Henley-on-Thames vs Petersfield

Henley-on-Thames and Petersfield are both charming market towns in the UK, each offering a unique blend of history, culture, and picturesque surroundings. While Henley-on-Thames is known for its regatta and riverside setting, Petersfield boasts a vibrant market square and easy access to the South Downs National Park.

General information

Henley-on-Thames
Petersfield
Introduction :
Nestled along the banks of the River Thames, Henley-on-Thames is a picturesque market town known for its historic charm and stunning riverside setting. Home to the world-renowned Henley Royal Regatta, the town attracts visitors from far and wide to watch rowing races on the river. With a rich history dating back to the 12th century, Henley-on-Thames offers a delightful mix of boutique shops, cozy cafes, and traditional pubs for visitors to explore.
Introduction :
Petersfield is a charming market town located in Hampshire, England. With a history dating back to Roman times, Petersfield offers a blend of historic architecture, bustling markets, and picturesque countryside. The town is known for its vibrant community spirit, independent shops, and traditional pubs. Visitors can explore the beautiful South Downs National Park, enjoy local produce at the weekly market, or attend one of the many cultural events hosted throughout the year.

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Advantages :
  • Henley-on-Thames offers a picturesque setting along the River Thames.
  • The town has a strong sense of community and a variety of local events.
  • Henley-on-Thames has excellent schools and educational opportunities.
  • There are plenty of recreational facilities and outdoor activities available.
  • The town is well-connected with good transport links for easy access.
Advantages :
  • Petersfield has good access to major cities like London and Portsmouth.
  • The cost of living in Petersfield is relatively affordable compared to larger cities.
  • Petersfield has low crime rates, making it a safe place to live.
  • The town has excellent educational facilities, including schools and colleges.
  • Petersfield is surrounded by beautiful countryside, perfect for outdoor activities.
Disadvantages :
  • Limited public transportation options
  • High cost of living
  • Higher crime rates compared to surrounding areas
  • Limited educational opportunities
  • Lack of diverse cultural and entertainment facilities
Disadvantages :
  • Limited public transportation options
  • High cost of living compared to surrounding areas
  • Higher crime rates than national average
  • Limited educational opportunities for higher education
  • Lack of major tourist attractions or entertainment facilities
Points of interest :
Henley-on-Thames is known for its annual Royal Regatta, a prestigious rowing event. The town also boasts a beautiful riverside setting along the River Thames, perfect for scenic walks and boat trips. Visitors can explore the historic Henley Bridge, browse the shops and cafes on Market Place, or visit the River and Rowing Museum. Henley is home to the Kenton Theatre, one of the oldest working theatres in the UK, and the Chantry House, a Tudor building housing a local history museum. The town's charming streets and traditional pubs add to its appeal for tourists.
Points of interest :
Petersfield is a charming market town in Hampshire, known for its picturesque Georgian architecture and bustling market square. Key points of interest include The Physic Garden, a tranquil oasis showcasing medicinal plants, and The Flora Twort Gallery, which exhibits local art. Visitors can explore the historic St. Peter's Church and enjoy a leisurely stroll along the scenic Heath Pond. The town also hosts various events throughout the year, such as the Petersfield Festival and the Christmas Market. Petersfield is surrounded by beautiful countryside, making it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers.


Facts and figures

Henley-on-Thames
Petersfield
Type : Town.
Henley-on-Thames is a historic market town known for its picturesque setting along the River Thames. It offers a range of amenities, shops, and cultural attractions, making it a popular destination for visitors.
Type : Town.
Petersfield is a vibrant market town in Hampshire, known for its historic charm, bustling market square, and independent shops. With a strong sense of community and picturesque surroundings, it offers a desirable lifestyle for residents.
⚪ Population : Unknown.
The population size of Henley-on-Thames is currently unknown. It may vary over time due to factors such as migration and urban development.
⚪ Population : Unknown.
The population size of Petersfield is currently unknown. Further research or data collection may be needed to determine the exact number of residents in the town.
🟢 Population : Yes.
The average house price in Henley-on-Thames is £800,000, making it a high-end market town with properties often exceeding this figure. Prices have been steadily increasing in recent years.
⚪ Population : Unknown.
The average house price in Petersfield is currently unknown. It would be advisable to consult local real estate agents or online property websites for the most up-to-date information on housing prices in the area.
🟢 Crime : Good.
Henley-on-Thames has a relatively low crime rate compared to other towns in the UK. The community is tight-knit and there is a strong police presence, contributing to a safe environment for residents and visitors.
🟡 Crime : Average.
Petersfield has an average crime rate compared to other market towns in the UK. While there are occasional incidents, overall it is considered a relatively safe town to live in.
🟢 Education : Good.
Henley-on-Thames has a strong education system with a variety of primary and secondary schools, as well as a renowned independent school. The town also hosts the prestigious Henley Business School, known for its quality education.
🟢 Education : Good.
Petersfield has a strong education system with well-regarded schools and high academic standards. The town offers a variety of educational opportunities for students of all ages, contributing to its reputation for quality education.
🟢 Employment : Good.
Henley-on-Thames offers a range of employment opportunities, with a mix of local businesses, retail shops, hospitality sector, and professional services. Additionally, its proximity to major cities like Oxford and Reading provides further job prospects.
🟡 Employment : Average.
Petersfield offers a mix of employment opportunities, with a decent range of local businesses and shops. However, many residents commute to nearby cities like Portsmouth and Southampton for more diverse job options.


Geographical features

Henley-on-Thames
Petersfield
Elevation : 190 feet
Henley-on-Thames has an elevation of approximately 190 feet above sea level, offering picturesque views of the surrounding countryside and the River Thames.
Elevation : 200 feet
Petersfield has an average elevation of approximately 200 feet above sea level, providing scenic views and a unique topography for the town.
Topology : Hilly and surrounded by countryside
Henley-on-Thames is situated in a hilly area with the town itself nestled along the River Thames. The surrounding countryside offers picturesque views and opportunities for outdoor activities.
Topology : Hilly
Petersfield is situated in the South Downs National Park, characterized by rolling hills and valleys. The town itself is located on higher ground, offering picturesque views of the surrounding countryside.
🔴 Coastal : No.
Henley-on-Thames is not a coastal town. It is located inland along the River Thames in Oxfordshire, known for its picturesque setting and annual regatta. The nearest coast is approximately 50 miles away to the south.
🔴 Coastal : No.
Petersfield is not a coastal town. However, it is located approximately 20 miles north of the south coast of England, with popular coastal towns such as Portsmouth and Chichester within a reasonable driving distance.
🟢 River : Yes.
Henley-on-Thames is situated on the River Thames, with the town center located right by the river. The river plays a significant role in the town's history, culture, and economy.
🟢 River : Yes.
Petersfield has the River Rother running through it, adding to the town's picturesque charm. The river provides a tranquil setting for residents and visitors to enjoy nature in the heart of the town.
🟢 Lake : Yes.
Henley-on-Thames is situated on the banks of the River Thames, which is often referred to as a 'lake' due to its width and calm waters. The town hosts the annual Henley Royal Regatta, a prestigious rowing event.
⚪ Lake : Unknown.
Petersfield does not have a lake within the town limits, but there may be lakes nearby. Further research is needed to determine the distance to the nearest lake.
🟢 Water ways : Yes.
Henley-on-Thames has man-made waterways in the form of the River Thames, which runs through the town, as well as the Henley Reach section of the river that is used for rowing events.
🟢 Water ways : Yes.
Petersfield has man-made waterways in the form of the Heath Pond, a reservoir located in the town center. This picturesque spot is popular for leisure activities and adds to the town's charm.
🟢 Flooded : Yes.
Henley-on-Thames has experienced flooding in the past, notably during severe weather events such as the Thames flooding in 2014 and 2020. The town is situated along the River Thames, making it vulnerable to flooding.
🟢 Flooded : Yes.
Petersfield has experienced flooding in the past, particularly during severe weather events such as Storm Ciara in 2020. The town is situated near the River Rother, which can contribute to flooding.


