St John The Baptist C OF E Church

The church sits quietly on the edge of Hastings, a proper medieval affair that most visitors whizz past without a second glance. St John The Baptist has that worn, honest look you get from seven centuries of Sussex weather - flint walls, a chunky tower, and the sort of interior that smells of old stone and beeswax in equal measure.

What strikes you first is the sheer age of the place. Bits of it date back to the 1300s, and you can read that history in every arch and misaligned window. The church isn't trying to impress anyone - no gilt, no fuss, just solid medieval craftsmanship and a handful of decent tombs if you're into that sort of thing. It's the kind of place that works well if you're already in Hastings and fancy a bit of quiet reflection, though it won't hold your attention for more than thirty minutes unless you're genuinely keen on ecclesiastical architecture.

Walkers will find it worth a detour if you're exploring the area on foot, and if you're camping at nearby Beech Estate Campsite, it's a reasonable leg-stretch away. Families with restless kids might find it a bit slow - there's not much to do except look and contemplate. The admission is free, as far as anyone can tell, though opening hours seem to shift with the seasons. Best bet is to ring ahead or check locally in Hastings before making the journey.