English Martyrs

A red-brick Catholic church that sits quietly in Crawley, English Martyrs is a working parish church rather than a tourist spectacle. Built in the mid-20th century, it serves the local community with straightforward dignity. The interior is modest - you'll find traditional Catholic iconography, a simple altar, and stained glass that catches the afternoon light rather beautifully. It's the kind of place where you can actually sit in peace, which is rarer than you'd think.

Worth stopping by if you're interested in post-war religious architecture or Catholic heritage in Surrey. It won't take long - thirty minutes maximum including a quiet moment in the pews. Families with an interest in church design will find it educational without being laborious. The real appeal is its ordinariness; there's no theatrical grandeur here, just honest brickwork and local faith.

Crawley itself isn't England's most thrilling town, but if you're staying at one of the nearby caravan parks - Gatwick Caravan and Motorhome Club is just 2.7 miles away, while Long Acres and Henfold Lakes offer more spacious options further out - a church visit slots in nicely as a quiet afternoon activity between park life. The real draw of this area is the proximity to Gatwick and the surrounding countryside rather than architectural showstoppers. Come here if you're genuinely keen on mid-century churches, not as a main event. Proper straightforward visit.