Hampshire &amp; Isle of Wight


<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why">WHY?</h2>



<p>This ancient market town has a real community feel, 69-acre heath and lake (in actual fact a pond, but the biggest one you’ve ever seen), plus more independent shops, cafes and restaurants than you can shake a stick at. Then there’s the fantastic schools, great train connections and the fact you’re right in the middle of the beautiful South Downs National Park.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-eat">EAT</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full is-resized"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1488" height="1421" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2025/09/Hoxton-Bakehouse-1.jpg" alt="Hoxton Bakehouse Hampshire Bakeries" class="wp-image-38325" style="aspect-ratio:1.0471498944405349;width:640px;height:auto" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2025/09/Hoxton-Bakehouse-1.jpg 1488w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2025/09/Hoxton-Bakehouse-1-800x764.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2025/09/Hoxton-Bakehouse-1-1000x955.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2025/09/Hoxton-Bakehouse-1-768x733.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1488px) 100vw, 1488px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Image: Hoxton Bakehouse</figcaption></figure>



<p>The <a href="https://www.josieswinecoffee.com/our-shops" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Josie’s</a> outpost here is great and always popular for brunch (look out for epic pancakes and hot Hollywood actor and Josie&#8217;s regular, Josh Hartnett). For coffee, lunch and general treats, take your pick from <a href="https://www.instagram.com/thenaturalfooddeli" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Natural Food Deli</a>, <a href="https://www.madeleineskitchen.co.uk/the-cafe" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Madeleine’s Kitchen</a>, <a href="https://gails.com/pages/petersfield" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">GAIL&#8217;s Bakery</a>, in the former HSBC building, or <a href="https://hoxtonbakehouse.com/pages/visit-us" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hoxton Bakehouse</a>. Grab a locally-made scoop at <a href="https://www.dylansicecream.co.uk/find-us" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dylan&#8217;s</a> ice cream parlour. For tea and cake, we rate <a href="https://galleryn30.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Gallery No30</a> on the High Street and <a href="https://www.teabarn.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Durleighmarsh Tea Barn</a>, just outside town.  </p>



<p>Plenty of choice for dinner, too, like <a href="https://fezpetersfield.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">YumYum Thai</a>, <a href="https://fezpetersfield.com/">Fez Turkish restaurant</a>, <a href="https://townhousepetersfield.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">La Piazetta</a> and <a href="https://townhousepetersfield.co.uk/">The Townhouse</a>. Petersfield stalwart <a href="https://www.anniejones.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Annie Jones</a> has a French bistro-style menu. Or just out of town, book <a href="https://www.skyparkfarm.com/index.php/our-food/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Bar &amp; Grill at Sky Park Farm</a> for seasonal lunches and relaxed weekend suppers.</p>



<p>Locals love <a href="https://www.thepubwithnoname.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Pub with No Name</a> in nearby Priors Dean (which was it&#8217;s unofficial name for so long incoming owners made it official). <a href="https://www.halfmoonsheet.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Half Moon at Sheet</a> has a small play area in the garden and does a good Sunday lunch. Slightly further afield, in the country idyll of West Meon, the Muddy-rated <a href="https://hants.muddystilettos.co.uk/travel/hotels-inns/thomas-lord/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Thomas Lord,</a> is a truly traditional country pub with all the trimmings. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-shop">SHOP</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1440" height="1439" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/10/460189845_18037602515160785_4989187858868980448_n.jpg" alt="Shop window Mimosa fashion boutique Petersfield Hampshire" class="wp-image-35395" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/10/460189845_18037602515160785_4989187858868980448_n.jpg 1440w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/10/460189845_18037602515160785_4989187858868980448_n-800x800.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/10/460189845_18037602515160785_4989187858868980448_n-1000x1000.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/10/460189845_18037602515160785_4989187858868980448_n-400x400.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/10/460189845_18037602515160785_4989187858868980448_n-768x767.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/10/460189845_18037602515160785_4989187858868980448_n-500x500.jpg 500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/10/460189845_18037602515160785_4989187858868980448_n-1100x1100.jpg 1100w" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Image: Mimosa boutique</figcaption></figure>



<p>Wander up the cobbles of Pages Court for great boutiques like <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Petersfieldbutterflies/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Butterflies Lingerie</a> and littlies gifts and essential accessories at the Muddy Award-winning <a href="https://bambinobaby.co.uk/about/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bambino Baby</a>. The brilliantly characterful Folly Market is home to some super cute indie shops like <a href="https://www.facebook.com/poppysjewelsx/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Poppy&#8217;s Jewels</a> and Busy Bee Vintage Sweets. For fashion fixes, check out the rails at <a href="https://mimosashoes.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mimosa</a> lifestyle shop on Dragon Street and (just across the crossing), <a href="https://www.instagram.com/getClobR/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ClobR</a> on the High Street. </p>



