St Mary Star of the Sea Church, Hastings

The seafront in Hastings has a certain gritty charm, and St Mary Star of the Sea sits right in the thick of it - a Victorian Gothic church that actually manages to feel welcoming rather than austere. Built in the 1880s, it's a proper working parish church with a striking red-brick exterior and decent stained glass that catches the light on clear days.

Inside, it's refreshingly unfussy. No velvet ropes or entry fees - you can usually pop in during opening hours to have a look around. The views from outside towards the seafront and the old pier are worth the trip alone. If you're staying at one of the caravan parks nearby - Beaulieu Farm is closest at just over two miles away - this makes an easy morning walk before breakfast or a late afternoon mooch when the light's best.

It's not a destination in itself. You wouldn't drive to Hastings specifically for this church. But if you're already exploring the town - the Old Town's excellent, the Jerwood Gallery deserves a couple of hours - then ducking in here breaks up the day nicely. History buffs will appreciate its Victorian earnestness. Families with restless kids? Probably give it ten minutes and move on.

The real win is the location. Standing outside on a mild day with the seafront sprawling away and the older parts of Hastings huddled behind you, you get a genuine sense of place. That's worth more than any ornate interior.