KingsGate Church Kingston

You'll find this Victorian-era church tucked away in Kingston, a proper south London suburb that doesn't shout about its attractions. KingsGate Church is worth a look if you're passing through, though it's not the sort of place that'll anchor your holiday. The building itself is solid red brick and stone - honest rather than showy - with the kind of interior detail that appeals to anyone interested in 19th-century religious architecture. The stained glass is decent, and there's enough going on in the stonework to keep you occupied for twenty minutes or so.

It works best for architecture enthusiasts and local history buffs rather than kids - unless yours are the type who enjoy poking around old buildings without much explanation. Walkers using the area as a base (Chessington is only a short drive away) might swing by on a weekend afternoon when there's no service on. If you're staying at Walton on Thames Camping and Caravanning Club Site, it's practically on your doorstep - worth fifteen minutes of anyone's time.

The admission situation isn't entirely clear - churches in this part of London tend to be free to enter during daylight hours, though some ask for a donation box contribution. There's no grand visitor experience, no gift shop, none of that. Just a quiet church doing its job. If you're based nearby and keen on Victorian ecclesiastical buildings, don't miss it. If you're driving from further afield specifically for this one, honestly, there are stronger reasons to make the journey.