Church of St. Bartholomew, Ann Street

You'll find this Victorian church tucked away on Ann Street in Brighton, a proper slice of 19th-century craftsmanship that most daytrippers heading to the seafront completely miss. St. Bartholomew's is all soaring ceilings and ornate brickwork - the sort of place that stops you mid-stride when you walk in, even if you're not particularly religious. The interior manages to feel both grand and intimate, with decent stained glass and the kind of stillness you don't get anywhere else in this part of town.

It's genuinely worth a 20-minute detour if you're into Victorian architecture or need a quiet moment away from Brighton's relentless buzz. Families with older kids won't struggle - the building itself is the draw, not interactive exhibits or activities. There's no entry fee that we're aware of, though these places do depend on donations to keep the lights on.

Camping nearby at Pegs and Pitches (less than a mile away) or Brighton Caravan and Motorhome Club puts you close enough to pop into town without the faff of parking at the seafront. Chalky Downs, a couple of miles inland, gives you breathing room if you want base camp vibes between exploring Brighton proper and heading into the South Downs. The church itself won't fill an afternoon, but it slots nicely into a Brighton wander - tick it off before or after the pier, or use it as an excuse to explore the streets beyond the tourist trail.