St Francis Of Assisi Hassocks

The Church of St Francis of Assisi sits on the outskirts of Hassocks, a modest brick building that won't stop you in your tracks from the road. But step inside and there's genuine warmth to the place - all pale wood, light flooding through modern windows, and a real sense of community rather than stuffy formality.

It's a Catholic church built to serve the local parish, and the interior has that contemporary feel that works better than you'd expect. The furnishings are simple, the altar unfussy. If you're after heavy ecclesiastical drama or centuries of accumulated history, look elsewhere. What you get instead is functionality and peace - the kind of church where you can actually sit and think without feeling like you're trespassing in a museum.

Worth a quick stop if you're exploring Hassocks itself, though most people won't travel specifically for it. The real draw for staying nearby - say at Blacklands Farm Caravan & Camping four or so miles away - would be the South Downs walking rather than church-spotting. That said, if you're the type who likes to check out local places of worship, it's welcoming enough. The staff are friendly, and there's none of that visitor guilt you sometimes get elsewhere.

Allow twenty minutes maximum unless you're deeply into modern church architecture. Pop by on a quiet weekday morning if you can - weekend services mean less browsing freedom.