St Augustine's Church, Bexhill

The heavy Norman door of St Augustine's Church sits right in the heart of Bexhill, a solid reminder that this seaside town has roots well beyond its Victorian pier. Built in the 12th century, the church has that satisfying thickness of ancient stone - thick walls, rounded arches, a chancel that feels genuinely old rather than restored to death.

Inside, it's refreshingly unpretentious. The nave runs long and plain, with genuine medieval work visible if you look properly at the columns and arches. There's good stained glass, some proper Victorian restoration work that doesn't feel jarring, and enough quietness to actually hear yourself think - rare in a seaside resort.

This works best for people interested in Norman architecture or those after a moment of calm away from the seafront bustle. You'll spend 30 minutes here, maybe 45 if you're the type who reads every plaque. It's free to wander in, as you'd expect, and genuinely feels like a working parish church rather than a museum piece.

Combine it with a walk around central Bexhill and the seafront - the church sits close enough to make this straightforward. If you're staying at Beaulieu Farm Campsite just outside town, it's an easy morning visit before heading to the beach or exploring the wider South East coast. The church rewards a proper look rather than a five-minute glance.