The annual Sunday Times Best Places to Live Guide included Petworth in its list for 2021, and for a good reason. This fabulous market town nestled in the heart of the South Downs National Park has so much to offer residents.
Petworth is famous for the National Trust’s historic Petworth House, sitting within 700 beautiful acres of parkland designed by Capability Brown. As a resident, the grounds of this grand house are a few steps from your doorstep, a perfect spot for walking the dog or your morning run. This wonderful Sussex town, set around a traditional market square, has an extensive selection of shops, pubs, and restaurants to delight its locals. With a strong sense of community spirit, we know you’ll feel right at home in Petworth.
Village Population
Miles from London
Postcode District
Petworth is steeped in history; mentioned in the Domesday Book, it has been settled since Norman times. So, you’ll find some stunning period properties at its heart, as well as some newer, contemporary builds on the outskirts of town.
Throughout the year, the town hosts events that entertain and inspire. The Petworth Festival, Petworth Festival Literary Week and Petworth Fringe are all annual events. In the deep midwinter, the town lights up with the arrival of the visiting funfair in its very centre. The Petworth Farmer’s Market takes place on the fourth Saturday of every month to supplement the already wonderful mix of speciality shops and the local supermarket.
Petworth has something for everybody. You’ll find an Ofsted rated ‘Good’ town primary school for young families that boasts its own farm. From here, children progress to the Ofsted rated ‘Outstanding’ Midhurst Rother College. If you’re exploring independent schools, Seaford College, with its beautiful grounds and world-class facilities, is less than five miles away.
If you’re moving out of London but need to commute, Pulborough train station is just six miles away and offers regular services to Victoria.
The local Petworth Business Association is a great place to connect with new contacts if you run your own business.
Finally, if you’re choosing to spend your retirement in this beautiful market town, you can enjoy all the benefits of rural living with a host of amenities, clubs and societies on your doorstep. If you no longer drive, an extensive bus network serves the town.
Sports & Leisure
Petworth Park is home grounds to both the local football and cricket clubs. And if you prefer gentler sports, you could join the Rother Valley Croquet Club. If you like music and the arts, there’s something for you too, Petworth Players is the town’s amateur dramatic group, or you could join the Petworth Town Band. The Petworth Community Garden offers a wonderful welcome to all.
Food & Drink
Petworth boasts two town-centre pubs, The Star and the Angel Inn, plus brasserie-style dining at the E. Street Bar & Grill. You’ll also find several cafés and two excellent Indian restaurants. There are several more award-winning pub dining options in the beautiful villages that surround Petworth.
Further Afield
Head just six and a half miles down the road, and you'll come to Midhurst. It's a little larger than Petworth and home to Cowdray Park, a destination in its own right. Cowdray offers world-class polo, a golf course with stunning views of the South Downs, historical ruins, and a fantastic farm shop and café. Further afield, you'll find Portsmouth, Guildford and Chichester, with all the leisure and shopping facilities you'd expect from larger towns.
A guide to Petworth wouldn't be complete without noting the beautiful West Sussex countryside that surrounds the town. In springtime, you can walk through bluebell woods and enjoy the scent of wild garlic. The South Downs Way, with its beautiful views, is just a stone's throw away. Come summer, head a little further afield; West Wittering beach is an easy drive for family days out. And finally, in autumn and winter, when the temperatures are cooling, climb to the top of Black Down to the northwest of the town, or discover the circular Merlin's Wood walk in nearby Graffham.
As a mother-daughter team with over 25 years of experience, our aim is to bring our family values and authentic enthusiasm to everything we do.
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