Westbury White Horse Viewing Point

Standing on the ridge above Westbury, you'll spot one of Wiltshire's most famous landmarks carved into the chalk hillside below. The Westbury White Horse stretches 180 feet long and 107 feet high, making it the oldest of the county's chalk horses still visible today.

Getting the best view requires a bit of a trek. The official viewing point sits on Bratton Down, reached via a steep climb from the town centre that'll have you puffing after twenty minutes. But the panorama across the Avon Valley makes every step worthwhile. On clear days, you can see right across to Glastonbury Tor.

Families should know this isn't pushchair territory - the path gets rough and muddy after rain. Older children who don't mind a proper walk will love it though, especially if you time it for sunset when the white chalk glows against the darkening hillside. History buffs get an added bonus: Iron Age Bratton Camp sits right beside the viewing area, with earthwork ramparts still clearly visible.

There's no charge to visit and it's accessible year-round, though winter brings shorter days and slippery paths. Allow two hours for the round trip from town. Several holiday parks near Westbury make decent bases for exploring this corner of Wiltshire, with Country View Camping and Fairwood Lakes both within easy striking distance of the horse.