Local facilities

Henley-on-Thames
Petersfield
🟢 Train station : Yes.
Henley-on-Thames has a train station located in the town center, providing convenient access to and from the town for both residents and visitors. The station is served by regular train services to London and other destinations.
🟢 Train station : Yes.
Petersfield has a train station located in the town center, providing convenient access to London and other nearby cities. The station offers regular services on the Portsmouth Direct Line.
Transport links :
Henley-on-Thames has good transport links to other areas, with the A4130 providing easy access to major roads such as the M4 and M40. The town also has a train station with regular services to London and other nearby towns.
Transport links :
Petersfield has good transport links to other areas, with the A3 running nearby providing easy access to London and Portsmouth. The town also has a train station with direct services to London Waterloo and Portsmouth.
Primary school : .
Henley-on-Thames has several primary schools, including Trinity CofE Primary School, Badgemore Primary School, and Sacred Heart Catholic Primary School. These schools have received positive Ofsted ratings.
Primary school : .
Petersfield has several primary schools, including Herne Junior School and Sheet Primary School. These schools have received positive Ofsted ratings and offer a high standard of education for children in the town.
🟢 Secondary school : Yes.
Henley-on-Thames has multiple secondary schools, including The Henley College and Gillotts School. Both schools have received positive Ofsted ratings and offer a range of academic and extracurricular opportunities for students.
🟢 Secondary school : Yes.
Petersfield has several secondary schools, including The Petersfield School and Churcher's College, both of which have received positive Ofsted ratings for their academic standards and overall performance.
College : .
Henley-on-Thames is home to The Henley College, offering a range of A-levels, vocational courses, and apprenticeships. The college has received positive Ofsted ratings for its teaching and student support.
🟢 College : Yes.
Petersfield has a college and a 6th form. The college is called Alton College, and the 6th form is part of The Petersfield School. Both institutions offer a range of courses and educational opportunities.
🟢 Tourist information : Yes.
Henley-on-Thames has a tourist information office located in the town center, providing visitors with information on local attractions, events, and accommodations to enhance their stay in the area.
🟢 Tourist information : Yes.
Petersfield has a tourist information facility where visitors can obtain information about local attractions, events, and accommodations to enhance their experience in the town.
🟢 Post office : Yes.
Henley-on-Thames has a post office located in the town, providing postal services to residents and visitors. It is a convenient facility for mailing letters and packages.
🟢 Post office : Yes.
Petersfield has a post office located in the town, providing postal services to residents and visitors. It is a convenient resource for mailing letters and packages.
🟢 Library : Yes.
Henley-on-Thames has a public library that offers a variety of resources and services for residents and visitors to enjoy, providing a valuable community space for learning and leisure.
🟢 Library : Yes.
Petersfield has a public library that offers a range of books, resources, and services for the local community. It is a valuable resource for residents and visitors alike.
🟢 Police station : Yes.
Henley-on-Thames has a police station located in the town center, providing security and law enforcement services to residents and visitors. The station offers a visible police presence in the community.
🟢 Police station : Yes.
The Petersfield police station is located in the town center, providing a visible presence and quick response to any incidents or emergencies in the area.
🟢 Hospital : Yes.
Henley-on-Thames has the Townlands Hospital, which is part of the NHS. It provides a range of healthcare services to the local community, including outpatient clinics and a minor injuries unit.
🟢 Hospital : Yes.
Petersfield does have an NHS hospital, providing healthcare services to the local community and surrounding areas. Residents can access a range of medical treatments and facilities within the town.
🟢 A&E : Yes.
Henley-on-Thames has the Townlands Hospital which includes an NHS hospital with an accident and emergency department, providing essential healthcare services to the local community.
🟢 A&E : Yes.
Petersfield has an NHS hospital with an accident and emergency department, providing essential healthcare services to the local community and surrounding areas.


When deciding between Henley-on-Thames and Petersfield, consider your preference for a riverside location or proximity to a national park. Both towns offer a delightful mix of amenities and community spirit, making either choice a great option for those seeking a quintessential English market town experience.