One charming market town in Hampshire doesn't force you to pick between countryside, coast or city. Here, you get access to all three, with a vibrant selection of independent retailers included.

On the boundary of the South Downs National Park, you can explore the undulating Hampshire countryside in the morning before an afternoon dip at the relaxed seaside resort of Southsea, just 20 miles away, and travel to London for an evening in the capital, an hour away by train. But enough about venturing further afield.

Back in the heart of Petersfield, there is masses to occupy you for a weekend getaway. At its heart sits a traditional market square, still utilised for trading twice weekly, flanked by more than 80 independent retailers, cafes and eateries.

For Peony, 85, Petersfield is characterised by its heritage, position and sense of belonging. Perched on a bench in the sunshine, she accurately describes it as "a lovely place".

"It was voted one of the best towns to live in the south," she notes, beaming. Pointing to the town square, which is encircled by restaurants, she adds: "Up there, originally it was a cattle market, now they have a market twice a week. Oh it's a lovely place. It's an ancient town."

Her hometown appeared in the annual Sunday Times Best Places to Live guide for 2026, thanks to its retailers, position and range of activities, like rambling and cycling.

She also values the transport and commuter connections, so her family can drop by. "If you work in London there's a very good train service," she tells us.

Lynda, who has lived in Petersfield for about nine years, values the thriving high street, which has managed to endure despite widespread closures throughout the UK.

"It's very nice," she says. "You've got a train station, you're close to the sea, there's nice shops. We don't see empty shops for very long," she says.

"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 and has been in the area for decades, told us simply "I love it".

Yet he acknowledges there is less available for younger people within Petersfield itself, echoing Lynda's sentiments. When questioned about youth facilities, he adds: "I don't think there is, to be honest. We used to have a nightclub. It hasn't got a nightclub anymore."

Nevertheless, 28-year-old James Crush relocated to Petersfield with his family recently and is pleased with what's available, including a mountain bike course close by.

"We moved from Waterlooville, Portsmouth way. We much prefer it. A bit more space and a it's bit more quiet."

At Petersfield Museum, staff suggest the town's character is intrinsically linked to its historic centre. The market square, they observe, has functioned on the same location since the 12th century and continues to be one of the defining characteristics.

"It's one of the few ones that still exists in the south of England," says Louise Weller, head of collections. "It makes it much more of a communal space."

She notes Petersfield also has a strong creative and independent character, demonstrated through community organisations and workshops, alongside a consistent presence of distinctive shops.

"There's a wide range of people who live here. We've got under-fives groups, people interested in international art contexts. It's a very creative town," she says. "We've got a lot of independent shops with a nice mix of bigger shops."

The town also maintains four bookshops, with Waterstones and Oxfam chains sitting alongside the beloved Petersfield Bookshop and One Tree Books.

Volunteer Frances Press, who has recently relocated to the centre, describes them as a "labrynth", noting that visitors also appreciate the charity shops available. "I'm so excited to be in the town centre," she says enthusiastically.

Perhaps more crucially, there are numerous pubs, cafés and restaurants, many with seating extending onto the pavement to soak up the early spring sunshine. Among them is the local-favourite chain Josie's, offering brunch and substantial lunches.

If that isn't sufficient to entice you, Frances sincerely highlights: "We've got a very nice Wetherspoons."