Lewes vs Petersfield

Lewes and Petersfield are both charming market towns in the UK, each offering a unique blend of history, culture, and community. While Lewes is known for its picturesque setting and historic architecture, Petersfield boasts a vibrant market square and easy access to the South Downs National Park.

General information

Lewes
Petersfield
Introduction :
Lewes is a historic market town in East Sussex, known for its picturesque setting along the River Ouse and its charming mix of medieval and Georgian architecture. The town is famous for its annual Bonfire Night celebrations, which date back to the 16th century. Visitors can explore the narrow streets lined with independent shops, cafes, and pubs, as well as visit landmarks like Lewes Castle and Anne of Cleves House. Lewes offers a vibrant arts scene and a strong sense of community spirit.
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 :
  • Lewes has a rich history and beautiful architecture to explore. - The town offers a strong sense of community and local events. - Excellent schools and educational opportunities for residents. - Convenient access to public transportation and major roadways. - Low crime rate and overall safe environment for families.
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 major tourist attractions
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 :
Lewes is known for its historic architecture, including the medieval Lewes Castle and Anne of Cleves House. The town hosts the annual Lewes Bonfire Night celebrations, one of the largest in the UK, and the Lewes Farmers Market offers a variety of local produce. Visitors can explore the South Downs National Park, visit the Grange Gardens, and enjoy the scenic views from the chalk cliffs at nearby Seven Sisters. Lewes also has a vibrant arts scene, with galleries and independent shops to explore. The town's rich history and picturesque surroundings make it a popular destination 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

Lewes
Petersfield
Type : Town.
Lewes is a historic market town in East Sussex, known for its medieval architecture, independent shops, and vibrant arts scene. It has a bustling high street and a strong sense of community.
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 Lewes is not specified in the provided information. Further research or data collection may be needed to determine the exact population size of the town.
⚪ 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 : Unknown.
The average house price in Lewes is currently unknown. It is recommended to consult local real estate websites or agencies for the most up-to-date information on housing prices in the area.
⚪ 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 : Average.
Lewes has an average level of crime, with occasional incidents reported. Overall, the town is considered relatively safe, but residents should still take precautions and be aware of their surroundings.
🟡 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.
Lewes has a strong education system with well-regarded schools and high academic standards. The town also offers a variety of educational opportunities, including adult education classes and cultural programs.
🟢 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 : Average.
Lewes offers a mix of employment opportunities, with a variety of businesses in the town center and surrounding areas. There are also commuting options to nearby cities like Brighton for additional 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

Lewes
Petersfield
Elevation : 3 meters
Lewes has an average elevation of approximately 3 meters above sea level, making it a relatively low-lying town in the UK.
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 : Coastal
Lewes is located near the English Channel, giving it a coastal geography with proximity to beaches and cliffs. The town also has rolling hills and valleys in its surrounding countryside.
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 : Yes.
Lewes is a coastal town located near the English Channel coast in East Sussex. It is known for its picturesque setting and historic charm, making it a popular destination for visitors.
🔴 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.
Lewes has the River Ouse running through it, providing a picturesque waterfront and opportunities for riverside walks and activities. The town's historic charm is enhanced by its proximity to the river.
🟢 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 : Unknown.
Lewes does not have a lake within the town itself. However, the town is located near the beautiful South Downs National Park, which offers various lakes and reservoirs for outdoor activities and scenic views.
⚪ 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.
Lewes has man-made waterways in the form of the River Ouse, which runs through the town, providing a scenic and historically significant feature for residents and visitors to enjoy.
🟢 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.
Lewes has experienced flooding in the past due to heavy rainfall and the overflowing of the River Ouse. Notable floods include those in 2000 and 2013, causing significant damage to the town.
🟢 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

Lewes
Petersfield
🟢 Train station : Yes.
Lewes has a train station located in the town center, providing easy access to and from surrounding areas. The station offers regular services to destinations including Brighton, London, and Eastbourne.
🟢 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 :
Lewes has good transport links to other areas, with the A27 providing easy access to Brighton and Eastbourne. The town also has a train station with regular services to London, Brighton, 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 : Yes.
Lewes has several primary schools, including Southover C of E Primary School, Wallands Community Primary School, and Western Road Community 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.
Lewes has several secondary schools, including Priory School and Lewes Old Grammar School. These 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 : Yes.
Lewes has a college called Sussex Downs College, offering a range of further education courses. There is also a 6th form at Priory School for students aged 16-18.
🟢 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.
Lewes has a tourist information office located in the town center, where visitors can obtain maps, brochures, and information about local attractions, events, and accommodations.
🟢 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.
Lewes has a post office located in the town, providing postal services to residents and visitors. It is a convenient facility for sending and receiving mail 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.
Lewes has a public library that offers a wide range of books, resources, and services for the community to enjoy. It is a valuable resource for residents and visitors alike.
🟢 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.
Lewes has a police station located in the town center, providing law enforcement services and assistance to the local community. It serves as a hub for police operations in the area.
🟢 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.
Lewes has an NHS hospital, providing healthcare services to the local community and surrounding areas. Residents have access to medical care and facilities within the town.
🟢 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.
Lewes has an NHS hospital with an accident and emergency department, providing essential medical services to the town and surrounding areas in times of urgent need.
🟢 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 Lewes and Petersfield, consider your preferences for scenery and amenities. Lewes offers a more traditional and historic atmosphere, while Petersfield provides a bustling market town experience. Ultimately, the choice comes down to whether you prefer a tranquil setting or a lively town center.