Fishbourne Roman Palace
Discover Britain's largest Roman residence, featuring stunning mosaics and meticulously recreated gardens. A journey back to Roman Britain.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better mosaic viewing
Fishbourne Roman Palace
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better mosaic viewing
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover Britain's largest Roman residence, featuring stunning mosaics and meticulously recreated gardens. A journey back to Roman Britain.
"Mind-altering to see the profound secrets and incalculable importance of this ancient site."
🎯 Book Tickets Online
Save time and guarantee entry by purchasing your Fishbourne Roman Palace tickets in advance.
👟 Comfortable Shoes Recommended
You'll be doing a lot of walking on elevated walkways and through gardens, so wear comfy shoes!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Stunning Roman Mosaics
Main Palace Building
Marvel at incredibly preserved floor mosaics, showcasing intricate designs and vibrant colors from the Roman era.
Recreated Roman Gardens
Palace Gardens
Wander through meticulously recreated Roman gardens, offering a glimpse into ancient horticultural practices and aesthetics.
Artifacts and History
Museum
Explore a fascinating collection of Roman artifacts and learn about the history of this vast Roman villa.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Key for Mosaics
Garden Access & Dog Policy
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book Tickets Online
Save time and guarantee entry by purchasing your Fishbourne Roman Palace tickets in advance.
👟 Comfortable Shoes Recommended
You'll be doing a lot of walking on elevated walkways and through gardens, so wear comfy shoes!
📸 Capture the Mosaics
Bring your camera to photograph the incredible Roman mosaics; they are truly a sight to behold.
🐶 Dogs Welcome in Gardens
Leashed dogs are allowed in the gardens, but not inside the museum building.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book Tickets Online
Save time and guarantee entry by purchasing your Fishbourne Roman Palace tickets in advance.
👟 Comfortable Shoes Recommended
You'll be doing a lot of walking on elevated walkways and through gardens, so wear comfy shoes!
📸 Capture the Mosaics
Bring your camera to photograph the incredible Roman mosaics; they are truly a sight to behold.
🐶 Dogs Welcome in Gardens
Leashed dogs are allowed in the gardens, but not inside the museum building.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Fishbourne Roman Palace for its remarkably preserved Roman mosaics and beautifully recreated gardens. The site offers an authentic and captivating journey into Roman Britain, with well-presented artifacts and informative displays that bring history to life. While the museum isn't dog-friendly, the gardens provide a pleasant alternative for pet owners.
"Visiting the Roman Palace at Fishbourne was a truly wonderful experience. The site is perfectly maintained, and the reconstruction of the gardens is beautiful, 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."
Laura Bitto
"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 not dog friendly, but if you take turns, you can spend time in the gardens."
Gr3at White
"My brain wasn't ready for the astonishing existence of this place and the profound secrets that it holds. It is literally mind altering to see it and read the information so excellently provided, and, as we did, to meet an eminent architect who happened to be working as a volunteer that day, who allowed us to handle artifacts that were handled by Romans 2,000 years ago! The incalculable scope and importance of this ancient site, which was only uncovered in the mid-1960s, has left me reeling. I can't stop thinking about the courage, ambition, brilliance, discernment, and audacity of the Roman conquerors of the first century, (and wondering what has become of us as a species since then.) Don't miss it!"
Lindy Armstrong
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Fishbourne Roman Palace is easily accessible by car, located just outside Chichester in West Sussex. There is ample parking available on-site. For public transport, you can take a train to Chichester and then a local bus or taxi to the palace.
Yes, Fishbourne Roman Palace is located in the village of Fishbourne, very close to the city of Chichester in West Sussex.
Driving is often the most convenient way to reach Fishbourne Roman Palace, especially if you plan to explore the surrounding areas. However, public transport to Chichester is also a good option.
Yes, local bus services operate from Chichester to Fishbourne, making it a feasible option for those without a car.
