Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church

The Sacred Heart of Jesus stands on a quiet street in Paignton, a solid Victorian church that won't stop you in your tracks from the outside but deserves a proper look inside. Red brick, straightforward architecture - the sort of building that speaks more through what it contains than its facade. Step through the doors and you'll find yourself in a calm, light space with that particular smell churches have, all polish and old wood.

It's a working Catholic parish church, so you're visiting an active place of worship rather than a museum piece. The interior has genuine warmth to it - decent stained glass, a proper altar, the kind of detailed religious artwork that rewards a slow walk around. Good for anyone interested in Victorian ecclesiastical architecture or simply after a moment of quiet during a seaside holiday.

If you're staying at one of the nearby parks - Hoburne Devon Bay is barely over a mile away, or Waterside Holiday Park less than two - this is a straightforward walk or quick drive into Paignton town centre. Won't take more than half an hour inside unless you're genuinely studying the architectural details. Best bet is to phone ahead about opening hours; like many parish churches it may have restricted visiting times outside services. Free entry, naturally.

Truth is, it's not a major draw on its own, but combined with Paignton's seafront or other local spots, it's worth twenty minutes if you're passing.