Christ Church, Ore

Christ Church sits on a slight rise in Ore, just outside Hastings, and it's one of those Victorian churches that makes you stop mid-walk and actually look at it. Built in the mid-1800s when this stretch of coast was expanding beyond the old town, it's got that solid red-brick solidity that Victorian architects favored. The interior is surprisingly serene - high ceilings, decent stained glass, and the kind of quiet that actually feels earned in a seaside town.

It's worth a visit if you're already exploring the Hastings area and fancy a bit of Victorian architecture without the crowds. History types will appreciate the period detail, and it's the sort of place that gives you a real sense of how 19th-century Ore developed. Parents won't find it riveting for children, mind you - twenty minutes tops unless there's an actual service on.

The church is free to get into during opening hours, though we'd suggest calling ahead to check when that actually is. It's a peaceful spot before heading back towards Hastings proper, and pairs well with a larger park break if you're staying around Winchelsea Sands. Don't make it your sole reason for a day out, but if you're in the area doing the coastal walk or poking around the town's fringes, it's genuinely worth the detour.