Fishbourne Roman Palace — Attraction in Chichester

This is an incredibly terrific place to visit and also houses some of the Roman Mosaics & artefacts of any Roman Site in the UK. The place is renowned as being the largest Roman Home in Britain and certainly lives up to that billing. At the start you can watch a brilliant informative 15 minute introductory video about the site, how it was discovered and then excavated by Archaeologists and how it became the large home it was during the Roman Times and during the video you can see an excellent full digital reconstruction of the Roman Palace giving a brilliant insight of how it looked during the Roman Times where you get a glimpse of the sheer scale of it and how vast it was. The video is also narrated by the great Tony Robinson adding to the enthralling and interesting nature of it. The introductory video is the best way to start off the visit as you a full insight of the place and see what the highlights are of the place and what to look for on your way around but also understand it's full history and importance during the Roman Times. The museum is also very interesting and again has displays about the Roman invasion of Britain and how the Palace at Fishbourne came into being and how it was built and the materials that were used. The museum also has some wonderful fantastic artefacts including Samian Pottery and also Jewellery which are in absolutely amazing condition considering their age and time. Once finished you can wander into the former North Wing area of the Palace where you can see some simply amazing Roman Mosaics, which are just simply stunning to see on the eye with breathtaking detail to them and are also some of the best Mosaics you will anywhere at any Roman Site in the UK. The best of the Roman Mosaics is the Cupid & Dolphin as the quality of the detail on it is just simply stunning and sensational considering its age and also it is wonderfully unique and beautiful of any Mosaic you will see anywhere in the UK better than the Mosaics at Bignor Roman Villa, West Sussex and Aldborough Roman Site, North Yorkshire where their Mosaics have some notoriety but not as good as the Cupid and Dolphin Mosaic. There are some very informative information boards at each of the Mosaics detailing their meaning and detail, which is fascinating and interesting. The gardens themselves are also beautiful and you can see some interesting information boards detailing the different points of the Palace as you wander around again underlining the sheer size of the Palace. The gardens have some interesting but beautiful plants to see and you wander to see a small building where you can learn about the life of a Roman Gardener and see some interesting information about how the gardens were restored after excavations of the site. There are some interesting information display boards about the different herbs and plants the Romans grew aswell, which is very insightful. There is a Cafe at the site selling a lovely variety of food and drink at reasonable prices and also a small gift shop selling souvenirs at very reasonable prices. Overall this this is a thoroughly wonderful, riveting and enjoyable place to visit making for a very welcoming and pleasant day out. Well worth a visit whilst in the...

Fishbourne Roman Palace, located on Roman Way in Chichester, is a captivating historical treasure that offers a profound glimpse into ancient Roman life. As one of the largest and most elaborate Roman villas in Britain, this site is a must-visit for history enthusiasts, families, and anyone with a curiosity about the past.

Upon arrival, the sheer scale of the excavated villa is impressive. The palace boasts an extensive collection of well-preserved floor mosaics, each a testament to the craftsmanship and artistic flair of the Roman era. These intricate designs, featuring geometric patterns and mythical figures, are a visual feast and provide valuable insights into the aesthetic preferences and daily life of the Romans.

The recreated Roman-style gardens are another highlight of the palace. Meticulously maintained, these gardens offer a serene and authentic environment that transports visitors back to the 1st century. Walking through these gardens, with their aromatic herbs and symmetrical layout, one can easily imagine the tranquility and beauty that Roman aristocrats would have enjoyed.

Educational workshops and interactive exhibits add an engaging dimension to the visit. These workshops cater to a variety of age groups and interests, providing hands-on learning experiences about Roman history, archaeology, and ancient crafts. Whether you're molding clay pots, learning about Roman engineering, or dressing up in period costumes, these activities are both fun and informative.

The on-site museum complements the experience, housing an impressive array of artifacts uncovered during the excavation. From pottery and tools to jewelry and household items, the collection provides a comprehensive look at Roman domestic life. Informative displays and knowledgeable staff are on hand to answer questions and provide context to the exhibits.

Overall, Fishbourne Roman Palace offers an immersive and enriching experience that brings history to life. The combination of stunning mosaics, beautiful gardens, and educational opportunities makes it a standout attraction in Chichester. Whether you're a seasoned history buff or simply looking for a unique day out, Fishbourne Roman Palace is a destination that will leave you with a deeper appreciation of Britain's rich...

I have been to many (even better preserved mosaic clad Roman palaces, eg Paphos, Pompeii, Jerash in Jordan etc) but nowhere did I have as much fun as I had at Fishbourne Palace thanks to terrific presentation, warm, enthusiastic, knowledgeable staff and the gardens along the original Roman hedge beds. I did two tours, which I strongly recommend - just find out from lovely reception staff when the next one is and meet your guide at the palace model in the entrance foyer. Both tours I did were ran by fantastic Nigel, loved his energy, humour and knowledge and I was amazed at his approach and way of involving everyone, even the youngest of the participants in the guided tour. The first tour was of the mosaics and the palace building, and the second was at their storage and education centre. Oh what fun that was! I don't think I have ever laughed so much on a tour before, perhaps when not experiencing terror at Nigel's bidding us, "don"t drop it", when we handled 2500yo vase or 500,000 year old flint used by our pre-sapien ancestors. Do yourself a favour, don't miss the gardens after Nigel's intro tour, the scale of the palace truly hits you then. They have fab medicinal garden at the back, and terrific mini garden museum - do hang around to listen to the recording in there, clever, very funny and very informative.

You can bus it here on bus 700 (you can catch it opposite the Chchester cathedral), which goes roughly every half an hour, or you can walk back if the weather is nice. It's a lovely walk down Emperor's way, and you hit Westgate and Western Roman walls and fortifications and amazing Bishop's Palace Gardens. Insider tip: ascend the Roman walls from the inside of Bishops Palace Gardens for a spectacular view not just of the Roman walls themselves, but also the town, the Cathedral and...