance. No parking fees apply.
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Walking
For active visitors, a 30-40 minute walk from Pewsey village offers a scenic route over gentle hills and countryside paths. Terrain is grassy and uneven in places, so suitable footwear is recommended.
Pewsey 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 Pewsey White Horse
Origins and Commemoration of a Coronation
The Pewsey White Horse was cut in 1937 by volunteers from the Pewsey Fire Brigade as a tribute to the coronation of King George VI. This hill figure replaced an earlier white horse, likely dating from 1785, which had become overgrown and invisible. Designed by George Marples, an expert on hill figures, the current horse was carefully marked out using triangulation methods to ensure accuracy and proportion. Its trotting pose to the left was chosen for ease of maintenance and visual appeal.Distinctive Features and Local Significance
Measuring 66 feet in length and 45 feet in height, the Pewsey White Horse is the smallest of the eight canonical white horses in Wiltshire. Despite its size, it is praised for its balanced and lifelike proportions, making it a well-regarded representation of a horse. The figure is fenced off to prevent damage from grazing animals, a protection shared by only a few other Wiltshire white horses. It holds a place of pride in the local community and even features on the Pewsey town flag as an iconic symbol.Maintenance and Preservation Efforts
The Pewsey White Horse is maintained by dedicated local volunteers, notably the Pewsey Horse Restoration Group, who regularly scour the chalk to keep the figure bright and distinct against the hillside. The chalk used is finely compacted to ensure longevity and clear edges. An information board was installed near the horse around the turn of the millennium to educate visitors about the eight white horses of Wiltshire, further enhancing its cultural value.Context Within Wiltshire’s White Horse Tradition
Wiltshire is renowned for its collection of white horse hill figures, each with unique histories and designs. The Pewsey White Horse stands among these as the first cut in the 20th century and one of the smallest. The tradition of carving white horses in chalk hills is thought to be inspired by the ancient Uffington White Horse, though Wiltshire’s figures are generally more modern and commemorate various historical events or local pride. The Pewsey horse’s creation for a royal coronation links it to other horses in the county commemorating significant occasions.Visitor Experience and Scenic Surroundings
Set against the rolling chalk hills near Pewsey, the white horse offers visitors a picturesque and tranquil experience. The surrounding countryside provides scenic views and a peaceful atmosphere, ideal for photography and quiet reflection. The figure’s elevated position makes it visible from afar, serving as a striking landmark that connects visitors to the region’s rich heritage and natural beauty.Community and Cultural Engagement
Beyond its physical presence, the Pewsey White Horse is a focal point for local cultural identity and community spirit. Events and restoration activities foster a sense of pride and continuity, linking past and present generations. The horse’s story is preserved and celebrated through projects aimed at deepening understanding of its origins and significance within Pewsey and the wider Wiltshire area.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
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For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
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For the architecture buff
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For the view chaser and sunset hunter
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For the social media creator & influencer
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For the kind of experience you’re after
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For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
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