St Matthias Church

The Victorian church sits quietly in the heart of Brighton, all red brick and pointed arches - the sort of place you'd walk past without noticing unless you actually stepped inside. St Matthias is properly worth a look if you're into ecclesiastical architecture or just fancy somewhere genuinely peaceful in the middle of the city.

What you're looking at is solid late 19th-century craftsmanship. The interior has that warm, slightly austere feel typical of the era, with decent stained glass and the kind of peaceful atmosphere that makes you lower your voice without thinking about it. It's the sort of church that repays a proper wander round rather than a quick five-minute dash.

For anyone interested in religious buildings or Victorian design, this ticks boxes. Families with older kids won't find it tedious if they're the type who appreciate a bit of history. Those after a quiet moment away from the seafront bustle will appreciate it even more. Young children might get restless, but there's enough detail in the windows and fixtures to hold attention for twenty minutes or so.

If you're camping at Pegs and Pitches or Chalky Downs, it's close enough for a morning visit without eating into proper exploring time. Combine it with a wander through the North Laine or a stroll down to the seafront - the location works well for that. Opening hours and admission aren't confirmed, so ring ahead before you plan round it. Worth the detour if you're already in that part of town, less so if you're making a special trip.