Fishbourne Roman Palace

Chichester

Type:Historic Site

Roman Way, off Salthill Road, Fishbourne, Chichester, West Sussex, PO19 3QR

Tel: +44 01243 785859

Family at Fishbourne Roman Palace

About

Welcome to the largest Roman home in Britain.

Imagine the luxury that would once have surrounded the proud owner of this lavish Roman residence, built just a few decades after the invasion of Britain in 43AD.

Discovered in the 1960s, the remains of the villa have been carefully preserved and showcased to present a different side of the Romans well away from tales of fighting legions and invading armies.

This magnificent palace was a centre for trade, for feasting and for diplomacy – all aspects of Roman civilisation which are brought to life across the site.

•    Marvel at the magnificent mosaics including the spectacular Cupid riding on a Dolphin
•    Observe curatorial conservation work of Roman artefacts found directly on the site in the Collections Discovery Centre
•    Relax in our Roman Gardens – the earliest known gardens in the country – which have been re-planted to its original plan
•    Delve deeper into Fishbourne’s past – discovering how it was literally saved from the bulldozers during the 1960s – in our dedicated cinema room
•    Immerse yourself in Roman civilisation in our museum gallery which tells the history of the site and displays many artefacts found during excavations
•    Enjoy the fantastic local produce in our café with locally-sourced coffee, cakes and light bites available all day.

Situated 1½ miles to the west of Chichester and 25 minutes from Portsmouth, Fishbourne Roman Palace is easily accessible by car, public transport and bike. The nearest train station (Fishbourne) is 10 minutes walk away.

The site is wheelchair friendly and assistance dogs are welcome (so are other dogs on short leads). 
There’s a lovely café for a spot of lunch, lots of open space to explore, and a fabulous gift shop with locally sourced products and Roman-themed gifts. 

Guided tours and artefacts handling sessions are available (call ahead for confirmation). 
Discounts are offered for groups of 10 or more.

For ticket prices and opening times visit: www.sussexpast.co.uk/fishbourne.

The site is owned and managed by Sussex Past (part of the Sussex Archaeological Society) which operates a range of remarkable properties in Sussex showcasing 2,000 years of history and heritage.

Properties include Michelham Priory, a magnificent Tudor mansion surrounded by a medieval moat; Lewes Castle, an imposing Norman fortress built by followers of William the Conqueror and Anne of Cleves House, a beautiful home owned by the former Queen of England.

For more details visit: www.sussexpast.co.uk.
 

Book Tickets

Facilities

Catering

  • Cafe
  • Outdoor eating area
  • Picnic area

Children & Infants

  • Baby changing
  • Family Friendly, Children Welcome

Establishment Features

  • All weather attraction
  • Groups by arrangement
  • Groups welcome
  • Guided tours
  • Open all year round
  • Open on bank holidays
  • Toilets

Parking & Transport

  • Coach parking
  • Free parking
  • On Site Car Parking
  • Railway station within 5 miles
  • Railway station within walking distance

Payment Methods

  • American Express accepted
  • Blue Badge Guides admitted free
  • Delta
  • Maestro
  • MasterCard
  • Visa

Specialist Features

  • Cyclists welcome
  • Educational Groups
  • Family Fun

Tours and Demonstrations

  • Educational Visits Accepted
  • Guided Tours Available for Groups

TripAdvisor

Map & Directions

Road Directions

 

From Portsmouth or Brighton A27, take A259 at western end of Chichester by-pass signed to Fishbourne, turn right in village & follow signs. From Midhurst- A286, take B2178 at circulatory system on North side of Chichester, then left into Fishbourne village at Salthill road following signs. By Rail; Alight at Fishbourne Station (Portsmouth to Brighton line), turn right down road, then left into Roman Way. (c 500m) Buses 700, 56 and 11 stop at the end of Salthill Road.

Public Transport Directions

Nearest station: Fishbourne

Gradings

  • Quality Assured Visitor Attraction VB Attraction
Quality Assured Visitor Attraction VB Attraction

Awards

  • Visit England Awards -Code of Practice Code of Practice 2012
  • Tourism South East Award -Tourism South East Member - Gold Tourism South East Member - Gold 2022

Opening Times

2023 (1 Jan 2023 - 31 Dec 2023)
DayTimes
Monday - FridayClosed*
Saturday - Sunday10:00 - 16:00*
Dates and times marked with a '*' are provisional and may be subject to change

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