<p>Elsewhere, we love indie booksellers <a href="https://www.onetreebooks.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">One Tree Books</a>, now on Chapel Street while the Lavant Street premises are rebuilt, and <a href="https://sewcreative.org.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Sew Creative</a> for fabrics and buttons. Stocking up? Seek out the eco-conscious <a href="https://www.juniperonline.co.uk/store" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Juniper</a>, <a href="https://www.madeleineskitchen.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Madeline’s Deli</a> and <a href="https://www.thegeneralwine.co.uk/pages/petersfield-shop" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The General Wine Company.</a> The twice-weekly market sells everything from artisan bread to antiques. And <a href="https://www.hampshirefarmersmarkets.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hampshire Farmers’ Markets</a> regularly pitch up at the beginning of each month.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-health-amp-wellbeing">HEALTH &amp; WELLBEING</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1284" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/09/Countryside-Petersfield-Ashford-Hangers-Poets-Stone.jpg" alt="Ashford Hangers walk to the Poet's Stone. Photo by Hannah Wright Unsplash" class="wp-image-35255" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/09/Countryside-Petersfield-Ashford-Hangers-Poets-Stone.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/09/Countryside-Petersfield-Ashford-Hangers-Poets-Stone-800x685.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/09/Countryside-Petersfield-Ashford-Hangers-Poets-Stone-1000x856.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/09/Countryside-Petersfield-Ashford-Hangers-Poets-Stone-768x657.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Image: Ashford Hangers walk to the Poet&#8217;s Stone. <a href="https://unsplash.com/@hannahwrightdesigner?utm_content=creditCopyText&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_source=unsplash" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Hannah Wright</em></a></figcaption></figure>



<p>For gym and swimming most locals use the well-equipped <a href="https://www.everyoneactive.com/centre/taro-leisure-centre/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Taro leisure centre</a> or the much-loved <a href="https://petersfieldpool.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Petersfield Open Air Pool</a>. There&#8217;s also spa-equipped heath clubs at <a href="https://www.oldthorns.com/health-club" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Old Thorns Hotel</a> and <a href="https://www.champneys.com/spa-resorts/forest-mere/health-spa/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Champneys at Forest Mere</a> in nearby Liphook. </p>



<p>Love to walk? Petersfield is literally surrounded by countryside and has some spectacular views. Along with the central Heath, there&#8217;s Butser Hill, one of the highest points in the South Downs and Hampshire, and the adjacent <a href="https://www.hants.gov.uk/thingstodo/countryparks/qecp" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Queen Elizabeth Country Park</a>. Take the magnificent <a href="https://www.visit-hampshire.co.uk/things-to-do/edward-thomas-circular-walk-p1378541" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Edward Thomas Circular Walk</a> up to the Poet&#8217;s Stone. Or drive to nearby <a href="https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/surrey/hindhead-commons-and-the-devils-punch-bowl" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hindhead Commons</a> and explore the beautiful Devil&#8217;s Punchbowl.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-community">COMMUNITY</h2>



<p>There&#8217;s always plenty going on in Petersfield to bring locals together, from fetes and concerts in the magnificent St. Peters Church to the popular <a href="https://www.southdownsshow.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">South Downs Show</a>. The town always comes together for national events such as the King&#8217;s Coronation. Remembrance Sunday parades are also well co-ordinated between local churches, Scouts, Guides, veterans, schools and cadet groups.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-culture">CULTURE</h2>



<p>If you like to tread the boards, there&#8217;s a strong amateur dramatics scene in Petersfield, with regular productions by the Petersfield Theatre Group, Winton Players and Petersfield Youth Theatre at <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.petersfield-tc.gov.uk/the-festival-hall-2/" target="_blank">The Festival Hall</a>. For bigger productions, locals tend to head over the Sussex border to the <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.cft.org.uk/" target="_blank">Chichester Festival Theatre</a>. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-nearby-attractions">NEARBY
ATTRACTIONS</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2022/10/Sky-Park-Farm-Petersfield-Deer-2.jpg" alt="Deer Sky Park Farm Petersfield Best Places to Live Hampshire" class="wp-image-28659" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2022/10/Sky-Park-Farm-Petersfield-Deer-2.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2022/10/Sky-Park-Farm-Petersfield-Deer-2-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2022/10/Sky-Park-Farm-Petersfield-Deer-2-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2022/10/Sky-Park-Farm-Petersfield-Deer-2-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2022/10/Sky-Park-Farm-Petersfield-Deer-2-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Image: Sky Park Deer Farm</figcaption></figure>



