Cornerstone

There's a church in Braintree that looks like it was designed by someone who'd had a really strong opinion about what a modern place of worship should be. Cornerstone is its name, and yes, it's properly contemporary - all clean lines and bold architecture where you'd expect to find Victorian stonework and stained glass.

It's the sort of place that makes you stop and think about what a church is supposed to feel like. The building itself is the draw here rather than centuries of history, which means it appeals more to those interested in modern design or architecture than to traditional church visitors hunting for medieval tombs and medieval tiles.

Since it's still an active place of worship, you'll want to check opening hours before heading over - it's not a tourist attraction in the traditional sense, so wandering in unannounced might not go down well. There's no entry fee that I'm aware of, but that's worth confirming.

If you're based at Stocks Farm Camping or Golden Grove Caravan Park nearby, it's an easy detour on a walk around Braintree town centre. You can do it in 15 minutes or so if you're just popping in to look at the architecture. Gosfield Lake Resort is a bit further out but still reasonable if you're looking for a distraction on a quieter afternoon.

Honestly, it's worth a look if you're passing through the area and appreciate contemporary religious architecture. As a standalone reason to visit Braintree? Probably not, but paired with exploring the town itself, it makes for an interesting visual break.