Step into history at Fishbourne Roman Palace & Gardens
Ready to experience one of the grandest homes Roman Britain ever saw? Fishbourne Roman Palace & Gardens near Chichester is the largest Roman home in Britain, with original mosaics, archaeological remains, recreated Roman gardens and museum displays that bring its remarkable story to life.
- Explore the largest collection of Roman mosaics in situ in the UK
- See original Roman floors preserved where they were first discovered
- Stroll through recreated Roman gardens, based on archaeological evidence from the site
- Discover artefacts, exhibitions and displays inside the on-site museum
- Enjoy a family-friendly heritage attraction with interactive exhibits, trails and seasonal activities
- Make a full day of it with outdoor garden space, refreshments and picnic-friendly areas
Built around AD 75, Fishbourne Roman Palace was no ordinary Roman residence. In its heyday, it was even bigger than Buckingham Palace, and today you can explore the remains of this extraordinary building just a short distance from Chichester.
See original Roman mosaics, ancient artefacts and recreated gardens
The site tells the story of a huge late-first-century palace, discovered in 1960 when workmen uncovered ancient rubble during water main works. Excavations later revealed spectacular mosaic floors, Roman artefacts and evidence of a lavish home that once stood at the heart of Roman life in Sussex.
Outside, wander through the recreated Roman formal gardens, inspired by the layout uncovered during excavation. It is one of the earliest known garden sites in the country, giving visitors a real sense of the scale, beauty and ambition behind the palace.
Families will find plenty to spark imaginations too, from interactive exhibits and artefact handling to educational trails and seasonal activities.
Whether you are planning a family day out in Sussex, looking for things to do near Chichester or ticking off one of Britain’s most important Roman sites, Fishbourne Roman Palace & Gardens is a fascinating place to step back nearly 2,000 years.