Top tips for visiting Petersfield
Are you in need of a little retreat? Why not come to our wonderful historic market town in the heart of Hampshire! Often described as the gateway to the South Downs, Petersfield is surrounded by gorgeous rolling hills and forests, filled with old style buildings, traditional pubs and small, independent shops, it really has it all.
Free things to do with the family:
1. Parks
Petersfield has so many awesome parks and recreational spaces to choose from, all around the town. You are never too far away from a play area in our town, some include Woods Meadow, just north of North road this brilliant park has a basketball pitch, climbing frames and an enclosed soft play section for the youngsters. Borough Hill, just near the station, this large park is packed with slides, climbing frames and even a zip wire. The Avenue Playing Fields is equipped with tennis courts and a boules terrain, perfect for families to play or enjoy a lovely picnic as the weather warms up.
2. The Heath
Not only does the Heath have a wonderfully large playground for all ages and desires, it is a gorgeous place to sit back and enjoy the beauty of nature. The lake is filled with ducks and swans and has paths in all directions to go for a walk with the family.
3. Physic Garden
In the centre of town, on The High Street is the Petersfield Physic Garden. This green oasis is a wonderful spot to sit and admire the flowers and plants in a private garden first created in the 17th century.
4. Petersfield markets
Every Wednesday and Saturday The Square is taken over by traditional market stalls offering food, clothes and gifts. A perfect opportunity to browse and enjoy the bustling town.
5. Walking trails in the South Downs
One of the many benefits of being the “gateway to the south downs” is the gorgeous scenery and walking, cycling and even flying opportunities it gives us. Why not take the family out and enjoy one of the thousands of trails in and around Petersfield. Ashford Hangers is one of our personal favourites with its steep climb and an incredible view of Petersfield.
Other fun activities in town:
1. Petersfield museum and art gallery
Petersfield Museum and Art Gallery is an accredited, independent museum and registered charity established in 1999. It tells the story of Petersfield and surrounding areas through archeological objects excavated from the heath 4000 years ago, photographs and historic dresses. It is also home to the Flora Twort art gallery where local artists can display their work.
2. Golfing
Petersfield golf club and the Southern golf club are the perfect day out for a nice relaxed game of golf with a great view.
3. Independent shops
Petersfield is filled with independent shops on every road. There is something for any need you may have. Some of these include ClobR, Two fat dogs, Duet, Velvet and Rose, The Folly market, Sew Creative, Feather and Flint and so many more that are all on our website.
4. Sky Park Farm
Just on the outskirts of town this unique destination is devoted to deer, offering something for everyone from farm trails, an amazing adventure playground and a farm shop & cafe. You can get involved and even feed the deer at close quarters.
5. Enjoy the historic landmarks
Petersfield is filled with history, from the Statue of William III on his horse in the centre of The Square to the wide array of gorgeous old churches scattered around town.
Where to stay
Petersfield hosts a large choice of Air BnB’s, hotels and pubs you can stay in. Here are a few of the many wonderful options, you can see our website for so many other choices:
1. Barrow Hill Barns
This wonderful mix of luxury cottages and lodges throughout the South Downs is the perfect getaway option.
2. Premier Inn
Just out of town this affordable hotel is off the junction of the A3 and the A272. A great and easy option to stay in town.
3. Wallops Wood Cottages
These self catering places are scattered in the Hampshire countryside and are the perfect dog friendly retreat with a swimming pool.
Parking in town
There are lots of car parking options available in town. We highly recommend using the Festival Hall Car Park as a brilliant central car park for both long and short stay parking. Also, top tip: Tesco Car Park has a very easy walking route into the centre of town between Hylton Road and St Peter’s Road (next to the Museum!) To see a more detailed plan we have a car park map on our website!
1. Petersfield Station
Frenchmans Road, GU32 3AW, Charges apply 24 hours,7 days a week, Maximum stay (unknown)
2. Petersfield Station
Lavant Street, GU32 3EE, Charges apply 24 hours,7 days a week, Maximum stay (unknown)
3. Festival Hall
We highly recommend using the Festival Hall Car Park as a brilliant central car park for both long and short stay parking.
Heath Road, GU31 4EA, Charges apply Mon to Sat: 08:00-18:00, Sun: Free of charge, Maximum stay (unknown)
4. Central
Winton Road/Chapel Street, GU32 3DL, Charges apply Mon to Sat: 08:00-18:00, Sun: 10:00-16:00, Maximum stay 3 hours.
Central Car Park has public toilets (there are also public toilets in St Peters Road, just off The Square) and also has the Petersfield Shopmobility Centre from where you can hire scooters and wheelchairs.
5. Causeway
The Causeway, GU31 4JR, Charges apply, Mon to Sat: 08:00-18:00, Sun: 10:00-16:00, Maximum stay 3 Hours
6. Swan Street
Swan Street/ Chapel Street, GU31 3AF, Charges apply, Mon to Sat, 08:00-18:00, Sun 10:00-16:00, Maximum stay (unknown)
7. Castle Yard
Swan Street, GU32 3AG, Charges apply, Mon to Sat: 08:00-18:00, Sun: Free of charge, Maximum stay (unknown)
8. Love Lane Sports Ground
Love Lane, GU31 4BP, Free of charge, Maximum stay (unknown)
Food and supplies
There are so many delicious options in Petersfield. We have organic and sustainable shops such as Juniper Sustainable Goods and Refillery, Bunches Farm Shop, Refill and Replenish as well as a local butcher. Historic pubs like the Old Drum, Queens Head, The Good Intent and The Square Brewery and so many more.
There are wonderful independent restaurants for any cuisine from Turkish, Indian, Italian, Chinese and even bakeries dedicated to making sweet treats and snacks such as Meg’s Kitchen and Simply Scrumptious. We also have an old style sweet shop that will take you back with its traditional storage, packaging and scales.