Our Lady of the Annunciation Church, Addiscombe

The Church of Our Lady of the Annunciation sits on a quiet corner of Addiscombe, just outside Warlingham, and it's one of those places that rewards you for bothering to find it. Built in 1903, it's a proper Victorian Catholic church - red brick with Gothic touches - and the interior has genuine atmosphere without feeling stuffy or over-restored.

What strikes you first is how light and spacious it feels. The stained glass does proper work here rather than just looking decorative, and there's a genuine sense of calm the moment you walk in. If you're interested in early 20th-century ecclesiastical architecture, this is worth the detour. The craftsmanship is solid and unpretentious, which frankly makes it more appealing than some flashier Victorian churches you'll encounter elsewhere.

It's free to visit during opening hours, though these aren't widely publicised - best to check ahead or arrive mid-morning when you're more likely to find the doors open. You won't need more than 20 minutes to look properly, unless you're really keen on the architecture.

If you're staying at Milberry Green Meadows nearby, this makes an easy short drive or even a decent walk through the village. Pair it with a proper look around Warlingham itself - there's decent walking country around here and it's the sort of area where you can actually get some space without feeling like you're at a tourist attraction. The church is best visited on a clear day when the light comes through those windows properly.