St John's Church, Broadbridge Heath

There's a proper little church sitting quietly in Broadbridge Heath, just outside Horsham, that rewards a quick detour if you're camping in the area. St John's is the sort of place where you can slip in for twenty minutes without anyone minding, and it's got that peaceful, lived-in feel that distinguishes actual working churches from tourist attractions.

The building itself is solid rather than showy - red brick and stone, the kind of local landmark that's been there longer than anyone can quite remember. Inside, there's enough architectural detail to keep anyone interested in church history occupied, though it's not vast or overwhelming. You'll spot the usual mix of period features and later additions that tell you something about how the place has evolved. The churchyard is worth a wander too, especially if gravestones interest you - they often reveal stories about the local community going back centuries.

This works best for people who genuinely enjoy churches rather than those ticking off tourist sites. If you're staying at one of the nearby campsites - Sands Farm or Slinfold are closest - it's the kind of thing to visit on a quieter afternoon when you're pottering about locally rather than heading to major attractions. Horsham itself has more substantial draws if you want proper shopping or a town day out.

Best to check opening hours before you go, as these smaller rural churches can be variable. A few minutes' walk from the car, genuinely free, and it'll take about half an hour including the churchyard. Worth doing if you're already in the vicinity.