St Bartholomew's Church

The Church of St Bartholomew sits in Heathfield with the kind of quiet authority that comes from standing in one place for centuries. It's a proper Sussex parish church - the sort of building that grounds a community rather than shouting about itself.

Inside, you'll find the usual treasures: medieval stonework, a decent font, the accumulated detail of generations of worshippers. The architecture tells the story of several centuries of tinkering and repair, which is exactly what you'd expect from a church that's actually been used rather than preserved in aspic.

It's worth a visit if you're passing through Heathfield or staying at one of the nearby campsites - Horam Manor Country Park and Dernwood Farm Glamping are both within three miles, making this an easy addition to a camping weekend. History types will appreciate the medieval bones of the place. Families won't spend hours here, but a twenty-minute wander round works well as a break from the car or the caravan.

Heathfield itself is a working market town rather than a tourist honeypot, which means St Bartholomew's feels genuinely local. Check ahead for opening times before you visit - smaller churches can be locked outside service hours. The churchyard's pleasant enough for a poke around, and the walk into Heathfield centre takes no time at all if you fancy a cup of tea afterwards.