<p>The star attraction is Petersfield Heath, a 69-acre green space just a stroll from town, with play park, green space and rowing boats in the summertime. Learn about the town’s history at the <a href="https://www.petersfieldmuseum.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Petersfield Museum</a> and enjoy a summer dip at <a href="https://petersfieldpool.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Petersfield Open Air Pool</a>. Also nearby are <a href="https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/uppark-house-and-garden" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Uppark National Trust property</a> in South Harting; the <a href="https://www.hants.gov.uk/thingstodo/countryparks/qecp" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Sky Park (deer) Farm</a> in West Harting and <a href="https://www.hants.gov.uk/thingstodo/countryparks/qecp" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Queen Elizabeth Country Park</a>. <a href="https://www.forestryengland.uk/alice-holt-forest" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Alice Holt Forest</a> is under 30 mins drive north (look out for Gruffalos) and <a href="https://www.hants.gov.uk/thingstodo/countryparks/staunton" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Staunton Country Park</a> is under 20 mins away in nearby Havant. The brilliant <a href="https://hants.muddystilettos.co.uk/little-black-book/directory/winchester-science-centre/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Winchester Science Centre</a> is around half hour an hour along the A272.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-average-house-prices">AVERAGE HOUSE PRICES </h2>



<p>House prices overall are around £484,680, with detached house prices averaging £825,970. The priciest properties surround the Heath, but there are many more affordable options close to town.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hot-property">HOT PROPERTY</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2025/09/Petersfield-House.jpg" alt="House for sale petersfield property Hampshire Best Places to Live" class="wp-image-38705" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2025/09/Petersfield-House.jpg 1024w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2025/09/Petersfield-House-800x534.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2025/09/Petersfield-House-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2025/09/Petersfield-House-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">A spacious modern 5-bed detached house . <a href="https://bourneestateagents.com/property/petersfield-hampshire-pet250055/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">On the market for OIEO £750,000</a>.</figcaption></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-nurseries">NURSERIES</h2>



<p>Handily located a stone&#8217;s throw from the Infant&#8217;s school, <a href="https://www.the-avenue.org.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Avenue Nursery</a> is very popular as is <a href="https://www.littlegemsdaynursery.com/petersfield" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Little Gems</a>, just 5 mins walk from town. Overlooking the Heath, <a href="https://www.thelittleschooldaynursery.co.uk/the-lake" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Little School by the Lake</a> has a large outdoor play area and Forest School, all rated as Good by Ofsted. There&#8217;s a good choice of nurseries in the surrounding villages and at the local independent schools too, like <a href="https://www.ditchampark.com/lad/dragonflies-at-ditcham/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dragonflies at Ditcham Park School</a>, which takes children from six months.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-schools">SCHOOLS</h2>



<p>Petersfield is incredibly popular with families – and extremely well served by schools. <a aria-label="Langrish Primary School (opens in a new tab)" href="https://www.langrish.hants.sch.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Langrish Primary School</a>,<a href="https://www.petersfieldinfantschool.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> Petersfield Infant School </a>and <a aria-label="Herne Juniors (opens in a new tab)" href="https://www.herne.hants.sch.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Herne Juniors</a> are all rated good by Ofsted. For seniors, <a aria-label="The Petersfield School (opens in a new tab)" href="https://www.petersfieldschool.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Petersfield School</a> is ranked outstanding. The brilliant independents here include <a href="https://hants.muddystilettos.co.uk/kids/school-reviews/churchers-college-junior-school-and-nursery-liphook/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Churcher’s College Junior School and Nursery</a> and <a href="https://highfieldandbrookham.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Highfield and Brookham</a> in nearby Liphook, <a aria-label="Churcher’s College and Sixth Form (opens in a new tab)" href="https://www.churcherscollege.com/sixth-form-16-18-/sixth-form-academic-courses" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Churcher’s College and Sixth Form</a> in Petersfield and <a aria-label="Ditcham Park (opens in a new tab)" href="https://www.ditchampark.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ditcham Park</a> and <a aria-label="Bedales School (opens in a new tab)" href="https://www.bedales.org.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bedales School</a>, both just on the outskirts of Petersfield.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-best-kept-secret">BEST KEPT
SECRET</h2>



<p>A secret oasis just off the high street, the carefully tended, walled <a href="http://petersfieldphysicgarden.org.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="Physic Garden (opens in a new tab)">Physic Garden</a> is a peaceful spot to enjoy a lunchtime sandwich or takeout coffee.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-commute">COMMUTE</h2>



<p>Trains into London Waterloo are 1 hr 25 mins. Winchester is a 30 min drive. Guildford is a similar distance (allow extra time for traffic queues close to the city) or 40 mins by train. The train to Portsmouth takes just over 30 mins.</p>



<p><em>View the full <a href="https://muddystilettos.co.uk/best-places-to-live/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Top 260 Best Places to Live</a></em>.</p>


Petersfield

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