Petworth is officially one of the best places to live

The annual Sunday Times Best Places to Live Guide has named Petworth in its list.
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A tree in blossom in Petworth Park..ks180229-12 SUS-180515-180016008ks180229-12 WSG Scenics  phot kate
A tree in blossom in Petworth Park..ks180229-12 SUS-180515-180016008
ks180229-12 WSG Scenics phot kate A tree in blossom in Petworth Park..ks180229-12 SUS-180515-180016008

The comprehensive guide is released online today (Friday) and will be available in the paper on Sunday.

The Sunday Times’s expert judges behind the guide assess a wide range of factors, from schools, air quality, transport and broadband speeds to culture, green spaces and the health of the high street.

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Judges include Helen Davies, editor of The Times and The Sunday Times Home section and Best Places to Live, Tim Palmer, key Best Places to Live judge and writer, David Collins, Northern Editor, The Sunday Times and Jayne Dowle, property writer, The Sunday Times.

About Petworth the judges said: “Nowhere does posh better than this old-fashioned Sussex market town. The independent shops in its town centre are a delight and Petworth Park and the surrounding South Downs are perfect places for walks - with or without a lockdown dog.”

Their favourite things in Petworth included The Hungry Guest deli and bakery, which has an brilliant cheese selection and has been delivering brownies and other treats to local NHS staff and homeless shelters, the 42-year-old Petworth Festival, a classy musical/literary event, and the not-for-profit Film House, based at the beautiful Leconfield Hall.

Helen Davies, The Times and Sunday Times Property Editor said: “This guide has never been so important. The pandemic has taught us just how much we rely on our homes, our communities and our surroundings. With working from home now common, it’s no surprise that many of us are reassessing our priorities and thinking hard about where we really want to live.

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“Our focus for this year has been community, countryside and convenience. It hasn’t been a year for big cities or small villages. Instead it is small towns that have shone: big enough to have everything you need within walking distance and small enough for everyone to feel connected.”

Surrey Hills was crowned the best place to live in the Southeast of England. The top ten included Lewes in East Sussex, Petworth, Winchester in Hampshire and Amersham in Buckinghamshire.

To view the full list, visit thetimes.co.uk/best-places-to-live