Fishbourne Roman Palace offers dedicated parking facilities for visitors, which is convenient for those arriving by car.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Ticket prices can vary, and it's recommended to check the official Fishbourne Roman Palace website for the most up-to-date pricing and to book in advance.
While tickets may be available at the door, booking online in advance is often recommended to secure your entry and potentially avoid queues.
Opening times for Fishbourne Roman Palace can vary seasonally. It's best to consult their official website for the current opening hours before your visit.
Yes, Fishbourne Roman Palace is a fantastic educational and engaging site for children. They often have workshops and activities tailored for younger visitors.
Yes, Fishbourne Roman Palace typically has a gift shop where you can purchase souvenirs and books related to Roman history.
🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience
You can explore the remains of the largest residential Roman building discovered in Britain, marvel at stunning mosaics, and wander through recreated Roman gardens. There's also a museum with artifacts.
The mosaics at Fishbourne Roman Palace are remarkably well-preserved and are a major highlight of the site, offering a fascinating glimpse into Roman art.
No, visitors view the mosaics from elevated walkways to ensure their preservation. This allows for excellent viewing without damaging the ancient artwork.
Fishbourne Roman Palace dates back to around 75 CE, making it one of the earliest Roman palaces in Britain. It was the residence of Tiberius Claudius Togidubnus, a local client king.
Information on guided tours can usually be found on the official Fishbourne Roman Palace website. Volunteer guides may also be available to offer insights.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, Fishbourne Roman Palace has a cafe that offers refreshments and light meals for visitors.
Picnic areas may be available, particularly in the gardens. It's advisable to check the palace's policy on bringing outside food.
Chichester, a short distance away, offers a wide range of restaurants and cafes, from casual eateries to more formal dining experiences.
While specific dietary options can vary, most cafes at attractions aim to offer a selection. It's best to inquire directly with the cafe staff upon arrival.
Fishbourne village itself has some local pubs and eateries, offering a more relaxed dining experience compared to the city of Chichester.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography is generally permitted for personal use at Fishbourne Roman Palace, but it's always good to check for any specific restrictions, especially regarding flash photography near the mosaics.
The mosaic floors, the recreated gardens, and the exterior of the palace structure offer excellent photographic opportunities.
Drone usage is typically restricted at historical sites to protect the structures and ensure visitor safety. It's highly unlikely to be permitted without special authorization.
Yes, commercial photography or filming usually requires prior permission and may incur fees. Contact the palace directly for commercial inquiries.
You can expect to capture detailed shots of intricate Roman mosaics, serene garden landscapes, and the architectural remnants of a grand Roman villa.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🏛️ History Buffs & Archaeology Enthusiasts
🚶♀️ Solo Travelers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Marvel of Roman Mosaics
are astonishing. Visitors view these masterpieces from elevated walkways, a necessary measure to preserve these ancient artworks for future generations. The preservation is so remarkable that it feels as though the Romans just walked away yesterday.These mosaics weren't just decorative; they were a status symbol, showcasing the wealth and sophistication of the palace's inhabitants. The tesserae (small cubes of stone or glass) used in their creation were sourced locally and from further afield, indicating extensive trade networks. The survival of such a large collection is rare, making Fishbourne a globally significant archaeological site for understanding Roman Britain.
Exploring the Roman Gardens
Walking through these gardens allows visitors to imagine the palace in its full glory, surrounded by cultivated flora. It’s a peaceful space to reflect on the history and the lives of those who inhabited this grand villa. The gardens are also a testament to the ongoing efforts to bring the past to life, making the experience more immersive and educational.
A Glimpse into Roman Britain
This early date highlights the rapid Romanization of the province and the establishment of sophisticated settlements shortly after the conquest.The site provides a tangible connection to this era, allowing visitors to walk through the very spaces once occupied by Romans. The artifacts displayed in the museum, from pottery to personal items, further enrich the understanding of daily life, social structures, and the technological advancements of the time. It’s a place that sparks curiosity about the broader context of the Roman Empire and its impact on Britain.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit