Things to Do in Petersfield
Attractions and activities in Petersfield — parks, museums, and outdoor spaces.
Petersfield offers a good range of attractions for residents and visitors, from large outdoor spaces to heritage collections.
Petersfield Heath
The largest green space in Petersfield, covering 91 acres. The Heath is home to a 22-acre lake and includes Bronze Age barrows — reminders of the site's ancient history as a Scheduled Ancient Monument.
The Heath is popular for walking, dog-walking, and casual outdoor time. There's a car park accessed from the B2146, and the space is open year-round. The lake and surrounding grassland make it one of Petersfield's most used public spaces.
Petersfield Physic Garden
A 17th-century-style garden open year-round and free to enter. The Physic Garden focuses on plants used historically for medicine and healing, combining historical interest with horticulture. It's a smaller, quieter space than the Heath but popular among those interested in plant heritage and botany.
The garden is run by volunteers and represents the sort of community-led project Petersfield residents take pride in supporting.
Petersfield Museum
Housed in the old courthouse, Petersfield Museum holds three main collections:
- Flora Twort Gallery — local history and heritage
- Bedales costume collection — a substantial collection of historical clothing
- Edward Thomas collection — materials related to the Edwardian poet and writer who had connections to the area
The museum offers insight into Petersfield's social, cultural and literary heritage. Opening hours vary by season, so check ahead before visiting.
Queen Elizabeth Country Park & Butser Hill
Just south of Petersfield in Buriton, Queen Elizabeth Country Park covers several hundred acres and includes Butser Hill (888m), one of the prominent landmarks in the South Downs landscape.
The park has walking trails ranging from easy riverside walks to more challenging hill routes. It's popular with serious walkers, families, and anyone seeking longer countryside time beyond Petersfield's town boundaries.
Petersfield Lido
Petersfield's open-air pool has recently been renamed Petersfield Lido and operates seasonally in warmer months. It's a community-run facility and a focal point for summer leisure in the town. (Separate article available — see Petersfield Lido guide.)
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Opening hours and seasonal closures vary. Check ahead before visiting any attraction, particularly museums and the pool.
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