CityCoast Church

You'll find CityCoast Church tucked away in Sussex, a proper modern take on what a place of worship can be. It's not the ancient stone affair you might expect from the Brighton area - this is contemporary Christianity doing its own thing, which either appeals to you or it doesn't.

The church itself functions as both a spiritual space and community hub, so there's usually something happening beyond Sunday services. It's the sort of place that draws younger families and anyone after a less formal religious experience. The atmosphere tends to be welcoming rather than austere, which means even if you're just curious rather than committed, you won't feel out of place.

Admission is typically free, though exact opening times aren't always advertised online - worth ringing ahead if you're making a special trip. Allow an hour if you're genuinely interested in having a look around and chatting to someone who knows the place. Half that if you're just popping in.

If you're staying at one of the nearby caravan parks - The Barn up the road has excellent reviews, or Beach Park if you want something right by the coast - CityCoast Church makes a decent morning or afternoon stop before heading to Brighton proper. It's four miles from the main town, so not a major detour, but it does give you a sense of how faith communities function outside the city centre. Honest assessment: worth a visit if you're interested in modern church architecture or community spaces, but not essential if your Sussex trip is purely about beaches and entertainment.