Kings Church, Lewes

Walk into Kings Church on the high street in Lewes and you're stepping into eight centuries of Sussex life. The building itself is a proper mix of architectural periods - medieval bones with Victorian tinkering - which tells you something about how the town has evolved. The chancel's worth a good look, and there are some decent memorials if you're into that sort of thing.

It's the kind of place that works best if you're already in Lewes wandering about, rather than a destination in itself. History buffs and church enthusiasts will find enough to occupy twenty minutes or so, but kids will get restless unless they're genuinely interested in old buildings. The real appeal is how it anchors the town's character - you get a sense of Lewes as a place that's been important since medieval times.

If you're camping at The Secret Campsite or Blackberry Wood - both excellent spots a few miles out - Kings Church is a natural stop when you head into town for supplies or a proper dinner. Check locally for opening times when you arrive, as hours can be variable. Free to look around, naturally. Don't expect queues or modern visitor facilities, but that's rather the point. It's a working church, not a museum.