Fishbourne Roman Palace, Chichester

Roman Site in Chichester

Dolphin mosaic Fishbourne Roman Palace
Dolphin mosaic Fishbourne Roman Palace
Public Domain / Charlesdrakew

Fishbourne Roman Palace is one of the top sights in Chichester and one of the most extraordinary Roman sites in Britain. Discovered by chance in the 1960s, this vast palace-larger than Buckingham Palace-dates back to the late 1st century AD and offers a remarkable window into elite Roman life. Its spectacular mosaics, including the world-famous Cupid and Dolphin mosaic, make it one of the best places to visit in Chichester for history lovers and families alike.

Often visited on walking tours of Chichester’s wider Roman heritage, Fishbourne provides an immersive, atmospheric experience through its reconstructed rooms, museum galleries, and beautifully recreated Roman gardens. From engineering to artistry, every corner of this ancient palace reveals the sophistication of Roman Britain at its height.

History and Significance of Fishbourne Roman Palace

Fishbourne Roman Palace was constructed around AD 75, likely for a high-status client closely connected to the Roman governor or possibly a local ruler favoured by the Empire. Its scale and lavish design-complete with underfloor heating, colonnaded courtyards, and imported marble-suggest it belonged to someone of extraordinary importance.

Archaeological excavations uncovered intricate mosaics, workshops, luxury household items, and evidence of formal gardens laid out in classical Roman style. The extent of the complex makes Fishbourne unique in Britain and a key site for understanding how Roman elites lived, entertained, and displayed their wealth in the decades following the Roman conquest.

Things to See and Do in Fishbourne Roman Palace

The palace’s mosaics are the undisputed highlight. Visitors can admire more than 20 in-situ designs, from bold geometric patterns to detailed mythological scenes. The Cupid and Dolphin mosaic, with its playful imagery and vibrant colours, is one of the most photographed Roman mosaics in the UK.

The on-site museum displays jewellery, pottery, tools, and architectural fragments uncovered during excavations, offering fascinating insight into both palace life and Roman Britain more broadly. Visitors can also explore the recreated Roman gardens-the earliest known formal gardens in Britain-complete with box hedges, fountains, and pathways echoing ancient designs.

Reconstructed rooms help bring the palace to life, showing how interiors may have looked with painted walls, frescoes, and Roman furnishings. Special events, demonstrations, and family-friendly activities run throughout the year.

How to Get to Fishbourne Roman Palace

From London Gatwick Airport, travellers can reach Chichester in 1-1.5 hours by train or car, then continue to Fishbourne, just west of the city. For the best deals and a seamless booking experience, check out these flights to Chichester on Booking.com. From Chichester Railway Station, Fishbourne is a short bus or taxi ride, or a pleasant 25-minute walk following signs toward Fishbourne village. Train schedules and bookings can be found on Omio. Visitors arriving by car can follow the A259 west from Chichester, with a dedicated car park next to the palace entrance.

Practical Tips on Visiting Fishbourne Roman Palace

  • Best time to visit Fishbourne Roman Palace: Late morning or early afternoon for quieter mosaic galleries.
  • Entrance fee: £13.95
  • Opening hours: Typically 10:00-17:00 (seasonal variations).
  • Official website: Available for tickets, events, and updates.
  • How long to spend: 1-2 hours.
  • Accessibility: Generally accessible, with ramps and level pathways.
  • Facilities: Café, museum shop, restrooms, and free parking.
  • Photography tip: Capture the sweeping view of the mosaic hall from the raised walkway.
  • Guided tours: Offered at set times; check availability on arrival.
  • Nearby food options: Pubs and cafés in Fishbourne village and central Chichester.

Where to Stay close to Fishbourne Roman Palace

Chichester offers a wide range of accommodation with easy access to Fishbourne. For historic charm in the city centre, consider The Ship Hotel. A comfortable modern option within easy reach of the palace is Harbour Hotel Chichester. For those seeking a countryside retreat after their visit, The Goodwood Hotel provides peaceful surroundings and excellent facilities.

Is Fishbourne Roman Palace Worth Visiting?

Yes. Fishbourne Roman Palace is absolutely worth visiting for its extraordinary mosaics, immersive archaeological displays, and beautifully recreated Roman gardens. It provides one of the most complete and engaging glimpses into Roman Britain anywhere in the country.

What Other Travellers Say...

Reviews Summary

4.5 (1,394)

Fishbourne Roman Palace on Roman Way in Chichester preserves the remains of a vast Roman villa with exceptionally well-preserved floor mosaics viewed from floating walkways, a recreated Roman-style garden with topiary and herbal plantings, and a museum and displays that explain Roman life and the archaeological story; visitors mention informative guided tours, on-site basics such as free parking, a simple café and toilets, and find the site well presented and good value.

Andrew Thomas
4 weeks ago
"The largest preserved Roman palace in the United Kingdom, Fishbourne has exceptionally well preserved mosaics and a faithful recreation of a Romangarden. The mosaics, situated in their original location, were discovered in the 1960s, and form the largest collection anywhere in the country. Floating walkways provide easy access for viewing, and displays cover the history and features of the site. A separate room covers the full story of the palace, its discovery and archeological work to uncover it. The garden is meticulously maintained, with immaculate topiary, herbal plants and an information room. Onsite facilities include free parking, a basic café and toilets. Prices at the time of visiting in summer 2025 were £13.95 per adult, with a 50% discount for English Heritage members, representing good value for such a historically significant and well presented site...."
Laura Bitto
4 months ago
"Visiting the Roman Palace at Fishbourne was a truly wonderful experience. The site is perfectly maintained, and the reconstruction of the gardens isbeautiful, created in line with what is known about Roman culture and society. However, what impressed me the most were the mosaics inside. They are preserved in a remarkable way and offer a fascinating and varied insight into Roman artistic culture and the use of mosaic decoration. The archaeologists have done an outstanding job in replicating what life must have been like at the time, making this place an authentic and captivating journey into the past. Absolutely worth visiting...."
Gr3at White
6 months ago
"Must see place if you are interested in roman Britain. Big collection of the artefacts and lots of floor mosaic to enjoy. The museum itself is notdog friendly, but if you take turns, you can spend time in the gardens...."

FAQs for Visiting Fishbourne Roman Palace

Yes, with interactive exhibits and seasonal activities.
Many are original and preserved in situ under protective roofing.
Yes, the recreated Roman gardens are included in the visit.
It’s a mix-mosaic halls and galleries are indoors; gardens are outdoors.
Recommended during weekends and school holidays.

Nearby Attractions to Fishbourne Roman Palace

The Fishbourne Roman Palace appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Chichester!

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Planning Your Visit

Hours:

10:00-17:00 (seasonal variations).

Price:

Adults: £13.95

Address: Fishbourne Roman Palace, Roman Way, Chichester, UK
Chichester: 2 km
Official Website

Nearby Attractions

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