Frequently Asked Questions about Fishbourne

Common questions answered

Answers to the most common questions about Fishbourne, West Sussex.

Where is Fishbourne?

Fishbourne is a village in West Sussex, approximately two miles west of Chichester on the A259 coast road. It lies on the northern shore of Chichester Harbour, within the Chichester district. The village is on the flat coastal plain between the South Downs and the sea. The postcode district is PO19 and PO18.

What is the population of Fishbourne?

The population of Fishbourne is approximately 2,400. The village has grown from a small agricultural settlement into a residential community, with the main period of expansion occurring after the Second World War. The population includes families, retirees, and commuters who work in Chichester, Portsmouth, and beyond.

What is the postcode for Fishbourne?

Fishbourne spans two postcode districts. The northern part of the village, including the station and the Roman Way area, is in PO19. The southern part, including Old Fishbourne and the area towards Dell Quay, is in PO18. Both are part of the wider Chichester postcode area.

Does Fishbourne have a train station?

Fishbourne has its own railway station on the Coastway West line, served by Southern Railway. Services run to Chichester (three minutes), Portsmouth (thirty minutes), and Brighton (seventy-five minutes). Trains run roughly every thirty minutes during the day. The station is unstaffed with a single platform and a small car park.

Is Fishbourne in Hampshire or Sussex?

Fishbourne is in West Sussex, within the Chichester district. The Hampshire-Sussex border runs along the River Ems near Emsworth, about six miles to the west. Fishbourne has always been in Sussex, though it is close enough to the border that it shares connections with the Hampshire towns to the west.

What is Fishbourne Roman Palace?

Fishbourne Roman Palace is the largest Roman residential building discovered in Britain. Built around AD 75, possibly for the client king Cogidubnus, it had elaborate mosaic floors, underfloor heating, and a formal garden. The palace was destroyed by fire around AD 270 and rediscovered accidentally in 1960. The museum on Salthill Road is open year-round and displays the mosaic floors in situ.

Where can I park in Fishbourne?

The Roman Palace has its own car park on Salthill Road, available to museum visitors. The railway station has a small car park that fills early on weekday mornings. On-street parking is available on residential streets in the village. Dell Quay has very limited parking. The park-and-ride site on the A259 serves those heading into Chichester.

Are there any pubs in Fishbourne?

The Bull's Head on Fishbourne Road is the village pub, serving real ales, food, and providing a beer garden. The Crown and Anchor at Dell Quay, about a mile south, is a waterside pub with harbour views. The Anchor Bleu at Bosham, two miles west, is another harbour-side pub within easy reach.

What are property prices like in Fishbourne?

Property prices in Fishbourne are above the Chichester district average, reflecting the village's desirability. A typical three-bedroom semi-detached house costs between three hundred and fifty thousand and four hundred and fifty thousand pounds. Detached houses and period properties in Old Fishbourne command higher prices. Properties with harbour proximity or views are at a premium.

What school does Fishbourne have?

Fishbourne Church of England Primary School on Clay Lane serves children from reception to year six. For secondary education, the main options are Chichester High School and Bishop Luffa School in Chichester. Sixth-form provision is available at the secondary schools and at Chichester College. The University of Chichester is also nearby.

Can I walk around Chichester Harbour from Fishbourne?

Fishbourne provides access to the harbour-side footpath network. The walk south to Dell Quay is about a mile, and from there paths continue along the harbour shore towards Bosham to the west and Chichester Marina to the east. The Salterns Way route passes through the area, connecting Chichester to West Wittering. Some harbour-edge paths can be muddy at high tide.

What is Dell Quay?

Dell Quay is a tiny waterside hamlet about a mile south of Fishbourne village, at the head of a tidal arm of Chichester Harbour. It has the Crown and Anchor pub, a sailing club, and a slipway. Dell Quay was historically the main port serving Chichester. Today it is valued for its harbour setting and is popular with walkers, sailors, and pub visitors.

Is there a doctor's surgery in Fishbourne?

Fishbourne does not have its own GP surgery. Residents are registered with practices in Chichester, including Lavant Road Surgery, Parklands Surgery, and Cathedral Medical Group. The nearest hospital is St Richard's on Spitalfield Lane in Chichester, approximately three miles from the village. In an emergency, call 999.

Which council covers Fishbourne?

Fishbourne is covered by three tiers of local government. Fishbourne Parish Council manages local amenities and represents the village. Chichester District Council handles planning, waste collection, and housing. West Sussex County Council manages education, highways, social services, and libraries. The village is in the Chichester parliamentary constituency.

How far is Fishbourne from the beach?

The nearest sandy beach is West Wittering, about eight miles south-west of Fishbourne, approximately twenty minutes by car. The beach is managed by the West Wittering Estate and is one of the best in southern England. East Head, the sand spit at the harbour entrance, is a National Trust nature reserve adjacent to the beach. Closer to home, the harbour shore at Dell Quay provides waterside access, though it is mudflat rather than beach.