Horse

The White Horse carved into the chalk hillside near Alton is one of those landmarks you spot from the road and think, 'I should actually go and look at that properly.' It's a proper statement - a huge white figure cut into the green slope that's been a familiar sight to travellers for centuries. The horse itself is fairly simple in execution but unmistakably bold when you stand near it, and the surrounding downland offers decent views across Hampshire countryside.

Getting up close requires a bit of legwork. There's no visitor centre or facilities, just footpaths that let you approach from different angles. Walkers will find it a reasonable detour if you're already exploring the area, though it's not worth planning a whole day around unless you're combining it with the wider countryside walks. History enthusiasts might find the local legends interesting enough to warrant investigation - though honestly, it's the kind of thing that photographs better than it repays extended study.

The nearby holiday parks at Wigwam Holidays and Feather Down Manor Farm make reasonable bases if you're after a broader Hampshire break. You could incorporate the White Horse into a longer ramble without too much bother. Free to view, naturally - it's just a hill. Allow thirty minutes to an hour if you're walking up and actually spending time there. Best visited on a clear day when you can actually see the thing properly from a distance. Winter can be muddy underfoot, so boots are sensible. It's the sort of spot that works well as part of a bigger walk rather than a standalone destination.