Category: Heritage & HistorySee venue photos

Heritage & History

Fishbourne Roman Palace

Fishbourne, West Sussex· PO19 3QR

SEN Suitability Assessment

Based on analysis of 18 public reviews (Sept 2025 – May 2026) · Good confidence

67/100

SEN Score

Based on noise, queues, staff, calm spaces

Breakdown

NoiseMixed

Crowds & queuesGood

Staff supportGood

PredictabilityGood

Calm spacesOK

Book guided tours aheadStaff patient and supportiveAvoid school term timesUneven terrain - mobility challengeQuiet café space availableCheck café opening before visitPredictable structured formatCall ahead for cost clarity

Parent summary

Fishbourne Roman Palace has engaged families with its structured guided tours and kind, informative staff who are knowledgeable about the site. The palace offers a fascinating historical experience with good tour support. A café is available on-site. Some visitors have noted that pathways are gravelled (which may affect some mobility needs), costs can include add-ons beyond entry, and the venue can get busier during school term time.

Best times to visit

Mid-week mornings outside school term time tend to be quieter.

Worth avoiding

School holidays and term time, when the site can become busier with group visits.

What visitors say

Many visitors have praised the knowledgeable staff and structured guided tours, which provide predictability and engaging commentary on this historical site. The venue generally operates without long queues. Some visitors have noted that gravelled pathways may present challenges for certain mobility needs, and a few have mentioned legibility issues with signage. Busier periods tend to occur during school term time.

Based on a sample of public reviews. Experiences vary - every child and every visit is different.

Read reviews on Google →

From SEN communities

dedicated SEN sessionsone-to-one support availableautism-friendly activities

SEND sessions available for pupils with additional needs
One-to-one support provision mentioned for pupils requiring additional needs
Mentioned in autism-friendly activities guides by parenting communities

Sourced from SEN provider directory, parenting blog, local authority offer, Facebook community within the SEN community. Individual experiences vary.

Potential challenges

Gravelled pathways may present challenges for wheelchairs, buggies or anyone with mobility considerations—worth checking ahead about alternative routes
Some signage is difficult to read, so you may want to ask staff for directions or information
Additional costs can add up beyond the entry fee, so check what's included upfront

What works

Guided tour format provides clear structure and predictability
Staff are consistently reported as kind, friendly and informative
Café offers a quieter space to decompress away from the main palace areas
No reported waiting times for entry
Clear, guided experience reduces need to navigate independently or make constant decisions

Photos

Facilities

Cafe / food on-site Wheelchair accessible Free parking Blue badge parking Pre-visit resources

Pre-visit resources

Pre-visit video available on their website for visitors to familiarise themselves with the venue.

Tips for your visit

Essential carers get free entry but must be accompanied by a paying visitor. Picnic areas available (main café currently closed; Horsebox Coffee Company mobile van provides refreshments). Dogs welcome in gardens and shop (short leads required); not allowed in indoor museum. Last admission 30 minutes before closure. Public transport accessible: Fishbourne train station 5-10 minutes walk; buses 700 and 56 stop nearby. School/college group education visits available.

Pricing

Under 5s: Free. Child (5-17)/Student: £7.50. Adult: £15.00. Senior (65+): £14.00. Family (1 adult + up to 3 children): £28.00. Family (2 adults + up to 4 children): £42.00. Essential carers: Free (must be accompanied by a paying visitor). Members of Sussex Archaeological Society: Free. Groups of 10+: Discounted rates available (email for details). Various discounts accepted (Gardener's World 2-for-1, English Heritage half-price, Blue Peter badges).

Parking

Free parking on-site♿ Blue badge spaces

Free car and coach parking available onsite. 4 dedicated Blue Badge spaces provided. Close to entrance via main car park (adjacent to accessible toilet). Easy access from A27 and A259. Note: partial road closure on Salthill Road from 6 April-1 May 2024; Roman Way accessible from south only via A259.

Accessibility

Site is generally level with easy access to museum, North Wing mosaic area, café and film theatre. Wide doors and ramped walkways throughout. Gravel pathways in gardens; formal garden viewable from colonnade (North Wing). Wheelchair-accessible toilets in Museum foyer and adjacent to car park (RADAR key operated). Seating available within museum and grounds. 2 loan wheelchairs available (reserve 24 hours in advance on 01243 785859). Assistance dogs welcome throughout entire site.

Opening Hours

Monday10:00-16:30

Tuesday10:00-16:30

Wednesday10:00-16:30

Thursday10:00-16:30

Friday10:00-16:30

Saturday10:00-16:30

Sunday10:00-16:30

Carer & disability info

Free carer entry

Access Card accepted

Free entry for a registered carer accompanying a disabled badge holder (i-go cardholder).

This information is gathered from publicly available sources and may not be fully accurate or up to date. Please always check directly with the venue before visiting.

What are these cards?

Frequently asked questions about Fishbourne Roman Palace

Quick answers drawn from our venue data and review analysis.

Is Fishbourne Roman Palace autism friendly?

Fishbourne Roman Palace scores moderately well for autism and SEN suitability, with an overall SEN score of 67/100 from our analysis of parent reviews. Fishbourne Roman Palace has engaged families with its structured guided tours and kind, informative staff who are knowledgeable about the site. The palace offers a fascinating historical experience with good tour support. A café is available on-site. Some visitors have noted that pathways are gravelled (which may affect some mobility needs), costs can include add-ons beyond entry, and the venue can get busier during school term time.

Does Fishbourne Roman Palace have quiet sessions or sensory-friendly features?

Yes. Fishbourne Roman Palace offers pre-visit resources.

Is Fishbourne Roman Palace wheelchair accessible?

Yes. Fishbourne Roman Palace is wheelchair and pushchair accessible. Site is generally level with easy access to museum, North Wing mosaic area, café and film theatre. Wide doors and ramped walkways throughout. Gravel pathways in gardens; formal garden viewable from colonnade (North Wing). Wheelchair-accessible toilets in Museum foyer and adjacent to car park (RADAR key operated). Seating available within museum and grounds. 2 loan wheelchairs available (reserve 24 hours in advance on 01243 785859). Assistance dogs welcome throughout entire site.

Does Fishbourne Roman Palace offer free entry for carers?

Yes. Fishbourne Roman Palace offers free entry for a carer or essential companion accompanying a disabled visitor. Free entry for a registered carer accompanying a disabled badge holder (i-go cardholder).

Does Fishbourne Roman Palace accept the Access Card?

Yes. Fishbourne Roman Palace accepts the Access Card, which communicates your access requirements without needing to explain them each visit.

Does Fishbourne Roman Palace have parking?

Yes. Fishbourne Roman Palace has free on-site parking. Free car and coach parking available onsite. 4 dedicated Blue Badge spaces provided. Close to entrance via main car park (adjacent to accessible toilet). Easy access from A27 and A259. Note: partial road closure on Salthill Road from 6 April-1 May 2024; Roman Way accessible from south only via A259.

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