Uffington White Horse

Uffington White Horse is a prehistoric chalk hill figure near the village of Uffington in Oxfordshire, England, measuring roughly 100 meters long and 30 meters wide. The shape sits on a steep slope at 261 meters elevation and consists of shallow trenches filled with white chalk.

Researchers date the figure to the Bronze Age around 3000 years ago, making it the oldest hill figure in Britain. Communities over centuries maintained the shape by regularly clearing grass and soil to keep the chalk design visible.

Coins minted by local Iron Age tribes show a design similar to this hill figure, suggesting it marked boundaries or clan territory. Walkers today visit to see the white chalk outline standing out against green grassland, a landmark recognizable for miles around.

The hillside offers wide views across the countryside, but the figure itself is difficult to see from ground level. A nearby viewpoint on the opposite slope provides a better view of the full chalk design.

The design shows a long, stretched body with a stylized head that resembles abstract art more than a realistic horse. Some researchers suggest it may represent a mythical creature or a Celtic symbol rather than an ordinary animal.

Location: Uffington

Inception: 2 Millenium BCE

Elevation above the sea: 261 m

Length: 100 m

Width: 30 m

Made from material: chalk

Operator: The National Trust

Website: https://english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/uffington-castle-white-horse-and-dragon-hill

GPS coordinates: 51.57770,-1.56675

Latest update: December 4, 2025 19:01