Opened January 1st 1859. The station has two platforms, although in the past had two more. One branching into a coal yard and a fourth platform serving the branch to Midhurst closed in 1955. The main buildings date back to the opening of the line in 1859 and are identical to Godalming station.
There used to be a halt between Petersfield and Rowlands Castle, to the south of Buriton Tunnel, called Woodcroft. It was built to serve the local naval establishment. Because of its naval nature it wasn’t featured on many maps.
One of Petersfield more famous residents use to be actor Sir Alec Guinness (The Ladykillers, Bridge on the River Kwai, Star Wars: A New Hope) who is interred in the local cemetery. Author H.G Wells (War of the Worlds, The Time Machine) use to regularly write and dine at The Old Drum, in Chapel Street.