Bishop Hannington Memorial Church

This small Victorian church sits on the outskirts of Brighton, built as a memorial to Bishop James Hannington, the missionary who was killed in Uganda in 1885. It's a quiet, dignified spot - the sort of place where you can actually hear yourself think, which makes a pleasant change from the seafront chaos just a few miles away.

The church itself is modest but well-maintained, with the kind of understated elegance you find in a lot of Sussex architecture. Most visitors come for the historical connection rather than architectural fireworks. If you've got an interest in Victorian missionary work or Church of England history, it's worth a detour. Families with young children might find it a bit slow unless they're already keen on religious heritage.

It's genuinely free to visit and doesn't demand more than 20 minutes of your time, though you could easily spend longer if you're reading the memorials. There's no visitor centre or shop, so manage your expectations on that front.

If you're camping at one of the nearby sites - Pegs and Pitches is closest at under two miles, or Foot of the Downs just beyond - this makes for a quiet morning outing before heading into Brighton proper. You could easily combine it with a walk across the Downs or a visit to the seafront. Spring and summer are best, when the churchyard's looking its best, though it's open year-round. Check locally for exact opening times when you arrive.