Area Overview for Fishbourne (Chichester)

Fishbourne Roman Palace in Fishbourne (Chichester)
Footpath through the Reedbeds in Fishbourne (Chichester)
Footbridge, Fishbourne Meadows in Fishbourne (Chichester)
Footpath through the Maize in Fishbourne (Chichester)
Footpath along the sea wall in Fishbourne (Chichester)
Salthill Road PO19 3QX in Fishbourne (Chichester)
Twitten from Old Park Lane in Fishbourne (Chichester)
Reconstructed Roman garden at Fishbourne Palace in Fishbourne (Chichester)
Footpath to Fishbourne Mill in Fishbourne (Chichester)
Fishbourne Primary School fete in Fishbourne (Chichester)
Clipped box hedge in the Roman Palace garden, Fishbourne in Fishbourne (Chichester)
Bike, trike rental (includging electric) in Fishbourne in Fishbourne (Chichester)
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Area Information

Living in Fishbourne offers a quiet retreat defined by its historic roots and rural character. This village and civil parish sits two miles west of Chichester on the north shore of Chichester Harbour. It covers an area of 1.1 square kilometres, providing a spacious, built-up environment that feels removed from the city centre yet remains accessible. Human presence in the location dates back to the Mesolithic period around 5000 BC, with the manor first recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. The landscape includes the Fishbourne Roman Palace, one of the largest known Roman residences north of the Alps, dating to around 75 AD. Recent recordings from 1960 have helped preserve this site, which now features preserved mosaics, Roman gardens, and a museum. The civil parish was created in 1987 from parts of neighbouring parishes, retaining a mix of historic structures like the Manor House, dated to 1687. Daily life revolves around scenic walking trails along Chichester Harbour and waterside pubs. You will find a balance of relaxation and exploration for those who appreciate history and nature. The area provides a peaceful atmosphere where the past and present coexist without the noise of urban development.

Area Type
Built Up Area 250
Area Size
1.1 km²
Population
Not available
Population Density
Not available

Your lifestyle in Fishbourne centres on outdoor activities and local conveniences. Key landmarks include the Fishbourne Roman Palace, situated on the Roman Way, which offers preserved mosaics and a museum. The gardens and site provide historical interest for visitors and residents alike. Chichester Harbour trails are available for wildlife viewing and scenic walks. The Harbour's proximity defines the daily rhythm of living here. For shopping, Tesco Chichester, The Southern Co-operative Co, and Waitrose Chichester are all within practical reach. This variety ensures you can find groceries and essential goods without needing to travel far. Dining options include waterside pubs and cafés that line the harbour trails. Leisure opportunities involve walking the Centurion Way, Salterns Way, or Emperor Way to explore the surrounding countryside. The area offers a mix of relaxation and exploration for history enthusiasts. The community supports these activities with its peaceful nature. You do not need to travel into the city for basic needs or short outings. The integration of green spaces and historic sites keeps the environment engaging.

Amenities

Schools

Families considering Fishbourne (Chichester) have one key institution listed in the local education records. The Fishbourne CofE Primary School serves as the primary educational facility within the immediate vicinity. This school is classified as a primary institution, catering to children typically aged between four and eleven years. There is no data provided to indicate the school type for older students, meaning secondary education options must be sought elsewhere in the district. The data lists the Fishbourne CofE Primary School twice, confirming its presence and relevance to the community. Without additional entries, you cannot assess the presence of secondary schools, sixth forms, or special needs provisions. The character described for the area highlights a peaceful, historic atmosphere, which often supports good educational environments. However, the specific class sizes, Ofsted ratings, or academic achievements for the primary school are not included in the dataset. You rely solely on the fact that a dedicated primary school exists in this rural setting. For older children, residents must travel to Chichester or other nearby hubs. The limited school data suggests a village dependency structure where younger children are walked or driven to the local CofE Primary School.

RankSchoolTypeEntry genderAges

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Demographics

The community in Fishbourne reflects a settled, older demographic with distinct characteristics. The median age here is 70, indicating a population primarily composed of older adults. This age profile aligns with the typical character of historic villages where families may vacate upon retirement and establish new permanent homes. There is no specific data provided to break down the most common age ranges further than this median figure. Home ownership stands at 74 per cent, suggesting a high proportion of residents buy their properties rather than rent them. This high ownership rate often correlates with stability and long-term residency within the village. The data does not specify predominant ethnic groups or religious affiliations, meaning these demographics remain unquantified in the available records. Similarly, there is no detailed breakdown of household composition or total accommodation types shared in the current dataset. Without these specific statistics, it is impossible to comment on the diversity of family sizes or single-person households. The area functions as a low-density settlement, likely attracting individuals or couples seeking a slower pace of life. The high home ownership percentage suggests that inflation and regulation rarely force locals into renting situations.

Household Size

total
most common

Accommodation Type

total
most common

Tenure

74
majority

Ethnic Group

total
most common

Religion

total
most common

Household Composition

total
most common

Age

70
median
Age: Total
most common

Household Deprivation

N/A
with no deprivation

NS-SEC

44
in Lower managerial occupations

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Planning

Planning Constraints

  • Crime Risk
    Premium

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Fishbourne a family-friendly area with good schools?
Yes, the area features the Fishbourne CofE Primary School, a local institution for young children. However, secondary education options are not listed in the immediate area data. The village offers a peaceful atmosphere suitable for raising children. The median age of 70 suggests a maturing community rather than one with many young families, though the presence of a primary school indicates some youth remain or are recruited.
How accessible is Fishbourne for work and travel without a car?
Connectivity is strong with excellent fixed broadband and good mobile coverage scores. Regular bus routes 700 and 56 connect the village to Chichester, with stops near the railway station. Fishbourne railway station provides rail services, and cycle routes like the Centurion Way link to wider networks. Two ferry landings and Chichester/Goodwood Airport are also within practical reach for residents.
What is the home ownership situation like in Fishbourne?
Home ownership is very high at 74 per cent of the total population. This indicates that the majority of residents own their properties rather than rent them. The built-up area of 1.1 square kilometres hosts a settled community where buying is the norm. There is no data on rental yields or specific property types, but the high ownership rate suggests stability for long-term residents.
Is the area safe for evening walks and daily activities?
Safety assessments pass the threshold with a risk score of 70 out of 100, where lower scores indicate less risk. Local crime rates are below average, creating a safer neighbourhood. The area features waterside pubs and cafés along the harbour trails. With such low crime risk, you can feel secure walking the Centurion Way or visiting the Fishbourne Roman Palace during the evening.

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