Saint Mary Magdalene

The church sits quietly on the edge of South Bersted, just inland from Bognor Regis, and it's the kind of place you'd walk past without noticing if you weren't looking for it. Saint Mary Magdalene is a proper medieval parish church, all flint and stone with a low, sturdy tower that speaks to centuries of Sussex weather. Inside, the space feels intimate rather than grand - whitewashed walls, wooden pews worn smooth by generations, and enough historical detail to keep anyone interested for a good hour or so.

It's worth the detour if you're staying at Ryebank Corner Glamping Campsite nearby and fancy a quiet morning walk. The church appeals most to anyone with an interest in English ecclesiastical architecture or local history - there's genuine medieval work here, not the Victorian restoration you sometimes get. The setting itself is rather lovely: flat Sussex countryside, church lane quiet, the kind of walk that feels restorative rather than demanding.

The real draw is stepping out of the summer holiday rush. Bognor itself gets hectic with families, but a few miles inland here it's peaceful. You won't need more than forty minutes to an hour inside, though the churchyard is worth a wander. Check ahead for opening hours - the website should tell you when services run - and bring a torch if you visit on a grey day, as these old churches can be dim. There's no admission charge for a quiet look around, just the unwritten expectation that you behave respectfully in someone's place of worship.