Dr Christopher Alsop, an eccentric of Calne had his horse cut into the side of Cherhill Down in 1780. It is said that he shouted instructions to his helpers through a megaphone who marked out the shape with small white flags. The best view is from the A4, to the east of the village. From there is a fine climb by foot to the horse and Oldbury Castle hillfort beyond.

 The horse is 131 feet long (40 metres) and is said to be visible for 30 miles (48 Km). It once had an eye filled with glass bottles to reflect the sun.

To the south-east of the white horse, on top of Cherhill Down is the Lansdowne Monument. Erected in 1845 by the 3rd Marquis of Lansdowne to commemorate his ancestor Sir William Petty. It towers 125 feet (38 metres) above the hill and can also be seen 30 miles (48 Km) away. The hill now belongs to the National Trust. It is said that this is the highest point between London and Bristol.

Cherhill White Horse after recutting in the summer of 2002

Cherhill White Horse

View from A4

Lansdowne Monument