Petersfield, a market town in Hampshire, has been named among the best places to live in the UK by the Sunday Times Best Places to Live guide for 2026. The town boasts more than 80 independent shops, stunning countryside, and easy access to the sea and London.
Location and Accessibility
Situated on the boundary of the South Downs National Park, Petersfield offers residents and visitors access to all three environments: countryside, coast, and city. The undulating Hampshire countryside can be explored in the morning, followed by an afternoon at the seaside resort of Southsea, just 20 miles away. London is an hour away by train, making it convenient for commuters.
Market Square and Independent Shops
At the heart of Petersfield is a traditional market square, still used for trading twice weekly, surrounded by over 80 independent retailers, cafes, and eateries. According to the Sunday Times guide, the town's retailers, location, and range of activities like rambling and cycling contributed to its ranking.
Resident Perspectives
Peony, 85, a long-time resident, describes Petersfield as "a lovely place" with a strong sense of heritage and community. She notes that the market square was originally a cattle market and now hosts a market twice a week. Lynda, who has lived in Petersfield for about nine years, values the thriving high street, saying, "We don't see empty shops for very long. That is one good thing. We don't seem to have that emptiness that other places get."
Ron Albuery, who lives three miles from the town, says, "I love it," but acknowledges limited facilities for younger people, noting the absence of a nightclub. However, 28-year-old James Crush, who recently moved from Waterlooville, appreciates the space and quiet, mentioning a nearby mountain bike course.
Historic and Creative Character
At Petersfield Museum, staff highlight the town's historic centre. Louise Weller, head of collections, says, "It's one of the few ones that still exists in the south of England. It makes it much more of a communal space." She describes Petersfield as a creative town with a wide range of people, from under-fives groups to those interested in international art contexts. The town maintains four bookshops, including the independent Petersfield Bookshop and One Tree Books, alongside chain stores like Waterstones and Oxfam.
Community and Dining
Volunteer Frances Press, who recently moved to the centre, calls the bookshops a "labyrinth" and appreciates the charity shops. She adds, "We've got a very nice Wetherspoons." The town offers numerous pubs, cafés, and restaurants, many with pavement seating. Among them is the local-favourite chain Josie's, serving brunch and lunches.
