Sacred Heart Church

The red-brick Victorian pile that is Sacred Heart Church dominates a quiet corner of Lee-on-the-Solent with the kind of solid, no-nonsense presence you'd expect from something built in the 1880s. It's a proper working parish church rather than a museum piece, which means you'll find actual community here rather than just architectural history.

The interior rewards a look if you're passing through town. There's decent stained glass work and the sort of careful Victorian craftsmanship that feels increasingly rare. It won't keep you for hours, but half an hour wandering the pews and taking in the details makes for a pleasant enough break.

This works best if you're already exploring Lee-on-the-Solent itself - the seafront promenade and coastal walks nearby are the real draw. Sacred Heart is more of a pitstop than a destination. Families with older kids who can appreciate the architecture will get more from it than those with restless toddlers.

If you're based at ScottsHaven Caravaning Touring Site five miles up the road, it's an easy detour on your way into town for lunch or an afternoon stroll. Check ahead for opening times as it keeps traditional church hours rather than tourist attractions ones. Admission should be free, though a donation box will likely be waiting by the door. Worth ten minutes if you're in the area, but don't reroute your whole day around it.