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In a new blog, freelance writer Helen Martin explores the idyllic setting and vibrant community that makes Petersfield a standout choice for families looking to relocate to Hampshire. From its natural beauty and rich array of local amenities, to the strong sense of community and outstanding educational opportunities, Helen explores all that Petersfield has to offer.
In 1900 John Badley moved his school, Bedales, from Lindfield, near Haywards Heath, to a small village called Steep, just outside Petersfield in Hampshire. It’s easy to see why the school is still here, over 125 years later. Surrounded by the stunning hills and woodlands of the South Downs, yet only 60 miles from London, the Petersfield area is a fantastic place to call home.
Location is one of the area's main selling points
“For families looking to move out of town into the country, the area is highly desirable,” says local estate agent, Claudia Hunt of the Country House Company. “You have all the benefits of living in the country without any of the disadvantages, including excellent schools, reliable broadband and fast, efficient transport links.”
Heathrow and Gatwick airports and London are within an hour’s drive. Guildford, Chichester, Portsmouth, Winchester and the Wittering beaches are within half an hour. The Petersfield to Waterloo train takes just over an hour.
In Petersfield itself there is the Heath Pond and playground, a huge variety of baby, toddler and children’s clubs, lido, leisure centre, yoga studio, Waitrose, M&S, two doctors’ surgeries, a community hospital and a centre of complementary medicine.
Queen Elizabeth Country Park is located a few miles further south. There you’ll find mountain bike trails, an assault course, adventure play area, dog agility course and weekly parkrun. The surrounding countryside is filled with walks of varying difficulty, including the South Downs Way, Serpent Trail, Hanger’s Way and Shipwright’s Way. There are plenty of bridleways too for getting out in the fresh air on foot, bike and horseback.
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