A Close Up of Hackpen Hill White Horse

Last weekend we were able to get a Close Up of Hackpen Hill White Horse. This is the second Wiltshire White Horse we have visited of the 8 still visible on the landscape. You can read about the history of the Wiltshire White Horses in our previous post Cherhill White Horse.

About Hackpen Hill White Horse:

The Hackpen Horse was cut into the hill in 1838 to commemorate the coronation of Queen Victoria. Little is known about the origins of the horse however, it’s believed to have been cut by Henry Eatwell, parish clerk of Broad Hinton and also the local publican.

The Hackpen Hill White Horse measures 90ft by 90ft and is best viewed from the A361 between Avebury and Swindon at Broad Hinton.

When did we visit:

We visited on a Sunday morning the first weekend in August. It was quite busy as the area is popular with cyclists and walkers using The Ridgeway, which runs across the top of Hackpen Hill.

How to get to the Hackpen Hill White Horse:

From the M4 junction 15, head towards Marlborough and follow the A361 towards Broad Hinton. You will see Hackpen Hill White Horse on your left. Turn left signposted Hackpen Hill, the road leads right up to and around the White Horse to The Ridgeway car park at the top of the hill.

Need a map? Download the Ordnance Survey Phone App Now.

What we liked about the site:

Hackpen Hill White Horse hasn’t been fenced off, so you can literally walk around the edge of the horse. On leaving the car park walk across the road towards the copse of trees. Go through the gate and walk down the hill.

No matter what time of year you visit, you’ll be able to get close up views of the white horse as well as see for miles cross the magnificent Marlborough Downs. It really is a beautiful spot to stop and take some time out from your busy day of touring.

Views from above Hackpen Hill Wiltshire White Horse

It goes without saying, if you decide to visit then respect this beautiful landmark. Help preserve it by not remove any of the chalk or walking on it. We kept our dogs on lead and made sure we didn’t disturb the ground in any way. Leash the kids too ok no taking a sample home to show their teacher back at school 🙂

Views above Hackpen Hill Wiltshire White Horse — Miche, Poppy & Coco at the top of Hackpen Hill

The site is FREE to access all year round. The car park is also free and is wide enough to fit campervans/motorhomes but it may get a little snug on weekends as it’s very popular. Weekdays are much quieter so visit during the week if possible.

The site is dog-friendly but as mentioned above, best to keep them on lead. As you head back towards the car park take a walk along The Ridgeway in either direction. Dogs are totally fine off lead along this route, our dogs had a great time zooming along the trail and sniffing out the hedgerow.

Ridgeway Sign at Hackpen Hill Wiltshire White Horse — Ridgeway Sign at Hackpen Hill Wiltshire

Wiltshire Ridgeway Trail Path — Poppy & Coco exploring the Ridgeway Trail Path

Points to note:

During the year there are horses grazing in the White Horse field so we’d recommend keeping your dogs on lead by the horse. Apparently the horses can get very inquisitive, especially if they think you may have food.

Trip highlights

We were lucky enough to visit when a Crop Circle was visible in on of the fields next to the White Horse. They’re so beautiful in design and have made Wiltshire quite famous over the years, as if 8 White Horses wasn’t enough!

When we visited it was harvest time. It was fascinating watching the local farmers zoom up Hackpen Hill and set up and harvest the field next to the car park. We were blown away by the size and number of machines being used. The farmers were friendly and gave us a wave as they set up.

Useful information:

Whitewhitehorses.org.uk for more info about Hackpen Hill and all of the Wiltshire White Horses.
White Horse Trail for serious walkers there’s a 90 mile hike to visit ALL Wiltshire horses.
The Ridgeway Trail -starting at Avebury, the Ridgeway follows chalk hills in a northeasterly direction for 87 miles (139 Km)