Petersfield, a market town in Hampshire, was named one of the best places to live in the UK by the Sunday Times guide for 2026, praised for its art scene, location, and outdoor activities like hiking and biking. However, Express writer Sarah Barltrop found a major drawback: a lack of things to do for younger people.
What Makes Petersfield Attractive
Set on the edge of the South Downs National Park, Petersfield offers access to rolling hills and the beach town of Southsea, just 20 miles away. Fast train links connect the town to London in about one hour. With over 80 independent shops, cafes, and restaurants, locals describe it as a lovely place to live.
The Problem for Younger Residents
Despite its accolades, a common theme emerged during Barltrop's visit: limited options for younger people. Ron Albuery, who lives three miles from Petersfield, said he loves the town but admitted, “I don’t think there is, to be honest,” when asked about youth provision. Lynda, an older resident, noted, “It's more of an older population, that's pretty obvious, I would have thought.”
During Barltrop's Thursday daytime visit, few working-age people were out, and finding a younger person to interview proved difficult. James Crush, 28, who moved to Petersfield with his family, was satisfied with offerings like a nearby mountain bike course, but agreed the town is quiet. Barltrop concluded that while it suits families, younger people without children may get bored.
Demographics and Community
According to City Population, Petersfield has about 15,420 residents, with only around 3,000 aged 20-39, while over 9,100 are above 40. Louise Weller, head of collections at Petersfield Museum, said the town has a wide range of people, including under-fives groups and those interested in international art, describing it as a very creative town. However, Barltrop noted that parent and toddler groups are helpful for families but not for childless young adults, making it difficult to meet like-minded people.
