Have you seen the White Horse at Kilburn in the North York Moors or did you struggle to see it despite it being around 318ft long and 220ft high?

The historical figure is cut into the hillside in the national park near Kilburn in North Yorkshire.

It’s situated on the SSW facing steep slope of Roulston Scar, reports Visit Thirsk.

The tourist website explains: “It was designed and financed by Thomas Taylor, a Victorian businessman, and was cut in 1857. A native of Kilburn, he worked for a London merchant.

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“He had seen the famous chalk hill figures of southern England and wanted to create something similar for his home village.”

But although the beloved attraction may be big and mighty, some tourists and visitors claim they can’t see it in all its glory, particularly its head.

In a review on Tripadvisor, someone commented: “The head just generally appears to be missing!!!”

One reviewer also wrote: “The ‘horse’ was basically a long white area with 4 legs. It could have been anything from a dog to a deer. You can no longer see a head or tail due to all the trees and undergrowth.”

Others also claim it "doesn’t look like a horse", as this review explained “We arrived from the top so the horse revealed itself as we walked down the steps to the picnic area at the bottom. What can I say? It was definitely grey, not white. A sort of dishcloth colour. Then there is the shape. It's definitely a 4-legged mammal, but it could be anything. Not helped by the fact that the curvature of the hill means the head disappears and you can't see it anyway."

Do you know of any good spots to see the White Horse at Kilburn?Do you know of any good spots to see the White Horse at Kilburn? (Image: Tripadvisor)

Another agreed: “This horse looks different from every angle! We came at it from above and it looks like grey gravel!"

“Underneath it looks like a headless Donkey but to fully appreciate it you have to be a decent way off!

“Definitely recommend going to see it though as it is a nice walk round and the scenery is second to none!”

Also suggesting it’s “just rocks”, this account shared: “From a distance it looks quite impressive but once you arrive, well, a series of white washed rocks (or so it appears) poorly maintained.”

A visitor stated there was “no horse in sight” when they arrived: “Nice walk with views, good to watch the gliders (maybe that’s where you need to be to see it), but no horse in sight, couldn’t even make it out from the White Horse car park. Just looked like an area of gravel to us!"

@jen_and_her_tribe_of_7 Sutton bank Yorkshire moors walk . Beautful North yorkshire walk just outside of Thirsk. . Explore the white horse and the scenery as you walk. . Northyorkshire gliders club is at the very top and absolutley amazing to watch. #northyorkshire #walks #hikes #couplestiktok #whitehorse #suttonbank #yorkshiremoors #gliders #walks #weightlossmotivation #weightlossjouney #mumanddad ♬ Love Of My Life - Metrow Ar

Yet many were more than pleased with their day out to see the White Horse at Kilburn, as this person shared: “We drove through the pretty village of Kilburn and up the winding road to the top of the hill - then a gentle walk. Wow, the views from the top over the valley were amazing - I was in awe. It was quite late in the afternoon and though quite cloudy, it was incredible - so peaceful and quiet.

“We drove back down the hill and managed to take fantastic photographs of the iconic White Horse. So glad that we’ve seen it, both close up and from a distance!”

Where is the best place to see Kilburn White Horse?

Additionally, plenty of people have taken to Tripadvisor to offer the best tips and tricks on how to see the White Horse at Kilburn.

Someone said: “We went to see the white horse rather than walk up to it where we knew we wouldn't get such a good view.



“After a quick google, we discovered that the best view is just past the village sign as you enter Kilburn from Thirsk. There are 2 benches next to each other and a tiny laybay to pull into. It is right ahead of you enahancing an already beautiful landscape.”

Another suggested: “Walked from the visitor centre at Sutton Bank. Gentle walk with great views! Gliders flying past overhead which are great to see.

“Best place to view the horse is from a distance in the village of Kilburn on the way to it.

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“Nice little ice cream van at the bottom of the horse to refresh yourself after the walk.

“Iconic site to see which I remember as a child so took my daughter to view it. Great little walk too with the dog.”

Let us know if you have seen the Kilburn White Horse in the comments below.